Golf GPS is revolutionizing the way we look at golf distance measuring. Gone are the days when caddies would measure distance in steps or aim and hold the laser rangefinders for eternity. Today, we have the best golf GPS watches and handhelds to give us instant distances. Manufacturers are harnessing satellite-based precision to put convenience in our palms. Why not let these snazzy devices do the caddying for you?
We have selected the best golf GPS watches and best golf GPS handhelds 2018. Apart from having insightful golf GPS reviews, this is a comprehensive buying guide that explains how golf GPS reduces your handicap and brings a new lease of life to your game.
Comparison Chart: Top 5 Best Golf GPS Watches Reviews 2018 Recommendation
Comparison Chart: Top 4 Best Golf GPS Handhelds Reviews 2018 Recommendation
A. How Does Golf GPS Help?
It improve your games:
Contrary to what non-conformists believe, golf GPS watches and handhelds do not make you a slave to technology. Instead they help you point out and confirm to your best instincts. This conditioning comes with a little help from a passive mentor that these golf watches can be. It goes a long way in reducing your golf handicap.
Provides Distances:
The whole idea behind golf GPS is providing distance. It does the work of laser rangefinders at half the price and size. Granted Laser rangefinders are more accurate, usually within a yard. But golf GPS watches are accurate within a few yards and eliminate the shaky hand conundrum and the time-consuming process of determining distances to center, back and front.
Distances to 'invisible' targets:
Well, not literally. Laser rangefinders require the targets to be in line of sight for distance measurement. This is because they are dependent on a forward and backward traveling laser wave to measure the distance. Any obstacle should not obstruct this wave on the course. Since golf GPS watches and handhelds depend on navigation satellites, they do not need to generate line-of-sight waves. Golf watches will calculate the distance measurements to out of sight targets as well.
Customization:
The interface of golf GPS units is usually quite user-friendly. Once you get acquainted with your play and operation of the golf watch, you can customize the settings for future games.
Lowers golf handicap and increases confidence:
Golf is a game of instincts. Rangefinders are but minor contributors to the match outcome. New players may find the premise of golf staggering, given the need to beat the golf course and nature. A good golf GPS device lets you test your gut feeling and get on with the game faster. It keeps you from second-guessing the distance as you would with laser rangefinder which is prone to human error. The ability to track statistics using the golf GPS device gives you additional information on the key points to improve your game.
B. Other Use For These Type Of Golf GPS & Our Picks
1. Best Golf GPS Watches:
Easily the most conspicuous of Golf GPS systems, the GPS watch is a caddie on your wrist. Distance to front, center and back are the most common parameters measured in golf. A watch that does it while automatically updating your advancement through the golf course is indeed technology you need.
Once you have made up your mind to jump on the Golf GPS bandwagon, take a look at the following devices that I handpicked and broke down for golf GPS watch reviews:
#1: Garmin Approach S6 Golf GPS Watch
Garmin Approach S6 golf GPS watch wins, this is the best Garmin golf GPS watch because of its brilliant approach towards packing all sorts of features onto your wrist. In spite of a whole bunch of operations, I found it very easy to use. It’s a high-tech device for the GPS junkies.
Editor's Rating (5/5)
Our Take:
The well-rounded feature-set of Garmin S6 currently makes it the best Garmin golf watch of the lot. The features I benefited the most from in Garmin Approach S6 golf GPS are swing training aids in form of SwingStrength, SwingTempo and TempoTraining.
- The TempoTraining feature checks the ratio of backswing to forward swing against 3:1 ratio which is optimum. You get a graphical representation of you swing against the ideal swing.
- The SwingStrength feature uses your estimation of a proper swing into the judge your future swings.
The S6 has a high-resolution touchscreen display. The battery lasts for 10 hours on a single charge. I chose the negative display for better visibility in sunlight. Apart from distances to the center, front and back of the greens, you also get a layup, hazard and dogleg distances. I found the values to be consistently accurate within 3 yards.
The view of the map has a zoom-in feature. This allows you to see the target area based on your usual shot distances. The overhead map view can be accessed and used very easily. In Green view, I re-positioned the flag at different points and was surprised to get distances accordingly.
The S6 golf GPS has a scoring function. This is only for one player. But it can get pretty intuitive by figuring in handicap scoring. Statistics are another surprise offering from the Garmin S6. It counts number of putts, greens in regulation, fairway hits and misses. The S6 does not host most of the statistics on itself. But it continuously watches and tracks. You can connect it to the Garmin Connect app or software to check hole-wise break-up of your performance.
This golf GPS has shot tracking capability. I put it in the measuring mode and navigated to other screens and it still measured the shot distance. You can connect the S6 golf GPS with your smartphone wirelessly via Bluetooth. This allows you to receive notifications about texts, emails, calls, etc. on your watch.
It costs twice as much as the Callaway GPSy but it vindicates every penny because all its features are usable.
The myriad functions of this watch are backed by a moderately elaborate Garmin Approach S6 manual which is available online in PDF form from many sources. Make sure to read it to discover all the strengths of this unit.
PROS
- Swing training aids
- Overhead hole view
- Scoring and statistics
- Shot distance measurement
- Smart notifications
CONS
- Operation has a sizeable learning curve
Read full reviews: Garmin Approach S6 Golf GPS Watch
#2: Bushnell NEO Ion Golf GPS Watch
Bushnell has excelled in the laser rangefinder field. It is slowly making its mark in the golf GPS domain as well. The Bushnell Neo Ion golf GPS watch is for the hardened veterans who want their yardages without being barraged by too much information.
Editor's Rating (5/5)
Our Take:
Neo Ion golf GPS watch’s sporty look really suits my golfer’s hands. I bring it out during serious rounds where I want to focus on hitting my best shots without distraction.
It is complemented by a perforated strap that makes sure your wrist stays ventilated through the rounds. The silicone material feels soft and airy on your wrist. It packs some basic fitness tracking to its golf capabilities. With over 35,000 preloaded golf courses, it provides wide coverage.
This golf GPS watch has two of the best features of one of my other favorites, Neo XS. It has the Tee Time function. Once the next Tee-off is set for the current week, the watch will automatically enter the Play Golf mode 7 minutes before tee time and recognize the course.
If you specify the Auto Shut off time, it will Exit the Play Golf mode to conserve power after those many hours. This substantiates its already strong battery life of 4 rounds. I found its battery life to be one of the best of the lot.
Apart from the basic yardages, it shows distances to layups and four nearest hazards. This is a feature that many basic GPS watches I’ve used miss. The Auto Hole Advance kept my Neo Ion abreast of the game. Shot distance measurement helps you find average club distances.
The operation of Neo Ion golf GPS watch is quite simple and customer-oriented. Moving through the menu feels intuitive. It has an odometer and a pedometer to calculate steps and distance walked.
There’s no scoring feature, so I classified it as an entry-level golf GPS device. At its price, it is best gps golf watch for the money.
PROS
- Tee Time feature prepares the watch automatically before tee-off anytime during the next 7 days
- Auto Shut off exits Play Golf mode after specified amount of time
- Auto Course Recognition and Hole advance
- Distances to layups and 4 hazards
- Shot distance measurement
- Long battery life
CONS
- The display could have used more area on the round screen
#3: Garmin Approach S2 Golf GPS Watch
There is nothing that a Garmin S2 can’t solve (previously, rum if you are a pirate). Being a wearable golf GPS gear with fewer features has seemingly bolstered its reputation. Because when it comes to golf GPS watches, often less is more.
Editor's Rating (4.5/5)
Our Take:
The S2 is one of Garmin’s most basic golf watches. And it is still in the market because of its flawless operation. Veteran golfers like Richard who are just switching to the golf GPS domain will like the minimalistic features.
The display is readable in sunlight and has a backlight as well. This is a regular screen instead of a touchscreen. We golfers prefer this over having to poke at a watch with our sausage fingers.
There are four buttons on the sides which control the functionality of the S2 golf GPS watch. Between the four of them, I could easily peruse all the functionalities. The screen gives you distances to the front, center, and back of the greens. The hole number you are playing at is also instantly available.
Even though it has been designed to give simple yardages, the operation and features have been executed with typical Garmin finesse. It’s a wonder to see that a puny watch comes with more than 30,000 worldwide courses preloaded.
S2 golf GPS provides shot distance measurement feature. I enabled the measurement and navigated to other screens without hindering the measurement process. I was able to pull up a scorecard as soon as I connected it to a computer.
It also has automatic course and hole recognition features. When I only needed yardages, this turned into a hands-free device. It has an inbuilt odometer for measuring the steps you walked.
PROS
- Accurate within 3-4 yards
- Layup, dogleg distances.
- Shot distance measurement
- Digital scorecard
- Has time-telling capability and odometer
- Easy to operate
- Waterproof and visible in all climates
- No touchscreen means battery drains relatively slowly
CONS
- Score tracking requires more button presses.
Read full reviews: Garmin Approach S2 Golf GPS Watch
#4: SkyCaddie Golf GPS Watch
SkyCaddie golf GPS watch is one of the most user-friendly watches I have seen at a small budget. If you want the basic distances and smooth functionality, this is your go-to watch. The SkyCaddie GPS watch has a simple design with round watch face. The black straps extend seamlessly from the watch. I like the fluorescent highlights on the black architecture.
Editor's Rating (4.5/5)
Our Take:
The rubber strap and the plastic casing of the dial rake up a mere 2-ounce weight. The strap allows excellent airflow with ventilation gaps and keeps my wrist irritation-free. The display is easily readable in bright light. For darker domains, I used the backlight of the watch for visibility.
There are 30,000 worldwide courses pre-loaded on to this GPS watch. The amount of details and number of courses are more than what I expected at this price. Course updates were only available at yearly subscription fees but now it’s advertised to be free of charge.
The distances to the front, center, and back of the greens are displayed on the screen. The center distance which I often refer to is bang in the middle of the screen in large font. Battery life is also part of the screen.
You can select whether you want to allow auto hole advance or not. I have rarely seen this facility in the other watches. If the GPS gets the hole wrong, you are stuck with those watches, but not SkyCaddie. You can manually change the holes using up/down buttons.
This watch has scoring feature for single player. It saves the score for one round as you manually enter it at each hole. Shot distance measurement feature allows you to gauge the distance of each shot. I found I could navigate to other screens while the shot measurement is happening. Shot distances are not stored on the device.
The battery of the watch lasts through 8-10 hours per charge cycle. The SkyCaddie golf GPS watch is water-resistant up to 30m of water. I also trained with many of its fitness-related features like the odometer, lap counter, and calorie counter. The watch has both an alarm and a stopwatch.
PROS
- Course coverage of 30,000 courses
- Very user-friendly
- Multiple fitness-related features
- Shot distance measurement and scoring function
CONS
- Other distances are not available in spite of good course coverage
#5: Callaway GPSy Golf GPS Watch
Callaway has always been on top of all things golf. The GPSy is their affordable jab at golf watches. To us, it looks like a cool fitness watch. It gives you all the distances and performs simple functions with relative ease. Golfers of medium and high handicaps should invest in Callaway GPSy Sport watch.
Editor's Rating (4/5)
Our Take:
This GPS watch comes preloaded with a whopping 30,000 courses. At its modest price, this is quite the achievement. I added and updated courses available at Callaway website without any subscription fee.
The yardages to the front, center, and back of the greens are displayed on the screen together. I navigated through the menu for layup distances to hazards and doglegs. I checked the distances from this golf GPS with my Garmin G7 handheld. I found it to be accurate within 1 yard.
It is lightweight and comfortable. The display is one of the easiest to read amongst golf GPS watches I have used. The learning curve for GPSy is small but I had to get acquainted with the button sequence.
This golf GPS watch has scorekeeping function. It will save data for the round including hole number, total score, GIR, putts per round etc. I couldn’t find the scorekeeping function first. Callaway customer care guided me through a firmware update which activates it.
GPSy has both auto course recognition and auto hole recognition. It gives you a list of nearby courses once on. I live in-and-around multiple courses. I got a list of all of them and selected the one I was playing at. It has a smart notification feature which relays notifications from your smartphone to the watch.
Apart from golf data, GPSy golf GPS watch can also show time in digital or analog mode. An odometer is also part of the package.
PROS
- Affordable good-looking watch
- Yardages to greens and layup distances
- Shot distance measurement
- Accurate and comfortable
- 30,000 courses with auto course and hole recognition
- Waterproof
CONS
- User interaction could be made easier
2. Best Golf GPS Handhelds:
The user interface in these golf GPS systems will be similar to your smartphones so the familiarity makes it easy to navigate.
#1: Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Course
Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS lives up to the expectations of the Garmin users who used the Approach G6 or G7 previously. It is the most advanced golf GPS I have tried till now. Along with G7, it has broken the mold that limited the Golf GPS devices.
Editor's Rating (5/5)
Our Take:
Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS has a 3.9x6.5cm screen. The device is 1.3cm thick. You can operate it using the touchscreen and two buttons at the bottom. The touchscreen is easy to navigate even with my beefy fingers.
The Garmin G8 yardages to the center, back, and front of the greens are accurate within 1-3 yards. Unlike laser rangefinders, these are available instantly. I found that I could even enlarge the font to suit my vision requirements.
It has over 39,000 worldwide courses preloaded. Garmin G8 can receive course updates over Wi-Fi. That and the PinPointer feature are the upgrades from the Garmin G7.
The highlight feature of the Garmin G8 is the slope-adjusted distance. Only laser rangefinders could do this before G7. This is called PlaysLike Distance. The feature can be switched off. But whether or not that makes it illegal in the tournament is the question. Tournament-legality depends on the tournament committee. So I make sure to confirm from them before use.
The Pinpointer feature is another handy tool. While playing blind shots, Garmin G8 can point yours approximately towards the center of the greens. This has guided me out of the thickets with flying colors.
It has an inbuilt ClubAdvice functionality which suggests a club for the target distance. This is based on club distance averages that I input in the beginning. This feature is not in USGA’s good books either.
G8 has the scorecard functionality for multiple players. Score, fairway hits, putts etc. are available, though we thought that the access process was a little too lengthy for some.
PROS
- Slope-adjusted distances
- Pinpointer feature for blind shots
- Club recommendation
- Touchscreen for beefy fingers
- Scorecard for up to 4 players
- Smart notifications over Bluetooth
CONS
- Scorecard feature is complicated to operate
- Not tournament–legal
Read full reviews: Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Course
#2: Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS Course
The Garmin G6 handheld golf GPS brings you the best of Garmin golf arsenal without the debatable slope-distances. All golf tournaments are likely to let you use it, subject to the Local Rule. Garmin G6 is the top model in Garmin’s handheld line which does not have slope-adjusted distances. So it will be tournament-legal in any area where golf GPS is allowed. I keep the G8 aside with a heavy heart. I was enjoying the brand new technology.
Editor's Rating (4.5/5)
Our Take:
Garmin G6 successfully leaves the old Nokia phone-look. It’s not as sleek as the smart phones though. It has a 2.6-inch touchscreen. Two buttons at the bottom with Green View and digital scorecard functionality.
The green view of Garmin G6 gives you an aerial view of greens and the surrounding hazards. I could plan my approach accordingly. You can switch the position of the flagstick here and it will be used for all the distances from that point on.
Apart from the yardages, you can get the distance to any point by simply selecting that point on the screen. It’s a neat trick I often used on a new course. Distance from that point to the center of the green is also given. This helps you strategize your next several moves.
Another tool for staying ahead of the game is the layup arc. Arcs at 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards keep the ball ahead of the hazards.
Scorecard and statistics tracking capability of the Garmin Approach G6 is simplistic. It can track the scores for you and 3 more golfers. Scores, greens in regulations, putts per round and fairway hits are available in scorecard view. It also follows club distance averages. I could track multiple players here.
G6 comes preloaded with more than 25,000 courses. Garmin website offers a big repository of updated courses. I could download them without any subscription fee. Courses are detailed and G6 allows you to zoom in and take full advantage of the details.
The Garmin Approach G6 manual in multiple languages is loaded on the device in PDF format.
Garmin G6 vs G7 comparison
The Garmin G6 is the most advanced yet certainly USGA-compliant handheld in Garmin line-up right now. Both Garmin G7 and G8 bring in slope-adjusted distances which might not go down well with tournament authorities. But they great aids while improving your game. G7 also added club recommendation, another forbidden feature. You get smartphone notifications on G7 along with Big Number mode for viewing yardages in larger font. While all these features of G7 excite the tech geeks and make your gameplay easier, Garmin G6 remains the unequivocally legal Garmin GPS for tournaments where Local Rule applies. So choosing between the two is a question of whether you will use them for competitions or not and your budget.
PROS
- 2.6-inch touchscreen display
- Green view with hazards
- Distance to any point and greens yardage to it
- Layup arcs
- Scorecard and statistics tracking
- Battery life up to 15 hours
CONS
- Some software glitches
- Moving flagstick around the screen is difficult
Read full reviews: Garmin Approach G6 Golf GPS Course
#3: Izzo Swami 4000+ Golf GPS
Izzo Swami Golf GPS is one of the most affordable devices. The Swami 4000+ adds some key features over the 4000 golf GPS. It costs only half or one-third as much as the known handheld GPS devices from Garmin, Bushnell etc.. The Swami 4000+ golf GPS has a 1.8-inch color screen and four buttons for navigation through the settings. The overall feature-set is modest so the operation was quite easy for me.
Editor's Rating (4/5)
Our Take:
This golf GPS device is very small. It will easily fit in the palm of your hands, your pant pockets and it does not lose connection with the satellite. The usual option of displaying distances in meters or yards is available.
This golf GPS comes loaded with 30,000+ global courses. The full library is available at their website. I found that I could also add my own points to the courses which helped me play better.
The 4000 displayed only distances to the center, back and front of the greens. However, the 4000+ also gives distances to hazards and doglegs. This is an important feature many of our basic golf GPS miss out. It has auto hole advance. This transfers the readings as per the next hole once you have taken your shot. Auto course recognition finds the course you are going to play at right as the device is switched on. Shot distance measurement feature of this golf GPS allows you to measure the distance you hit each shot. I used the shot distances to determine club averages.
The battery usually lasts through 2 rounds on one charge. The Lithium-ion battery is not replaceable though. A USB charger is used to connect it to the AC power supply.
Izzo Swami 4000+ Golf GPS is a water-resistant device. It survived a light rain while I ran and took cover.
PROS
- 30,000 courses preloaded
- Distances to hazards, doglegs
- No subscription fee
- Very budget-oriented
- Lightweight and easy to use
CONS
- Battery is not replaceable
#4: Golfbuddy Voice Golf GPS
A GolfBuddy Voice GPS brings you the basic distances and shot distances in voice form. It is a hands-free device. GolfBuddy Voice GPS is a small but ingenious device. This is a clip-on accessory that gives you the distances vocally. It is very reasonably priced as well. Being a budget golf GPS, its features are limited. So whenever I simply wanted the basic yardages, I used this device.
Editor's Rating (4/5)
Our Take:
It has a white face with a small screen, a button and beveled silver edges. It looks like an iPod with its adorable square architecture. The Voice can be clipped on to your hat or hung from a belt loop. I preferred the belt loop. You can also purchase its wristband separately and wear it like a watch. It is very lightweight, though not as much as the Voice 2.
GolfBuddy Voice GPS will give you the distance to the center, back and front of the greens. I found the distance to be accurate within 3 yards. Apart from the yardages, you get the par score and a pictorial representation of the greens.
It speaks out the distances in any one of the 8 languages you can use it in. The voice from this golf GPS is not distracting. It has a quiet tone which only I could hear. You can read distances off the screen directly as well.
Voice GPS has shot distance measurement function. This is equipped with the auto hole and course recognition. Voice GPS does take a little time to lock on the right course though.
I would switch it on as I drove into the parking lot of the course. It comes preloaded with more than 35,000 courses. Its maximum capacity of storage is 40,000-course maps. You can access free course updates through their course manager.
GolfBuddy Voice GPS can hold its power for 9 hours between charges. It also tells time vocally.
PROS
- Gives you greens yardages and shot distance
- Voice-enabled in 8 languages
- Auto hole and course recognition
- Wide course coverage
CONS
- Not highly accurate
- It is available in a single color.
QUESTION :
1. What is Golf GPS & How Does It Work?
GPS or Global Navigation System is the same commercial system that is used in car navigation and your phone navigation apps. With this feature, you are utilizing the power of satellites in space to pinpoint your location. Started as a military enterprise, this concept and it benefit vent commercial now. The location determination depends on GPS receivers in your device that constantly receive location information from three satellites that are hovering above your location. The signal from each satellite indicates that you must be located in a circular range on the surface of the Earth.
Wherever the signals of three GPS satellites intersect, that's where device pinpoints your location. The fact that the enormous power of space technology is being used for distance measurement on a golf course is humbling.
Beginners trying to learn the ropes can find electronic caddies in the form of these wondrous GPS-enabled golf devices. Too much competition in this niche market means you are going to be bombarded by a variety of Bushnell this and Callaway that. Garmin Connect and Truswing can sound like alien technology.
2. Golf GPS Watch vs. Handheld?
Golf GPS watches and GPS handhelds have their distinct advantages:
- Golf GPS Watch:
These are small and lightweight wearables. You don’t have to worry about making separate arrangements to carry them. They present data to you at the twist of a wrist. They can also function as a regular watch as you go about your normal day although they don’t look as fancy as your business watches.
On the downside, the golf GPS watches are limited in size by the amount of features they can pack. Although devices like Garmin S6 and S60 have taken giant strides with advanced features like Swing training in their area. Still too many features clutter the user interface and force more button-pushing and jabbing at a small touchscreen.
- Golf GPS Handhelds:
These GPS units are roughly the size of a cellphone with a sizeable screen that displays the yardages and more in an easily readable font. Given the larger real-estate, packing advanced stat tracking and features like slope-adjusted distances is relatively easy. The larger touchscreen is more tactile to use. Some handhelds also peddle entry-level features with button operation for users who like basic devices.
On the other hand, golf GPS handhelds are not as portable as the golf watches. That’s a major reason why golfers favor the watches. But still, if you want better functionality and save a few bucks, handhelds are better.
3. Which Best Golf GPS Watch To Buy?
What to think about when buying a golf GPS watch? Here are things to consider when you choosing a golf GPS watch:
Distance measuring capabilities:
The primary reason of having a golf GPS watch is to find accurate distances to center, back and front of the green. Laser rangefinders take the privileged spot when it comes to accuracy of distance measurement. But the golf GPS watches are also catching up with better GPS receivers. The web is replete with reviews of various golf watches, and you can refer to them to get an idea of how to fare relatively in terms of accurate distance measurement
Cost:
Once the most important feature is spotted, the question appears: What to think about when buying a golf gps watch? how much are you willing to pay for it? The golf GPS watches run north of low price. Depending on the features you need and the models that are allowed in competitions, you might want to strike a balance between the cost and features. If you are just starting to practice and you are looking to hone your instincts in the game, then you should look for a fancier golf GPS watch priced accordingly.
Course Availability:
A significant concern that is usually overlooked. The distance measurement capability of the Golf GPS watches is dependent on the device having access to the course maps of the golf course where you’ll play. Most of the golf watches come with at least 20,000+ golf course maps preloaded onto them.
However, if yours is not a well-known course, it may not be on the list. Check the manufacturer’s extended list of available course maps. They can be downloaded to the GPS enabled golf watch for a subscription fee. If it is not on either of these lists, it will be difficult to get the maker to add the course. It is best to opt for models that do not require a subscription fee to download more courses.
Size:
The size is another factor that can be disregarded, and it does impact the decision and your game. If worn on a wrist, a large and bulky device might really get in the way of your powerful swing. A slight interference with your swing can affect the ball’s trajectory and distance, and you might lose the game. The size can affect your game negatively or positively - you have to be careful.
User-friendliness:
With so many competitors in the field, the manufacturers of Golf GPS watches try to make their devices as easy to use as possible. It definitely skews the balance in favor of their product, especially amongst non-tech-savvy golfers. Constantly having to sync to PC, a complex navigation for basic information and poor customer service from the software vendor can doom the product sales
Battery Life:
If you have ever owned a smartphone, you know the pain of running out of battery life when you really need it. And believe you me, you don’t want to be stranded at the same altar at a golf course.
So check the reviews and product information for a correct idea of how long the battery lasts, and whether the battery life decreases with age.
Features:
This is a no brainer. Once you start golf GPS watch hunting, you start looking out for the best that a watch can do. You should try not to hit the extremes regarding a number of features. Too many can bewilder you and too less can annoy you. Find the balance between the price and a number of features.
Display:
While shopping indoors, it won’t strike you that the screen of the golf GPS watch may not work as well in the sun. Outside, in the glare of sunlight, you might have to peer into the screen to be able to read the information. Instead, check for negative display watches or ask the sales personnel for an opinion.
Style and Design:
Inner beauty is not everything after all. The golf GPS watch is going to be your fashion faux pas if it looks as shiny as a fake Rolex. Look for classy, stylish designs and you will not be disappointed. Wear and check if it sits comfortably on your wrist.
Long term perfomance:
For this, you will have to rely solely on buyer reviews. A few products enter with a bang in the market but then decline into mediocrity with easily broken bands, reduced battery life or permanent ‘hanging.’ If you don’t trust your gut, you can find out what other people’s experience with the mentioned golf GPS watch was like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of golf GPS devices are legal in tournaments?
Most smartphones come with inbuilt spirit levels. Are they allowed in golf?
What about a compass feature? Does it count as an unapproved application in a device?
Does the application of the Local Rule at a club override the tournament committee’s take on distance measuring devices if the tournament is being held at that club?
The display some Golf GPS Watches is difficult to read in sunlight. What should I do?
Can I find a list of course freely available on the golf GPS device?
Where can the clip-on Golf GPS devices be clipped on to?
Are voice Golf GPS devices annoying for other players?
Can I add more courses to my Golf GPS Device?
What's golf GPS without subscription?
Tips For Using Golf GPS Products
Here are some useful tips which teach you how to effectively use your golf GPS products.
- While both GPS products and laser rangefinders ultimately give you the right choice of the golf club, they use different ways to achieve this goal. Check what suits the you most.
- Some people say that some of the GPS devices have replaced caddies by giving almost all information provided by a caddie. So, make use of the product as you might take help from a caddie.
- Some models of GPS devices even offer an overview of the map for each hole in color and some devices, so before you actually tee off, checks out the trouble spots and the target spots.
- While giving accurate distances, the golf GPS device can help you decide the best club to use, improve your play with speed play and help you plan a strategic game.
- Whichever GPS golf product you choose, before you get too comfortable and attached to it, try to check if that device is tournament legal. Else you might end up with a device handicap and spoil the game when you enter the competition.
- As the distances are very accurate, plan the game strategically by scoping out the targets in advance using the GPS devices.
Future Trends In Best Golf GPS 2019
The technology brought about by Garmin G7 and G8 is here to stay. Slope-adjusted distance is new to golf GPS and they will be gloating with that victory over laser rangefinder. But the demand for simple devices like Bushnell Neo Ion is not going to go down since many golfers prefer limited features. Not to mention, G7 and G8 may not be tournament-legal everywhere. But we would like to see more golf GPS with simple specs like Neo Ion in 2019.
Golf GPS watches have been stable in their trend. Garmin S6 and S2 have remained favorites since they first debuted. Here again, the customers chose the most featured and the least featured devices. Golf wearables have been evolving to mix IoT(Internet of Things) with the specs. You would get better metrics, wider capabilities of sharing content and seeing more meaningful patterns.
The clip-on voice GPS devices can see a lot of improvement. We are hoping that 2018 will bring a more seamless performance and a larger feature set in these devices.
Conclusion
Golf GPS devices are getting increasingly popular. The technology involved with these is pulsing way ahead of the game so much so that any piece of information, be it about your swing, your shot or the course can be recorded and checked out to improve your game. Golf GPS reviews could be an essential learning aid in the cutthroat game that golf is.
We have a separate space for Golfbuddy GPS Brand dwelling specifically into them. Hope this reviews about Best Golf GPS Watch and Handhelds is helpful.
Thanks for the unbiased review! I purchased the Garmin S6. I love it!
No problem, Robert! We are glad you found the reviews helpful.
How long does it take to charge the Garmin s2?
Hi Jackson, the battery life of Garmin Approach S2 is only average compared to the newer golf GPS watches. It can last through 8 hours of normal use. In Time Mode, it can last 3 weeks per charge.
Does the S6 it calculate shot distance?
Hi Levis,
Garmin Approach S6 allows shot measurement. You can start the shot measurement and navigate to another screen. The measuring process will continue irrespective of that.
Thanks for the info! I purchased the Garmin S6.
No problem, Randall! We are glad you found the reviews helpful.