Golf GPS devices have revolutionized the way golfers approach the game by providing accurate yardage information and helping players make more informed decisions on the course. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right golf GPS can significantly improve your game. In this guide, we’ll explore the best golf GPS devices on the market, considering various factors such as accuracy, ease of use, features, and value for money.
1. Garmin Approach S62
Accuracy: The Garmin Approach S62 is renowned for its exceptional accuracy. It uses high-sensitivity GPS and includes preloaded course maps for over 41,000 golf courses worldwide, ensuring you have precise yardage information.
Features: This GPS watch comes packed with features like a full-color touchscreen display, swing analysis, and hazard information. It also doubles as a smartwatch, offering notifications for texts, calls, and emails.
Ease of Use: The touchscreen interface is user-friendly, and the watch is easy to navigate. It provides detailed hole information and can display the entire course layout.
Battery Life: The Approach S62 boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode.
Price: While it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, its comprehensive feature set justifies the investment for serious golfers.
2. Bushnell Phantom
Accuracy: The Bushnell Phantom is a compact and affordable GPS device known for its accuracy. It offers quick and precise yardage readings to the front, back, and middle of greens.
Features: Despite its small size, the Phantom includes features like hazard distance information and auto course recognition. It’s also waterproof, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
Ease of Use: The device’s simple interface is easy to navigate, and its magnetic mount allows for convenient attachment to golf carts.
Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of battery life, the Phantom provides sufficient power for multiple rounds of golf.
Price: The Bushnell Phantom is a budget-friendly option that delivers great value for its price.
3. SkyCaddie SX500
Accuracy: The SkyCaddie SX500 is known for its unmatched accuracy, thanks to its proprietary TrueGround mapping. It offers comprehensive yardage information, including detailed green contours.
Features: This GPS device comes with a large, high-resolution touchscreen, club tracking, and a shot measurement feature. It provides detailed hole graphics and hazard information.
Ease of Use: While it offers numerous features, the SX500 remains user-friendly with an intuitive interface and quick course loading.
Battery Life: It boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 hours in GPS mode.
Price: The SkyCaddie SX500 is a premium option for golfers who demand top-tier accuracy and features.
4. GolfBuddy Voice 2
Accuracy: The GolfBuddy Voice 2 is a voice-guided GPS device that provides accurate yardage information to the front, back, and center of greens.
Features: Its standout feature is the voice guidance, which announces distances aloud as you play. It’s compact, water-resistant, and preloaded with thousands of courses.
Ease of Use: This device is exceptionally easy to use, with no buttons to press—simply clip it to your hat or belt, and it provides the information you need.
Battery Life: With up to 14 hours of battery life, the GolfBuddy Voice 2 can last multiple rounds without recharging.
Price: It’s one of the most budget-friendly options, making it a great choice for golfers on a tight budget.
5. Shot Scope V3
Accuracy: The Shot Scope V3 is a GPS watch designed for golfers who want precise yardage information and in-depth shot tracking. It utilizes GPS and club sensors to provide accurate data on your shots and distances to hazards and greens.
Features: The V3 offers detailed shot tracking capabilities, allowing you to analyze your performance after the round. It comes with over 35,000 preloaded courses and provides valuable statistics to help you improve your game.
Ease of Use: While it offers advanced features, the Shot Scope V3 is straightforward to use. The watch display and mobile app make it easy to review your performance data.
Battery Life: With up to 10 hours of GPS usage, it can handle a full round of golf, but recharging may be necessary for multiple rounds in a single day.
Price: It offers excellent value for golfers looking for both GPS yardage information and shot tracking capabilities.
6. Voice Caddie SC 200
Accuracy: The Voice Caddie SC 200 is a portable launch monitor designed to provide accurate data on your clubhead speed, ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. While not a traditional golf GPS, it can be a valuable tool for practice and club fitting.
Features: It offers a wide range of features for analyzing your swing and ball flight. You can set distance targets and get instant feedback on your shots.
Ease of Use: The SC 200 is easy to set up and use at the driving range or during practice sessions. It provides real-time feedback to help you fine-tune your swing.
Battery Life: It is powered by a rechargeable battery and can last for several practice sessions on a single charge.
Price: The Voice Caddie SC 200 is a unique option for golfers looking to improve their swing and track their performance during practice.
Best Golf GPS Devices for 2023
Rank
Model
Features
Price
Battery Life
1
Garmin Approach S62
Touchscreen, GreenView, Smart Notifications
$449.99
Up to 20 hrs
2
Bushnell Phantom
Preloaded Courses, BITE Magnetic Mount
$129.99
Up to 10 hrs
3
SkyCaddie SX400
Large HD Display, IntelliGreen Technology
$349.95
Up to 14 hrs
4
Callaway EZ Scan
Accurate Measurements, Scorecard Function
$199.99
Up to 12 hrs
5
GolfBuddy Voice 2
Audio Distance Information, Easy to Use
$99.99
Up to 14 hrs
6
Shot Scope V3
Automatic Shot Tracking, GPS+Stat Tracking
$219.99
Up to 10 hrs
7
IZZO Swami 6000
Compact Design, Hazard Distances
$129.99
Up to 12 hrs
8
TomTom Golfer 2
Green Distances, Course Updates
$199.99
Up to 11 hrs
9
Voice Caddie VC300
Voice Guidance, Multilingual Support
$89.99
Up to 9 hrs
10
GolfLogix Approach G8
Full-Color Touchscreen, Club Tracking
$249.99
Up to 15 hrs
Key Features Comparison
Model
Screen Type
Preloaded Courses
Battery Life
Price
Garmin Approach S62
Touchscreen
41,000+
Up to 20 hrs
$449.99
Bushnell Phantom
Monochrome
36,000+
Up to 10 hrs
$129.99
SkyCaddie SX400
HD Color
35,000+
Up to 14 hrs
$349.95
Callaway EZ Scan
Monochrome
30,000+
Up to 12 hrs
$199.99
GolfBuddy Voice 2
Audio
38,000+
Up to 14 hrs
$99.99
Golf GPS Device Reviews
Model
Pros
Cons
Rating (Out of 5)
Garmin Approach S62
High-resolution display, Smart notifications, Accurate GPS
Expensive, Large size, Limited battery life
4.7
Bushnell Phantom
Affordable, Easy to use, Magnetic mount
Monochrome display, Basic features, Limited battery life
4.0
SkyCaddie SX400
Large HD touchscreen, IntelliGreen technology, Detailed stats
High price, Bulky design, Short battery life
4.5
Callaway EZ Scan
Accurate measurements, Scorecard function, Compact size
No touchscreen, Limited course data, Slightly pricey
4.2
GolfBuddy Voice 2
Audio distance information, Compact and lightweight, Easy to use
Limited visual display, No score tracking, Voice can be unclear at times
4.1
Price Range for Golf GPS Devices
Price Range
Number of Models
Under $100
1
$100 – $200
3
$200 – $300
3
$300 – $400
1
Over $400
2
Battery Life Comparison
Model
Battery Life (Hours)
Garmin Approach S62
Up to 20
Bushnell Phantom
Up to 10
SkyCaddie SX400
Up to 14
Callaway EZ Scan
Up to 12
GolfBuddy Voice 2
Up to 14
Conclusion
Choosing the best golf GPS device depends on your specific needs and budget. Garmin Approach S62, Bushnell Phantom, SkyCaddie SX500, and GolfBuddy Voice 2 are all excellent choices, catering to different preferences and price points. Consider your accuracy requirements, desired features, ease of use, and budget when making your decision. Regardless of your choice, a golf GPS device can undoubtedly enhance your game by providing accurate and timely yardage information on the course.
Grace Kaufman, our Creative Director and a Golf Course Design Specialist, brings a touch of creativity and visual flair to The Golf Mine. With a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of course layout, she ensures that our content not only informs but also engages and inspires. Grace's innovative approach, combined with her specialization in golf course design, enhances the overall experience for our readers, making our blog more than just words on a screen.