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BEST GOLF GPS 2022
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2022 GOLF GPS BUYER’S GUIDE
A lot of golfers either use a golf GPS or a rangefinder. Hell, we see some golfers still pace off their yardage or “eye ball it.” However, which golfer are you?
With technology advancing every year, we have seen the best golf GPS models provide accurate front, middle and back yardages, hole layout, green depth, slope, personal club data tracking, the list goes on. The technology doesn’t stop there. some GPS units include health tracking measurements within the same device.
The golf GPS has so many capabilities it might just make rangefinders obsolete for some golfers.
WINNER – Garmin Approach S62
Ever wanted a fitness, everyday, and golf watch all rolled into one? Well…you can now with the Garmin Approach S62. Its large touch screen is easy to navigate ensuring getting to the golf GPS side and personal phone applications a breeze. Within the golf GPS, it provides multiple data points, including wind direction and playlike distance to ensure you get the right yardage. Throw in 41,000+ pre-loaded golf courses will keep you entertained for a lifetime. With all these features you have the undisputed winner of the 2022 Most Wanted Golf GPS Test.
1st in display 2nd in features 6th in functionality 1st in accuracy
BEST HANDHELD GOLF GPS - SkyCaddie SX500
Those who want a handheld golf GPS should consider the SkyCaddie SX500. It has a large color touch screen which helps those with limited vision. Throw in yardages to all hole hazards and you have a great GPS device.
FEATURES THAT MATTER
Display
Size and clarity are essential for providing the best possible overview of any hole. The best golf GPS devices of 2022 tend to have digital or LCD displays with touch-screen technology with the ability to provide clear readouts while in direct sunlight.
Golfers looking for the best display should consider the SkyCaddie SX500 or the Garmin S62 . Both provide clear and concise visuals that are easy to navigate. The SkyCaddie SX400 also performed well in this category.
Features
Today’s GPS devices not only have color screens and visuals of the hole but some have lifestyle/everyday plug-ins as part of the standard feature set. That means you can ditch your smartwatch because your golf watch offers things like step and fitness trackers, stopwatches and more. Having the functionality of multiple devices rolled into one unit makes life much simpler.
If you have to have everything, there’s no better golf GPS device than the Garmin S62. For a device that just focuses on golf, look no further than the Shot Scope V3 providing strokes gained as well as GPS capabilities. The Voice Caddie T9 provides personal fitness tracking, touch screen, hole layout and green reading capabilities.
Functionality
The majority of golf GPS units today have 10,000+ course layouts pre-loaded. There are golf GPS devices that require you to download the courses which can take extra time and become frustrating.
Simplicity is key. The best devices that allow you to navigate with ease are the SkyCaddie SX500 and Shot Scope V3. The Shot Scope H4 also performed well in this category.
EXPERT TIP - Don't Sweat Accuracy
All GPS devices use the same satellites to calculate the distance to targets, so there's almost no difference in accuracy from brand to brand. Readings are typically within one or two yards of each other. For that reason, accuracy is significantly less of a consideration than most any other category we test. Instead, focus on features and functionality. That's where the real differences lie.
BEST GOLF GPS 2022 - FEATURES
| Product | Courses | Lifestyle Tracking | Hole Map | Battery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bushnell ION Edge Check Price | 38,000+ | N | APP | 15 HOURS |
 | Bushnell Phantom 2 Check Price | 38,000+ | N | APP | 18 HOURS |
 | Garmin Approach G80 Check Price | 41,000+ | Y | APP | 10 HOURS |
 | Garmin Approach S12 Check Price | 42,000+ | N | APP | 30 HOURS |
 | Garmin Approach S42 Check Price | 42,000+ | Y | APP | 15 HOURS |
 | Garmin Approach S62/CT10 Check Price | 41,000+ | Y | Y | 20 HOURS |
 | Garmin Marq Golfer Check Price | 41,000+ | Y | Y | 60 HOURS |
 | Golf Buddy aim W10 Check Price | 40,000+ | Y | Y | 13 HOURS |
 | Izzo Swami 6000 Check Price | 30,000+ | N | Y | 12 HOURS |
 | Shot Scope G3 Check Price | 35,000+ | N | APP | 10 HOURS |
 | Shot Scope H4 Check Price | 36,000+ | N | APP | 15 HOURS |
 | Shot Scope V3 Check Price | 35,000+ | N | APP | 10 HOURS |
 | Sky Caddie LX5 Check Price | 35,000+ | Y | Y | 10 HOURS |
 | SkyCaddie SX400 Check Price | 35,000+ | Y | Y | 14 HOURS |
 | SkyCaddie SX500 Check Price | 35,000+ | N | Y | 14 HOURS |
 | Voice Caddie A2 Check Price | 40,000+ | N | Y | 10 HOURS |
 | Voice Caddie T9 Check Price | 40,000+ | Y | Y | 30 HOURS |
MOST TECHNOLOGY ADVANTACED - Garmin Marq
The Garmin Marq has everything you could ask for. It comes with a detailed golf GPS app on the watch along with multiple other sports. It also acts as an everyday watch so you can make this your lifetime watch.
The Best Golf GPS 2022 – More Tips
With technology increasing everyday, some golf GPS devices include club tracking which allows you to track your personal club yardages and utilize strokes gained. Some golf GPS devices give an inside scoop when you’re playing a new course. Look for hole-by-hole mapping and visual layouts of potential hazards. Most golf GPS watches are water-resistant. Some golf GPS watches can double as a smartwatch. They’re more expensive but they offer bonus features like step and fitness trackers as well as calendar apps, etc. Depending on the manufacturer, some devices can have a monthly or yearly subscription to update courses. Ensure you take that into account before purchasing.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect golf GPS to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Golf GPS's are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating GPS units include Display, Features, Functionality, Accuracy.
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BEST GOLF GPS 2022 - RESULTS
| Product | Display | Features | Functionality | Accuracy | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Approach S62/CT10 Check Price | 1st | 2nd | 6th | 1st | 94.5 |
| Garmin Marq Golfer Check Price | 3rd | 1st | 14th | 1st | 94 |
| SkyCaddie SX500 Check Price | 1st | 10th | 1st | 1st | 93.5 |
| Voice Caddie T9 Check Price | 3rd | 2nd | 8th | 1st | 93.5 |
| Shot Scope V3 Check Price | 11th | 4th | 2nd | 1st | 93 |
| Shot Scope H4 Check Price | 11th | 6th | 2nd | 1st | 92.5 |
| Garmin Approach S42 Check Price | 3rd | 10th | 6th | 1st | 92 |
| SkyCaddie SX400 Check Price | 3rd | 13th | 2nd | 1st | 92 |
| Voice Caddie A2 Check Price | 7th | 6th | 8th | 1st | 92 |
| Bushnell ION Edge Check Price | 16th | 4th | 8th | 1st | 91.5 |
| Garmin Approach G80 Check Price | 7th | 9th | 13th | 1st | 91.5 |
| Golf Buddy aim W10 Check Price | 7th | 10th | 8th | 1st | 91 |
| Sky Caddie LX5 Check Price | 7th | 6th | 14th | 1st | 90.5 |
| Shot Scope G3 Check Price | 11th | 14th | 2nd | 1st | 89 |
| Garmin Approach S12 Check Price | 11th | 14th | 8th | 1st | 88 |
| Bushnell Phantom 2 Check Price | 11th | 16th | 14th | 1st | 85 |
| Izzo Swami 6000 Check Price | 16th | 17th | 14th | 17th | 82 |
Why should I use a golf GPS device?
Q: Can golf watches fit both men and women?
A: Most watches have adjustable straps. If you have very small wrists, you can purchase separate straps.
Q: Why should I purchase a GPS unit rather than a rangefinder?
A: The deciding factor is often visuals. If you are a golfer who plays several different courses a year, you will encounter unfamiliar layouts. That’s where having a golf GPS with course layout displays is a huge benefit and arguably an advantage over rangefinders. GPS models also give yardages to the front, middle and back of greens as well as bunkers.
Q: Do golf watches have health features built in for everyday use??
A: Certain GPS watches do have built-in features that keep track of your health on a day-to-day basis. Such features include pedometer, heart rate monitor, calorie counter, distance walked and much more. Some watches can even fetch your text messages, phone calls and check the weather.
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