The Best Golf GPS and Distance Measuring Devices for Pin-Seekers in 2025

By , Golf Equipment Writer. Sometimes good, always sensational.
We look at the best golf GPS devices on the market

The best golf GPS devices, from watches and rangefinders to handheld DMDs, trolleys, and apps, that you need to own in 2025.

Finding the Best Golf GPS devices for your game isn’t easy, especially as you can’t go out and test them in the same way you can with the best drivers or best irons in the game. Luckily, we’re able to do the hard work for you and make choosing the right product for you even easier!

You’ll find recommendations for GPS Watches, Laser Rangefinders, Handheld devices, as well as Golf Apps and GPS-enabled Trolleys, although we do have expanded pages available for the Best GPS Watches and Best Laser Rangefinders that provide more options in those categories, if you want to explore the broadest range of options, while this page features our choice picks.

JUMP TO: 

GPS Watches: At a glance
GPS Watches
– GPS Rangefinders
GPS Handheld Devices
GPS Trolleys
GPS Apps
How we test Golf GPS devices
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.

Types of distance-measuring devices

There are several different types of distance-measuring devices:

– Rangefinders: Laser-based distance-measuring devices that come in a case that can be hung off your golf bag
– GPS Watches: Wearable GPS models, which come in different sizes and styles. Most are independent devices that are dedicated to golf, although you can also get smartwatches and multisport models
– Handheld GPS Devices: Despite the name, these don’t need to be held in the hand the entire time. This category includes larger devices that you can mount onto bags, trolleys, or carts, but equally can be pocket-sized. You can even buy Speakers that announce your distances to you!
– GPS Trolleys: These are electric carts that have GPS modes built into their handles for convenience. If you don’t already own either a trolley or a GPS model, the pairing could be perfect for you

Whichever option suits you best, there are plenty of excellent choices within both categories across a wide price range!

Best Golf GPS Devices: At a glance

Best GPS Watch: Garmin Approach S70 GPS Watch | VIEW OFFER

Best GPS Rangefinder: Voice Caddie SL3 Laser | VIEW OFFER

Best GPS App: Arccos GPS App | VIEW OFFER

Best GPS Handheld: Skycaddie Pro 5X GPS | VIEW OFFER

Best GPS Speaker: Bushnell Wingman VIEW GPS Speaker | VIEW OFFER

Best GPS Trolley: Motocaddy M7 GPS Remote Electric Golf Trolley | VIEW OFFER

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 that they fit snugly on your wrist make 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

Best overall golf watch
Alternative Retailers
PGA TOUR Superstore
$699.99
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$549.98
Walmart
$599.99
Kohl's
$649.99
The Garmin S70 is the perfect watch to help improve your game on and away from the course. The watch has a plethora of features to keep you busy pre- and post-round to better your game, including HIIT, yoga, running, swimming, and more, as well as keeping you on top of your health with heart, sleep, and hydration tracking.

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 that the watch doesn't work on than one that 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.

Read our full Garmin Approach S70 review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • High-quality screen
  • Great hole displays
  • Works well on and off the course

Cons

  • Takes a while to learn how to navigate
Courses Available 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

The ultimate caddie for the golf course

Best premium golf watch
It was a close call this year between choosing the Garmin MARQ Gen 2 again, but the Tag Heuer option, coming in at nearly £600 less, has helped swing the decision in favour of the Connected edition.

Okay, it's still big money, we know that. But for those with a passion for watches and golf, TAG Heuer's stunning GPS smartwatch is one of the most stylish pieces on the market.

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 function to record each shot to the nearest meter.

The grade two titanium casing ensures considerable durability, and the unique ceramic golf bezel is just a great touch, in keeping with other special edition watches TAG have brought out.

Pros

  • Beautiful styling from an exceptional brand
  • Very responsive user interface
  • Available with an additional cost steel strap

Cons

  • Most GPS watches are available at a lower price
Courses Available 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
The stylish Shot Scope X5 was designed to be worn on and off the golf course. The sleek look and range of watch faces for me made it look great on the wrist. With the AI-powered performance, it can track over 100 statistics to help you improve on the golf course.

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 Available 36,000+
Battery Life Two plus rounds
Screen Size 1.2"
Weight 41g
Straps Six

Reliable technology in an easy-to-use package

Best golf watch for beginners
The Canmore GPS range is a surprisingly versatile one that offers a variety of different sizes and styles to suit your needs as a golfer. Built in Taiwan, a place known for its quality in electronics creation, the TW353 provides reliable technology at a very fair price point.

We like the TW353, one of the more basic models in the collection, for the combination of easy-to-use configuration as well as the number of color options available for you to personalize the GPS watch with, for your own pleasure.

Coupling this is a USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 11 hours of GPS use as well as 60 days of regular watch function, meaning you aren't always in need of a charge before you plan on playing.

Pros

  • An outstanding price for great technology
  • Good battery life for a rechargeable unit
  • Multiple color options for personal style

Cons

  • Smaller than other models
  • Not quite as many courses as a premium model
Courses Available 41,000
Battery Life 12 hours
Screen Size 5.5cm
Weight 46g
Straps One

Best Golf Laser 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.

Stylish and timeless design meets modern and innovative technology

Best GPS Laser Rangefinder
It's not very common for golf rangefinders to be as stylish as the Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder. The premium leather and polished metal exterior is almost as impressive as the technology packed inside!

Being a hybrid GPS laser rangefinder, as well as including all the functionality of a rangefinder, the SL3 also features a high-resolution touchscreen, dynamic and detailed green undulation data, course layout graphics, putt view with elevation/distance measurement, and GPS distance readings - much more than your standard rangefinder!

The Pin Tracer and Spot Measurement technology make finding the pin quicker and easier than ever. You can receive a yardage as soon as 0.1 seconds after pressing the button.

The slope functionality can easily be turned off when playing competitive golf and turned back on when you're not.

After purchasing a Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser Rangefinder, your one-year warranty will start immediately.

Pros

  • Exudes luxury and quality
  • Amazing functionality
  • Clear optics

Cons

  • Using the GPS does take its toll on the battery
Range 1,000 yards
Magnification 6x
Protection Water-resistant
Battery Life Up to 45 hours

A premium laser GPS hybrid providing the most accurate yardages on the market

Best rangefinder for accuracy
Alternative Retailers
Golf Galaxy
$599.99
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$599.99
Walmart
$59.99
Target
$599.99
The Garmin Approach Z82 is one of the most expensive rangefinders on our list, but it does have unique features to justify the higher price.

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 per month or £89.99 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

A laser rangefinder, GPS, and shot-tracking device in one

Best rangefinder for performance tracking
As the name would suggest, this is a lot more than just a rangefinder. The first golf rangefinder of its kind, the Shot Scope Pro LX+ is three products in one: a laser rangefinder, a GPS, and a shot-tracking device.

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

  • Provides outstanding analysis of your golf game
  • Fantastic functionality that helps you improve your golf
  • 7x magnification makes locking in on pins from way out extremely easy

Cons

  • Could be quite complicated for golfers who aren't tech-savvy
Range 900 yards (accuracy +/- 1 yard)
Magnification 7x
Protection Water-resistant
Battery life 15+ hours

Best Golf Handheld GPS 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

Best Handheld GPS

Rrp: $399.95

Price: $349.95
The boom of the GPS watch has affected the handheld device market somewhat, but what the ‘old-fashioned’ GPS device offers you is size. With HD displays like the Pro 5X getting sharper and bigger, this aspect will appeal to many golfers who struggle to see the detail on a watch.

Skycaddie has been a pioneer in this field, and the Pro 5X 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.

Skycaddie's Pro 5X has a new feature in its 3D display, Dynamic HoleVue, which automatically tracks your own position and reorientates your on-screen perspective to match, so you can see more sensible lines, as well as know whether you can have a shot towards the target in real time.

As we've briefly mentioned, though, is the ground verification that the SkyGolf team does. This means positions on Skycaddie's courses are now inch-perfect, giving you a guaranteed yardage, ensuring accuracy from anywhere on the course.

Pros

  • Wide array of features
  • Easy-to-use display
  • Uses real-life course mapping

Cons

  • Size takes a while to get used too
Courses Available 35,000 Ground Verified
Battery Life 18 Hours
Screen Size 5.5"
Weight 236 grams
Accessories Storage cases and clips

The GPS, which helps you on and off the course

Rrp: $499.99

Price: $463.32
Alternative Retailers
Golf Galaxy
$499.99
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$499.99
Walmart
$449.99
Kohl's
$499.99
Garmin has a fantastic range of top-end GPS devices, and this handheld option has a very special added extra. It includes a launch-monitor mode and, although it is not quite as accurate as a Trackman or Skytrak, its 3% margin for error makes it a very attractive proposition.

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
Courses Available 44,000
Battery Life 15 Hours
Screen Size 3.5"
Weight 119g
Accessories Various mounts and clips

A great handheld at a great value

The Phantom is another GPS device that is all about information. And for less than £160, you get a lot of it plus a very long battery life. 

What makes it different from devices at the cheaper end of the market is that 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 it is pretty low maintenance while you are playing. Bushnell also offers a number of color options, including the striking grey camo.

The Phantom 3 can also be linked to Bushnell's new performance App and link back to capture stats for improving your game.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Auto location and hole feature
  • Pocket size

Cons

  • Basic yardage display
Courses Available 38,000
Battery Life 18 Hours
Screen Size 40mm x 40mm
Weight 78 grams
Accessories No (comes with belt clip and carabiner)

The power of the sun, in the palm of your hands

There are few new technologies that really surprise us when it comes to golf, but Garmin's incorporation of solar power into the Approach G20 has really caught our eye!

Garmin say that you'll be able to maintain 180 hours of GPS mode use (that's 36 rounds of golf to you and me), and that's if you're playing in poor sunlight conditions! If you're playing in 75k Lux, which is direct sunlight, hopefully a condition that you'll experience more than once or twice in the year, this becomes completely unlimited in its power output, meaning no recharging. Ever.

While there isn't a full color screen for use here, a way to retain battery life, there are still all 43,000+ courses in Garmin's roster, as well as Big Numbers mode to make the distances easily readable. You've also got Front/Middle/Back yardages, GreenView to see the shape of every dance floor, and a built-in magnet for your golf cart.

Pros

  • Rechargable via sunlight is super convenient
  • Compact but still clear
  • Garmin Golf App connectivity

Cons

  • Lacks a color screen
Courses Available 44,000
Battery Life Unlimited (with solar recharge)
Screen Size 2.2"
Weight 100 grams
Accessories Selection of cases and covers

Keeping it nice and simple

Alternative Retailers
Golf Galaxy
$149.99
Walmart
$149.99
Kohl's
$149.99
Lowe's
$149.99
With over 44,000 courses, the G12 is perfect for golfers who don’t want to wear a watch. If you’re like me and often find a device on your wrist in golf distracting, then this may be the GPS device for you.
 
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
Courses Available 44,000
Battery Life 30 Hours
Screen Size 0.9" x 0.9"
Weight 25.1 grams
Accessories No

Best Golf GPS Speakers

Perfect for listening to your favorite album on the links

Best Golf GPS Speaker
Alternative Retailers
PGA TOUR Superstore
$199.99
Scheels
$149.99
You can tell Bushnell has given this innovative device a lot of thought, and the American company has definitely got a lot of it right. Not least the name. Inspired!

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
Courses Available 36,000
Battery Life 10 Hours
Remote Control Yes, detachable
Weight 652 grams

The audio experience you music lovers crave

For all you music lovers out there, this may be the perfect companion for the next golf trip. The Player + is a revolutionary touchscreen, magnetic speaker. This not only gives you a 360-degree audio experience but also a GPS so good it can rival that of any high-end GPS watch.
 
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
Courses Available 40,000
Battery Life 10 Hours
Remote Control No (songs can be skipped through your phone)
Weight 1kg

Lightweight GPS speaker that will clip pretty much anywhere

Alternative Retailers
PGA TOUR Superstore
$129.99
Kohl's
$129.99
For me, this is one of the coolest products to feature on this page. Weighing in at only 28.5 grams, the Voice Caddie VC4 is a lightweight voice GPS. Using your location, the VC4 will accurately tell you the distance you have to the front, back, and middle of the green.
 
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
Course Available 40,000
Battery Life 8 Hours
Remote Control No (worn on the body)
Weight 24 grams

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 over £1,000, they are not going to appeal to everyone, and some people prefer to carry their golf bag.  

Responsive and compact

Alternative Retailers
Scheels
$1899.00
Quite possibly the easiest to use is a remote-controlled trolley. Fold the trolley at the pull of a lever and rotate the wheels for a compact trolley. I found the M7 easily fit in the car next to my golf clubs with no hassle whatsoever.
 
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
Courses Available 40,000
Weight 14.9 kg
Screen Size 3.5"
Warranty 2-year

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: $249.99

Price: $199.99
Arccos are pioneers in the Smart Grip marketplace, providing golfers with powerful and accurate insight into their game, with Arccos claiming an average of five shots can be chalked off their scorecard within their first year.

The Gen4 system includes 16 ultra-light sensors (one for every club in your bag and then some extras), 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 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 before popping it into your pocket for stat tracking.

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 Gen4+ system
  • Easy installation and set-up

Cons

  • Your phone must be in close proximity
Sensors 14
Compatible iOS and Android
Courses Available 40,000

The perfect companion for your Motocaddy

Motocaddy has just massively beefed up its free-to-download app, and the results are pretty spectacular. As you might expect from a big player in the golf market, this app really does tick all the boxes.

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 locator 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
Sensors No
Compatibility iOS and Android
Courses Available 40,000
19

Hole 19

Easy-to-navigate, high-quality GPS app

Hole 19 has built a very strong reputation in this marketplace with an app that includes the option to upgrade to the Premium Pro package, which provides you with a range of data that matches any other GPS device.

The free-to-download app will offer plenty of 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

Compete against others in live leaderboards and challenges

VPAR has a loyal base of users, and it is an app that includes a number of interesting add-ons, although crucially, VPAR has got it right from a visual/usability perspective.

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

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 benefits 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.

Best Golf GPS: Buying Guide

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 golfer’s 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 are 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 it’s 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 a simple glance at a screen and get the exact distance to any green, dogleg, or 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.

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