5
Hole 5
GPS watches
GPS watches and handhelds show distances to the front, middle and back of the green and to hazards, from preloaded course maps. Compare course coverage, screen, battery life and any subscription.
A GPS shows front, middle and back of the green, so it answers a different question to a laser, which gives one number to the flag. Many golfers like both.
Check that your courses are included, how maps are updated, and whether features such as green views or hazard layouts need a subscription. Battery life in GPS mode matters more than the smartwatch figure.
Guides on this topic
- How to update courses on a Garmin golf watchUpdating course maps on a Garmin Approach watch with the Garmin Golf app or Garmin Express, plus what to try when a course does not show up.How-to
- How do golf GPS watches work?How a golf GPS watch turns satellite signals and a mapped course into yardages, whether it needs internet or a phone, and what affects accuracy.Guide
- Golf GPS without a subscription: what you getWhich golf GPS watches, handhelds and hybrids include course maps with no yearly fee, which sell optional memberships, and what the paid tiers add.Guide
- Golf GPS watch vs laser rangefinderFront, middle and back of the green against an exact number to the flag: how GPS watches and laser rangefinders compare, and when owning both makes sense.Comparison
- Golf GPS watch vs handheld GPSGolf GPS watches and handheld units compared on screen size, battery, hazard and green detail, and convenience on the wrist against in the pocket or trolley.Comparison
- Golf GPS watch vs Apple Watch with a golf appBattery over 18 holes, course maps, screen readability in sun and app subscriptions compared between a dedicated golf watch and an Apple Watch running a golf app.Comparison
- Golf GPS watch features explainedFront, middle and back distances, green view, hazards, layups, shot tracking and slope on golf GPS watches explained, with which features most golfers use.Guide
- Golf GPS speaker vs GPS watchA GPS speaker that announces yardages from the trolley or buggy against a GPS watch on the wrist: features, battery, music and rules compared.Comparison
- How to get golf GPS on a Samsung Galaxy WatchPut golf GPS on a Samsung Galaxy Watch: choosing a Wear OS golf app, installing and pairing, using it on the course, battery tips and the rules.How-to
- Golf GPS not finding the course: fixesGolf GPS watch or handheld not finding the course or showing odd distances? Satellite lock, course updates, software and phone pairing checked in order.Fix
- Golf GPS app vs GPS watchA golf GPS app on your phone against a dedicated GPS watch: battery, screen, speed of play, data and rules compared, with watch listing facts.Comparison
- Garmin vs Bushnell golf GPSGarmin and Bushnell golf GPS watches and handhelds compared on maps, green detail, battery and extras, and how each brand's devices work together.Comparison
Buying guides on this topic
- Best golf GPS watchesGolf GPS watches from Garmin, Shot Scope, Voice Caddie, Bushnell and SkyCaddie compared on courses, battery, display, green detail and subscriptions.Buying guide
- Garmin Approach range comparedGarmin Approach S12, S44 and S60 watches, the G80 handheld with launch monitor and CT10 club sensors compared on display, battery, maps and tracking.Buying guide