Sure a rangefinder is great, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of a great golf watch.
Golf watches are getting better and better. And the best golf watches provide accurate numbers, are filled with extra features and act as a smartwatch replacement.
In short, golf watches are powerful tools that will make your next round easier. Over the last year, we’ve tested an array of GPS devices including a gaggle of golf watches. Each has been tested on the course for the most accurate assessment we can deliver. Here’s what we learned.
Table of Contents
How We Tested Golf Watches
Each device was tested on the course head to head against one another. Distances were compared and analyzed from multiple distances, on different holes and with different pin positions. Features and functionality were also compared and contrasted.
Best Overall Golf Watch – Garmin Approach S70
👍 Buy This If
► You want fantastic battery life: the Approach S70 offers 16 days of battery life.
► You need a caddie on your wrist: the Approach S70 features a virtual caddie and “plays like” distances to ensure you hit the perfect shot.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You are looking for a budget option: the Approach S70 is among the most expensive devices.
✖︎ You only care about distance: he features and functions of the Approach S70 go well beyond the golf course.
Bottom Line
The Garmin Approach S70 is the best golf watch for 2023. Between its on-course and off-course functionality and health-tracking features, the Approach S70 is as useful as it is versatile. The long-lasting battery and bright AMOLED panel make it a joy to use. And it’s very accurate as well with support from the Garmin Golf App.
Best Golf Watch Under $300 – GolfBuddy aim W12
👍 Buy This If
► You value a bright, beautiful display: the aim W12 boasts a very attractive touchscreen display.
► You want lots of data: the green undulation maps on the aim W12 are very helpful on tricky greens.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You need the most accurate golf watch: the aim W12 struggles at times with accuracy when compared to other devices.
✖︎ You want a fully functioning health tracker: while the aim W12 counts steps, it lacks the health functions of other devices.
Bottom Line
The GolfBuddy aim W12 is one of the top performers in the category, especially at its price of under $300. The bright touchscreen is easy to use and the green undulations maps and pedometer are welcome features. It’s preloaded with 40,000 golf courses.
Best Golf Watch Under $200 – Bushnell Ion Elite
👍 Buy This If
► You value accuracy above all else: the Bushnell Ion Elite is the among the most reliable and accurate golf watches.
► You want a good value: the Ion Elite from Bushnell is less than $200, making it an incredible value.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You want extra features: the Bushnell doesn’t have a pedometer, something other devices offer.
✖︎ You need a smartwatch replacement: this isn’t going to replace your Apple, Garmin or Samsung smartwatch.
Bottom Line
The Bushnell Ion Elite is the best golf watch if you want accuracy. While a GPS device will never be as accurate as a laser rangefinder, the Ion Elite takes the cake when it comes to providing accurate distances to the front, middle and back of the green.
Best Value Golf Watch – Shot Scope G5
👍 Buy This If
► You’re on a tight budget: at just $150, this golf watch does everything you need a GPS device to do.
► You value simplicity: the G5 is no-frills, easy to use and has a very simple user interface.
👎 Don’t Buy This If
✖︎ You want extra features: the Shot Scope G5 isn’t going to blow you away with bonus features or health tracking.
✖︎ You need a smartwatch replacement: this isn’t going to replace your Apple, Garmin or Samsung smartwatch.
Bottom Line
The Shot Scope G5 is the best value in a golf watch. At just $150, the G5 is very capable with a simple user interface. Within seconds, it locks on to the course and is ready to use. And, with 12 different strap colors, it’s among the most customizeable.
Other Top Picks
- SkyCaddie LX5. The LX5 is extremely accurate and the graphics and maps are stunning. The user interface can be cluttered and clunky at times.
- Voice Caddie T9. The T9 is among the most feature-rich golf watches. Period. We loved its tempo-tracking function and the green undulation maps.
- Shot Scope X5. The Shot Scope X5 is very accurate and includes club tags for tracking your stats.
Golf Watch Alternatives to Consider
- Apple Watch Series 9. With a plethora of GPS golf applications, the Apple Watch is a seriously good golf watch. We’re fans of the Arccos Caddie App, which adds even more functionality to the Apple Watch.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch. Similar to the Apple Watch, Samsung’s wearable is compatible with golf GPS apps to provide accurate distances
- Garmin MARQ Golfer Carbon Edition. This premium smartwatch is top-of-the-line for Garmin. It’s made from fused carbon fiber for an ultra-durable and lightweight construction.
- Tag Heuer Connected Golf Edition. Similar to the Garmin MARQ Golfer, the Tag Heuer golf watch is an ultra-premium way to know your distances on the course.
Time After Time
The best golf watches for 2023 provide much more than accurate distances. Every year, golf watches are becoming smarter and smarter. Like the Garmin Approach S70 and its incredible Virtual Caddie and fitness functions or the GolfBuddy aim W12 and its beautiful, bright touchscreen, golf watches are a valuable (and evolving) tool that can help you shoot better scores.
Additional Features To Consider
While we have broken down many of the reasons why to buy or not buy several of these golf watches there are a few more added features to consider.
- Available Course Maps – Most will include 30,000 or more worldwide. However checking their respective sites prior will ensure your course is part of their preloaded courses list.
- Screen Ability/Features – These watches will host different methods of displaying on course yardage, hazards, wind speed as well as tee box and pin locations. This can include hole overviews or simple numbers displayed on the screen for more accurate yardages to play.
- Shot Tracking – Usually paired by Bluetooth, there are some watches that can offer (often with additional tags or sensors) the ability to track a golfers swing and record golf shots during the round. For the data heavy golfer this is incredibly valuable.
- Screen size and Buttons – As not all golfers are built alike, companies like Garmin offer different sizes to provide optimal fit with no button interference.
- Phone Compatibility – While most have an Android and Apple smartphone app, not all do. For Android users double check the compatibility for your device.
- Off-Course Functions – A GPS Golf Watch is rarely just that. Many now have a smartwatch mode. This mode can or will include a simple GPS mode and the ability for heart rate monitoring, contactless payments and receiving a variety of different notifications.
Murv
6 months ago
I have used Tectectec for 2 years now. It confirms my laser and vice versa. Always right on target. Less than $100.