Golf GPS devices are one way that technology has helped this centuries-old game, and it’s made an impact on our efficiency as golfers. If you’ve been thinking about investing in one these important devices, we’ve found seven of the best as well as the must-have features you need to look for when buying your own golf GPS.
To the untrained eye, it might seem as though golf is a game of chance where we swing the club and hope that it carries the ball somewhere close to near where we want it. For those who know about golf though, you realize that it’s a game of many calculations and estimations that actually take up quite a bit of time in your game.
If you were hoping to calculate distance or figure out which club was best to use, these were calculations that had to be done manually. Sure, they were effective, but they took a lot of time as well. This is where the best golf GPS technology entered in recent years, and already it has had such a dramatic impact on our game.
A golf GPS is designed with simplicity in mind, but its key goal is to make your game easier. Thanks to the modern GPS technology, you’ll be able to track, calculate, and provide exact readings on everything from swing distance to potential hazards.
These devices are compact, efficient, and the one thing that no modern golfer should be without. However, shopping for one can be a headache, especially if it’s your first one. We’ve taken the hard work out of the process for you and found seven of the best golf GPS devices on the market and exactly what makes them so special.
Product | Image | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
BUSHNELL EXCEL GPS WATCH |  | ||
Garmin S60 |  | ||
Bushnell Phantom |  | ||
TOM TOM GOLFER 2 |  | ||
SKYCADDIE SKY TOUCH |  | ||
GARMIN APPROACH S8 |  | ||
GOLFBUDDY VOICE GPS |  |
Why Do You Need a Golf GPS?
Sure, you can play a round of golf without a GPS and still enjoy yourself, but when you know the technology is out there, why bother? Having a GPS means you’ll have all of your favorite courses already loaded into the device, so there’s no extra work.
You’ll get GPS data relayed to your device so it’s accurate and up to date. This means you can spend more time focusing on your game rather than mapping out distances and hazards, making you a better golfer overall.
Types of Golf GPS Products
There are two main types of GPS products to choose from when it comes to playing golf; the GPS watch and the handheld device. Depending on your personal preference, course, budget, playing style, and technical abilities, there’s likely to be on that’s a better fit for you.
Handheld device
There are a few different sizes when it comes to these handheld devices, and they can be small like the watches or larger to fit in the palm of your hand. These are perfect for people who want more features and more functionality, and they’ll give a lot more in-depth information.
GPS watch
These look like a watch and also deliver information like the date and time but with so much more. They can give you hazard notifications and distance calculations so they offer all of the basic information that you look for in a golf GPS without you needing to carry anything around. However, they are usually more expensive and not quite as in-depth as the handheld device.
The Must-Have Features To Look For
There’s no need to decide what style you’d prefer just yet, as you need to first learn more about the features. These GPS devices come in at varying price points and can either be feature-rich or basic, depending on what the golfer prefers. Here are just some features you can expect to find on the best golf GPS options.
Hazard identifier
Your golf GPS will already be loaded with information for thousands of golf courses around the world, and they know where the hazards are. Knowing all of this information upfront means you can tailor your game to suit those annoyances that would otherwise get in the way.
Statistics
Golfers are always looking to improve their game, and having a GPS device can help you do so. You’ll get detailed statistics about how far you hit, the swing you’re taking, and other data that can be analyzed and used to improve your performance.
Distance measurements
This is the most important feature for many golfers as it means you no longer have to do manual calculations. These detailed devices can tell you things like distances of the hole from where you are, conditions on the green, and strict measurements that are rarely ever off.
- Club selection
Having the important information on hand means you can make smarter club selections, and some of these devices will even do that for you as well. The more in-depth GPS devices will recommend clubs based on the information they’ve gathered about the next hole, so there’s less thinking time for you.
- Battery
The battery life will differ for each model, so you need to ensure that the one you choose can satisfy your game. It’s best to recharge the batteries before you head out anyway, just to be safe.
Weather reading
Any golfer knows that the weather can have a major impact on their game. These GPS devices can give accurate weather predictions so you can remain up to date with conditions that could affect your day out.
Extras
For those who like plenty of features, you’ll want a golf GPS with plenty of add-ons. Look for extras like calorie burners or heart rate monitors, meaning you get a mixture of fitness and fun from your golf game.
The 7 Best Golf GPS Devices
Golf GPS devices are a hot item at the moment, and as such we’re seeing many new and exciting improvements being released all the time. For 2018, there seem to be some clear winners though, and these are the best golf GPS options you have to improve your game like never before.
7: Bushnell Excel GPS Watch
If you think the watches might be more up your alley, check out this one from Bushnell. This brand is known for their golf GPS devices and you’ll see another of their offerings on our list, so there’s no need to question quality. It’s a pretty simple device without too many features so would suit those golfers who prefer simplicity.
In terms of its features, you’ll get an auto course map and hole recognition. You can also add up to four hazards per hole which will help out a lot. The design is sleek and you’d feel comfortable wearing it all day long if you wanted.
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6: Garmin S60
If you’ve done some research on these GPS devices before you would have heard of this one specifically, as it’s been rated a top performer for a couple of years now. The Garmin S60 is more than just a golf GPS watch, but it’s a health and fitness tracker and persona organizer all in one.
When it comes to the game though, there’s one important feature that’s changing the game. With their drag and drop feature, you can estimate yardage from anywhere on the course which gives you the most spot-on tracker of your life. Added to the multitude of other features and you’re onto a winner.
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5: Bushnell Phantom
This is the perfect GPS for those looking to save some money, as the Bushnell Phantom will only cost around $120 to purchase. This GPS consistently tops the lists of the best around, so knowing you can get a handheld device for so cheap is pretty impressive.
You’ll be able to tell the distance of your front, back, and side for a comprehensive reading. This means you can know the exact club to pick every time without hesitation, and it’s not something usually found on a device so cheap. The hazard detection is great for something of this size too, with the ability to show up to four at a time on your course.
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4: Tom Tom Golfer 2
Tom Tom is a huge name in GPS products so it only makes sense that they make one specifically designed for golfers. This is the newer version of their original design and it’s a lot thinner and sleeker than we remember. If you want something that looks stylish on your wrist as well as being practical, this is a great choice.
The Tom Tom Golfer 2 pairs with the MySports app which means you can keep track of the tees and shot automatically. It will then send this information straight to the watch for you to check out. There’s an auto scorecard that will keep track of the game, detailed post-game analysis, and over 40,000 preloaded courses from all around the world. You’ll be hard pressed finding another that’s as feature-packed as this, but be prepared to pay for the honor.
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3: SkyCaddie Sky Touch
This is a super serious golf GPS that even requires a subscription to use, so if you’re not someone who takes their game this seriously then you’ll want to keep looking. The SkyCaddie Sky Touch is a handheld design with a 3-inch display so you can really see what you’re doing. It’s got more features than you could ever ask for, but it couldn’t be easier to use.
If you prefer to see something with plenty of graphics as compared to a simple watch, this is a great option. You’ll get super detailed information, maps, and graphics, as well as more details than the other devices can offer. However, the battery life isn’t as good and it’s costly (not to mention the ongoing subscription) so you really need to weigh up preferences.
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2: Garmin Approach S8
Garmin certainly knows how to make a GPS device, and the Approach S8 is known as one of their better offerings for golfers. It has a stack of features that will improve your game and it even makes adjustments for when you’re uphill, downhill, or on flat ground. As soon as you turn on it’s ready to use as well, so there’s no tricky setup.
There are quite a few features which can turn some people off, so if you want simplicity this isn’t the way to go. The Approach S8 has no annual fee and it features a huge amount of courses from around the world, and these are all things that go a long way for golfers, so don’t rule it out completely.
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1: GolfBuddy Voice GPS
When you really don’t want to spend all day squinting and trying to read a GPS system on your wrist or in your hand, try out the GolfBuddy Voice for something different. This device will give you audio readings of all of the important information so you don’t ever have to reach in your pocket. Better yet, you can clip it your belt because it’s so compact and increase your comfort levels even more.
You’ll get a massive 35,000 preloaded courses in here with the option to store up to 40,000 if you wish. The battery is pretty average and will only last 36 holes, so if you’re not prepared to charge it regularly then it won’t serve you very well.
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A Golfer’s Best Friend
Every now and then a piece of technology comes along that changes the way we live, and if you’re someone who takes their golfing seriously then one of these GPS devices will certainly do that for you. With our recommendations for the best golf GPS around, you’ll see a vast improvement in your game and efficiency out on the course.
While we’ve certainly found the top performers in the market, there’s nothing stopping you from finding your own device better suited to your game. As long as you know the importance of the features and how they’ll impact your GPS device, you can’t go wrong with this investment.
Featured Image: CC0 Public Domain via Canva, with text, and logo added.
