What do I need?
An iPhone running iOS 17 or later. The Mac app is optional — the iPhone shows each shot's numbers and trajectory on its own. If you add the Mac app, it needs macOS 14 or later, and the iPhone and the Mac need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Quick start
- Put a golf ball on the mat in view of the rear camera and tap Calibrate. Hold steady while Golfbird measures the ball.
- Tap the clubhead on the screen so Golfbird knows what to follow.
- Swing.
How do I pair the iPhone with the Mac?
Open Golfbird on both devices with both on the same Wi-Fi network. When the iPhone asks for Local Network access, allow it — that is how the iPhone finds your Mac. If you declined earlier, turn Local Network back on for Golfbird in the iPhone's Settings app. Pairing stays on your local network; nothing goes over the internet.
I denied camera access
Golfbird needs the rear camera to follow the clubhead. Open Settings › Golfbird › Camera on the iPhone and turn it on.
My iPhone shows a frame-rate notice
Golfbird records at up to 120 frames per second. Older iPhones whose camera can't reach 120 fps show a notice that speeds will be less precise.
My device has no rear camera
Golfbird needs the rear camera to follow the clubhead. On a device without one, the app says so and offers the demo instead.
How do I try Demo mode?
On the iPhone:
- The first screen has a Try the demo button. It is shown large whenever the camera isn't set up yet or you haven't hit any real shots.
- The last page of onboarding has Try the demo first.
- In the Menu, Demo reel (sample shots) plays six sample shots, and Demo swing · club flies one shot for the club you have selected.
- Each demo card has Next demo and Close, and is labelled DEMO · NOT SAVED. With no Mac, the iPhone shows each shot's numbers and flight by itself.
On the Mac:
- The first-run card's Play the demo flies the six sample shots in turn.
- The sidebar section Sample shots · demo data has Play all, and you can click any one shot to fly it.
- Demo Shot (⌘D) flies the selected club.
- Real shots you have saved, listed under History · click to replay, replay without a phone.
Demo shots are synthesized from Golfbird's ball-flight model, are labelled as demo data, and are never saved.
What do the ball-flight numbers mean?
Club speed, club path and angle of attack are computed from the camera. Carry, total distance, apex and spin are modelled estimates from Golfbird's ball-flight model, not measurements.
Can I send shots to GSPro?
Yes, optionally. The Mac app can forward each real swing to GSPro's open connector on a PC you name on your own network. It is off by default.
How do I request help?
Use the contact form on tridentsocial.net, or email bnwill32@gmail.com.
Include the app version, your iPhone model and iOS version (and your Mac's macOS version if the Mac app is involved), and a description of the problem.
Privacy
The published privacy policy is here: tridentsocial.net/golfbird/privacy/.