Best Golf Watch

Just a decade or two ago, golf range finders were a relatively rare sight and handheld golf GPS devices were almost non-existent. Today though, many golfers carry a compact range finder or use some type of small golf GPS unit. Being able to know how far away you are from a hole or hazard is extremely helpful, especially when you are playing a new course.

But if your range finder or GPS is showing its age, it may be time to upgrade to an all in one solution like a gps golf watch. The best golf gps watch will have many different features like automatic scorekeeping and auto hole advancement. Accuracy is also an important feature, and every watch that will be featured in this review guide has exceptional distance accuracy.

Many different styles of gps golf watches are available today, with many featuring a full-sized face with either a touchscreen or mechanical buttons. For those who like a lower profile, some wrist band style golf GPS watches are also available.

Top-Rated Golf GPS Watches

1. Garmin Approach S20

While not as full function as the S60, the Garmin Approach S20 still shines at delivering everything a golfer needs to quickly get distances anywhere on the course.

Key Features

• Auto Shot Analyzer
• Smart Notifications
• 40,000 Preloaded Courses

Featuring an oversized rectangular screen rather than a circular screen, the Approach S20 is perfect for quickly getting the distance for the next shot. Interactions with the watch are done through a set of four small buttons on the side of the watch case. The screen and backlight are specifically made to make it easy to read the watch face even in direct sunlight.

A big feature of the S20 is an Auto Shot Analyzer that measures and stores shot distance automatically. This data is then stored and with the use of the Garmin Connect App, allows for post-round analysis. Even a digital scorecard is included for super simple scoring.

Like all of Garmin’s GPS units, the Approach S20 comes with 40,000 courses preloaded and allows for free updates over Bluetooth. A special “green view” allows players to look at the size and shape of the greens when within putting or chipping distance.

✅ Pros

• Large Screen
• Gives Overhead View Of Greens
• Garmin Connect Compatible

? Cons

• Price

As one of the best golf GPS watch, the Garmin Approach S20 has everything a golfer needs to play their best.

2. Garmin Approach S60

The pinnacle of all Garmin GPS watches, the S60 brings with it top of the line GPS performance in a fashionable watch case and band.

Key Features

• 1.2 Inch Touchscreen
• 10 Hr Golf / 10 Day Watch Battery Life
• 40,000 Preloaded Courses

Similar to the shape of today’s top smartwatches, the Garmin Approach S60 is as elegant as it is functional. A full-color 1.2-inch touchscreen makes it easy to read the watch (even in the sun!) and navigate the different apps. Tactile mechanical buttons are also included to assist in navigation for those who do not like to use touchscreens.

An impressive battery life that boasts a maximum of 10 hours in golf mode and 10 days of battery in watch mode. Charging is quick and simple with only a small USB charging cable. 40,000 courses from around the world come preinstalled.

Some apps such as messaging, email, and fitness all come preinstalled and connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Golfers that download the Garmin Connect App can also track their performance on the course.

✅ Pros

• Easy To Read
• Lots Of Extra Features
• Sleek Looks

? Cons

• Price
• Touch Screen Can Be Scratched Easily

If you golf a lot or really just want the best GPS golf watch on the market, there is only one watch for you; the Garmin Approach S60.

3. Bushnell Neo Ion 2

Bushnell’s Neo Ion was an absolute hit among golfers, and the new Bushnell Neo Ion 2 adds even more features to already an already loved product.

Key Features

• Easy To Read Front/Center/Back Distances
• 3 Round Battery Life
• 36,000 Preloaded Courses

The Neo series of GPS units from Bushnell has been very popular, resulting in Bushnell adapting the handheld version into a watch. All the same features that are found on the handheld Neo are can be found on the Neo Ion 2. A large and easily readable watch face gives accurate distances for three spots on the green and up to 4 hazards.

Battery life is relatively good, with up to three rounds of golf able to be played on just one charge. Charging of the Neo Ion 2 uses a USB cable and a proprietary connector. Users have reported that the connector can sometimes break so, caution while charging is recommended.

Bushnell does provide excellent software, with the Neo Ion 2 having over 36,000 courses preinstalled with free course updates over Bluetooth. Those who purchase the Neo Ion 2 will also have access to the Bushnell App where they can track all their golf stats and scores.

✅ Pros

• Easy To Read
• Included Fitness Tracker
• Bushnell Golf App Compatible

? Cons

• Price
• Poor Charging Connector

Simple, effective, and accurate, are all the reasons why you should upgrade to the Bushnell Neo Ion 2.

4. Callaway GPSy

The Callaway GPSy Watch comes chock full of features in a sleek and stylish package that is super simple to use.

Key Features

• Auto Hole Advance & Scorekeeper
• 10-12 Hour GPS Battery Life
• 30,000 Preloaded Courses

In a partnership with IZZO, Callaway has created a golf GPS watch that works as good as it looks. Preloaded with over 30,000 courses worldwide, the GPSy Watch can give accurate information on almost any course with free updates included. Perfect for those who travel to new courses.

Distances including the front, middle, and back of the green are given along with other distances like layups and hazards also available. Like other high-end GPS watches, the GPSy features auto hole advancement and automatic scorekeeping. The operation of the GPSy is super simple! Just turn on the unit and it will auto-locate the course and hole.

The battery life is very good, with a reported 10-12 hours of usage in GPS mode. Be sure not to keep the GPSy Watch attached to its charger all the time as this can reduce battery. Customer service with Callaway and IZZO is very top of the line and if any problems arise, it will be reminded.

✅ Pros

• Easy To Read Screen
• Very Simple To Use
• Comfortable & Stylish

? Cons

• Price
• Charger Is A Little Flimsy

Stylish and comfortable, the Callaway GPSy Watch is a perfect choice for golfers looking for a simple to use GPS watch.

5. GolfBuddy GB9

GolfBuddy is a well-known name in the golf GPS sector and regularly makes excellent units like the WTX+ that give golfers all the information they need to perform their best.

Key Features

• Touch Sensitive Face
• Syncs With Smartphone
• 38,000 Courses Preloaded

Handheld devices are where GolfBuddy got its start and since then has been making some of the 5. GolfBuddy GB9 available. Their all-new WTX+ Watch continues the tradition of excellence with its premium design and abundant functions. An all-metal face and silicon band are just some of the premium design features.

As for the face of the watch, a full color, touch-sensitive face makes it easy to navigate between the different modes. The WTX+ Watch is also bright enough to easily be read in direct sunlight. Being able to read the watch in direct sunlight is important since the watch can also connect to your smartphone to display texts and emails.

A total of 38,000 different courses come preloaded on the WTX+. Unlike some other GolfBuddy devices, the WTX+ gets free course updates that can be completed when connecting to your phone through Bluetooth.

✅ Pros

• Color Screen
• Lightweight & Comfortable
• Free Course Updates

? Cons

• Price
• Distances Can Sometimes Be Slightly Off

Get all the distance information you need quickly and easily, with the full-color GolfBuddy WTX+ Watch.

6. CANMORE TW-353

While Canmore isn’t a very large name in the golf, their new TW 353 GPS golf watch has everything golfers would need to reliably find accurate distances.

Key Features

• Simple Functions
• 1 Year Warranty
• 38,000 Preloaded Courses

GPS watches that have all the bells and whistles can sometimes take to much work to cycle through each mode. That’s where the Canmore TW 353 comes in. With a simple to use one-click system, the TW 353 turns on, locates the course, and begins displaying data in a matter of minutes.

Three distances that cover the front, middle and back of the green are shown as well as hazards and layup distances. A long battery life of 14 hours means that you can play at least two rounds of golf before needing to recharge.

38,000 courses come preinstalled and free updates are available online. Canmore stands behind the TW 353 with a 1-year warranty that covers the watch from many forms of failure. The band is even interchangeable if any damage or wear would occur.

✅ Pros

• High-Resolution Screen
• Very Simple To Use
• Free Course Updates
• Great Value

? Cons

• None

At just under $100, the Canmore TW 353 is an excellent golf GPS watch that makes getting shots distances a breeze.

7. Shot Scope V2

Not your traditional gps golf watch, the Shot Scope V2 not only gives you distance reading but also records all your swing data for easy after round reviewing.

Key Features

• Clubsense Technology
• Swing Tracking Sensors
• Subscription Free

First off, the Shot Scope V2 is more than a watch, and it shows. At about 1.5x the size of regular gps golf watches, the Shot Scope V2 is very large. Despite being large, the watch does remain comfortable even after longer rounds.

Like any other GPS watch, the Shot Scope V2 does give distances to the front, middle and back of the green. But the real draw is the sensors that are included with the unit. Each sensor can be placed on the end of your club handle and when paired with your phone, your stats will be stored. After the round, you will be able to view your stats such as greens in regulation, proximity to the hole and many more.

This type of analysis can be very useful in determining what part of your game may need work. And with free course updates, you can take the Shot Scope V2 to any course around the world!

✅ Pros

• Great Shot Tracking
• Provides Lots Of Data
• Free Course Updates

? Cons

• Watch Face Is Very Large
• Price

Get clear insight into your game and what you need to improve with the all-new Shot Scope V2!

8. Garmin Approach S2

As one of Garmin’s mid-tier gps golf watches, the Approach S2 has many features that appear on the higher-end versions.

Key Features

• Precise Yardage Measurements
• 8 Hours GPS Battery
• 38,000 Courses Preloaded

Like the other Garmin golf watch review, the Approach S2 has many similar features. Because the same software runs on most of the Approach devices, it is assumed that the same precision distance readings are present.

A plastic casing and silicon band make the Approach S2 a very durable golf GPS option. Unlike other golf watches, this watch comes in several different colors including black, blue, and purple. Battery life is a little bit of a let down with the Approach S2 only holding a maximum 8 hours of charge when used in GPS mode.

A total of 38,000 course layouts come preinstalled and more can be obtained through free updates. Plus, the GPS tracker in the Approach S2 has also been made more powerful to help prevent loss of signal while under thicker canopied trees.

✅ Pros

• Very Accurate Distances
• Easy To Read Screen
• Sleek & Lightweight

? Cons

• Price
• Poor Battery Life

Get more precise distance readings today with the improved Garmin Approach S2 golf watch.

9. Garmin Approach X40

Fitness bands have become very popular and golf manufacturers like Garmin have taken notice and now offer GPS bands like the Approach X40.

Key Features

• High Sensitivity GPS
• 10 Hours GPS / 5 Day Tracker Battery Life
• Fitness Tracker

As far as design goes, the Approach X40 looks very similar to the popular FitBit fitness tracker. What makes it amazing is that all the features of a GPS golf watch have been included in such a small form factor. Even the front, middle, and back distances to the green are shown.

One thing to note is that the Approach X40 is just a bit bulkier than a normal fitness band for two reasons. First, is that Garmin has included a high-performance GPS tracker. Second, is that it takes more power to operate a GPS, so a larger battery is needed.

Fitness tracking is also a highlight of the Approach X40. Data like heart rate and steps taken make it easy to keep up on your fitness goals! The Approach X40 is also able to connect to your smartphone to alert you emails and messages even when your phone is tucked away.

✅ Pros

• Very Accurate Distances
• Extremely Lightweight
• Good Fit And Finish

? Cons

• Price
• Screen Can Be A Little Hard To Read

If you play a lot of golf and have been looking at purchasing a fitness tracker, it’s time to kill two birds with one stone with the Garmin X40.

10. IZZO Golf Swami

Very similar to the Garmin X40, the IZZO Golf Swami golf watch is made to worn both on and off the course.

Key Features

• Sleek, Lightweight Wristband
• Water-Resistant
• 38,000 Preloaded Golf Courses

Band style fitness trackers all tend to look the same, and this is also true about golf GPS bands. But the difference between the Golf Swami and the Garmin X40 is that the Golf Swami is much thinner. The other difference is that the Golf Swami has a longer face.

This different style of design keeps the Golf Swami very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Plus an all rubber band and housing means that the entire watch is water-resistant. So if a pop-up rain shower would occur, you won’t need to worry about your watch getting wet.

Izzo claims that 38,000 courses worldwide come preinstalled and more can be downloaded online free of charge. Distances displayed include front/middle/back yardage for the green and after each hole, the Golf Swami will auto advance to the next hole.

✅ Pros

• Very Comfortable
• Extremely Lightweight
• Water-Resistant
• Great Value

? Cons

• Screen Can Be A Little Hard To Read

Not many gps golf watches are waterproof and at $75, the IZZO Golf Swami is a great deal!

11. DREAM SPORT GPS

Dream Sport is by no means a very well known brand name, but that doesn’t hurt its a golf GPS Watch that rivals many of the higher-priced options.

Key Features

• 12 Hour Golf Mode Battery Life
• 1.5-Year Warranty
• 40,000 Preloaded Golf Courses

While the overall design of the watch isn’t super sleek, it does get the job done and remains comfortable after hours of wear. The large face is easily readable for the distances, even in direct sunlight. Navigation is accomplished by using the large and easy to press buttons on the outside of the case.

Similar to may other golf GPS units, the Dream Sport GPS watch displays three yardage reading for the green and can display up to 4 different hazard distances. Plus, the yardages should be very precise given the high sensitivity GPS chipset.

Other great features include 40,000 courses and a one and a half year warranty from the manufacturer. Another feature is that the entire watch is able to withstand water up to 50 meters deep. But then again, what are the chances that you really try out that 50-meter waterproof claim?

✅ Pros

• Large, Easy Read Face
• Simple To Use Interface
• Water-Proof

? Cons

• Not Many Instructions Included

Easily readable numbers and large buttons make the Dream Sport GPS Watch and easy to operate alternative to other brand names GPS watches.

12. Voice Caddie T2

Voice Caddie’s new golf GPS watch, the T2, brings accurate golf distance readings and fitness tracking together to create a great golf watch.

Key Features

• Hybrid Golf & Fitness Watch
• Water-Resistant
• 30,000 Courses

Like many other full-sized gps golf watches, the Voice Caddie T2 has features that range from range finding to fitness tracking. The range finding software is very accurate and provides distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. Auto hole advancement and swing tempo analysis are other golf software features.

One the fitness side, the Voice Caddie T2 tracks total steps taken and tracks running distance and time. Another fitness feature is the tracking of cycling distance and time. Due to an all-plastic band and metal/plastic case, the T2 can withstand water up to 30 meters.

30,000 courses come preinstalled with many more available for free. The battery life is good enough to be able to get through 2 rounds of golf before needing to be charged. Overall, the Voice Caddie is a very solid golf watch.

✅ Pros

• Large, High Contrast Face
• 5 Large Buttons
• Water-Resistant

? Cons

• Price

Get the information you need on the course while keeping track of all your fitness goals with the Voice Caddie T2.

13. POSMA GT1 Plus

Golfers looking for a full feature golf watch that comes at a great value should take a close look at the Posma GT1+.

Key Features

• 8 Hour Battery Life
• Water-Resistant
• 30,000 Courses Preloaded

Posma has been making golf GPS units for several years and over that time have come up with some great designs. The GT1+ features a silicone band and a full plastic watch case. The plastic does feel a little cheap but should hold up if taken care of.

Golf information is displayed in the usual fashion with three yardages given, and different yardages to hazards and layups. A digital scorecard and auto hole advancement are other important features that golfers should consider. If you like to travel, the Posma GT1+ has over 30,00 preinstalled courses with free course updates.

The battery life on the GT1+ isn’t all the great with the ability to have a max of 8 hours in GPS mode. But a nice touch is that the entire watch is water-resistant and can be played in the rain.

✅ Pros

• Easily readable Numbers
• Water-Resistant
• Great Value

? Cons

• Cheaper Plastic Face

While the plastic case is a little bit of a letdown, the software and accuracy of the Posma GT1+ make it a great buy at the price.

14. Pyle PSGF605BL

With everything a golfer needs and at a low price, the Pyle GPS Watch is an excellent budget golf GPS Watch.

Key Features

• 2 Round Battery Life
• Clear Display
• USA Courses Preloaded

At first glance, the Pyle GPS Watch seems very interesting. It is relatively thin for a GPS watch and is really lightweight. A plastic and silicon case makes for this lightness, but at a possible loss of durability. The display though is very bright and clear, making it easy to use and see distances in even the brightest sunlight.

Auto score tracking and distance calculations are nice touches. The Pyle GPS does lack in the preloaded course sector. Only courses located in the United States are included and you may need to manually select them if the auto section process does not work. So if you plan to play golf outside of the USA you will be out of luck.

Battery life is average with one charge lasting about two rounds. Another slight ding is that the watches interface is somewhat hard to navigate and understand.

✅ Pros

• Relatively Small
• Very Lightweight
• Two Rounds Of Battery Life

? Cons

• Not Very User-Friendly
• Many Not Find Course Automatically
• Only Has USA Courses

Even with its limitations, the Pyle GPS Watch is still a pretty solid golf GPS watch as long as you know what you are getting into.

15. POSMA GT2

An updated version of the GT1, the Posma GT2 is a golf GPS watch that has both accurate range finding and activity tracking.

Key Features

• High Sensitivity GPS Tracker
• Activity Tracker
• 32,000 Preloaded Courses

Very little design-wise has changed between the GT1 and GT2, other than an update to color and slight shape variation. The software, on the other hand, has been updated to include fitness and activity tracking. A higher sensitivity GPS tracker has been included in the GT2 to help keep the watch from losing connection.

32,000 courses come preinstalled and many more can be downloaded free of charge. Distance tracking for both your shots as well as your distance walked makes it easy to meet your golf and exercise goals.

Battery life is average and will last for about 2 full rounds. One sour area is the new number font. It can sometimes make it hard to discern what number or letter is on the screen. Not a huge deal breaker but something that you should be aware of.

✅ Pros

• Lightweight & Comfortable
• Water-Resistant
• Very Accurate
• Great Value

? Cons

• Weird Number Font

If you have problems determining the distance to the green, grab the Posma GT2 and never be unsure of the distance again!

Bottom Line

Now that you have made it through all of our great golf watch reviews, you should have many options as to which one is best for you and your game. But if you are still unsure, here are some general recommendations.

First, determine what style of golf GPS watch you want. If you want a larger screen that gives more information, go with a full-sized golf watch. Some are even stylish enough that you can wear them off the course. An option for those who want a smaller more lightweight watch is a band style golf watch.

Your budget is also important when it comes to choosing a gps golf watch since certain features and styles cost more. Watches that feature full-color displays or watches that are similar to a fitness tracker will normally cost significantly more. One the other hand, watches that have plastic faces and fewer features will probably cost less.

Regardless of your tastes, any golf watch that you choose from our review guide will help improve your golf game in no time!