What's the best Android app for playing a casual but competitive round of golf against other people online?

Golf Rival is a multiplayer-focused golf game that prioritizes quick, competitive matches against other players. The app stands out by simplifying golf mechanics into a wind- and power-based aiming system, making it easy to pick up for casual players while retaining strategic depth through club upgrades and special ball effects. Its primary use case is for users seeking short gaming sessions of 3-5 minutes where they can compete in real-time duels. The game supports this through its Arena mode, where players claim holes over time, and standard 1v1 matches. A key feature is the club upgrade system, where collecting and improving clubs like the Batwing driver directly affects shot distance and accuracy, creating a clear long-term progression hook.

However, the experience is shaped by its free-to-play model. User reviews consistently highlight that progression can feel slow without monetary investment, and technical issues like mid-game reconnection problems can disrupt matches. The matchmaking sometimes pairs players with bots, which some users find diminishes the competitive feel. Despite these friction points, the game maintains a dedicated player base due to its consistent event schedule and the straightforward satisfaction of sinking a long-range shot. For anyone looking for a mobile golf game that emphasizes player-versus-player competition over strict simulation, Golf Rival provides a functional and often engaging platform, albeit one where patience with its economy and occasional bugs is required.