Calculates how much a putt will curve on sloping greens based on the terrain's gradient and grass grain.
Translates the required shot distance into a corresponding backswing and follow-through length for control.
Establishes a consistent rhythm or timing for the swing, ensuring smooth and repeatable stroke tempo.
Quantifies the swing's arc, speed, and path to ensure precision and accuracy in short-range shots.
Calculates the exact travel distance of the ball when using a standardized, repeatable putting or chipping motion.
Governs the technique for low-running shots near the green, factoring in loft, landing point, and roll..
While Short Game operates as a dedicated company, every line of code, every algorithm, and every design choice comes from its founder, Brian McDonald. With a background in aerospace and robotics, he’s applied an engineer’s rigor to golf’s most nuanced shots. The result is a caddie in your pocket, founded on science, refined through testing, and built to simplify your game.
Built on Science. Algorithms validated by golf physics and robotic testing. Made for Golfers. Big fonts, simple inputs, no math required. Just clarity and control.
Smart Club Selection. Considers every variable for chips—loft, slope, lie, firmness and tells you the right club. Imagine your confidence know what you know and who you are.
Tempo Trained. Measures your putting rhythm with a synced metronome that gives you audible feedback. Learning becomes so flexible, so relaxing with Short Game.
No, it speeds up decisions by standardizing your approach. Practice with it first. For long distances, use a rangefinder instead of pacing to save time.
Ask the starter or greenskeeper for the speed. For firmness, drop a ball from your hip: a high bounce (4-5”) means hard, a low bounce means soft.
Remove clubs by swiping left in the setup menu. If you get a new putter or wedge, update your reference putting distance or the club’s loft in settings.
Yes. It was tested against scientific models and with precision equipment. Calibrate the surface level on a counter for 0.1-degree accuracy, even with a case.
Check with a rules official. The level and swing trainer cannot be used in official play. It aids development by reinforcing proper rhythm, tempo, and fundamentals.
It's cheaper than a golf ball per month. Works on iPhones 6 and up. Fonts are large (22pt+) so reading glasses aren’t needed.
Set a reference chipping shot to calibrate the system. For the trainer, ensure your phone isn't silent, your setup is upright, and use a pendulum swing with no wrist break.
AR/LiDAR are less accurate for training slope reading. Grain isn't yet factored (update planned). You can use any reading method, but verify its accuracy against the app.
Check your shoulder height setting and handedness. Ensure the iPhone cradle is tight, battery is above 20%, and your swing is a pure shoulder pendulum. Recalibrate if needed.
Save up to 5 practice putts/chips on your green. Recall them to create a repeatable routine. Adjust for the day’s green speed, and use the swing trainer to lock in your tempo quickly.
