Garmin Approach X40 (Black/Gray)
Garmin Approach S60 (White)
GolfBuddy WTX Smart Golf GPS Watch
Professional golfers have every part of their game analyzed. That’s how they make tiny improvements to their game and get ahead of their competition. For years, this would take teams of experts, expensive equipment, and a lot of time. But now, you can analyze your own game like the professionals. All you need is a golf GPS watch.
Wearable tech is huge now and it’s found its way into the golf world. You can see how far you hit a ball, analyze your swing, get told what club to use, and much more. On top of that, the watches have thousands of golf courses uploaded onto them, so you can see detailed course maps from any golf destination you choose, distances between shots, and even flyover the course in 3D!
Golf is changing, and you need one of the latest golf GPS watches if you want to keep up. So dive in and check out our selection of the Best Golf GPS Watches on the market today.
The Best Golf GPS Watches
1
Garmin Approach X40 Golf GPS Watch (Black/Gray)
You probably know Garmin as a GPS manufacturer. In the 90s and 2000s,it was best known for in-car Satnav equipment, so it makes sense that the company has now branched out into the world of golf GPS watches. The Garmin ApproachX40 is the perfect all-in-one golf GPS watch and activity tracker. It’s got over 40,000 courses built into its memory, as well as an advanced heart-rate monitor, step counter, and calorie counter.
Garmin has developed two different bits of tech for its golf watches called Greenview and Autoshot: Greenview technology allows you to see accurate distances to the course from your position on the green, and Autoshot gives you accurate information about your shot. This gives you the data you need to improve your game.
40,000+ worldwide courses
Heart-rate, step, & calorie data
Greenview &Autoshot technology
Receive smart notifications
- BrandPlayBetter
- Weight11.2 ounces
2
Garmin Approach S60 Golf GPS Watch (White)
If you’ve got a bit more money to spend, then you have to consider the Garmin Approach S60. Okay, so it might be twice as expensive as a lot of the products on this list, but it is one of the best golf GPS watches money can buy. The first thing to mention is the way it looks – it has a stylish white band with a mesmerizing 1.2” display (big for a watch) which still manages to look great in the sunlight.
Then you get to the golf tech. Like the Garmin Approach X40, it has Greenview and Autoshot to gives you distances and shot information. Then, on top of that, it has PinPointer, an advanced compass to help line up shots; Swing Analysis, which provides data to improve your swing; and Touch Targeting, which lets you measure the distance to specific points on the green. Basically, it has everything you need to take your golf game to the next level.
40,000+ worldwide courses
Greenview,Autoshot, PinPointer, Swing Analysis, & Touch Targeting
Access to Garmin Golf app
Activity tracker
- BrandPlayBetter
- Weight1.76 ounces
3
TomTom Golfer 2 Golf GPS Watch
TomTom is another company name synonymous with in-car Satnav. No surprise then, that they also have a pretty solid golf watch to offer. The TomTom Golfer 2 has a smart shot detection system that automatically records your shots so you analyze your potential. It’s also got a hazard view system, to keep you out of bunkers and water, and an automatic scorecard, so you don’t have to mess around with pencils and paper. Like the Garmin watches it has over 40,000 international courses, and lets you sync your data with your smartphone, so you can truly understand your game.
Another well-designed watch, the TomTom Golfer 2 will look great with any golf outfit. It’s built for comfort and has pretty impressive features for the price. This would also make a great golf gift for your loved ones.
40,000+ worldwide courses
Shot detection system + automatic scorecard
Sync with MySports app
Activity tracker
- BrandTomtom
- Model1REG.002.00
- Weight2.08 ounces
4
Bushnell Neo Ion 2
The Bushnell Neo Ion 2 is a bit more old-school. The design reminds you of the digital watch phase of the 2000s, which makes it looks more like an actual watch than a FitBit or Apple Watch. Having said that, the design is really hardwearing and extremely practical. It has 36,000 international courses preloaded and can provide you with accurate distance information and up to 4 hazards per hole. It’s also got an integrated step counter, so you can get home and boast about all the great exercise you’ve done.
The battery life is great (up to 12 hours) and it’s Bluetooth compatible, to keep you up-to-date with any course developments. Perfect if all you want is a Golf GPS watch, but it doesn’t have enough features to compete with the smartwatches. Be sure to also check out our list of the top golf coolers for more great golf related items like this.
36,000+ worldwide courses
Distance information + hazard detection
Bluetooth compatible
Step-counter
- BrandBushnell
- Model368850
- Weight4.8 ounces
5
GolfBuddy WTX Smart Golf GPS Watch
The GolfBuddy WTX is the best-rated entry level golf GPS watch. It’s great value at only $169.99 and has a lot of the same features as its more expensive rivals. The display is really attractive and allows you to view the green, calculate distances to the green and/or hazards, and drop your pin anywhere on the map. In addition, it has a step counter and a corresponding app where you can analyze your game.
If you read into the Amazon reviews, you will notice a mixed response. There have been concerns about reliability, but, on the whole, customers are satisfied. It has every feature you need in a golf GPS watch but isn’t going to break the bank. Our handy guide to golf balls features more great watches like this.
38,000+ worldwide courses
Distance, hazard, & pinpointing tech
Smartphone compatible
Touch-screen
- BrandGolfBuddy
- ModelGB9-WTX
- Weight8.8 ounces
6
Bushnell Golf 2017 Excel Golf GPS Watch
Another watch from Bushnell, the Golf 2017 Excel is a step up from the Bushnell Neo Ion 2. It has a much more attractive display and is a lot closer to a smartwatch. In terms of golf-tech, it has over 35,000 courses, back and center distances, up to 4 hazards per hole, a shot distance calculator, and 3D flyovers of the course. The battery life is also impressive at around 12 hours, which sets it apart from a lot of cheaper smart Golf GPS watches. In addition to all this, it has advanced activity tracking technology and is compatible with your smartphone, so it can receive your notifications. For more really accurate watches, check our pilot watches guide.
35,000+ worldwide courses
Distance, hazard, & 3D flyovers
Receive notifications from smartphone
Activity tracker
- BrandBushnell
- Model368750
- Weight2.4 ounces
7
SkyGolfLinx GT Game Tracker Edition SkyCaddie Watch Edition with Tracking
Here’s another one for the advanced golfers out there. At around $349.99, you know the SkyCaddieLinx GT is going to be a pretty serious piece of kit. Well, it delivers on that promise. It has every feature you would expect in a golf watch – distances, shot tracking, course maps, hazards, and scorecards. But when you compare these features to a cheaper option, you’ll find they’re a lot more advanced. SkyCaddiemakes sure they walk every course to ensure their maps and distances are accurate.
Probably the coolest piece of tech on this watch are the 15 smart tags that come with it. You attach these to the ends of your clubs and it gives you even more accurate information about your swing and shot in general. Then, you can upload your information into the corresponding app for analysis. If you’re crazy about golf and want accurate data, this watch is a serious contender. You can find more grear reliable watches in our list of top G-Shock watches.
Distance, hazard, course map, scorecards & 3D flyovers
15 smart tags
Activity tracker
SkyGolf 360 app
- BrandSkyGolf
- Model4330281104
- Weight2 pounds
8
Callaway GPSy Golf GPS Watch
When you hear the name “Callaway”, you think of golf. The company has been making golfing equipment since 1982 and is now sold in over 70 countries. That means that they are coming from a completely different angle. GPSy Golf GPS Watch comes loaded with useful golf tech including accurate distances, shot measurement, scorecards, and hazard warnings.
It’s cheaper than a lot of its competitors at around $129.99, but then it doesn’t have any smartwatch or activity tracking features. Perfect if you’re looking for an affordable, sleek, and golf-specific GPS watch. One of the best watches under $1000, for sure.
30,000+ worldwide courses
Distance and shot measurement, scorecards, and hazard warnings
Sleek design
Auto course recognition
- BrandCallaway
- ModelC70106
- Weight2.08 ounces
9
Garmin Approach S20 (Slate)
Another top-rated golf GPS watch from Garmin, the Garmin Approach S20 has to be one of the most strikingly designed watches on this list – the display looks like something Apple would make and the strap is full of little holes to make it breathable. Like the other Garmin products in this list, it boasts an impressive list of features. In terms of golf tech, it has Garmin’s Autoshot and Greenview features, as well as precision GPS technology, that allows you to drop pins on the map and avoid doglegs and layovers.
It’s also compatible with your smartphone and will receive your notifications, as well as all the activity tracking features of the other Garmin products. Another great all-rounder from Garmin. If you are an outdoor lover, you may like to check our compass watches review for more great watches like this.
40,000+ worldwide courses
Heart-rate, step, & calorie data
Greenview &Autoshot technology
Receive smart notifications
- BrandPlayBetter
- Weight15.5 ounces
10
Garmin Approach S6 Golf Watch (Certified Refurbished)
The Garmin Approach S6 is the smaller and cheaper version of the Garmin Approach S60 featured at number 2 in this list. It has a lot of the same features, including Autoshot and Greenview technology, and also features a beautifully designed screen. Having this advanced screen gives you a much better course overview and provides you a real sense of the course you’re playing.
It’s not as high tech as the Garmin Approach S60 but won’t leave you feeling left out in terms of tech. A great all-black watch for the serious inter0mediate golfer.
40,000+ worldwide courses
Large screen
Greenview &Autoshot technology
Receive smart notifications
- BrandGarmin
- Weight1.6 ounces
Golf GPS Watch Buying Guide & FAQ
Buying a golf GPS watch can get complicated and expensive, so you want to know everything you can before you decide. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research!
How We Chose Our Selection of Golf GPS Watches
The watches listed above have been carefully selected as the best. That doesn’t mean we’ve picked the 10 most expensive watches on the market. No, we have taken everything into consideration.
Quality–You don’t want to get onto the green, play a few rounds, and end up with a broken watch. No, you want to buy a quality product that is going to last you for years. The watches above have been tested to make sure they’re up to the job. They are made out of quality materials by companies who understand the tech.
Brand–Brand isn’t everything, but it’s important. Some of the watches are made by GPS specialists and some by golf specialists. That’s great, but you want to know that your golf GPS watch can do both. The brands in our top 10 are trusted brands that have stood the test of time. They understand golf and they know how to provide cutting-edge GPS technology.
Reviews–The customer is always right! It doesn’t matter how good a product sounds on paper, it needs to be tested in the hands of a customer. Fortunately, Amazon provides us with an amazing opportunity to get customer feedback. When we are deciding our top 10 products, we pay a great deal of attention to these golf watch reviews. Of course, we don’t believe everything we read, but if hundreds of people say a product isn’t very good, it probably isn’t very good.
Price –Value for money is important. That doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest golf GPS watch, or the most expensive. It means understanding if something is priced appropriately. Some of the watches on this list are 3X as expensive as others, but you can rest assured that they are worth the extra money, or we wouldn’t have included them.
Features to Look for in Golf GPS Watches
Golf GPS watches haven’t been around forever, so it can be difficult to know what to look for. In this section, we’ve broken down the important features and benefits to look for when choosing your watch.
Easy-to-use - The last thing you want is a watch that is impossible to work. You have invested in a product, get it to the green, and – instead of actually playing golf – you spend the whole day fiddling with your watch. A golf GPS watch should be the perfect companion on a golfing trip, not something that is going to distract you from playing. We’ve chosen watches that have intuitive interfaces and are easy to work out. Of course - as is the case with all new tech - there is a period of learning, but at least it’s not going to take you all day.
Functionality - All of the watches on this list have a different range of features. The one you pick should depend on your skill level and what you want out of the watch. Some of the watches are designed purely for golf whereas other double up as smartwatches and activity trackers. Here is our breakdown of what functionality you need:
Beginner – Look out for simple features like shot distance, course maps, and step counters. Features like this should provide you with enough information to improve your game without confusing you or distracting you from practicing.
Intermediate – Again, shot distance and course maps are essential. Also look out for swing data, hazard warnings, and scorecards. This should provide you with a competitive edge and keep you from ending up in the water!
Expert – For the most experienced golfers:swing analysis, touch targeting, and shot tracking are useful. For really advanced data, the SkyCaddieLinx GT’s smart tags are a revolutionary bit of tech.
Battery Power - If you’re the kind of golfer that likes to spend all day out on the green, you are going to need the battery power to keep up with you. Some of the more advanced, cheaper watches struggle with battery power because they are trying to power large, hi-def screens. Make sure to check the battery stats before buying your golf GPS watch. Some will last 12 hours or more, and some come with an in-car charger, so you can charge them up whilst you have a break.
Watch Design - For some people, having the right look on the green is essential. Your new golf GPS watch is going to be a big part of that look, so you’d better pick one that looks right. Some golf GPS watches are designed to look similar to Fitbit activity trackers or Apple watches, whereas some are made to look like more traditional watches. We would recommend going for a sleek design if you want to look great on the course.
Golf GPS watch FAQ
Q: Why should you use a golf GPS watch?
A: Golf GPS watches have been around for a couple of years now and we reckon they’re here to stay. In essence, they do two things: make the game easier and provide you with data about your game.
Making golf easier – Your golf GPS watch will have thousands of courses already built in. That means when you turn up to a course, you will have a full course map, information about the course, and accurate distances between the greens. This is really helpful because it means you enter the course armed with information that will give you a smoother game. They also often have a score care system, so you don’t have to mess around manually scoring the game as you go.
Data about your game – The more advanced golf GPS watches provide excellent data about your shot, swing, and overall game. This gives you a real insight into your game and how you can improve it.
To summarise: you don’t need a golf GPS watch to play golf, but it will make it easier and, ultimately, make you a better golfer.
Q: Can I use a golf GPS watch for more than just golf?
A: This depends on the watch you choose. Some models are designed specifically for playing golf, whereas some are smartwatches and activity trackers. This often depends on how much money you are willing to spend. Some of the more expensive models like the Garmin Approach X40 do everything – they provide advanced golf data, act as a fitness tracker, and can connect with your smartphone as a smartwatch.
Q: Are Golf GPS Watches waterproof?
A: Almost all Golf GPS watches are water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat. Only a couple of watches – like the Bushnell Neo Ion 2 – are completely waterproof watches. You should expect water-resistance as a standard feature on all sport watches.
Q: Are GPS Golf Watches allowed in competition?
A: Yes, in most cases golf GPS watches are allowed in competitions. For a long time, no electronics were allowed in tournament play because it could provide an unfair advantage to some players. Now though, with technology advancing and becoming more widely available, GPS range-finding devices are allowed. Although, there are some conditions. Some features aren’t allowed in play and can cause disqualification if used. Here’s a breakdown of what isn’t allowed in competition play:
- Slope reading – This helps you understand the elevation of the shot you are about to play. This makes it much easier to gauge a shot and takes some of the skill out of a long shot.
- Weather conditions – You are not allowed to check weather conditions like wind-speed, or anything else that will affect your shot.
- Contacting a coach – You can’t use your watch to contact your team during play.
- Swing analysis–No swing analysis features are permitted because it could allow you to improve your swing mid-competition.
- Club suggestions – Some watches can suggest the right club for a shot. This isn’t allowed.
