A Guide to Choosing the Best GPS Golf Watch

Technology is taking over all aspects of life, and it’s no different on the golf field. Gone are the days of looking for a fairway yardage marker to determine your distance to the “centre of the green.” Golf rangefinders now calculate the accurate distance to the flagstick in a second.

Golf watches continue the trend of wearable golf technology by making course management as easy as flipping the wrist. How far does it take to cross a creek? How far is it back to the green? Is there enough club in my bag? What was previously unfathomable and unplayable is now the standard for the average gamer. We’ve compiled a simple guide and a list of the top golf watches to make your choice as simple as reading your yardage before your next shot.

Are Golf GPS Watches Worth It?

Golf watches are well worth it. There is something for every golfer on the market, whether they want something cheap or expensive. Because of technological advancements, these devices may now give a vast quantity of data that can help you better your game.

Watches may display dangers and distances to doglegs and follow trends in your game to show you what clubs you used the previous time you played the hole and propose a shot. They’ve advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years and are now more than simply a yardage gadget.

How Do I Choose a Golf Watch?

There are several factors to consider when browsing the range of high-quality golf GPS watches online, and the ones that best fit your game should be your main priority. Every golfer will be a little different since they may have a particular style or budget in mind. Consider the following aspects before finally deciding on the right option for you.

Features

If you’ve decided you want a GPS watch, consider what features are vital to you. A cheap option will bring you the typical front, middle, and rear GPS yardages, but some fantastic watches out there give much more.

Alternatively, some timepieces may provide far more data regarding yardage, course details, danger information, etc. There are also variants with larger screens, which may be a handy feature. Some can also assist you in recording your score and tracking your strokes, and many offer fitness capabilities for when you’re not on the course.

Versatility

Speaking about off-the-course, several companies provide models you can use both on and off-the-course due to the variety of functions and overall style. If this is essential, look for models that meet your requirements.

Your Routine

When purchasing a golf GPS watch, consider what you do on the course regularly. Are you a rapid player who requires a brief glimpse at statistics on a screen or a deliberate player who wants as much information as possible before committing to a shot? Some models fit into many routines and styles, so be mindful of how you approach the game. Finally, looking at a watch is far faster than pulling a gadget out of its casing or moving points on the screen, so consider if greater detail or less interruption is critical to you.

The Course

Next, evaluate the sort of golf course you play regularly. We’ve discovered that courses with a lot of doglegs and blind tee shots require the detailed GPS information of a watch, whilst those that are more out in front of you may be better suited to the simplicity of a laser. Furthermore, if you play at other clubs in competitions or socially, you may prefer the added information that a GPS provides over a laser. Also, remember how many courses various watches come packed with.

Battery Power

Laser rangefinders use strong batteries that you can readily replace every six months to a year; however, GPS gadgets require regular charging through USB, so consider if you have the discipline to keep them charged up and ready for your next round.

Budget

Finally, we should discuss the budget. There are low-cost solutions if you desire a simple model. If you wish to pay more, Garmin and TAG Heuer, for example, offer ultra-premium versions.

Best Options on the Market

Garmin Approach S62

The Garmin Approach S62 model is unavoidable during the exploration and evaluation of golf watches. It boasts remarkable precision and stands firmly among the finest GPS golf watches.

The 1.3-inch colour touch screen is both resistant to scratches and visually impressive. Its club-selection feature is extraordinary, incorporating your club averages and even compensating for wind speed and direction, functioning as a personal caddy. While it won’t carry your golf bag, you can find assistance in our selection of top golf push carts.

Pros

• 1.3-inch color touch screen with scratch-resistant properties
• Club recommendation function utilising average club distances (factoring in wind conditions)
• PinPointer feature assists in pinpointing the direction of blind shots

Cons

• High price point
• Potential to divert focus from golf course engagement
• The PinPointer capability helps identify the pin’s location when obscured due to an off-target shot or a pronounced dogleg on the fairway. Ensure its usage remains within reason, maintaining focus on the game at hand.

Garmin Approach S42

Garmin stands as the industry front-runner, a fact reaffirmed by this list. Considering its capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and dependability, the Garmin Approach S42 is one of the finest all-around golf watches.

Boasting an extended battery life over its forerunner, a sizable colour touch screen, and a range of groundbreaking attributes, the Garmin Approach S42 caters to golfers of all skill levels. Its Green View technology enables players to position the flagstick for that round effortlessly. The AutoShot game-tracking feature delivers insights into strokes gained per category and offers access to tournament leaderboards via the Garmin Golf app.

Pros

• Extended battery life compared to its predecessor
• Generous color touchscreen
• Accurate green shapes and allows flagstick repositioning

Cons

• Limited features beyond golf

Voice Caddie T9: Redefining Smart Golf Tech

The Voice Caddie T9 Golf GPS Watch sets a new standard for golf GPS watches, offering a range of features that cater to golfers of all levels. With preloaded courses, a responsive touchscreen, and slope compensation, this sleek and modern watch is packed with technology. Weighing in at just 48g, it’s lightweight and versatile for on-course and off-course wear.

Pros

• Bright and responsive touchscreen
• Incorporates slope gradients for accurate distances
• Stylish and lightweight design

Cons

• Some inaccuracies in green undulations
• You need to input data manually for automatic shot tracking

While automatic shot tracking requires manual input, the overall performance is impressive. The MyVoiceCaddie app provides an intuitive summary of your game. The watch’s screen remains clear and readable even in strong sunlight, delivering course maps effectively.