TGW’s Guide to Golf Electronics – Rangefinders, GPS, Watches

At TGW, we offer an amazing selection of golf electronics to help make the game easier. This on-course technology can be broken up into three categories: rangefinders, GPS units, and GPS watches. Each type of device has its ways to help your game, depending on what types of information you find the most valuable. In this guide, we will outline the benefits of each type of golf technology to help you choose the right option for you.

Handheld GPS

Handheld GPS units make golf easier for you by providing maps and layouts of your favorite courses so you can better plan the way you play a hole. Golf GPS companies have mapped out and measured golf courses all over the world to give you the information you need as soon as you step on the course. A GPS is ideal for golfers who prefer to look at the layout of the hole and plan their shots accordingly.

Pros

• GPS units provide distances to the green, hazards, doglegs, and layups so you can execute the perfect strategy on any given hole
• These devices are often compact: fitting right in your pocket, clipping on a belt or hat, or even featuring a magnet to stick right on your cart
• Golf GPS devices feature rechargeable batteries to cut down on expenses like extra batteries and can last multiple rounds on a single charge
• Many GPS units track scores and stats that you can upload to an app or computer so you can review and better understand your game

Cons

• GPS units require another device like a computer or smartphone with an app to download course maps
• Downloading course updates can come with a fee
• GPS services sometimes require subscriptions
• If your device runs out of battery on the course, there may not be a way to charge it immediately to finish a round

For golfers who prefer a handheld GPS unit, we recommend the Bushnell Phantom GPS. This device is easy to use and read with large numbers and comes pre-loaded with 36,000 golf courses. It is also the first GPS to include a magnetic mount so it’s always right where you need it.

For a more advanced GPS, check out the SkyCaddie SX500 GPS. It has extremely detailed maps of 35,000 golf courses with a variety of detailed views to see the course like never before. The SX500 has a color screen and orients itself to your position on the course to truly plan your next shot from a bird’s eye view.

GPS Watches

The golf course is the perfect place for wearable technology like a GPS watch. It fits right on your wrist, it is not intrusive to your game, and you have all the information of a GPS with you at all times. They also offer a level of versatility for off the golf course that perfectly fits an active lifestyle. GPS watches are great for golfers who want versatile, wearable technology that can help them on the golf course.

Pros

• You get all the distances of a GPS unit right on your wrist so you can get the information you need at a glance
• Powerful rechargeable batteries last longer than ever because many GPS watches feature a standard time mode and can be worn on and off the course
• With Bluetooth technology, GPS watches allow you to stay connected with texts, emails, and other notifications when connected to your phone
• Bonus features such as activity tracking and step counting allow you to help track your fitness goals as well as your golf game

Cons

• GPS watches require another device like a computer or smartphone with an app to download course maps
• Downloading course updates can come with a fee
• GPS services sometimes require subscriptions
• If your watch does run out of battery on the course, there may not be a way to charge it immediately to finish a round

The Garmin Approach S62 Premium GPS Golf watch is one of the most popular models available today. It is the ideal golfing partner that doubles as your everyday watch. Pre-loaded with 41,000 course maps, it provides all the distances you need along with smart notifications, customizable apps, and a rechargeable battery.

Bushnell’s iON2 GPS watch is another great option for golfers who prefer the convenience of a watch. An easy-to-read display shows distances to the front, center, and back of the greens as well as four hazard distances per hole so you can plan every shot.

Rangefinders

Rangefinders are ideal for golfers who want an extremely versatile piece of technology. With their ability to shoot distances to any target, they are a favorite when players don’t always want to rely on course maps. They have an array of uses, both on and off the golf course, thanks to their versatility.

Pros

• Provides distances to any target you need on the golf course
• Rangefinders are incredibly accurate with most delivering distances accurate to within a yard
• By checking distances on the range and during practice rounds, you can plan for every shot you might need on the course
• Many rangefinders now provide slope for even more accurate distances for selecting your next club and can be turned off to make the device tournament-legal
• Because a rangefinder does not rely on course maps like a GPS, it is more versatile because you can use it for several other hobbies off the golf course

Cons

• Rangefinders generally use replaceable batteries, adding an extra expense
• Rangefinders rely on a clear, stable view of the flag to get the most accurate reading which can sometimes be difficult to achieve
• Rangefinders do not provide a top-down view of the course to see the entire view of the hole you are playing, they are strictly for distance only
• Rangefinders are typically more expensive than GPS units

For rangefinder players, the TGW Players Slope Rangefinder with Pin Validation is a great option. It provides great value with versatile performance. You can switch out the plates on the side to deliver slope when you want it or turn off slope for tournament play. It also emits short, vibrating pulses to let you know you are locked on to your target so you can hit your number with confidence.

The new Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder delivers a new level of performance as well. Their Slope with Elements feature now adjusts readings for incline/decline and factors in temperature and altitude for the most accurate adjusted distances. It also includes a switch on the side to turn the slope feature on and off. Finally, a BITE magnetic mount on the side of the unit sticks to your cart and keeps your rangefinder at hand.