Choose the Best Golf GPS Watch
Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Golf GPS Watches
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A quality golf GPS watch is sure to help you improve your golf game. These wearable devices provide helpful hit statistics and navigation tips. We’ve scoured the internet in hopes of finding five of the best golf watches, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the results.
Garmin Approach S20 – Editor’s Pick
The Garmin Approach is a sleek, comfortable wristwatch that will enrich your experience on the green. First off, this GPS watch features a proprietary program called AutoShot.AutoShot automatically measures, analyzes, and records shot distances. The watch can also be paired with Garmin’s TruSwing sensor to harvest swing metrics. The watch is loaded with more than 41,000 worldwide golf courses. Not to mention, it automatically updates courses and maps.
Not only is the S20 an excellent golf watch, but it also serves as a regular wristwatch, fitness tracker, and smart device. You can receive calls, texts, and other alerts on your watch. Depending on the mode you are using, you may be able to garner anywhere from 15 hours to 8 days of battery life.
The S20 prepares you for informal practice, intense competition, and more. You can use the watch to help you refine your shots from any location on the green. If you are an analytical player, you’ll find the watch’s data harvests to be indisposable to your success.
Pros
- AutoShot feature measures, records, and analyzes rounds
- High-resolution monochrome display screen
- Form-fitting hinged wristband
- Activity tracking and reminders
- Tracks fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round
- Bluetooth and Ant+ connectivity
- Black silicone bezel and band
Cons
- Does not always accurately measure shots
Garmin Approach S60 – Top Touchscreen
The S60 is another handsome Garmin golf GPS watch. This one features a 1.2-inch circular touchscreen with a polymer bezel and silicone band. The S60 offers an array of outdoor recreation profiles.What’s more, this golf watch can be used to detect green yardages, course hazards, and other course statistics in real-time. With a 10-hour (golf mode) to 10-day (watch mode) battery life, the S60 is what we call a workhorse.
This watch comes with over 41,000 preloaded worldwide courses. It also an array of full-color maps. The high-resolution touchscreen provides easy access to metrics. You simply touch the precise location of your target to generate an instant measurement between you and that spot. It is worth noting that the maps are easy to read in direct sunlight.
Pros
- Provides a full-color view of each course
- Circular black watch
- Quickly and accurately provides yardage to greens, hazards, and doglegs, etc.
- 10 hours to 10 days of battery life
- Over 40,000 preloaded courses
- Easy tool-free band changes and precise fittings
- Records ball distances for post-game analytics
Cons
- Does not include charging prongs
- Pricey
Bushnell Neo Ion 2 – Best Budget Pick
This incredible sports GPS will measure the distance from your ball to the hole. It features an integrated USB charging system as well as a cable for syncing. The watch also serves as an effectifive step counter and clock.Of course, it also has plenty of enriching golf features.
For one, the watch is preloaded with over 36,000 worldwide golf courses. It provides accurate front, center, and back distances. Not to mention, it offers up to four hazard distances per hole. The automatic course recognition and hole advancement tools will give you a major advantage on the green. Of course, the data sets are also a precious resource for any golfer looking to improve their game statistics.
Pros
- Sleek reversible band
- Wireless course updates with the help of Bluetooth connectivity
- Over 36,000 preloaded courses
- Provides front, center, and back distances (plus four hazard distances per hole)
- Reckognizes frequently played courses and holes
- Step counter
Cons
- Monochrome screen
- Does not resemble a modern smartwatch
GolfBuddy GB9 WTX+ – Best All-Around Fitness Watch
The GolfBuddy GB9 provides golfers with a GPS smartwatch experience. This watch comes with nearly 40,000 preloaded courses. All that information is packed into a sleek black band and face. The watch can be charged with a regular USB cord.It retains nearly half of its battery even after a game of 18 holes.
We love that this watch doubles as a source for fitness metrics. Not to mention, it syncs with a smartphone to provide instant phone and email updates. Considering the luxury elements, the price is quite reasonable. Not to mention, customers seem overwhelmingly satisfied with the product.
Pros
- Easy free updates and rapid smart notifications
- Over 38,000 preloaded courses
- Long battery life and easy to charge
- USFA and R&A compliant
- Responsive full-color touchscreen
- Syncs with smartphone to provide text, call, and news updates
- Easy to read in sunlight
Cons
- Not the sleekest appearance
- Must push button to refresh screen
CANMORE TW-353 – Minimalist Option
If flashy watches are not your thing, check out this minimalist GPS watch by Canmore. It offers all the golf stat essentials, including green distances, hazard distances, shot distances, and scorecards.It is also incredibly durable. It even boasts a waterproof exterior and a lengthy manufacturer’s warranty.
The watch comes with over 38,00 preloaded worldwide courses. It has a super low price tag. While the monochromatic screen may seem like a relic from the past. However, it never fails to provide quick and accurate data. If you want a golf trainer that you can wear, the Canmore may be the best option for you.
Pros
- Over 38,000 preloaded courses
- GPS switches holes automatically
- Can download data using a USB cord
- Green distances, hazard distances, shot distances, and scorecard
- High-contrast monochromatic screen
- 1-year warranty
- Waterproof
Cons
- No smartphone syncing features
Buyer’s Guide
What should you look to gain from your new golf watch? These incredible wearable devices provide the same insight as a personal trainer. Read along to discover their key features!
Comfort and Style
Don’t overlook a watch’s role as a style piece. Make sure that your watch has a bendable or hinged band. Silicone and plastic are popular materials, as they hold up well in the outdoors. Most golf watches have round or square faces. Choose a watch shape that meets your personal preferences. Make sure that the screen is large enough for you to read without having to strain your eyes.
Courses
Most golf GPS watches are preloaded with thousands of worldwide courses. We recommend opting for a watch with 30,000 to 40,000 golf courses. Be wary of manufacturers that charge extra to unlock course data. Make sure that you can easily update data at any time.
Shot Metrics
Most golf watches provide accurate distance metrics. At the least, you should be able to track the distance of your shot and hazard distance. More in-depth watches may also offer scorecards and downloadable analytics.
Battery
Your watch should provide you with a few rounds worth of battery life. We found that most watches offered 8 to 12 hours of battery life in golf mode. Whereas, they offered several days of battery life in watch mode. Ensure that your watch battery is easy to charge. Most smartwatches can be plugged into a USB cord.
Screen
Your watch should offer high-definition or high-contrast graphics. The screen should be easy to read in direct sunlight. Some players prefer to use buttons, while others enjoy the ease of touchscreens. Find a watch that you are comfortable navigating.
Smart Features
Many golf watches now offer smart features. Most products can be synced to a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth technology. This technology enables golfers to receive texts, calls, emails, and other updates directly from their watch. Many golfers prefer to keep their smartphones stowed in the valuables section of their golf bags. A lightweight wristwatch is far less cumbersome than a chunky phone. Not to mention, most wristwatches fair better in adverse weather.
Video Tutorial: How To Use The Golfbuddy WTX
Final Thoughts
A quality golf GPS watch can serve as a stand-in for a personal trainer. These little accessories help you keep track of your putting stats without forcing you to lug around heavy equipment. The options on our list offer plenty of preloaded courses, ample statistics, and lots of battery life. As always, our goal is to make your shopping experience a little more enjoyable. Now, get out and enjoy the green!
If you’re eager to get on the green, we recommend you stick to our editor’s pick, the Garmin Approach S20. This incredible watch comes with thousands of preloaded worldwide courses. It offers in-depth golfing stats that can be downloaded and parsed out by Garmin’s complimentary golfing app. The Garmin is also ruggedly handsome. As such, we’d consider wearing it on and off the course.
I personally really like the Garmin Approach S20. It looks like an Apple Watch, but doesn’t have all the same features and still will function wonderfully. Can’t wait to get myself one of these watches!