Which GPS device should I buy?

There has never been a greater choice when it comes to GPSs or laser rangefinders. Want something just to give you basic yardages? You got it. Need more detail, like the distance to hazards? No problem! Want to accurately place the flag for the day’s pin position? Done! But which distance device would suit you best? 

Laser rangefinder

Tend to suit better players that require more precise distances to the flag. They’re a similar price to handheld GPSs, but arguably slow play down more. Limitations come when you don’t have a view of the flag for your approach or when hazards are hidden off the tee.

Handheld GPS

Tend to suit serious golfers happy to find the centre of the green with their approaches. The higher price point devices will provide detailed hole maps, ideal if you play lots of different courses. Also useful on blind shots, plus you can score on most of them.

GPS watch

Watches now come with many features including dog-legs, hazards and the ability to pair the watch to your phone so you can receive text and email notifications. Ideal for a quick and easy glance at a distance to the front, middle or back before selecting your club.

GPS smartphone app

Cheaper than handheld GPS devices and offer hole views, interactive distances via a movable cursor. The rule on using a smartphone with a GPS app capability is sketchy so check with your club before putting one in play for a competition.

To find out how the TG experts rated the best GPS products on the market, read our Distance Devices Test 2014, where we reviewed 20 GPS watches, laser and handheld rangefinders.