CORE Golf App Review (& A Smarter Way to Practice)

When it comes to getting better at golf, practice is essential. But not all practice is created equal.
That’s why golf practice apps like the Core Golf App have grown in popularity—promising to structure your range time and help you improve faster. But does it live up to the hype? And more importantly, is there a better way?
After testing Core Golf myself and comparing it to other leading options, including my own practice program, here’s what you need to know before downloading.
Core Golf App Review
Core Golf is a practice-focused mobile app designed to guide players through structured drills at the driving range. It’s available only on the App Store and provides video demonstrations, timed drills, and progress tracking.
The goal? Help golfers stop wasting time at the range and start practicing with purpose.
Core Golf App: The Pros
After testing it out, here are the best parts of the app:
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: The Core Golf app is clean, simple, and easy to use. If you’re new to structured practice, it provides a helpful entry point with preloaded sessions and drill breakdowns.
- Low-Cost Option: At a relatively low price point, it’s one of the more affordable golf practice apps available. This makes it an accessible option if you want guidance without spending much.
- Good Starting Point for Casual Players: The app focuses on building basic skills and encourages range visits, making it a decent pick for higher handicappers or casual golfers looking to get more out of their time.
Core Golf App: The Cons
While there are some pros, I think the cons far outweigh the benefits.
- Very Repetitive: Many of the sessions feel nearly identical from week to week. The lack of variety makes it tough to stay engaged, especially for experienced players looking for more challenge and progression.
- Over-Reliance on Block Practice: Block practice (repeating the same shot over and over) has its place, but it’s only one piece of the improvement puzzle. Core Golf leans heavily on this method, neglecting other essential formats like random, performance-based, or competitive practice. If you want to get to single digits or scratch golf, you must mix it up.
- Limited Fundamentals: Important practice basics like alignment, posture checks, and pre-shot routine work are missing. Instead, they have pointless drills like “shot shaping with driver” which is 1) unnecessary and 2) more likely to hurt your game by manipulating your driver swing.
- App Store Only Access: Core Golf is currently only available through the App Store. That means no desktop access or compatibility with other platforms.
A Better Alternative: The Practice Formula by Wicked Smart Golf
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive way to practice, the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula might be a better fit. Built from my experience as a +2 handicap, mental golf coach, and author of Wicked Smart Golf series, this program includes over 75 downloadable plans covering every area of your game.
Here’s why it’s unlike any other practice plan in golf.
1. 90-Minute Practice Masterclass
Inside The Practice Formula, you don’t just get drills—you get a system. It’s designed to help you practice with purpose and make every minute count. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or 2 hours, there’s a plan for you.
One of the most valuable resources included is a 90-minute masterclass that goes far beyond basic instruction. In this training, you’ll learn:
- How to structure your week based on your goals and schedule
- How to map out your yardages to gain confidence with every club
- The most common mistakes golfers make with their practice sessions
- The top speed training methods to add distance and make golf easier
- A breakdown of block vs. random vs. transfer practice (and when to use each)
- What alignment tools, feedback devices, and drills actually help you lower scores
- A complete guide to optimizing your warm-ups, short game sessions, and range time
Plus, some incredible bonuses lessons and pre-shot routine strategies to become a "smart" golfer.
2. Balanced Practice Design
Unlike Core Golf Practice Drills, The Practice Formula incorporates block, creative, performance-based, routine, and competitive practice plans. This balanced structure better mimics on-course conditions and helps you translate your range work into lower scores. Not just hitting range balls!
Inside you’ll find practice plans for:
- Full Swing (Driving Range): Structured range sessions focused on alignment, tempo, and ball striking with easy to follow drills & videos.
- Total Game (Long Sessions): Comprehensive plans combining full swing, short game, and putting for days when you can train your entire game.
- Short Game (Chipping, Pitching, Bunker Play): Targeted sessions to improve feel, shot variety, and up-and-down percentage from 100 yards and in.
- Putting (Indoor & Outdoor): Practice plans for distance control, green reading, and pressure drills—whether you're on the green or using a putting mat at home.
- Simulator Practice: Plans for indoor golf that include gapping sessions, skill-based games, and tracking progress with your launch monitor or sim.
- Mental Game: Something most practice apps ignore entirely! But these plans stress the importance of pre-shot routines, pressure based practice, journaling exercises off the course, breathing (with apps like Neuropeak Pro), and other mental golf tips.
3. Built-In Fundamentals
The fundamentals are needed, no matter how good you get. Inside the Practice Formula, you’ll ensure you're building the right habits. This helps you avoid ingraining bad habits—something most practice apps ignore.
You’ll learn more about ball position, tempo, and other setup fundamentals for a more consistent swing.
4. Works on Any Device
The Practice Formula is delivered in multiple ways to help all types of golfers. You can access the Masterclass and plans inside the Wicked Smart Golf App (for Apple and Android users).
Additionally, all the plans are offered in PDF formats, so you can print them out and take with you to the golf course. This way, if you want a break from your phone and want to stay wicked focused, you’ll be dialed in.
5. Built by a Golfer, for Golfers
This isn’t just another tech company entering the golf space. The Practice Formula was created by someone who has lived the ups and downs of competitive golf and built a system that works in the real world.
These are the exact routines I’ve used since 2017 to become a plus handicap. And something I share with all my mental golf coaching students to have them practice with purpose.
They’re easy to follow, focus on all areas of the game, and comes with a 14-day, Game Changer guarantee. If you don't love them, shoot me an email and I'll get it refunded within two weeks of your investment.
Final Verdict: Core Golf App vs. Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula
If you’re brand new to the game or need basic structure, Core Golf can be a decent starting point. But if you’re serious about improving and want a practice plan that actually translates to lower scores, the Practice Formula is a better choice.
It offers more depth, flexibility, and variety—without locking you into one type of drill or practice style. And most importantly, it helps you develop the habits and structure needed to play your best golf.
Ready to start practicing smarter?
Click here to learn more about the Practice Formula and start lowering your scores today.