Best Golf Course GPS Units in 2022

Last update: November 11, 2022

Are golf GPS Legal?

The quick answer to whether golf GPS devices are legal is yes, they are legal. In 2006, the USGA and the R&A issued a Local Rule that made it legal for players to use distance-measuring devices during a round of golf. This Local Rule applies to all USGA-sanctioned events, meaning that if you're playing in a tournament that has a USGA-approved handicap system, you can use a golf GPS. However, there are some limitations to what types of devices are allowed. Laser rangefinders are not allowed, nor are devices that

Are rangefinders better than GPS?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and what you intend to use the device for. Rangefinders typically provide more accurate readings than GPS units, although they can be more expensive and less user-friendly. GPS units are typically easier to use and more portable, but they may not be as accurate. Ultimately, the best device for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Can I use my iPhone as a golf rangefinder?

Yes, you can use your iPhone as a golf rangefinder. There are a number of apps available that will work as a golf rangefinder, using the iPhone's camera and GPS capabilities.

Can you use a smartwatch as a golf GPS?

A smartwatch can make a great golf GPS. It can give you information on the course, such as yardages to the green and hazards, and it can also keep track of your score. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. First, make sure the smartwatch you choose is compatible with the golf app you want to use. Second, keep in mind that the battery life of a smartwatch is usually shorter than that of a dedicated golf GPS, so you may need to charge it more often.


Garmin Approach S20, GPS Golf Watch with Step Tracking, Preloaded Courses, Black Review:


With the convenience of the golf feature, I purchased this watch for daily use even though I also own a handheld Garmin G6. The battery life is great; I charged it on Monday, wore it all week, and it still had 30% of its energy after my two weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday). The distance between the two devices' yards was one yard. Therefore, yardage could be considered accurate. Can they get over this watch's non-touch screen characteristic, some people have questioned. I think the way it's set up is superior because, with my G6 and even my iPhone, I frequently press the wrong spot and obtain the opposite of what I needed. With the buttons on this watch and the function that is emphasized, you are sure of what you are choosing. Additionally, since this is not an iWatch, you hardly ever touch the screen. The absence of a touch screen won't have a significant impact because the GPS moves from hole to hole, tracks everything, and even automatically loads your steps, time, and odometer after the round. I heartily endorse this watch. The only drawback, in my opinion, is that the "Black" is actually much more "Gray" than black. However, if that is the only drawback, Garmin did a good job.I was afraid to purchase this watch because of the numerous unfavorable reviews. However, after looking more, I discovered that they were all dated 2016. I decided to buy as there were just 2017 reviews with 4-5 stars. Whatever the problems in 2016 were, they have been fixed, and the watch now functions as promised. Buy the timepiece!



TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch, Preloaded Worldwide Courses, Lightweight, Simple, Easy-to-use Golf Watches Review:


Prior to playing with someone who was wearing a golf watch, I had been testing out some of the more expensive and advanced rangefinders during the previous few months. I can't recall the model, but I was genuinely astonished by its precision and use. I stumbled into this model, observed the most of the reviews to be favorable, and decided to give it a try when the price decreased during an Amazon Lightning round. I used it at a nearby course and was impressed by its simple setup, attractive appearance, simplicity of usage, and pinpoint accuracy. It took only a few minutes to establish a connection with the overhead satellites and discovered every one of the neighborhood golf courses I frequently play.The recharge adaptor cable was a little difficult for me to attach to the watch; you need excellent lighting and stable hands. Second, switching to the time display while playing requires stopping the round. That appears to be an unusual oversight (and really shouldn't be difficult to do) as the majority of users would be using this device to replace their regular watch. The battery life was listed as being little over two rounds, which seems on the short side but is adequate for the majority of players.Overall, this is ideal for my purposes. I only need to take out the more costly rangefinder and line up the flag optically after giving the watch a quick check to get my bearings. I don't require the additional capabilities that the higher end rangefinders offer because I am a mid-handicap golfer. Durability can only be determined with time, but so far, so good.



Garmin Approach G10, Compact and Handheld Golf GPS with 1.3-inch Display Review:


It measures the distance to the front and back of the green precisely as I want it to. I nearly exclusively use it for that. I rely on the color of the flag on the green to give me some notion instead of trying to utilize it as a pin position. I use the hazards feature as well, but I've discovered that it just displays the nearest hazard if there are many risks (such as water and traps). That is all I could get it to do, at least. It is incredibly accurate in terms of precision. I played with a friend who has a scope, and I was able to estimate the distance to the flag to within a yard or two. A few yards don't really matter to me because I'm not good enough... The battery life is excellent; each round only uses about 10% of the juice. updates using a computer software that periodically checks for updates while connected to a USB charger. connects to the satellite quite quickly, within seconds. has a belt clip built into it as well. A USB port is required for charging and updating. I adore this item!



Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS Review:


It's odd that I don't write reviews because I read them and they do affect my choices, but I'm getting off topic.In my humble opinion, it's amazing for a hundred dollars. I gambled on the manufacturer alone. Since the invention of binoculars, they have essentially done distance measurement and focus. After reading some of the unfavorable reviews, trust in this history was the deciding factor. With all due respect, I suppose value is always king, but perhaps others expect more for their hard-earned $100—er, expect the features of a product selling for 2-3 times the Phantom's street price but packaged neatly into a $100 price point. This is simply not going to happen.That being stated, here are my arguments against the drawbacks of other less than favorable assessments.1. No, the magnet doesn't have superpowers, but it also isn't terrible either. I use both the clip on the side pocket of my pants and the straight clip onto the inner frame of the cart without any problems. Yes, the player must be aware of the possibility of incorrect dislodging, but I am unable to back up other review allegations of failure. The magnet works and is a cool concept.2. The material is plastic. Yes, plastic is used to make it. At this retail price point, especially, everything is kind of constructed of plastic. No problem.3. Once more, the magnet OK. You're now only traveling the cart path. Although I haven't noticed any such dislodging, the magnet isn't sticking to your clip. Attach the unit to the inner cart frame, move it to where the ball will be, calculate your yardage, and then pull your club. Reattach the unit to the inner cart frame by fastening it. I fail to see the problem.4. No, pin placements are not provided. Again, all due respect, perhaps your game calls for precise yardages. If so, I'd doubt your ability to think critically about how a $100 unit could possibly live up to your expectations. The device does offer a front, middle, and back distance that is incredibly accurate. I also think we can all agree that using the scoring clubs puts you in a position to more often than not see where the pins are placed. Do you mean the front, middle, or back?5. The mobile app is awful. I'm at a loss for words. I think the app is fantastic. The hole is completely covered. It responds to touch to whatever tactical landing spot you want, providing yardage. Each risk is represented. Your current position in the hole is updated. I think it's all good.6. No, slopes are not taken into account. It costs $100, good people. In all fairness, this product might not be the best fit for your game if your home course significantly exceeds the US 113 standard difficulty rate. You're going to have to contribute.This is a useful little gadget. The read out is spacious and well-kept. The tracking of shot distance by club is very simple. Hazard markers are neatly placed. They don't include the cover of hazards, but for a hundred dollars, I'll take the information on the front hazards so I can plan. I work like a 7 all day. I reduced it with this piece to 2. It is, in my opinion, for purists. Back, middle, and front. Get it now. I conducted an A/B comparison with my friend's $500 laser unit. It was only two yards away. I believe that's a fair value for a hundred dollars. Our game demands work. Personally, I decreased my overall scoring average. Because of the accurate FMB yardages provided by this device, there are more opportunities for said putting opportunities.Maybe I'm expecting too little for $100. Perhaps the $100 device should have magnetic superpower. Perhaps we ought to reside in a place where all of the features (slope, pin placement, and wind accounts) are available to us for $100 each. I am unfamiliar with this world.I think the price of this device is fair considering it provides trustworthy and solid data.I've had two glasses of wine, maybe three.I'm hoping this helps.Good luck.



GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder Review:


It's easy to use, stays put on my visor, and offers me the information I need to know—the distance to the green's center—with a single button press. On occasion, a Par 3 hole on our course may indicate that it is 240 yards to the green even if it is actually closer to 260 yards. The hole number can be changed on my husband's Garmin, but the Golf Buddy only uses GPS data. It's important to keep in mind to switch it on when you first get to the golf course because the "search for satellites" process takes some time.



GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder Review:


It's easy to use, stays put on my visor, and offers me the information I need to know—the distance to the green's center—with a single button press. On occasion, a Par 3 hole on our course may indicate that it is 240 yards to the green even if it is actually closer to 260 yards. The hole number can be changed on my husband's Garmin, but the Golf Buddy only uses GPS data. It's important to keep in mind to switch it on when you first get to the golf course because the "search for satellites" process takes some time.



Garmin Approach S10 - Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Black, 010-02028-00 Review:


I've previously had two Bushnell Neo XS golf watches, both of which experienced the plastic crystal protecting the display falling out after approximately a year and getting lost on the course. I needed to buy another golf watch after the second one experienced this issue, and I chose to convert to this Garmin S10 because the Bushnell's quality was unquestionably poor. I'm happy I did. Since I wear it on my glove hand, its rectangular design makes it much less intrusive, and it is quite lightweight and slim. I believe it to be more solidly constructed than the Bushnells I previously owned. I only need a watch with accurate distances to both the green and hazards and long battery life; nothing fancy. I don't utilize the scoring feature, and I don't upload my scores to the Garmin website via the app. This watch progresses to the next hole flawlessly and provides exact distances. One difference I've observed between the Bushnell and other watches is when I forget to start the watch until I've completed the first hole. While the Bushnell required me to advance the watch to the appropriate hole, the Garmin identified the hole I was on right away and required no adjustments. I can infer from this that its GPS technology is more precise than other watches. The Garmin's GPS takes a little bit longer to activate and detect my location, which is the only disadvantage. Although, I simply configured it to begin the round a little sooner than I would with my Bushnell, it is not significantly extra time. This watch is for you if you want a golf timepiece that is precise, lightweight, barely noticeable on your wrist, and doesn't require all the fancy bells and whistles.



Garmin Approach S10 - Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Granite Blue, 010-02028-02 Review:


I've previously had two Bushnell Neo XS golf watches, both of which experienced the plastic crystal protecting the display falling out after approximately a year and getting lost on the course. I needed to buy another golf watch after the second one experienced this issue, and I chose to convert to this Garmin S10 because the Bushnell's quality was unquestionably poor. I'm happy I did. Since I wear it on my glove hand, its rectangular design makes it much less intrusive, and it is quite lightweight and slim. I believe it to be more solidly constructed than the Bushnells I previously owned. I only need a watch with accurate distances to both the green and hazards and long battery life; nothing fancy. I don't utilize the scoring feature, and I don't upload my scores to the Garmin website via the app. This watch progresses to the next hole flawlessly and provides exact distances. One difference I've observed between the Bushnell and other watches is when I forget to start the watch until I've completed the first hole. While the Bushnell required me to advance the watch to the appropriate hole, the Garmin identified the hole I was on right away and required no adjustments. I can infer from this that its GPS technology is more precise than other watches. The Garmin's GPS takes a little bit longer to activate and detect my location, which is the only disadvantage. Although, I simply configured it to begin the round a little sooner than I would with my Bushnell, it is not significantly extra time. This watch is for you if you want a golf timepiece that is precise, lightweight, barely noticeable on your wrist, and doesn't require all the fancy bells and whistles.



Golf Buddy GB3 VTX Talking Handheld GPS Review:


I've owned a lot of golf GPS devices. If you can find it for around $125, this one compares very favorably. Superb display that is simple to read in the sun. Excellent battery life; I can typically do four rounds on a single charge. Some of the features are not my favorite. The layout screen does not zoom and is very small. It is quite difficult to pinpoint a location. Additionally, I was unable to return to the English language configuration screen after becoming stuck on a non-English screen. It was not resolved after a call to their customer support. I swiped up finally in frustration, and there it was. That is not covered in the manual. Normally, I just turn it on when I go to the course and don't really touch it again until the round is over.



Garmin Approach S60, Premium GPS Golf Watch with Touchscreen Display and Full Color CourseView Mapping, Black w/Silicone Band Review:


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Can you use phone GPS on golf course?

Yes, you can use your phone's GPS on a golf course. This can be a great way to get accurate yardages to the green, hazard, and other features on the course. Many phones now have apps that come pre-loaded with golf courses, so you can just select the course you're playing and get started. Be sure to keep your phone charged, as GPS can be a battery drain.

Do pros use golf GPS?

While there are a number of factors that go into a pro’s golf game, whether or not they use a GPS can be a personal preference. While some may find that a GPS can help them plan their shots and keep track of their game, others may find that it is not necessary. Ultimately, it is up to the player to decide if a GPS is something that can help their game or not.

Does Garmin Golf use World handicap?

No, Garmin Golf does not use World handicap.

Does Garmin Golf work without phone?

Garmin Golf is a standalone app that does not require a phone in order to function. All of the data and information is stored locally on the device, so a phone is not necessary. However, some features do require a phone in order to work, such as the ability to download new courses or update existing ones. Overall, Garmin Golf is a great app that can be used without a phone, but some features are limited without one.

How accurate are golf GPS devices?

Golf GPS devices are becoming increasingly popular on the golf course, but how accurate are they? Most golf GPS devices use satellite technology to give you accurate yardages to the green, but there can be some slight variations in the readings. Some golf courses also have their own GPS systems that they use to give yardages, so it is important to check with the course before using your own device. Overall, golf GPS devices are quite accurate and can be a great help when trying to choose the right club on your next shot.

How does GPS work on a golf course?

GPS, or global positioning system, is a technology that uses satellites to track the location of an object on the earth. GPS can be used for a variety of purposes, including navigation. On a golf course, GPS can be used to track the location of the golf balls. This information can be used to help the golfers improve their game. The GPS system can also be used to track the location of the flagsticks. This information can be used to help the golfers choose the right club for their shot. GPS can be a great tool for golfers