Amateur golfers and those just getting into the hobby will need all the tools that can help us play easier. Unlike professionals, we don’t have an experienced caddy and coaches to guide us. As we work on our consistency, a golf GPS is one of the investments we can make. These devices act like a personal caddy and yardage book, providing relevant information as we play.
The challenge is the numerous golf GPS products available in the market. We’ve gathered some of the best for you to make decisions easier. These are best for high-handicap golfers or those just starting their golf journey.
1. Garmin Approach S62 Watch
Garmin is a trusted GPS watch brand, and the Approach S62 is one of their best releases. It’s easy to use and navigate, with side buttons and touchscreen functions. It also comes with a larger screen than its predecessor, allowing you to see information about your course in detail.
Not only does it have the functionality you need, but it’s also a stylish addition to your gear. With it are different fitness tracking options, also capable of receiving emails and texts.
One of the best features of the Approach S62 is its virtual caddie feature. It can detect wind, recommend clubs, and provide information about your past shots. You can connect the watch to your phone, which opens up more features as you use it.
This watch is somewhat pricey, however. A great alternative for budget shoppers is the Garmin Approach S12!
2. SkyCaddie LX5
The SkyCaddie LX5 is one of the easiest GPS watches to read, thanks to its interface. It will display yardage and allow you to check the course before you take a shot. It’s a great way to measure distance and check for hazards.
You can even use it as a sports watch outside the court. The creators made sure to make it lightweight, comfortable during play. The SkyCaddie LX5 also has pinpoint precision, allowing you to zoom in when you need a closer look.
3. Garmin Approach G10
The G10 from Garmin is known for being compact and minimalist. It’s a small device you bring with you in your pocket or attached to your belt. While it has a smaller display compared to the sports watch, you’ll be able to gather all the information you need with a glance. You’ll see hazards and identify yardage.
The only difference with other devices is it does not have stat tracking. It’s a more affordable option for amateur golfers that want to make a minimum investment into their game. It also boasts one of the highest battery life in the market at 15 hours.
4. SkyCaddie SX550
Those who want larger handheld devices may desire the full HD display the SX550 delivers. It has built-in WiFi to keep you connected and provides more accuracy than the brand’s GPS watches. You can rotate the green to get a more accurate look at your shot from the angle you want to hit it.
One of the benefits of using Skycaddie is its precision. The company uses professional-grade satellites to gather information about the course. You’ll see exact details about hazards, fairway sizes, and green shapes while playing. It’s probably best for those who want more detail about their GPS device. The Skycaddie SX550 has won numerous awards, and it’s something to consider for high-handicap golfers.
5. Bushnell Phantom
Another minimalist option is the Bushnell Phantom which has similarities to the Garmin GPS devices. It’s a simple device that loads up over 36,000 courses without needing a rangefinder. It only has a few buttons for use and provides accurate distance to the green. Included inside is the Bushnell Golf App, allowing you to connect the device to your phone for additional details.
You have several options for colors:
- Red and Blue
- Green and Black
- Blue and Black
- Black
High-handicap golfers love this budget device that provides them with auto-course recognition. It also has magnetic technology, allowing you to mount the device in your cart as you move around.
6. TecTecTec ULT-G
The ULT-G comes with 38,000 preloaded courses, providing accurate measurements no matter where you are. It’s easy to use and can withstand the elements. Unlike other GPS watches, you don’t need to pay extra for subscriptions or updates. It functions well on its own, though it lacks some of the advanced details other top-of-the-line watches have.
It’s recommended for high-handicap golfers as it gives you the essential information at a glance. Everything comes presented through its LCD screen with a backlight. You can see everything even during sunny days, and you can also connect to it through Bluetooth. It’s a lightweight option, best for those who find other golf GPS watches intimidating.
7. SkyCaddie SX400
The SX400 is a much smaller device than the SX550, but it comes at a significantly lower price. You can see all the course details laid out for you as if it was a video game map. It’s great for players who want larger screens. Like other SkyCaddie devices, the HoleVue feature can help high-handicap players. It moves as you go through the course, updating to help you spot distance better.
You can easily swipe the screen to help you see your target area better. It also provides advice based on your target, acting like a virtual caddie. Of course, to maintain these features, you must pay the subscription fee and sync it regularly.
8. Garmin Approach S60
The Garmin Approach S60 was once the pinnacle design of GPS golf watches, but it retains much of its splendor even with newer models. It has a durable Gorilla Glass 3, protecting it from stray balls and other hazards. It comes with 41,000 preloaded courses and a comfortable adjustable strap. Garmin even goes the extra mile by providing different bands to change its look depending on your style.
The S60 has a large screen and long battery life for a GPS watch. It isn’t as accurate with yardage than rangefinders, but it will do the job for high-handicap golfers. It measures the distance of the last shot. Battery life will last for 10 hours of continuous use. You can also use the watch feature for 10 days after each full charge.
Garmin watches have the Connect app, which delivers the updates you need. You have to install it on your smartphone and connect the device there. Like the S62, the S60 can receive text and call notifications from the connected device.
9. IZZO Golf Swami 6000
The IZZO Golf Swami 6000 is a larger device you can attach to your belt or golf cart. It’s one of the most durable models available and can run for 16 hours straight. It even has water resistance and a full-color display. It has a higher price than budget options but is worth the investment if you play a lot.
The device comes with 38,000 courses with no costly subscription fees. It tracks shot distance and can also track scores for group play.
10. Garmin Approach G80
The Garmin Approach G80 is more advanced than the G10, providing more options for those who want added details. It features a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and numerous tracking capabilities. The launch monitor allows you to improve by tracking statistics such as:
- Swing tempo
- Estimated carry distance
- Club head speed
- Smash factor
- And more
The G80 is on the expensive side, designed for players who want to take the game seriously. It has 41,000 preloaded courses, and virtual rounds help you track things as if you’re competing in a tournament.
An advantage of the G80 is its PlaysLike feature. The device adjusts its analysis for the slope of your shot, usually seen in rangefinders. Do note that this feature is not legal for USGA events. It also has a feature that allows you to enlarge information for those with eyesight troubles.
Which Golf GPS to Choose
You have to consider several factors before buying a golf GPS device. It depends on your preferences, intended use, budget, and desired features. For example, those who want a sports watch they can use regularly may opt for golf GPS watches. It functions as a timekeeper but also switches to a golf GPS device when you need it.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for a simple minimalist GPS or one with added detail. Remember that you have to pay a subscription for most of these devices. Some larger models provide more information and are best for those who want to improve their game. They require more investment but are worth the price you pay.
