Best Golf GPS Watches

Our in-depth guide to the best golf GPS watches on the market right now to give you a much clearer idea as to which model that is right for your game.

Best Golf GPS Watches

Innovation in golf GPS technology has moved on massively in the last few years. Getting the right yardages, playing unfamiliar courses, tracking your score and performance – all of these things may sound like something best left to a computer, but can actually be dealt with easily using a modern day golf GPS watch.

Brands have also improved accuracy, style, comfort and convenience making the options appealing for a wide spectrum of abilities. We’ve also seen a big focus on versatility, with many golf GPS watches from the leading brands like Garmin, Bushnell, GolfBuddy and SkyCaddie offering useful off-course fitness features.

One of the key benefits to a golf GPS watch is simplicity, so you can simply glance at your wrist to get a yardage rather than have to fiddle about with a clunky GPS device or laser rangefinder.

But it is important to also mention that some watches offer a whole lot more in terms of features to assist you on the course, including smartphone notifications, full colour hole maps, and even measuring the local wind speed and direction in real time.

With so much choice on the market, it can be very difficult to decide which of the best golf GPS watches is for you within your budget. That is where this guide comes in as we have tried to help narrow down your search.

We do also recommend checking out our guides on the best golf laser rangefinders, best golf launch monitors, and the best smart phone for golfers too should you be looking to expand your arsenal of golf gadgets.

In this video, we test our favourite golf GPS watches out on the course

Best Golf GPS Watches – Find The Best Golf GPS Watch For You

Best For Features

Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch

A golf-specific watch with exceptional clarity and accuracy

+ Large colour screen brings out the finest details
+ Hole maps are ground verified on foot
– Lacks off-course versatility

Featuring the largest colour touchscreen on a golf GPS watch (3.5cm), the LX5 provides clear aerial views of the hole ahead with a moveable pointer telling you the distance to your chosen spot.

Arc lines help improve strategy while you can zoom in on the green and move the pin position for a more precise distance. Over 35,000 courses, which have been ground-verified on foot, come preloaded, instantly making it one of the best golf GPS watches around.

This watch is lightweight (65g) and comfortable to wear too and while it might look a bit clunky off the course, serious golfers will love the functionality on offer as well as the ease of use.

• Read our full Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch Review

Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch and Tracker

Provides both GPS distances and seamless performance analysis

+ Combines GPS distances with performance tracking
+ Compact, streamlined design is very comfortable
– A small number of shots can go undetected

The V3 is 60 per cent smaller than the old V2 and also has a new daylight-readable colour screen to show front, middle and back distances as well as hazard information.

In GPS + Performance Tracking mode, the V3 will automatically detect shot locations using tags placed in the tops of your grips.

The PinCollect feature means golfers can input the pin position with the touch of a button to provide enhanced approach and short game statistics, displayed within the free Shot Scope app.

This streamlined, everyday design makes it instantly appealing and the tacky rubber strap is comfortable to wear and stays in position when walking and swinging a club so once it’s on, you really don’t notice you’re wearing it.

If you’re into your stats and want to see where you need to improve, this is the watch for you.

• Read our full Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch Review

Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch

Built for the golfer that loves features and cutting-edge tech

+ Modern, cutting-edge styling
+ Wide ranging features suitable for off-course use
– Hole map graphics look dated

The S62 leads the way in the latest Garmin range of GPS watches and it is not hard to see why many, us included, put it right up there as one of the best golf GPS watches you can buy.

It’s easy to get the watch set up and the touch screen works well alongside the side buttons to navigate through the various options. With a larger screen compared to the S60, it is easy to navigate around and see hole details more clearly on the colour maps.

In terms of other features, it comes with a built-in virtual caddie function where it can detect where the wind is coming from, gives information on shots from the past in regards to clubbing and therefore suggests to you the strategy on the course.

Once paired with your phone, the watch can also take into account the wind conditions in real time when suggesting a club, which is next-level.

Another huge benefit is the versatility because it works just as well off the golf course as on it. There are also loads of fitness tracking options if you wanted to use it as a more rounded sports watch too. It can also receive email and text notifications.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch Review

Samsung Galaxy Active2 Golf Edition

Provides unique functionality and user experience

+ Thin and neat strap design
+ Choice of two types of hole map graphics
– Fiddly to access certain features

Samsung has joined forces with GolfBuddy to create this GPS watch, which features a rotating touch digital bezel to make it even more convenient to navigate while maximising the screen size. It comes pre-loaded with the Smart Caddie app pre-installed and with a lifetime premium subscription worth £76.

You can see if you’re within range of the green with Dual Arc and read how to drain putts with the Green Undulation feature. The partnering app provides real-time information to help users elevate their performance on the course.

Much of the navigation and functionality on this watch is unique to the market, which makes it an appealing prospect to the gadget lover. It also doubles as a versatile fitness watch and you can get incoming emails too.

• Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Golf Edition 44mm Review

TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition

The next best thing to having a caddie by your side

+ Offers seamless shot measurement with no need for tags in clubs
+ Bright, detailed display and partnering app
– Very expensive given the level of features

A no-brainer inclusion in this list of the best golf GPS watches, this premium, luxury watch features an ultra-lightweight 45-mm black titanium case and a matte black ceramic bezel with 18 engraved and lacquered graduations that serve as a reference for the performance at each hole.

The crown is now flanked by two functional pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, to be used alongside the TAG Heuer Golf app to record shots and shot distances with optimal precision in action.

Another thing worth mentioning is the graphics. The hole maps are really clear and, now that you can twist the main dial to scroll, it’s really straightforward to pick out certain points you want to hit to.

One of the most interesting features on this is the ‘driving zone’ feature. Once you’ve connected the watch to the app, this feature will plot all your drives on a certain hole and colour code the positions based on your scores.

Oh and it has to be one of the best looking golf watches out there too.

• Read our full TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition Review

Best for Simplicity

Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch

Easy to use for golfers that want a faff-free experience

+ Very easy to use right from the get-go
+ Big-Numbers mode a great feature
– Limited off course functionality

While not as stylish as the more feature-packed S42, the S12 comes in at a slightly lower price point that represents excellent value. With more than 40,000 preloaded courses, finding your desired venue is extremely quick and easy.

From there, we found the usability of this watch to be brilliant. Off the tee it provides loads of information on things like distances to bunkers, water hazards and ideal lay-up yardages, while you can also move the flag around to get a more exact number.

Another performance aspect we really liked was the measure-shot feature that does as you’d expect – it tracks how far you’ve struck a given shot. It’s also really easy to input scores and a few stats at the end of each hole, giving golfers an idea of what they’ve done well and perhaps not so well after the round.

Finally, Big-Numbers mode, coupled with the sunlight-readable dial, is great for those whose eyesight maybe isn’t what it once was. All in all, this is a tremendous yet affordable product from Garmin.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S12 Review

Bushnell Excel GPS Watch

Soon to be replaced so grab a bargain

+ Simple but accurate distances
+ Provides access to Bushnell app for hole flyovers
– Lacks features some golfers desire

For little over £200 you’ll find a watch that pairs via Bluetooth to the Bushnell Golf App to allow you to book tee times, view 3D course flyovers and receive notifications.

The Excel also has improved battery life – lasting three plus rounds before needing a charge. Additional features include a colour display with auto brightness adjustment, pedometer, odometer and the ability to get up to four hazard distances per hole.

We enjoyed the simplicity of the GPS watch – nothing was too complicated or fussy and it became a reliable companion once we got used to it. It has been around for a while and is likely to be phased out by new options from Bushnell, including the new iON Edge, so you might be able to pick an Excel up for a cut-price deal if you move fast.

• Read our full Bushnell Excel GPS Review

GolfBuddy Aim W11 GPS Golf Watch

For golfers seeking functionality on a tight budget

+ Packed with shot-saving features
+ Looks at home off the course
– Touchscreen can lag slightly

The Aim W11 has been improved in a number of ways from the popular W10 model.

The first noticeable difference versus the W10 is the new ceramic bezel that adorns the outside of the aim W11. This is an excellent aesthetic improvement and creates an altogether more premium look that is much less distracting on the eye than the previous bezel.

The accuracy of the Aim W11 is excellent. Preloaded with 40,000 courses, the Aim W11 will pinpoint your position and give super-accurate yardages.

In terms of innovation, features include a full-colour touch screen display, plus green undulation and slope-adjusted distance readings (where available) to give the golfer better, real-life views and more control around the course. There are also excellent new zoom in/out functions around the green.

Additionally if you are a fan of GolfBuddy gear, check out our guide on the best Golfbuddy rangerfinders too.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W11 GPS Watch Review

Best For Versatility

Garmin MARQ Golfer GPS Watch

For the stylish golfer that wants something elegant to wear off the course

+ Excellent graphics and display
+ Styling ideal for off-course wear
– A touch bulky on your wrist

One of the best Garmin golf watches in the current range, this MARQ is built with premium materials, including a 46-millimeter titanium case and ceramic bezel with custom etched 1-18 golf hole markings. It provides front, middle and back distance on over 41,000 preloaded golf courses and allows for seamless game-tracking.

Golf-specific features include the PlaysLike Distance that takes into account changes in elevation, a Hazard View that allows golfers to quickly scroll through each hazard on the upcoming shot with critical distance information and a Virtual Caddie to analyse factors like wind speed and even club selection.

Garmin Approach S60 GPS Watch

The all-rounder that offers the best of everything

+ Sleek, modern design
+ Impressive hole graphics and wide variety of information
– Many features may go unused

This feature-packed and stylish offering provides detailed full colour maps for over 40,000 courses on its large sunlight-readable colour touchscreen face.

You can use its drag-and-drop functionality to measure lay-up distances and to move pin positions for added accuracy. It can also be used to monitor runs, swims and bike rides for great additional value.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S60 GPS Review

Garmin Approach S42

An appealing blend of simplicity and features 

+ Stylish watch that can be worn on and off the course
+ A host of features like strokes gained stats and fitness tracking
– Takes a few rounds to get the hang of all its uses

There is so much to like about this watch. First of all, it’s a great size and feels very well made from the moment you put it on your wrist. We also really liked the analogue display that makes it suitable for wearing in social settings, too.

Moving onto the course and this is where the touchscreen comes into its own. One click of the button on the side sparks the S42 into ‘golf mode’ and from there, it’s easy to scroll through the host of features. As always, front, middle and back yardages are available but if you know the pin locations, you can click on the display to move the flag and get an exact yardage.

Other great golf-related features include things like the AutoShot round analyser that tracks and records shot distances, as well as yardages to bunkers, hazards and ideal lay-up zones. But it doesn’t stop there. Once off the course, golfers who have paired their watch to the Garmin app will be able to look through their strokes gained stats, which will highlight areas of their game that could be improved.

One final thing well worth a mention is the fitness aspect. Included in the S42’s repertoire is the ability to show you steps taken, distance covered, calories burned and how well you’ve slept. If you’re willing to invest a little bit of time and money, this is a superb product.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review

GolfBuddy WTX+ Golf GPS Watch

Lightweight, comfortable design with simple but effective colour hole maps

+ Clear hole graphics
+ Touch screen assists with strategy decisions
– Time consuming set up process

If you want lots of functionality for under $250, this is a great option. It has a full colour touchscreen that allows you to view complete hole layouts as in the image above. You also get dynamic green view for accurate distances from your approach, as well as moveable pin positions for laser-like accuracy.

The watch has a stylish new strap and a new metallic finish for the bezel which improves the aesthetic and makes it a very wearable everyday watch when not in golf mode. The new look combines with the extra skins that can be selected for the watch face and with an extended battery life, the WTX+ is perfect for everyday use.

This watch strikes a nice balance of offering enough of information while remaining relatively simple to use and also being versatile for off-course use given the modern styling.

• Read our full GolfBuddy WTX GPS Review

How to choose the right golf GPS watch?

When it comes to GPS technology there are several factors to consider, so before you pull the trigger and buy, be sure to have a think about some of the things below.

GPS device v laser v watch

First, think about whether you would get the most out of a GPS watch.

If simplicity and convenience are important to you then a watch will deliver this, whereas some players may prefer the pinpoint flag accuracy of laser rangefinders. In the case of larger handheld GPS units, the chief benefit is the larger screen which gives a lot more detail and the touch screen functionality will be familiar to most users of modern phones.

When looking to answer which kind of GPS option is right for you, have a think about the below factors:

• Your routine: A glance at a watch is much quicker than taking a device out of its case or dragging pointers on the screen, so weigh up if extra detail or less disruption is most important to you.
• Your course: If your course has lots of doglegs, blind tee shots, or you play at other clubs in matches or socially, then you might want the extra information a GPS offers over a laser.
• Added extras: The larger GPS units often include scorecard and stat tracking capabilities, while some devices measure shots or steps taken, so bear all this in mind.
• Battery power: Laser rangefinders run on powerful batteries that are easily replaced every six months to a year, while GPS devices normally need charging regularly via a USB, so consider if you have the discipline to keep it topped up ready for your next round.

Features

If you have decided you want a GPS watch, now you need to think about what features are important to you.

If you’re looking for your standard front, middle and back GPS yardages then a budget watch will do the trick, however there are some incredible watches out there that offer much more.

Alternatively, there are watches which can go into much greater detail when providing yardages, course detail, hazard information and so on. Obviously there are models with larger screens too which can be a particularly useful feature.

Some also can help you record your score, track your shots, and many also have fitness features for off the golf course as well.

Versatility

Speaking of off the golf course, many brands make models that can be used on and off the golf course because of the range of features, and overall styling. If that is important to you, then several models above will cater to this need.

Budget

Finally we should mention budget. If you want a simple model then there are budget-friendly options. However if you want to spend more you can with Garmin and TAG Heuer in particular offering ultra-premium models.

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