Golf watches are ever improving and increasing in popularity. Even the less tech savvy golfers seem to be looking for a watch which will assist them when they hit the course.
Purchasing a golf watch can be one of the smartest investments a golfer can make, and the best golf gps watch practically pay for themselves with their functionality and support when playing.
Every watch comes with its distinct features. It is vital to weigh up the options and know what you want from a watch in order to make the soundest decision. Once you are aware of the pros and cons you should be able to make the best choice for your game.
The best golf watches
Garmin Approach S62 GPS watch
The Approach S62 is fairly expensive but you do get a lot for your money. With 20 hours of battery in golf mode you can play multiple rounds before charging. The 1.3” display shows you everything you need to see on the course including the PinPointer compass and hazards. The watch can also be used for running, cycling and swimming.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Golf Edition
Upon purchase of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Golf edition you get a free lifetime subscription to the Smart Caddie app – powered by GOLFBUDDY. Pre-loaded with 40,000 courses worldwide, distances to green, hole-by-hole maps, shot tracking, green undulation and more this watch has everything a golfer will need. The AMOLED screen is extremely visible and the sports style strap is very sleek and comfortable.
SkyCaddie LX5C GPS watch
This watch is extremely clear with a 1.39” touchscreen display – largest and brightest available. The LX5C is pre-loaded with 35,000 courses which many are mapped out by foot. You can zoom in and pan very easily with this watch. The distances are continuously updating as you venture down the fairway giving you highly accurate numbers to anything you will want to reach or carry. The IntelliGreen tech offers exact shapes of greens.
Bushnell ION Elite GPS watch
The ION Elite is a very affordable watch with a color touchscreen. It is pre-loaded with over 38,000 courses and is the first watch to feature Bushnell’s patented Slope Technology which is very useful and most often only found in rangefinders. HoleView allows you to see the hole and gives you a precise distance from any location. The green mapping delivers distance based on your angle to the pin.
Shot Scope X5 GPS watch
The X5 by Shot Scope has superseded their very impressive V3. Where this watch has improved is undoubtedly in the aesthetics department. With AI-powered performance this watch can track over 100 statistics to help improve your game. With a glare-resistant full-color 1.2” touchscreen it is a very clear display showing real time distances for over 36,000 courses. With the X5 you get 16 2nd Gen RFID tracking tags which go into the butt of the grip and provides analysis for every aspect of your golf game.
Garmin Approach S12 GPS watch
The S12 is Garmin’s more affordable and easy-to-use watch. The 1.3” high-resolution display makes reading distances to greens, hazards and layups straightforward. The watch has a remarkable 30 hour golfing battery life and is pre-loaded with a magnificent 42,000 golf courses.
TecTecTec Ult-G GPS watch
The Ult-G delivers precise front, middle and back numbers for the green as well as distances to hazards. This is not a touchscreen watch but the buttons are incredibly easy to navigate. For less than £100 this is a very accessible watch which provides the basics extremely well.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Series 8 can be used for golf but you will need to use a third-party app like Golfshot or 18Biridies. In order to get the most from these apps a payment or full subscription is often required. You will also need to use your phone at some point in order to use the functions. Some of the apps will give you the distance from your phone which if it is not on you may be the wrong number. An Apple watch will suffice but there are better options available.
How to choose a golf watch
When purchasing a golf watch it is important to stick to budget. Your budget can be worked out by what you want from your watch.
All watches are styled differently so every golfer has a choice of a watch which suits their style. Wearing an item on your wrist needs to be comfortable, especially when playing 18 holes.
All GPS watches are smart investments but there are clearly differentials you can consider in order to get the best for your game. It is always best do your own research before investing in a golf watch.