In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Golf GPS Devices!
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If you’re new to the game or getting back after some time, the first step is to recall the right equipment you need in your game. An inch right or left might ruin your fun. You will miss the chance at a yard more, so you need to know the importance of golf equipment to avoid all these situations. And from all of them, having a personal GPS in the cart is a must.
GPS device helps mainly measure the yards, but there are plenty of other features that help you with the course. The simpler device comes with limited features, whereas an advanced one will let you know everything from two to three hazards, distance, wind speed, and more.
Luckily you’re on the right page. If you are about to start golf as a passion or hobby, we’re here for you. As investing in a game of golf is not an easy game, you need to be determined about it.
So, let’s begin and look out for the Best Golf GPS devices that help you find the perfect shot of your game without wasting time. We’ve listed out top-rated GPS brands based on customer reviews. Plus, we also help you choose the right GPS with our buying guide located below the post.
Top 10 Best Golf GPS Devices And Watches
| Product Name | Type & Battery Life | |
|---|---|---|
| Izzo Swami 6000 | Handheld & 16 hrs | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Approach G10 | Handheld & 15 hrs | View on Amazon |
| GolfBuddy Voice 2 | Handheld & 14 hrs | View on Amazon |
| Bushnell Phantom 368821 | Handheld & 10 hrs | View on Amazon |
| SkyCaddie SX500 | Handheld & 14 hrs | View on Amazon |
| SkyCaddie SX400 | Watch & 12 hrs | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Approach S60 | Watch & 10 hrs | View on Amazon |
| SkyCaddie LX5 | Watch & 10 hrs | View on Amazon |
| Golf Buddy Aim W10 | Watch & 10 hrs | View on Amazon |
| Izzo Swami | Watch & 10 hrs | View on Amazon |
Which Are The 10 Best Golf GPS Handheld Devices And Watches In 2023?
1. Izzo Swami 6000 Golf GPS
| Izzo Swami 6000 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Dimensions | 3.75L x 2W x 1H inches |
| Display Size | 2 inches |
| Battery Life | 16 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Map Type | Satellite |
| Preloaded Course | Over 38,000 maps |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
The ultimate golf cart unit, the Izzo Swami 6000. The brands have a reputation and name in designing simple and easy-to-use devices. So though, this model is also simple and a great value for money. This handheld GPS comes equipped with a large, vibrant 2-inches color display and buttons that let you read and operate it easily.
The Swami 6000 has 4 different forms that let you know the distance to the front, center, and back of the golf courses. Plus, the layup/carry ranges to hazards. It comes preloaded with over 38,000 worldwide course maps.
However, its rechargeable lithium-ion battery holds this GPS for 16 hours. It is a water-resistant device that keeps you on course even in the rain. With this unit, forget about the copy and pen. It will easily and quickly keep a record of your score, GIR, and PPR, too.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy charge and long battery life.
- Strong internal magnets support.
- Display distance to front/center/back of the green.
- Auto course recognition.
- Preloaded worldwide course maps.
- Vibrant and colorful display.
- Firm and comfortable to hold.
- Water-resistance property.
Reasons To Avoid
- No voice feature.
- The buttons are a little hard to press.
What’s the bottom line?
The Swami 6000 is a user-friendly device best for pro and beginner golfer who want to see the course’s accurate data. Overall you will get an excellent value for money as it comes with a 38,000 worldwide course map installed.
2. Garmin Approach G10 Golf GPS
| Garmin Approach G10 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Dimensions | 0.7 L x 1.5 W x 2 H inches |
| Display Size | 1.3 inches (128 x 128 pixels) |
| Battery Life | 15 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Map Type | North America |
| Preloaded Course | 40,000 |
| Warranty | Limited Manufacturer Warranty |
If you want to play great and want to put the right shot in the right place, then Approach G10 by Garmin is one for you. Its clip-on design lets you fit it anywhere, like on your belt, bag, and in your pocket.
However, this sleek and compact unit comes with a high-resolution, day light readable screen. The 1.3-inches display has 128 x 128 pixels that can show accurate yardages to the front, middle, back of the green, hazard, yardages, and more.
Moreover, it comes with 40,000 preloaded courses around the world. It also has a built-in digital scoreboard that makes it easy to record the score for each round you played. Amazingly, you can save your records and use the USB cable to upload the data to your computer.
The Approach G10 is a versatile device with a water resistance feature and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery. You can now easily enjoy the game for upto 15 hours in full GPS mode.
Reasons To Buy
- Free course installation.
- Simple yet durable.
- Amazing clip-on design for easy storage.
- Long-running battery.
- Support USB feature.
- Built-in summary scorecard.
- Clear and sunlight-readable screen.
- Value the price.
Reasons To Avoid
- No color screen.
- No smart notification.
- No touch screen.
What’s the bottom line?
This Garmin Approach G10 is a waterproof and sunlight-readable GPS device that lets you play even around any weather condition. The display is clear enough to give you accurate distances and a summary of your game.
3. GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS
| GolfBuddy Voice 2 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Dimensions | 1.78 L x 0.5 W x 1.76 H inches |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches (MONO LCD) |
| Battery Life | 14 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Map Type | Worldwide |
| Preloaded Course | 40,000 |
| Warranty | – |
You might get an idea by its name that GolfBuddy’s model Voice 2 is a GPS & rangefinder with a built-in voice. The device comes with 11 languages with male and female voice choice that navigates you by voice up to 385 yards at the press of a button. Also, the 1.2″ screen shows real-time distance regarding the front, center, and back of the green. Overall it can read both yards and meters.
The Golf Buddy comes equipped with an automatic Golf club, course, and hole recall. The device has 40,000 preloaded worldwide maps navigation and a 14-hour battery. You can easily clip this device to your hat, bag, wrist, belt, and even pocket, thanks to its clip-on design. Moreover, the devices have GPS and QZSS connectivity traits.
Reasons To Buy
- Multilanguage preloaded.
- Detachable unit.
- Waterproof design.
- Automatic course and hole recognition.
- Stay up to 14 hours.
- Navigate distance of front/center/back of the green.
- Voice control device.
- Support GPS and QZSS connectivity.
- Provides short distance measurements.
Reasons To Avoid
- The screen is very congested.
- Accessories are not included in the package.
What’s the bottom line?
If you want more ease while using a GPS, try this out. The Golfbuddy is a voice-supported GPS with 11 languages, both in a male and female voice.
4. Bushnell Phantom 368821 GPS
| Bushnell Phantom 368821 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Dimensions | 2.28 W x 2.32 H x 0.78 T inches |
| Display Size | 1.3 inches |
| Battery Life | 10 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Map Type | North America |
| Preloaded Course | 36,000 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Phantom Golf GPS is an easy-to-use and handy device mounted with Bite Magnetic that allows you to easily attach the device right to your cart or any metal surface. It has an easy-to-read display for the front, back, and center distance. However, the Phantom comes installed with 36,000 courses in 30 countries.
Moreover, the device is Bluetooth compatible. It comes equipped with a shot distance computer to measure the swing and find the hazard during the game. Phantom is a long-lasting device powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hrs power. However, the brand offers you a Bushnell Golf App that provides you with a colorful view and distance layout.
Reasons To Buy
- Pocket-Sized.
- Easily mounted.
- Compact and Easy To Use.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Easy to read the screen.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- Long lasting battery.
- Display distance of 4 hazards per hole.
Reasons To Avoid
- No color display.
- Doesn’t support a USB port.
What’s the bottom line?
With this GPS, experience the distance in a simple way. The device comes integrated with Bite magnet-based technology and clip-in design that allows secure mounting while playing the game. The screen is clear to navigate the distance from any hazard occurring in the course.
5. SkyCaddie SX500 Handheld Golf GPS
| SkyCaddie SX500 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Dimensions | 0.5 L x 3 W x 6 H inches |
| Display Size | 5 inches |
| Battery Life | 14 hrs |
| Interface | Touchscreen |
| Map Type | Satellite |
| Preloaded Course | 35,000 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
This SkyCaddie comes powered by an ultra-fast and multi-core processor. Its large 5 inches colored touchscreen integrated with satellite map technology lets you easily navigate the course and enhance the performance. Moreover, the touchscreen features an auto-course selector, auto-hole advance, auto-zoom to make it touch-free.
The SX500 is a rugged constructed water resistance device that can be used in any weather condition. It comes with a Hi-capacity rechargeable Li-Polymer battery that powered it for 12-14 hours non-stop. It is an advanced GPS device that can work smoothly with a WiFi connection too. With this, you can access the preloaded 35,000 verified courses to play your game. Moreover, the unit provides golfers a tremendous amount of information of the course by shot tracking details. It is a great tool that gathers all the information about the field.
Amazingly, you can now keep track of your score, putts, and fairways hit with its scoring and statistic tracking technology and use the USB cable to transfer the data to your computer.
Reasons To Buy
- Brilliant and HD touchscreen.
- Durable and robust grip.
- Long-lasting battery backup.
- WiFi compatible.
- Preloaded with 35,000 maps.
- Fast user-interface.
- Best all-around GPS device.
Reasons To Avoid
- Doesn’t fit properly in the pocket.
- It’s a bit difficult for beginners to use.
What’s the bottom line?
The SX500 comes with all the essential features a golfer needs in the course. The details, features, and robust design make it one of the best handheld GPS ever.
6. SkyCaddie SX400, Handheld Golf GPS
| SkyCaddie SX400, Handheld Golf GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch |
| Dimensions | 0.4 L x 3.1 W x 5.6 H inches |
| Display Size | 0.9 inches |
| Battery Life | 12 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Water-Resistant | Yes (Not Waterproof) |
| Preloaded Course | 36,000+ |
| Warranty | – |
Here is another navigational device from Bushnell, but in watch style. The sleek and comfortable design of this wrist band comes equipped with 36,000+ courses. With this, it also features Auto Course identification and Hole Advance for hassle-free use.
However, the bold and sturdy look of the gear makes it look stylish. Its 0.9 inches display features all the essential information a golfer needs, like distances to the front, back, and middle of the green, along with up to 4 hazard/layup yards per hole.
The Bushnell makes this gear capable of calculating short-game distance and round odometer purposes. You can even pair this watch via Bluetooth for incredible comfort. With great battery backup, it lasts over 3 rounds in between the game.
Reasons To Buy
- Comfortable and easy to use.
- Easily calculate short-game distance.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- Amazing battery efficiency.
Reasons To Avoid
- Water-resistance but not waterproof.
- Not sunlight-readable.
What’s the bottom line?
With this wristwatch GPS, you will be able to identify all the hazards and distance of the yard with ease. It comes with great battery performance and display.
7. Garmin Approach S60 Premium GPS Watch
| Garmin Approach S60 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches (LCD) |
| Battery Life | 10 hrs |
| Interface | Touchscreen |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1024 MB |
| Preloaded Course | 40,000 |
| Warranty | – |
If you want to enjoy every single detail on the course, try this Approach S60 golf watch. It is a touchscreen watch with 1.2 inches display. The screen is designed to read all the valuable features you need on the course, even in sunlight. The sturdy and stylish design makes it look amazing on the wrist.
With 10 hours of battery backup, the S60 keeps you moving. It is more than a golf watch. It comes with 40,000 preloaded courses. You can complete the leaderboard with your friend by connecting the watch with the Garmin Golf app. However, the device is compatible with a smartphone, which lets you notify calls, texts, and other alerts. Other than this, it has an activity trait that includes a move bar, vibration alerts, calories, and steps.
Reasons To Buy
- Accurate distances reading.
- Easily detachable straps.
- Modern style golf route finder.
- Daylight readable screen.
- Full-color course map.
- Dual-purpose watch.
- Notify you about calls, texts, and more.
- Comes with activity tracking.
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Stay 10 days as watch mode.
What’s the bottom line?
With this smartwatch, GPS stays active on the course and keeps an update about the yards. The gear also keeps you fit with its activity tracker. The straps of the Garmin S60 are easy to remove, which makes the device easy to use in any way.
8. SkyCaddie LX5 GPS Golf Watch
| SkyCaddie LX5 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch |
| Dimensions | 2.03 x 2.28 x 0.63 inches |
| Display Size | 1.39 Inches (LCD) |
| Battery Life | 10 hrs |
| Interface | Touchscreen |
| Map Type | Worldwide |
| Preloaded Course | 35,000 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Technology is getting advanced day by day, so GPS devices are also getting superior. Here is the SkyCaddie LX5 Golf watch. It is the simplest and easy to use direction finder with a 1.39inches LCD screen. Its modern feel and stylish look make it versatile gear for golfers. The lightweight and comfortable design makes it perfect for on and off the course.
However, the brilliant touchscreen allows you to get information that you can easily read in direct sunlight. It includes 35,000 ground verified course maps. Also, it delivers all the information you need on the golf course. The screen displays full HD HoleVue, Zoom in, and fairway images in colorful graphics. Moreover, with intelligent technology, you will get the exact shape of the green that automatically switches from your angle.
Reasons To Buy
- Stunning graphics.
- 35,000+ worldwide maps.
- Colorful touchscreen.
- Intelligent technology.
- Easy to use.
- Stylish and handsome looking.
- Comes with a heart rate monitor.
- Brilliant AMOLED display.
- Dynamic HoleVue and RangeVue.
- WiFi-compatible.
- Great value for money.
Reasons To Avoid
- The screen turns off quickly.
What’s the bottom line?
The SkyCaddie LX5 is a brilliant and impressive touch Golf watch with a full HD graphic to show stunning and green images. You can easily read the scoring, stats, and any other information on it.
9. Golf Buddy Aim W10 GPS Watch
| Golf Buddy Aim W10 GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch |
| Dimensions | 15.5 L x 10 W x 2 H inches |
| Display Size | 1.3 inches (LCD 240 X 240px) |
| Battery Life | 10 hrs |
| Interface | Touchscreen |
| Map Type | Worldwide |
| Preloaded Course | 40,000 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
This Aim W10 is a full touchscreen Golf GPS watch with 240 X 240px resolution. The display provides clear reading and distance estimates to the front, middle, and back of the green. It also lets you know the target and risks. The watch is smart enough to automatically identify the hole you are playing or has manual pin placing.
Moreover, it can stay 10 hours in Golf mode. This golf GPS comes pre-loaded with 40,000 courses with free updates. One of the great traits about this gear is that you can control it by Bluetooth by downloading the GolfBuddy smart app on your phone.
Other than this, the zoom-in and out function enables you to get a better green view around the area. The AimW10 provides all the essential information you need for your next shot.
Reasons To Buy
- Water-resistant.
- Stays up for 10 hours.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- Digital scoreboard.
- Gives an in-depth hole view.
- Full-color touchscreen display.
What’s the bottom line?
This smartwatch by Golfbuddy is one of the advanced and budget-friendly gears in the market. It features a color display with easy-to-use features that lets you know the course’s vital information.
10. Izzo Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch
| Izzo Swami GPS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch |
| Dimensions | 10.25 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches |
| Display Size | 1.3 inches |
| Battery Life | 10 hrs |
| Interface | Buttons |
| Map Type | Worldwide |
| Preloaded Course | 38,000 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Here comes another product from Izzo, the smart Golf watch. The watch is not only stylish but delivers excellent results and performance. It provides accurate distance details like the front, middle, and back of the green and layup and carries distances to hazards and doglegs. With this budget-friendly watch, you can enhance your game and get the right shot every time. The watch is easy to use and very easy to read that you can read in direct sunlight.
However, the watch is capable of recognizing auto-course and auto-hole advance. You will also get 38,000 maps preloaded on the watch. The technology engineered in the watch improves the game and provides you all the vital data. From showing golf mode to hazard mode, shot distance, and digital scoreboard, the watch stays on for 10 hours.
Reasons To Buy
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Provide accurate yardage data.
- Cover all the shot measurements.
- Great value for money.
- Fast and easy chargeable battery.
- Preloaded course maps.
Reasons To Avoid
- No removable straps.
- No touchscreen display.
- Not colored graphics.
What’s the bottom line?
The Swami Golf watch is a low-profile and pocket-friendly navigational device. No matter how many holes you play in one day, this watch can stay up to 10 hours.
How To Choose The Top Golf GPS Devices And Watches?
When you buy your new Golf GPS watch or device, it is vital to keep in mind some special features while looking for the product.
All these aspects mentioned here are essential either you are a pro or beginner. So pay attention to the following features to know your game deeply.
Let’s begins and know essential features of the Best GPS device for game –
Accuracy
One of the best benefits of GPS golf equipment is that the yard shown should be relatively accurate to help you choose the right club for your shot and avoid imminent risks. Whether it is a watch or a GPS device, knowing that route finder will provide accurate readings for your next shot is necessary to find a suitable GPS unit.
So after the purchase, it is not wrong to continue testing and see if your unit is giving you the exact readout within the stated margin of error. If the course has undergone recent renovations, GPS device may contain outdated information, causing incorrect yardage to be displayed on each hole.
Ease Of Use
When it comes to this type of equipment, the best option may be a specific device that is easy to use. Amateur golfers or professionals commonly use GPS device, and they will never say that they have problems with any device in golf. You certainly do not want to intuitively and shuffle through many different screens to get the information you need.
Display Quality
GPS devices and wristwatches are essential devices for golf players who use a screen to convey yardage and other relevant information.
Performance is necessary to pass this information, so performance quality is an important feature. But not all devices express those details equally. The wristwatch may be too low to give the golfer a full color of yardage in the front and back of the green.
Wrist devices are different from handheld devices. Handheld devices are known for better display quality as the unit is larger with more screen room, and larger gadgets may use better technology.
Durability
Golf Watches and handheld GPS devices should always be durable. If you want to go with the wristwatch, make sure it is fixed right on your wrist to feel comfortable playing. However, wristwatches GPS is much easier to use but lacks screen clarity, as GDS devices come with a large screen ratio. Watches are more compact and lighter, making them easier to carry and increasing the chances of avoiding damage on the course.
Handheld devices are more apt to be damaged around. This is not necessarily the case for all golfers who own a handheld gadget. Proper storage and finding a safe place for the device while driving or walking are essential to keep the unit safe.
App Integration
One of the latest features is also how the GPS device integrates with your smartphone. Whether it’s on a website or a sophisticated app, finding a GPS that takes accurate readings on the course will open your post-round world to dive into statistics that can give you insight into what improve your game. For a GPS device to achieve elite status, it must have a solid base that can be used in the app or through a trusted website.
Courses Included
Every GPS device unit comes with thousands of preloaded courses. Most companies differ in the sheer number of clubs shown on the device, but you mainly play if you have a few courses.
If the device is constantly updated, new courses popping up in your area will soon hit your GPS watch or handheld unit. It would not be difficult to find a preloaded device with at least 25,000 courses in the GPS market. Most over 35,000 are preloaded for immediate use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is GPS Device Needed On A Golf Course?
Advanced GPS device can gives golfers a large amount of clear information in a small unit. GPS devices not only allow golfers to see the layout of upcoming holes but also help you choose the strategy of those clubs for each shot. With clear displays and colorful backgrounds, GPS devices provide golfers with a full range of insights into each shot. These devices not only show the golfer’s yardage and detailed maps but also can accumulate figures on the goal as the golfer plays all 18 holes.
2. Which Of The Watch And Handheld Is Better?
It is a little challenging to tell better between golf wristwatch devices and handheld units because everyone’s choice varies. For those who want to move around with the device in hand, then the watch is the perfect option that gives accurate indication while resting your wrist. The downside to a wristwatch is that the display is small, so the information provided will be focused on flag distance and other limiting measurements.
If you are a golfer seeking complete experience, then there should be a tendency towards choosing the device at hand for you. While some handheld units only number yardage numbers, other devices provide a complete layout of the upcoming hole, helping the golfer to devise a strategy that will dictate correct club usage.
3. How Does A Watch Golf GPS Work?
A best golf GPS watch uses satellites and shows a map of your location and the distance between you, the hole, and the course with the ball.
