I was late to the Arccos party. For years, I watched buddies obsess over their shot data while I stuck to my trusty rangefinder and gut instinct. But after testing the new Link Pro for the past month, I ultimately understand what I've been missing. This tiny device has completely altered how I think about course management, and honestly, I'm a little annoyed I didn't jump on board sooner.
The Link Pro is Arccos's answer to the most common complaint about shot tracking systems: having to carry your phone in your pocket during every round. It's a pocket-sized device that automatically tracks your shots without needing your phone anywhere near you. Pair it with Arccos sensors on your clubs (sold separately, which is worth noting upfront), and you've got a system that captures every shot you hit without you having to think about it.
Discover the Arccos Link Pro, the revolutionary golf shot-tracking device that works seamlessly from your pocket. With wireless charging, enhanced GPS, and a pin-set button, it frees you from relying on your phone while delivering precision and ease on the course. Step up your game with the ultimate smart golf companion.
When the Link Pro arrived, I was genuinely surprised by how small this thing is. At roughly the size of a car key fob, about 2.25 inches long and hovering less than 25 grams, it's greatly smaller than the original Link model I'd seen in pro shops. The redesigned ergonomics make more sense now; it sits flat in your pocket without that annoying bulk that makes you constantly adjust it on your backswing.
The wireless charging case is a nice touch. It's wallet-sized, fits perfectly in my golf bag's valuables pocket, and supposedly powers up to 12 rounds per charge. The device itself has a satisfying matte finish that doesn't feel cheap, and the single button for marking pin locations has a solid click that you can actually feel through your pocket (more on that game-changing feature later).
Here's what nobody tells you about shot tracking apps: having your phone in your pocket during every shot is a pain. I've missed calls from my wife because I was afraid to answer mid-round and mess up the tracking. I've had music cut out at the worst possible moment. And don't get me started on trying to use a golf app for yardages while Arccos is running in the background—it's a battery-killing nightmare.
The Link Pro solves all of this. I toss it in my front pocket at the initial tee and literally forget about it until the 19th hole. My phone stays in the cart where I can use it for music, check messages between holes, or pull up my rangefinder app without worrying about interrupting shot detection. The multi-mic configuration inside the Link Pro picks up the sound of impact remarkably well—I'd estimate it catches about 95% of my shots accurately, which is actually better than when I was using phone detection.
The freedom to use my phone normally during a round might sound like a small thing, but it's altered my on-course experience. Last week, I was able to FaceTime my daughter after an eagle on the 15th (humble brag) without worrying about whether Arccos would register my next tee shot. That's the kind of real-world benefit that doesn't show up in marketing materials but makes a huge difference in actual use.
I've tested plenty of GPS devices over the years, from watches to handheld units, and satellite lock speed has always been an issue, especially on tree-lined courses or after coming out of the clubhouse. The improved GPS chip in the Link Pro is legitimately impressive. It locks onto satellites within 10-15 seconds of turning on, even in spots where my Garmin watch struggles. Modern devices achieve sub-yard precision at distances that matter most for scoring improvement.
But here's where it really shines: shot location accuracy. With my phone, Arccos would occasionally place my tee shot 20 yards off line, especially on dogleg holes where I'm standing at an angle to the fairway. The Link Pro's positioning has been spot-on, rarely more than a few yards off from where my ball actually landed. This matters more than you might think because all those performance observations Arccos provides, strokes gained, approach patterns, dispersion data, are only as good as the underlying location data.
The dedicated pin set button deserves its own mention here. One click when you're standing near the pin, and it marks the exact hole location. No pulling out your phone, no fumbling with an app. The click feedback is strong enough that I can feel it through my pocket, so I know it registered. This has made my approach club data infinitely more useful because the system now knows exactly how far I was from the actual pin, not just the center of the green.
Battery anxiety is real with golf tech, and I've been burned before by devices that promise "all-day battery life" but die on the 14th hole. The Link Pro's battery performance has been stellar. Without the charging case, I'm getting three full rounds before needing a charge. With the case, I've gone two weeks and eight rounds without plugging anything into a wall.
The wireless charging is foolproof; just drop the Link Pro into the case, and it starts charging. No cables, no alignment issues. The case itself charges via USB-C (at last, a golf company that gets it), and a full charge takes about 90 minutes. I've gotten into the habit of dropping the Link Pro into its case whenever I'm cleaning my clubs after a round, and I haven't had to think about battery life since.
What's clever is the power management. The device knows when you're not playing and goes into a deep sleep mode. I accidentally left it in my golf bag for a week after a round, and when I pulled it out for my next tee time, it still had 60% battery. Compare that to my rangefinder that dies if I forget to turn it off once, and you'll understand why this matters. The device is also engineered with a weather-resistant design, which means I haven't had to worry about it during those unexpected rain showers or humid morning rounds.
Let's address the elephant in the room: you need Arccos sensors on all your clubs, and you need an active subscription to use the system. The Link Pro doesn't come with sensors, which adds $120-180 to your initial investment depending on whether you go with screw-in sensors or smart grips. Then there's the $155 annual subscription (though you get the first year free with new hardware).
Setup isn't exactly plug-and-play either. You need to pair each sensor with the app, identify which club it's attached to, and make sure the Link Pro is connected to your account. It took me about 30 minutes to get everything configured for my 14 clubs. Not difficult, but not as simple as charging up a rangefinder and heading to the course.
The subscription requirement frustrates some people, and I get it. But here's my take: the data and observations you get are genuinely worthwhile if you're serious about improvement. My strokes gained data showed me I was losing 2.3 shots per round on approach shots from 150-175 yards, something I never would have identified without this system. That observation alone has been worth the subscription price because it's focused my practice time where it actually matters.
Discover the Arccos Link Pro, the revolutionary golf shot-tracking device that works seamlessly from your pocket. With wireless charging, enhanced GPS, and a pin-set button, it frees you from relying on your phone while delivering precision and ease on the course. Step up your game with the ultimate smart golf companion.
Yes, you'll find the Link Pro is fully compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and newer models. You can use them together by selecting "pair Link Pro" in the Arccos app and choosing it as your shot detection method. This combination gives you the best experience - Link Pro handles shot tracking while your Apple Watch displays rangefinder distances and club recommendations, preserving your watch's battery throughout your round.
Your Link Pro comes with a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, including the battery. It doesn't cover cosmetic wear, water damage, or user-caused mechanical damage. If you need warranty service, you'll need to contact Arccos Golf for an RA number within 5 days after the warranty period ends and ship the product within 30 days.
Yes, your Link Pro works internationally outside the United States. You can use it in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, and Japan since it relies on globally accessible GPS signals. The device is fully compliant with USGA and R&A rules, making it legal for play worldwide. You'll need a compatible smartphone with iOS 16+ or Android 9.0+, and Arccos ships internationally with varying shipping fees by destination.
After your trial period ends, you'll pay approximately $12.99 per month for the Arccos subscription, though it's billed annually at $199.99. You can't pay month-to-month - you'll need to commit to the full year upfront. This subscription grants access to all the advanced features like shot analysis and Strokes Gained metrics. The price has recently increased from $155 to about $200 yearly, reflecting the premium nature of the service.
Is the Arccos Link Pro perfect? No. Is it expensive when you add up all the components? Absolutely. But if you're a data-driven golfer who wants professional-level observations without the hassle of manual shot tracking, this is the best solution on the market right now.
This device is for the golfer who shoots between 75 and 95, practices with purpose, and wants to know exactly where they're losing shots. It's not for the casual player who's happy just knowing the yardage to the pin. At $150 for the Link Pro, plus sensors and subscription, you're looking at about $400 in year one; that's a new driver. But unlike a new driver, this will actually show you where you're losing shots and help you practice smarter.
After a month of testing, the Link Pro has earned a permanent spot in my pocket. The combination of accuracy, battery life, and true phone-free operation makes it the shot tracking system I've been waiting for. Just be prepared to become that person who quotes their strokes gained stats at the bar afterward, trust me, it's inevitable.
