DECADE Golf vs. Arccos Golf: Strategy vs. Stats - Who Wins?

If you’re like most golfers, you want to lower your handicap. With all the amazing technology, it’s hard to decide which app, software, and stats trackers are right to help you hit your goals. 

After trying out just about everything, I want to help you compare DECADE Golf vs. Arccos Golf to see which is right for you. Both have their pros and cons but can help your game tremendously.

Keep reading to learn more about each so you can analyze your game and finally lower your scores. 

DECADE Golf vs. Arccos 

I started using DECADE in 2022 and Arccos in 2024. Both are helpful, but some are better for certain types of golfers. Let’s start with a quick overview of each program. 

DECADE Golf Overview 

DECADE Golf was created by Scott Fawcett and offers a lot of features, including:

• Stat tracking.
• Yardage books. 
• Mental game tips and tricks. 
• Course management strategies based on statistics. 
• The DECADE app, which includes various practice drills. 

Most of the program is online (not everything is in the app) but it’s much more than just stat tracking. It’s a comprehensive way to learn how to make better decisions from tee to green based on math. If you’re someone that plays in tournaments and is on the competitive side, DECADE is a must-have resource. 

Check out my full DECADE Golf review now.

Arccos Overview  

Arccos Golf has been around since 2014 and has recorded more than one billion shots for amateur golfers worldwide. While the PGA Tour has ShotLink, amateurs have Arccos which makes it easy to learn more about your game (and set the right expectations).

Arccos has a few options to track your game, including sensors that screw into the grip of your club. Or, buying grips that have sensors built in to track your performance with that club. 

The main focus of Arccos Golf is:

• Shot tracking.
• Distance charts. 
• Stat tracking to analyze your game. 
• GPS rangefinder (if you’re using the app during play).

It’s ideal for golfers who want to learn more about their game using strokes gained data. The dashboard is wicked friendly and makes it easy to learn where you need to practice so you can improve.

Course Management 

Now that you know a little bit about each program, let’s compare which wins the battle for different categories - starting with course management. As you know, learning how to manage your game and avoid blowup holes is key to playing your best golf.

DECADE is the clear winner here, as it has hours of content to learn from Scott, who’s worked with countless PGA Tour players, including Will Zalatoris and Keith Mitchell. When you enroll in DECADE, you can go through the content to learn:

• When to hit the driver and when to dial back (using the driver tee matrix).
• When to aim for the flag and when to favor the center of the green (using his patented system).
• How to factor in bunkers and penalty areas to make better decisions and avoid big numbers.

This system truly changed my game and is a blueprint for how I think about every round. Using the DECADE system, I always know when to hit the driver, when to fire at the flag, and when to favor the center. Less guessing means more confidence on every shot. 

Stat Tracking 

When it comes to stat tracking, both are very helpful in assessing your game and seeing where you can improve. Both use strokes gained data so you can compare your game to various handicap levels so you can improve quickly.

DECADE requires manual entry on a desktop, which requires you to document everything during the round. Arccos automatically tracks your shots, but it’s not perfect and might require some adjusting, especially with putting. 

Once you log your stats in either, you can use the dashboard to see where your game stacks up. What’s nice about Arccos is that you can learn what part of your game (driving, approach, around the green, or putting) needs the most work to help hit your handicap goals. A lot of my mental golf coaching students have Arccos and share their dashboard with me to assess their game.

While both are solid options, Arccos wins in this category. 

Practice 

Another key component to hit your golf goals is putting in the work on the range and short game area. DECADE is the clear winner here as it has tons of practice tutorials and tips inside the training. Scott walks through:

• The ladder drill.
• Various iron drills.
• Block practice tips. 
• How to practice your pre-shot routine. 

And a lot more. Arccos doesn’t offer any practice features at this time. 

App Features 

Both apps have tons of features to help your game, and wouldn’t say there is a clear winner. 

Arccos has tons of insights about your overall game, driving, approach, short game, and putting. It compares you to various handicaps to see where you need to improve in a very easy to read dashboard. 

The Arccos Caddie app also tracks your clubs so you can understand how far each goes. This will help you pull the right club and have more confidence on every shot. 

The DECADE app has three features; learn the principles of this proven system, practice, and play. 

• Learn: Watch all the videos to learn more about course strategy so you can think like the pros.
• Practice: Try out various practice drills on the putting green and driving range for more effective practice sessions (I love the Simulated Putting drill). 
• Play: Get access to yardage books, driving targets, and analysis.

Both are great tools that will help various parts of your game. 

Arccos vs. DECADE Golf Costs 

Finally, what about the price tag - how much does DECADE cost vs. Arccos Golf? It depends on the features - here’s a quick breakdown (pricing as of 12/24):

DECADE Golf Membership 

There are two programs - DECADE Foundations is a “light” version at $125 for 6 months and renews after that. While DECADE Elite is the full version at $250 and renews at $19.95/month after initial subscription. 

But if you use the DECADE Golf discount code “WICKEDSMART” you’ll save 20% on your membership!

Arccos Golf Price

With Arccos there is only one program but two ways to start tracking your game. You can invest in the Arccos Smart Sensors (Gen3+) at about $225. These screw into each grip and sync with Bluetooth so you can have the right data for each club.

Or, you can use the Arccos Smart Grips which are slightly more expensive, about $275. These replace your existing grips and have the tracker built into them.

I use the Smart Sensors as I like my current grips (they’re also midsize). You can also add the Arccos Link Pro, which is a small device that will go in your pocket for accurate data tracking. Otherwise, you need to keep your phone in your pocket to get accurate data for every shot. 

When you use the Arccos Golf discount code “WICKEDSMART” you’ll save 10% too. 

Who Should Use Each System 

In a perfect world, I’d suggest using both, as they compliment each other nicely. However, I know golf isn’t cheap and might require you to pick one or the other.

You should use DECADE Golf if you:

• Want to break 80 consistently and become scratch.
• Want to improve your mental game and practice habits. 
• Like ongoing learning as Scott offers monthly webinars.
• Have a solid game already but want to learn course management skills. 

It’s built more for serious golfers who hit it pretty consistently and want to improve even more.

You should use Arccos Golf if you:

• Want to start tracking stats.
• Ready to learn how to lower your handicap. 
• Don’t want to write down your clubs/distances throughout the round. 

While lower handicappers do use Arccos, I think it’s more for the everyday amateur golfer vs. someone who competes in a lot of tournaments. 

Closing Thoughts 

I love both and think that each has their own pros and cons. The principles behind DECADE have shaped my game and a true “north star” for me on the course. Arccos is an easy way to track my game and learn what you need to improve. 

Pick up one (or both) so you can start improving your game and lower your handicap fast. 

>>Get started with Arccos Golf (use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10%).

>>Get started with DECADE Golf (use code “WICKEDSMART” to save 20%). 

Check out this viral clip from Scott to help you dial in your driver.