What’s So Great About Golf GPS Handheld Devices
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In golf, the difference between a few yards can make a huge impact on your game. That is why a Golf GPS handheld device is an essential device in your golf kit.
A golf GPS handheld device can tell you all the details from the shape of the green to yardages, water hazards, and bunkers just at a glance at your wrist. A golf GPS device can be used on courses that are mapped, so you can download the information before starting the game. Some Golf GPS devices lack accuracy and can miscalculate the distance.
GPS uses satellite technology to determine the distance between you and the flag post. For using golf GPS handheld devices, you will need a subscription, which may come at an extra cost to keep the course information updated. Though this is easy, using a GPS handheld device may have some inconsistencies in the measures.
Golf GPS handheld devices combine style, comfort, functionality, and performance in their GPS device. It shows exactly how far you are from the front, center, and back of the green.
That is why having a golf handheld GPS is an essential device in your golf gear.
Handheld Device: https://newfitnessgadgets.com/24-cool-golf-gadgets-and-accessories
- With a microchip inside the golf ball, you can track it down with a handheld device.
Handheld Device: https://completegolfstore.com/accessories/essential-golf-accessories/
- When using such a handheld device, you just have to look through the viewfinder and click the button.
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 GOLF GPS HANDHELD DEVICES | |
1. TOP PICK: Garmin Approach G80 GPS Handheld Device | |
1. TOP PICK : Garmin Approach G80 GPS Handheld Device | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
It has a 3.5" touchscreen readable under the sun and offers the most accurate images and flyovers of the world's 41,000 golf courses. The G80 not only measures distances of all areas of the green and to every hazard, but has a unique touch technology which can measure distances to any point on the course — perfect for times when you need to layup or play a little more tactically. You can connect the G80 to your smartphone and keep up-to-date with all your most relevant notifications and you can sync the device to the Garmin app free of charge if you want to connect with a golf network to compare scores and statistics with other players from all over the world. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Was questioning my decision to pay this much, wanted the voice caddie, but it was not available so I decided to give this a chance and I'm so glad that i did. +/- 2yds vs my range finder. I didn't have a known distance on many of my clubs. I am 54yrs and i have been a single digit for many years, when measured at golf shops I thought my average speed was around 105 and distance was 280yd. I found out unfortunately that it was not.
Only complaint is that it has no memory or record keeping so i have to write everything down to see my progress and get my averages. I wish it had a computer download app so i could track range vs round averages. Hint hint Overall best golf gadget buy of my life." | |
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2. BEST BUDGET : Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS Handheld Device | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS device provides you the distance to the front, center and back of the green and also gives you up to four hazard distances per hole – ideal for those courses with bunkers and water hazards. It has built-in magnetic technology integrated inside the device that helps you to stick it on anything metal on your golf bag or cart so that you don't have to keep it hidden away inside your bag or loose in your pocket. The Phantom features 36,000 courses from 30 of the world's most famous golf countries and a 3D flyover of every single hole on the course. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Big, clear digital display; magnet feature is brilliant! Sticks on cart windshield/roof post for easy check of yardage, pulls off easily to take with you to ball if necessary. The belt clip option doesn't work quite as well - seems easily knocked off; not sure if the magnet strength varies or what the issue might be. But that minor issue matters not to me... this thing is MUCH better than the wrist-watch style I used to use. Big recommendation: Get the bright neon green color like I did. Makes it easier to see and find - and NOT accidentally leave on your cart at the end of the round. I can easily see that happening to folks if they get the black model."
"I love this GPS. I contact Bushnell because a hazard was missing on a course I play. They responded very quickly and added the hazard. Great service by Bushnell. The magnet is very strong. The main display is great, I can read it without my glasses. My only disappointment is that I can't read the distance to the hazards without my glasses. :)" | |
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3. ALL ROUNDER : Garmin Approach G30 GPS Handheld Device | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
One of Garmin's expensive handheld GPS devices, the G30 Approach stands apart from the G10 with its full color touch screen display. The touch screen is useful for distance control as it helps you to touch the same spot on the green that the pin’s been situated on any day. The full color course map is very helpful in determining where the fairway ends and where the rough begins and in recognizing any unpleasant water hazards that are not physically visible. The G30 can also be connected to your mobile, so that during the course you can never miss any call or message. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Great unit, Accuracy is very good. I have had other GPS's that would take 20 to 30 seconds to stabilize, this one stabilizes almost immediately after stopping. Screen is a little small especially if mounted on a holder on the cart frame, but when hand held it is fine. Small enough to easily carry in a pocket and not be a distraction when swinging a club. I like the option where I can pick a point on the hole and get the distance to the point and to the hole really nice for lay up shots. I haven't used the score keeper function as of yet, so unable to comment on that feature. The ability to move the pin around on the green is a good feature as well. At times I wish I would have spent more and gotten a Garmin with a larger screen, then I think about how many rounds I can play for the $250.00+ I saved with this unit."
"I've tried golf apps on my phone and sometimes they're accurate and other times they're off by 10 yards or more. The Garmin Approach G30 seems to be much more accurate on the rounds I've used it. Only been two rounds so far but I've scored better in both rounds partly due to trusting the distance is correct." | |
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4. BEST VALUE : Garmin Approach G10 GPS Handheld Device | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The Garmin Approach G10 is the ideal solution for those who don't like wearing a watch but want a smaller, simpler golf GPS handheld device. The Approach G10 is one of the smallest handheld golf GPS in the market. Don’t be fooled by its small stature, the precision and effectiveness of the Approach G10 are just as good as bigger GPS devices. And just because the unit looks basic, it doesn't mean features are lacking. Features such as front/center/back green yardage, hazard yardage and layup distances are all included. Thanks to Garmin Connect, even future course updates are free of charge. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Easy to use and very accurate. I also use a laser, so I’ve done a lot of comparing and the readings are right in line with the laser. The thing I like about this is it’s easier to just stick this in your pocket and get a quick reading rather than fumble around with the laser. Feel bad when I’m in a foursome and going to the bag every shot to get the laser, like I’m holding everyone up. I also like to get the front and back of the green yardage. Then I know my min/max clubs depending on the pin placement. It has several features, but I only care about the distance and greens front/middle/back readings. Played a round with a friend of mine and he ended up buying one for himself"
"Small, easy to use, and easy to see. I chose this because I have good distance vision but wear reading glasses. Since I don't wear glasses to play golf, I wanted something that I could read, would give me basic yardages quickly, and was light and small. This fit that bill. I can get three rounds out of a charge. You do have to work some menus to get items like hazards, but overall it's pretty quick and easy to use." | |
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5. BEST GREEN VIEW : SkyCaddie SX500 GPS Handheld Device | |
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The SkyCaddie SX500 is the device for you if you are the type of golfer who wants a very detailed course display. It is straightforward you probably won't even need a manual. The screen is big, but the visuals are incredible. The club selection feature lets golfers dial in distances for each club. The screen itself is a high resolution, color display that can easily be read in the sunlight. This system has a patented auto-zoom feature for improved accuracy with pre-loaded maps. The front and back distances along with the depth of green and distances to every other point can also be display. Up to 40 points can be shown in the target list, including hazards, bunkers, water carries and lay ups. Unlimited access to +40,000 SkyGolf maps provides a thorough course coverage worldwide. The system provides both a digital scorecard and statistical monitoring to help you keep track of everything. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Skycaddie got this one right. Absolutely stunning resolution, all the function I need. I especially like the easy shot tracking and keeping your score. The size is large but can easily slip in my front pocket between shots. The screen lock ensures nothing is entered. And the battery life is a game changer. I can keep it on 100% backlight for 18 holes and only use 75%. I do not have polarized sun glasses so the screen is plenty bright enough to read in full sun light. Changing and selecting different views is easy. Expensive but I plan to use this for many years."
"This Skycaddie is better than all the rest of the GPS is out there. And it's even better than the last version of skycaddie. So easy to use. So intuitive. So fast update. Already has all the courses. The cursor when using your finger to pinpoint a position on the course. Just smart things all around." | |
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Full color, sunlight-readable touchscreen. 
Premium price. FAQS
Why do I need a GPS device on the golf course?
Advanced GPS systems are simple to use, and it provides golfers a lot of useful information in a small device. GPS devices allow golfers not only to see the layout of the next hole but also help them pick a strategy for each shot, like help them pick out what club they’ll need.
GPS systems provide golfers with clear screens and vibrant backdrops with a complete range of insight into each shot before it happens.
Furthermore, these devices not only display the golfer yardage and detailed maps but also have the capacity to store statistics on every round. Comprehensive GPS devices will enable amateurs to understand the yardage to the front, center, and back of the green. This equipment may also help the golfer to avoid hazards like water, sand, and heavy roughness.
How accurate are golf GPS devices?
Golf GPS devices are usually accurate around 3-5 meters, which is not bad, but the yardage at the top end of that scale could mean 16 meters higher or lower than the actual. That may be the difference between finding the green bunker or a greenside bunker.
Why should I purchase a GPS device rather than a rangefinder?
Visuals always seem to be the deciding factor. If you play in multiple golf courses a year, you’ll find different layouts. This is where a Golf GPS with preloaded course layout displays comes in great advantage over rangefinders. GPS models also provide yardage to the front, middle, and back of greens as well as bunkers.
What are the key characteristics I should look out for in a great golf GPS device?
Golfers should look for five main features in the best golf GPS devices. Display quality, accurate reading, system longevity, mobile application integration, and many preloaded courses are important features that golfers need to explore before purchasing a unit. If a GPS handheld device isn’t your thing, check out this guide on golf GPS watches and rangefinders.
