The Best Golf GPS and Distance Measuring Devices for Pin-Seekers in 2024
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The best golf GPS devices, from watches and rangefinders to handheld DMDs, trolleys, and apps, that you need to own in 2024.
JUMP TO: GPS Watches | GPS Rangefinders | GPS Handheld Devices | GPS Trolleys | GPS Apps | Buying Guide | FAQs
Gone are the days when golfers had to rely on the 150-yard markers and guess how far they were from the green, with the best golf GPS devices giving exact yardages you can rely on.
There are two main types of distance-measuring devices:
– The best golf rangefinders provide an exact distance to the flag or any other target you can lock onto.
– The best golf GPS devices tend to be ever so slightly less accurate than a laser, but can provide a far greater array of information. Trolley manufacturers are also just beginning to incorporate GPS devices into their models and that trend is only likely to continue.
Within both categories, there are plenty of excellent choices across a wide-price range.
The best golf GPS devices at a glance
The best golf GPS devices at a glance:
Best GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S70 GPS Watch | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best GPS Rangefinder: Shot Scope PRO LX+ | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best GPS Handheld: Skycaddie SX550 GPS | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best GPS Speaker: Bushnell Wingman VIEW GPS Speaker | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best GPS Trolley: PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Remote Electric Golf Trolley | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best GPS App: Arccos Caddie | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
And if you’re in the market for equipment that can help make playing golf just that little bit easier, why not check out our features on the best golf launch monitors, best golf GPS watches, best golf rangefinders, and best electric golf trolleys.
Best Golf GPS Watches
GPS watches have made a huge impact during the last decade and the technology they possess ensures their popularity will only grow. The ease of use and the fact they fit snuggly on your wrist makes them easy to manage. However, the small display size is not everyone’s cup of tea. For a full range of what’s on offer, check out our Best Golf GPS Watches feature.
The lightweight, premium golf watch that does it all
This all looks great and it is, but the main use of the watch is golf and this is where the S70 excels. With more than 43,000 preloaded courses it's going to be harder to find a course the watch it doesn't work at than one it does.
The touchscreen AMOLED display is super easy to read and is up there with the best I've used, with the green and course views looking the way they do, they could be on the latest PGA TOUR game and you wouldn't question it.
The style of the watch makes a perfect partner for any outfit and is super comfortable, I didn't even know I was wearing it at one point.
For me, the yardage adjustment is a standout feature. A watch has always lacked the ability to adapt to its surroundings but now it can. It considers the environmental changes and the elevation of the green for super precise distances. With the green contour data if you're good enough it shows you the perfect place to land for the best results.
Pros
- Lightweight
- High-quality screen
- Great hole displays
- Works well on and off the course
Cons
- Takes a while to learn how to navigate
| Number of courses: | 43,000+ |
| Battery life: | 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode |
| Screen size: | 1.2" |
| Weight: | 44g |
| Straps: | 1 in the box, extra available to buy |
Course mapping on foot for the highest accuracy
Best large-screen golf watch
Rrp: $299.95
Rrp: $299.95
In fact, it has the largest and brightest color touchscreen (1.39in) with full HD graphics and comes preloaded with more than 35,000 course maps. I was impressed when it allowed you to choose which tee box you’re playing from, your gender, and whether you’d prefer distances in yards or meters, for additional accuracy.
Like the brand’s larger GPS devices, the LX5C lets you zoom and pan and is constantly calculating yardages to hidden hazards so you know how far you’ve got to carry or lay up short of them. The IntelliGreen tech provides exact shapes of greens for distances to front, back, and any point in between from your angle of approach.
I know I can trust the yardages from SkyCaddie and so can you as they're the only golf GPS brand to create and update every UK golf course map on foot using survey-quality equipment across thousands of points per course.
Read our full SkyCaddie LX5C GPS watch review.
Pros
- Large screen
- Detailed
- Feels good on the wrist
Cons
- Not as great off the course
| Courses preloaded: | 35,000 |
| Battery life: | Up to two rounds |
| Screen size: | 3.5cm |
| Weight: | 65.2g |
| Straps: | One |
The ultimate caddie for the golf course
Best premium golf watch
The go-to sports watch company has produced a highly effective on-course operator as well as a classic-looking TAG watch away from the course. You get 40,000 courses in stunning detail, plus an accelerometer and gyroscope functions to record each shot to the nearest meter.
The grade two titanium casing ensures considerable durability and I was a big fan of the unique ceramic golf bezel which is just a great touch and in keeping with other special edition watches TAG have brought out.
It also includes a pedometer, heart rate monitor, and a 'Golf Edition Box' containing three TAG Heuer golf balls, 4 TAG Heuer tees, divot tools, and a spare strap for your watch.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very responsive
- Super crisp display
Cons
- You can buy a GPS watch that does the same things for a much lower price
| Courses preloaded: | 40,000 |
| Battery life: | 24 hours |
| Screen size: | 3.5cm |
| Weight: | N/A |
| Straps: | Nine |
Takes shot tracking and off-course analysis to a new level
Best golf watch for shot tracking
Rrp: $299.99
Rrp: $299.99
The X5 has a built-in step counter and accurate, real-time front, middle, and back distances to all greens, hazards, and doglegs all on over 36,000 golf courses globally.
The watch features a glare-resistant full-color 1.2" touchscreen, which, along with the clear and large display, made for an easy-to-navigate GPS watch.
The X5 comes with a collection of 2nd Gen RFID tracking tags that, when put in the but of your grip, automatically track over 100 performance statistics, including Club Distances, Approaches, Short Game, Putting, Strokes Gained, and Handicap Benchmarking.
Read our full Shot Scope X5 GPS watch review.
Pros
- AI performance
- Feels great on the wrist
- Great shot tracking and statistics
Cons
- The smartphone app can be tricky to navigate and keep on top of
| Courses preloaded: | 36,000+ |
| Battery life: | Two plus rounds |
| Screen size: | 1.2" |
| Weight: | 41g |
| Straps: | Six |
User-friendly, feature-packed golf watch
Best golf watch for easy use
Rrp: $249.99
Rrp: $249.99
To me, the thought of simplifying one of the most complex games in the world sounds like a good idea. The W12 is packed with an abundance of features which, to be honest at first thought take away from the task at hand which is getting the ball in the hole.
However, thanks to the watch’s user-friendly interface, it is both super fun and easy to use. Once you spend 30 minutes with the watch trying all its features and getting your head around things, you find the watch is everything but a distraction. The W12 helps you understand parts of the game you never thought you needed too.
The 2D flyover feature is amazing! Stood on the tee you can understand the layout of the hole and the dangers ahead, I found it to be a great feature on blind holes where you can’t see the fairway or the green.
The super-detailed green undulation display shows you the green layout and where the good landing spots are.
Pros
- Green undulation display
- Easy to use
- Flyover view displays the whole hole
Cons
- Battery life not as good as other watches
- Can become slow
| Number of courses: | 40,000 |
| Battery Life: | 10 Hours |
| Screen Size: | 45mm |
| Weight: | 50g |
| Straps: | Two |
Combining golf and health benefits
Best golf watch for screen quality
When you buy the Watch5 Pro Golf Edition you get a free lifetime subscription to the golfing app Smart Caddie, a Golf GPS app powered by GOLFBUDDY. It allows you to track over 40,000 courses worldwide, with distances to the green, hole-by-hole maps, shot tracking, a green undulation screen, and much more.
I was a massive fan of the AMOLED screen and partnered with the sleek sports band, it makes for a watch to be envied by your playing partners as you answer calls, texts and even reply to tweets on the course.
Pros
- AMOLED screen
- Excellent on and off the course
- Great SmartCaddie app
Cons
- Only compatible with Android
| Number of courses: | 40,000 |
| Battery life: | N/A |
| Screen size: | 4.54cm |
| Weight: | 46.5g |
| Straps: | 5 |
The newest addition to the Voice Caddie T-series line of GPS watches
Best golf watch for practice
Rrp: $349.99
Rrp: $349.99
The T9 comes equipped with shot and putt tracking which keeps track of your score throughout the round. Its full-color touch screen provides yardages to the front/center/back of the green and offers advanced features such as Slope calculation, Green Undulation, Putt View, and Course Views.
I was a big fan of the subtle, athletic look and found it to be a great partner on the course and off it as a normal watch too. It fit comfortably and was not overly big on the wrist either.
Pros
- Tracks your shots
- Slender and comfortable
- Helps you practice effectively
Cons
- Can take some getting used to
Easy to use and comfortable
Best golf watch for beginners
Rrp: $129.99
Rrp: $129.99
I was impressed by the clever shot-measuring feature that gives you an accurate readout, and there is also a very quick and easy way of being shown distances to sand and water hazards.
I was able to count my steps and understand how many calories I'd burned (see that nett 79 wasn't all bad news), it's water resistant, and the black-on-white readout means it's straightforward to view even if it's sunny.
Pros
- Good display
- Shows hazards
- Feels good on the wrist
Cons
- Lacking quality in comparison to the other watches
| Courses preloaded: | 39,000+ |
| Battery life: | 12 hours |
| Screen size: | 5.5cm |
| Weight: | 46g |
| Straps: | One |
Slope technology in a golf watch
Best golf watch for features
Rrp: $199.99
Rrp: $199.99
The ELITE is loaded with over 38,000 golf courses and has an easy-to-read display that shows distances to the front center and back of the green. It is also the first watch to feature Bushnell's patented Slope Technology, which I found to be very useful on the course, as the slope can make nearly a club difference on some holes you play.
An impressive feature is the dynamic distances the watch displays, as HoleView allows you to see the hole and give you the precise distance from any point, along with the green mapping which gives you a distance based on your angle to the pin.
Pros
- Slope reading
- Great value
- Clear yardages
Cons
- Slightly bulky on the wrist
| Courses preloaded: | 38,000 |
| Battery life: | 12+ hours |
| Screen size: | 1.28" |
| Weight: | 38g |
| Straps: | Two |
Best Golf Rangefinders
Rangefinders still offer the most accurate distance-measuring option and some utilize GPS in some aspects of the features they offer. It’s why the pros will always use laser-measuring devices rather than GPS-only alternatives. However most of them are one-dimensional and generally, they don’t offer as much information as their GPS-only cousins. For a full range of options check out our Best Golf Rangefinders feature.
A laser rangefinder, GPS, and shot-tracking device in one
With 7x magnification, a range of 900 yards, adaptive slope technology, and rapid-fire detection, the rangefinder stands its own against any other, but it's the extra features that make the Shot Scope stand out.
You get 16 plug-n-play tags which allow you to track every shot you play and then analyze each round you play across hundreds of performance statistics, including strokes gained. Shot Scope's data shows that golfers improve by 4.1 shots on average, which is impressive.
I found the setup of the whole thing rather tedious but if you have the patience required to get fully set up by screwing in all the tags to the top of your clubs, then the three-in-one functionality of this rangefinder will more than satisfy your data cravings.
Pros
- Precise laser scope
- Easy to change to and from slope feature
- The detachable H4 unit means it can be used as a separate GPS
Cons
- Zip and loop on case showing signs of wear and poorer quality
| Range | 900 yards (accuracy +/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | 15+ hours |
A premium laser GPS hybrid providing the most accurate yardages on the market
Best for GPS
The Garmin Approach Z82 is a great option for anyone who can’t decide between a golf rangefinder and a GPS, as it effectively gives you the best of both worlds.
As a straight-up laser rangefinder, it provides what Garmin say is the most accurate reading on the market, to within 10".
But there's so much more to the Garmin Approach Z82 than that.
You can see a map of the hole, with distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as any hazards.
There's wind speed and direction, as well as a "plays like" distance which adjusts the yardage based on whether you're playing up or downhill.
Blind shots, normally a problem for golf laser rangefinders, are no problem for the Z82 thanks to a 'PinPointer' feature which tells you the direction to the pin so you know where to aim.
The Z82 can even help you hole more putts thanks to a Green Contour feature, though this does require a Garmin Golf app membership (£8.99 / $14.49 per month or £89.99 / $99.99 per year).
There's a 'tournament mode' switch that turns off features that aren't allowed to be used in competition.
Read our How to get the most from your Garmin GPS guide.
Pros
- Clever grip on the casing
- High-quality GPS in finder
- Works well with blind shots thanks to PinPointer
Cons
- Requires membership for full usage
| Range | 450 yards (+/- 10") |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX7 rating) |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours |
The ultimate all-in-one rangefinder
Straight out of the box, you sense the quality of the product, the leather case goes hand in hand with the premium leather casing of the SL3. I'm a big fan of the aluminum accents. It seems rather classy for a rangefinder, as the likes of Bushnell and ShotScope many of their products feel indestructible, in comparison this seems rather designer.
The SL3 provides everything a golfer needs in one simple package. It pretty much features the T9 GPS watch within the casing. The GPS display features bold yardages to the front/middle/back of the green, along with a hole view, and putt view which reveals a heat map of the undulations on the green.
Away from the built-in GPS, the SL3 has an amazing scope with an OLED displaying superb clarity. The 6x magnification, although was initially frustrating to lock onto the pin, is one of the best displays in a rangefinder and is one of my favorite displays I’ve used.
Pros
- Premium feel
- Easy-to-read GPS screen
- Clear easy to use viewfinder
Cons
- Product design is based more on looks than durability
| Range | 1,000 yards |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 45 hours |
Best Golf GPS Handheld Devices
The original GPS distance-measuring device has come a long way in a short time and, now, they provide excellent displays with highly detailed and informative readouts. The larger screens will appeal to those who don’t like the tightness of the GPS watches but they are quite bulky and useful only on the course, unlike GPS watches.
High-quality touchscreen GPS
Skycaddie has been a pioneer in this field and the SX550 is the latest in a long line of understandably popular products. You get a device loaded with 35,000 courses (ground-verified by SkyGolf) and a giant 5.5” HD touchscreen that offers great views of what’s in front of you.
I loved how at the tap of a finger you can adjust the yardage to wherever you are on the hole with a pinpointed locator. With the same pinpointer, you can check distances to doglegs, hazards, and layup areas too.
Handheld devices are getting lighter while battery lives are getting longer. The SX550 offers you 14 hours. The handy Wi-Fi also gives you the chance to access course updates.
Pros
- Wide array of features
- Easy-to-use display
- Uses real-life course mapping
Cons
- Size takes a while to get used too
The GPS which helps you on and off the course
The smaller-than-average screen (it’s only 3.5 inches long), does not detract from this excellent GPS device, which comes preloaded with 40,000 courses.
As you would expect from a Garmin device, there are an enormous range of options and the G80 will also calculate the true distance to the hole, taking into account the various slopes. However, this must be turned off for tournament play.
The screen is anti-glare so no problems in strong sunlight and the battery is very beefy. It will give you 15 hours of use in GPS mode.
Pros
- Surprisingly accurate ball tracking for the price
- Slope feature is a big help
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Basic course display
It's stood the test of time for a reason
Rrp: $249.99
Rrp: $249.99
The device automatically detects which course you are on, it's compact – which means it slips nicely into any pocket or can be clipped onto your bag – and it can store up to four people’s scores.
Like all Garmin devices, the battery life is also substantial and durable. Garmin devices are never cheap but then they are built to last.
Pros
- Simply fits on a golf bag with the handy clip
- Easy to use
- Durable design
- Clear display
Cons
- Graphics look dated
- The small screen can get tedious
Great handheld at great value
Rrp: $173.95
Rrp: $173.95
What makes it different from devices at the cheaper end of the market is it will do a pretty good job of tracking your shots via its ‘Shot Distance Calculator’ function and it will give you distances to up to six hazards per hole.
It is another highly compact bit of kit and neatly clips to your bag or you can keep it in your pocket. It will automatically find your course and will also automatically advance to the next hole so is pretty low maintenance while you are playing. Bushnell also offers a number of color options, including the striking grey camo.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Range of colors
- Auto location and hole feature
- Pocket size
Cons
- Basic yardage display
Keeping it nice and simple
The G12 is ideal to attach to your belt or on the side of your bag with the simple clip system on the back of the device. Like its partner in crime the S12 golf watch, it features large, easy-to-read green yardages, along with accurate measurements of hazards and doglegs.
If you’re looking to improve your golf game without swing thoughts running through your mind, then the G12 can partner with Garmin’s CT10 trackers so you can accurately track your shots. Compatible with the Garmin Golf app you can see your club data, compare, and compete with others, and even see green contour data.
Pros
- Distances to hazards
- Clips onto your belt and golf bag
- Quality, durable design
Cons
- Small screen display
Best Golf GPS Speakers
Perfect for listening to your favorite album on the links
Rrp: $149.99
Rrp: $149.99
Using the success of Amazon’s Alexa, they incorporated popular elements of that device and combined them with GPS technology to create a new take on distance measuring.
The Wingman attaches to your trolley via a powerful magnetic strip but for those who carry their bags, this creates a little bit of a problem straightaway.
There is also a little button press device that magnetically attaches to your Wingman so you have the option of activating it remotely.
You get distances to the front, back, and center of the green and you can also customize your device for other bits of information you want to prioritize.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simple design
- Big easy to use buttons
Cons
- Nowhere to attach to your golf bag
The audio experience you music lovers crave
Rrp: $199.99
Rrp: $199.99
In a golfing world where game-changing tech is at a minimum, the Player + certainly brings something new to the table. Thanks to the super strong magnetic strip, the speaker was easy to attach to the golf cart and if you were carrying or pushing your bag the MagHub can in super handy to attach it to your bag.
The speaker is super versatile, while listening to that new album you've been waiting for, it can charge your phone if when you're low on charge. Thanks to the 10+ hours of battery life if found the day at the course to be a breeze with it having plenty of charge left to go again.
With GPS distances to the green and hazards, whilst also keeping track of your score, the players+ really does have it all. With over 40,000 golf courses synced and unbelievable sound and clarity, this GPS speaker is certainly one to add to the golfing artillery.
Pros
- Superb audio quality
- Accurate, easy to use GPS
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Only attaches to your bag with the MagHub
Lightweight GPS speaker that will clip pretty much anywhere
Not only this, but the VC4 also takes into consideration the elevation changes from you to the green giving you a correct distance to where you need to land the ball. For a device, this small to contain 40,000 courses and speak four different languages makes this an impressive bit of kit.
This neat little bit of kit fits great on your cap or on your bag, for me, it was perfect on my belt. Attaching it to your cap or your belt is useful as the active green info will give you yardage to the pin precisely from your position.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clips onto most clothing and golf bags
- Comes with a range of languages and over 40,000 courses
Cons
- No screen makes it hard to navigate
Best Golf GPS Trolleys
It was never going to be long before the electric trolley makers integrated GPS technology and it makes perfect sense to have that information as part of your trolley. However, at nearly £1,000, they are not going to appeal to everyone, and some people prefer to carry their golf bag.
Making life on the course a whole lot easier
As far as looks go I think the RX1 wins in every category, straight out of the box the sleek style of the trolley presented was eye-catching. The stylish wheels really brought the whole trolley together. Thanks to the concave design of the wheels the trolley became much more compact although sadly not lighter! At over 14KG with the battery in, the trolley was certainly on the heavy side.
The remote worked well and had good range, it took a while to get used to, and when stopping and starting unfortunately the trolley became rather tedious. Once I got used to the remote and how the trolley moved, I was impressed with all the features. My advice would be to stick with it during the initial phase.
The GPS on the other hand was splendid from the word go. Its crystal-clear display and accurate yardages to the green and hazards on each hole made playing a whole lot easier.
Pros
- Modern design
- Sturdy
- Super accurate GPS
Cons
- Front-wheel doesn't fold making it a pain to get in the car
- Remote feels dated
Responsive and compact
The rechargeable remote handset was easy to use from the get-go. I love how responsive it is, whether it was 30 meters away or right by your side the trolley reacted the same to each command.
The high resolution 3.5” LCD screen display was easy to use with everything laid out simply in front of your eyes. Bold distances to the front back and middle sit beside a cool dynamic green view where you can simply drag and drop the pin depending on the flag location.
Pros
- Folds up nice and small
- The remote sits in a convenient place behind the handle
- Responsive to pretty much every command
- Simple to use GPS
Cons
- Remote feels dated
Best Golf GPS Apps
The most cost-effective option is the GPS app and for many golfers, particularly the more casual player, they will do the job. Certainly, a margin of error of 3-4 yards is preferable to the naked eye. The leading GPS app developers have also cleverly incorporated many helpful add-ons to retain customers. Reliability is the big downside and there is always that nagging doubt that the yardage you have been supplied is not quite right.
Understand your game from the official game trackers of the PGA Tour
Best Tour approved shot-tracking device
Rrp: $199.99
Rrp: $199.99
The Gen3+ system includes 14 ultra-light sensors (one for every club in your bag), that screw into the top of your clubs and track the GPS position of your ball across every shot throughout your round.
The innovative system then utilizes this information to analyze the strokes gained metrics so you can easily identify the aspects of your game that need improvement.
Setting up the system and pairing your sensors is a relatively straightforward process, and once you’ve arrived at the club, all you need to do is select the course you are about to play on your smartphone or watch.
Simply open the App once back in the clubhouse to have access to a vast range of stats to help you make better golfing decisions.
Pros
- Tour-level access to your game statistics
- New improved sensors with the Gen3+ system
- Easy installation and set-up
Cons
- Your phone must be in close proximity
| Sensors | 14 |
| Compatible | iOS and Android |
| Courses | +40,000 |
The perfect companion for your Motocaddy
It is easy to sign up and there are no hidden subscription charges. You get access to more than 40,000 courses in 200 countries and the usual crop of distance-measuring features.
With the Motocaddy app, there is also a handy round timer to ensure you can keep tabs on the pace of play and you also get a 2D and 3D course map. The 3D version unlocks the opportunity to view aerial hole flyovers.
There is also an Automated External Defibrillator locater and instructions on how to carry out potentially life-saving CPR.
Pros
- Connects quickly
- 40,000+ courses
- 3D map with aerial flyovers
Cons
- Hard to navigate
- Doesn't work every time
Easy-to-navigate, high-quality GPS app
The free-to-download app will offer plenty-enough info for the majority of golfers. The graphics on the 43,000 available courses are very clean and easy to navigate around.
You can also use it to store the details of all your rounds and there is a nice ‘live scoreboard’ feature which means you can play a number of friends and get constant updates on how everyone is getting on.
Pros
- Works great on phone and smartwatch
- Easy to use
- High-quality display
- Clear yardages
Cons
- You can waste lots of time playing around with the scoring and all the stats after each hole
VPAR
Compete against others in live leaderboards and challenges
The app has tapped into its sizeable number of users by setting up the live leaderboard option and even has its own challenges so you can compare your efforts against VPAR members from other countries.
There is also a handy performance stats section which will give you all the key data – driving accuracy, GIR, average putts, scrambles, and score averages.
Pros
- Live scoring is super fun
- Great to play with others
- Clear display and yardages
Cons
- Not super compatible with the Apple watch
Best Golf GPS: Buying Guide
How do we test GPS Devices?
Here at Today’s Golfer, our team of carefully selected reviewers tests and assesses each product over an extended period of time. Having tested tens of thousands of products over the years, we know exactly what to look for. We will ask every possible question about each product that we review. With a range of everyday golfers testing products you can rest assured that if it’s a situation that can arise for you on the golf course, we’ve already put the product through that scenario before recommending it.
With GPS devices, they will usually be tested thoroughly by the team with an aim to score the product on its accuracy, waterproofing, durability, and ease of use, just to name a few. With there being so many GPS units on offer the products will often be tested side by side to give a proper comparison between one another.
We are lucky enough to attend product launches and meet the manufacturers to understand why they release a new product and its benefit to the consumer. The TG team pride ourselves on the fact that we understand and test all of our products to give you our honest and in-depth opinion on whether it is worth buying or not. The reviews and recommendations are there with you the readers as our highest priority, so we can recommend products that will help you improve your game.
See a full guide to how we test golf equipment.
How to choose a golf GPS
Your routine
The best golf watches only require you to take a quick glance at them to get all the information you need. This makes them much easier to use and causes less distraction during your game. You may be a golfer who doesn’t mind taking a minute to get the GPS out of a case; in this case it’s worth weighing up between the two.
Your course
Considering where you regularly play your golf will help you make the right decision. Whether it’s a club you are a member of or one from the local area. It’s worth asking yourself, are there blind tee shots, lots of doglegs, or plenty of hazards? If these play a factor then a GPS that offers plenty of information may be a better choice than a laser.
Type
As you can see above, there are a multitude of options in the GPS market and they all have their ups and downs depending on the golfers wants and needs.
GPS Watch – For the stress-free golfer after a GPS device with simplicity at heart. Golf watches can now provide a vast amount of data that will help improve your game, showing you hazards and distances to doglegs. They have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and are now more than just a gadget with yardages on. With one glance you can see your yardage and thanks to the lightweight, slim-lined design they rarely impede or distract your swing in any way.
Handhelds – Whatever your opinion on the golf watch, for some golfers they just don’t get on with them. So why not go to the next best thing? Most handhelds offer you everything and more of a golf watch. The G12 and Phantom 2 are small handhelds with a small screen size that display the yardages simply or you can go to the other end of the spectrum with the SX550 which is much like the latest smartphone with a high-quality screen that displays exact yardages from your location on a map of the hole with features such as green view.
Rangefinders – The most precise measuring device on the market. Exact yardages to the pin all at the press of a button. The Z82 and SL3 both feature GPS and distance features, where they show hole displays and green views to further enhance your game, giving you more than enough information.
Speakers – Perfect for music lovers who love to hit the links, GPS golf speakers offer everything of a handheld GPS, partnered with a high-quality speaker perfect for the golf course. The Players + and Wingman both deliver a crystal clear audio experience, whilst displaying accurate yardages to the front back, and middle of the green.
Trolley/Cart – They were never going to be far behind, having GPS integrated into golf trolleys/carts was only a matter of time. It makes perfect sense to have the GPS technology included with what’s already on trolleys, it does come at a significant price and this will definitely be something to consider. For golfers in the market for a GPS and a trolley, why not have them both together?
Apps – The most cost-effective option is the GPS app and for many golfers, particularly the more casual player, they will do the job. These will certainly not be the most accurate option but for your regular golfer that will likely have little to no effect on your game
Features
All these different devices come with a range of different features. You can see below the ones we consider to be ones to think about when in the market for a GPS.
Course Collection – There is a variation between what each GPS device offers in terms of preloaded courses. Most golf courses will be accounted for with many GPS devices having over 30,000 golf courses installed.
Accuracy – One of the key qualities to look out for with any GPS, arguably the most important. Most will be accurate to within one or two yards, but some will be more accurate than others
Screen quality – The more expensive models often have a better display, with some watches featuring an AMOLED quality screen. Each type of GPS will have its own level of quality dependent on the price and level of the product.
Stat tracking – A great feature for helping golfers understand more about their game and where they’re dropping and gaining strokes.
Waterproofing – For us here in the UK this is a no-brainer, but even elsewhere in the globe its very important as you never know when you may get caught out.
Battery life – When looking at a GPS’s battery life, you’ll need to consider your golf life and what best suits the amount you play. If you play once a week, most watches will be fine, whereas if you play three to four times a week, you may want something that will last without charging it every night.
Golf GPS: FAQs
Are GPS devices worth it?
Most definitely. Thanks to modern GPS devices you no longer have to guess the yardage from a post in the ground a number on the sprinkler or a yardage book that doesn’t quite look right. Now you can take one simple glance at a screen and get the exact distance to any green, dogleg, and hazard. With the initial cost of buying one aside once you add a GPS to your golf game, you won’t look back
What is the best free golf app?
With the GPS capabilities of smartwatches nowadays, most will be compatible with golf GPS apps on both Android and IOS. So whether you have an Apple, Samsung, HUAWEI, or any other of your favorite brands, they will all have compatibility with Hole 19, Golfshot, or 18Birdies which are some of the best free golf apps.
READ NEXT
– Best golf apps
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– Best golf GPS and distance measuring devices
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About the author
Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer
Will Shreeve-Peacock is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf. Will was part of the sales and fitting team, making him the perfect man to review golf equipment.
Trained by a range of manufacturers, including Titleist and TaylorMade, to enhance his product knowledge, Will has all of the skills required to recommend the perfect equipment for amateur golfers.
Will started playing golf more than a decade ago at Thorney Lakes Golf Club, Cambridgeshire and is now a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire. His handicap index is 5.8, largely thanks to his scratch-standard short game.
Away from golf, Will enjoys going to the gym, cooking, spending time with his friends, and watching his beloved Manchester United.
Will uses a Cobra LTDx Driver, Cobra LTDx 3-Wood, TaylorMade P790 2-iron, Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (4-PW), Wilson Staff Model Wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade White smoke IN-12 Blade putter and the TaylorMade TP5x Golf ball.
When he’s not testing golf shoes, he chooses to wear FootJoy Hyperflex or Under Armour Charged Phantom. He uses a Shotscope Pro L2 rangefinder, and his favorite training aid is the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer and mat.
You can contact Will via email or follow him on Twitter here.
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Best Golf GPS Measuring Devices of 2023
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Best GPS Devices
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AOFAR-GX6F
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Arccos
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Bushnell Ion Edge
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Bushnell ProXE
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Bushnell Tour Shift
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Bushnell Tour Slim
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Canmore TW410G
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Garmin G80
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Garmin S42
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Garmin S62
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Garmin Z80
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GolfBuddy AimL10V
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PowaKaddy CT8GPS
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Blue Tees Players+ GPS Golf Speaker
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Bushnell Wingman VIEW GPS Golf Speaker
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Garmin Approach G12 GPS
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Garmin Approach G12 on golf bag.
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Garmin G80 GPS
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GolfBuddy Aim W12 GPS Watch
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Hole 19 Golf App
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Motocaddy GPS App
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Motocaddy M7 GPS Trolley on course
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Motocaddy M7 GPS Trolley
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Motocaddy M7 GPS Trolley Screen
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PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Trolley with just bag
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PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Trolley Screen
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PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Trolley on course
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PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Trolley Fully Folded
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PowaKaddy RX1 GPS Trolley Wheel
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SkyCaddie SX550 GPS
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SkyCaddie SX550 GPS on course
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Voice Caddie SL3 Rangefinder
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Voice Caddie VC4
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Voice Caddie VC4 on cap
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VPAR Golf App
