# Spark Golf vs GolfNow Compete

Spark Golf and GolfNow Compete both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 69% of Spark Golf's written reviews are positive against 45% of GolfNow Compete's. Spark Golf also leads on monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). GolfNow Compete's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Spark Golf against 4.7 for GolfNow Compete. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8.6K and 5.6K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Spark Golf's written reviews are positive against 45% of GolfNow Compete's.

Spark Golf ships an update every 3 months, GolfNow Compete every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spark Golf | GolfNow Compete |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-golf/id1169489194/reviews)** | [4.7 (5.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/golfnow-compete/id1451640918/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.6K** | 5.6K |
| Positive reviews | **69.1% of reviews** | 45.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 276 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Epic Golf, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1169489193) | [GolfNow.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/411930501) |

## What reviewers say

### Spark Golf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-golf/id1169489194)

This app connects people through recreational golf leagues. It facilitates social interaction, friendly competition, and organized 9-hole games. Discover local leagues and enjoy a more social and fun golf experience.

**Highlights:** Nationwide network of leagues, 9-hole recreational golf, Social connection and networking, Friendly competition, Organized league play, Find local leagues

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun format
- 👍 Friendly and accommodating
- 👍 Great customer service
- 👍 Convenient and easy to use
- 👍 Good opportunity to meet new people

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Scoring issues and imbalanced system
- ⏱️ Slow pace of play
- 💰 Overpriced compared to regular play
- 🤔 Confusing and lacking in organization
- 📞 Poor customer support responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with score registration
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add GPS functionality
- Improve real-time booking and scheduling
- Implement fairer scoring system


### GolfNow Compete

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/golfnow-compete/id1451640918)

Enhance your golf experience with a comprehensive app for competitive play. Track scores, challenge friends, and utilize GPS features for over 30,000 courses worldwide. Improve your game with advanced stats and find local tournaments.

**Highlights:** Live leaderboards, Virtual wagers, 30,000+ course GPS, Advanced stat tracking, Live scoring for up to 8 golfers, Tournament and event search, Custom competitions

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate GPS and yardages
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💡 Ability to adjust pin position
- 🚀 Seamless transition from lock screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and login issues
- 🔨 Missing features from previous app
- 🔨 Inability to track 9-hole rounds
- 🔨 Can't add other players to a round
- 🔨 Limited statistics and scorecard history

**Reported bugs**

- GPS not working properly
- Auto-scoring feature not functioning
- Courses not showing up in search
- Handicap not updating correctly

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch compatibility
- Advanced statistics and analytics
- Ability to edit and delete scorecards
- Support for 9-hole rounds and competitions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spark Golf free?

Spark Golf is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is GolfNow Compete free?

GolfNow Compete is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spark Golf or GolfNow Compete?

Spark Golf is rated higher. Spark Golf averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8.6K ratings, while GolfNow Compete averages 4.7 from 5.6K ratings.

### Do Spark Golf or GolfNow Compete have ads?

Both Spark Golf and GolfNow Compete show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spark Golf or GolfNow Compete?

Spark Golf ships an update every 3 months, and GolfNow Compete every 5 weeks. Most recently, Spark Golf was updated on November 11, 2026 and GolfNow Compete on November 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*