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Golf Tech Reviews

Cheapest Golf GPS Watches Under $150

Golf is one of the most skilled sports in the world. To get good at it you need to invest in the right equipment. Unlike other sports to perform at a decent level you need to have suitable equipment that will help you improve your game.

This could be a set of high-quality clubs, specialized balls that suit your game, or a pair of comfortable golfing gloves that give you a better grip.

Either way, golf is an investment. You will want to purchase the best equipment whilst also saving money.

One piece of equipment often overlooked is a golf GPS watch. A high-performing golf GPS watch will help you massively.

They provide you with an enormous amount of data that can improve your game. However finding the best one to buy, especially when you’re on a budget can be difficult.

There are so many to choose from in this competitive market that making a final decision can be tricky.

To make things easier for you we have done the research for you, finding the best golf GPS watches available right now for under $150.

All you need to do is pick one!

In this article, you will find the cheapest, yet highest-performing watches we found as well as a guide looking at key things you need to consider when buying your watch.

Contents show

What Is A Golf GPS Watch?

Before we get into our list of the best GPS watches let’s take a quick look at what this gadget is and why you should buy one. For those that don’t know, a golf GPS watch is a purpose-built golf navigational tool.

They are designed to provide golfers with assistance when out on the course. The state-of-the-art gadget assists with distance and course mapping all while being comfortably worn on the golfer’s wrist.

The global positioning system will tell you how far you are away from the green and inform you of any hazards you need to be aware of.

The device comes in super handy when playing on a new course layout for the first time, helping you navigate around the course.

“WATCH v GPS v LASER – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?” by Golf Monthly UK on YouTube.

Why Should You Buy A Golf GPS Watch?

An overview of different golf watch models.
An overview of different golf watch models. Image source: Golfstun.de.

Whether you’re looking to improve your short or long game, having a reliable golf GPS watch will help. It’s like having an experienced caddy on your wrist.

Offering so much more than just telling you the time a golf GPS watch can massively improve your game when out on the course.

When on an unfamiliar course your watch will provide you with the key information you need. This includes distance to the green, alerts regarding any hazards, and yardage to a specific position on the course. Some advanced models will even help you choose the right club for each stroke.

These features are all the reasons you should buy a GPS golf watch. Not only do they make your life a lot easier, but they also actively influence the way you play, ensuring you avoid hazards and know exactly which shot you need to play.

They are also an excellent alternative to traditional laser-powered rangefinders. You no longer need to carry a tool around with you.

Gone are the days of being held up as you try to find the gadget in your bag. Instead, you have everything you need conveniently strapped to your wrist.

“CHEAP Vs EXPENSIVE GPS WATCH TEST!” by Golf Monthly UK on YouTube.

The Cheapest Golf GPS Watches Under $150

Best for a Budget
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02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT
Editors Choice
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02/05/2024 11:18 pm GMT
Best Value
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Our Top Pick TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch

Our Top Pick
TecTecTec ULT-G TecTecTec ULT-G
$99.99

The ULT-G GPS Golf Watch by TecTecTec! - Access more than 38,000 courses worldwide by satellite and measure precise distances instantly to improve your game fast. Know the exact distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as dog legs and hazards, to speed up play. The TecTecTec ULT-G is fast to set-up, easy to use, and durable.


Pros:
  • A great choice if you are on a budget
  • Water resistant and dust resistant
  • No risk guarantee included
Cons:
  • No auto power down button
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02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT

We kick off this list with an awesome option. The TecTecTec GPS watch is easily one of the best-golfing watches available for under $100. It is an excellent choice for beginners as it’s easy to use and doesn’t come with too many advanced features, for example slope compensation.

With a 10-hour battery life, you can expect solid performance from this watch for at least two rounds of golf. The watch provides you with accurate hazard distances to bunkers and water hazards.

It also gives you the detailed information you need in regards to distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. This watch is accurate to within one yard and has 38,000+ course maps from around the world ready to access.

In terms of the watch’s design, we were very impressed. The watch’s simplistic look and layout is perfect for accessing the data you need quickly. With only five buttons, you can effortlessly navigate the screen. The compact design of the TecTecTec watch also offers great durability, coming with water and dust resistant features.

Overall this watch is a reliable choice if you want to effectively navigate a course with ease. Though it isn’t as powerful as other more expensive watches on the market, it is a great alternative and one that won’t let you down. The only thing this watch lacks is more features.

A scorecard and a step counter would have been a nice addition.

Features

  • Track distance to the front, middle, and back of the green.
  • Monitor the position of hazards.
  • Battery life will last up to 2.5 rounds of golf.
  • 5 button system.
  • Easy to read screen, even in direct sunlight.
  • 38,000+ real-world courses.
  • Hole advancement.
  • Water and dust resistant.
  • Bluetooth compatible.

Pros and Cons of TecTecTec ULT-G

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Accurate tracking – This watch is accurate to within one yard
  • Great design looks fantastic
  • No subscription required
Cons
  • No touchscreen – It would have been nice to have touchscreen capabilities with this watch
  • Lack of features – Though the watch has the key features that affect your game additional features would make the watch better

Editors Choice: Izzo Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch

Editors Choice
IZZO Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch IZZO Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch
$99.99 $65.77

The hottest golf device you’ve been waiting for! It gives accurate distances in a convenient and comfortable watch design that is not only stylish, but delivers excellent performance on the course, making this a true game changer! By providing precise distances to the front, center, and back of the green as well as layup and carry distances to hazards and doglegs, it will enhance your ability to navigate the course, get the right club in your hands, and lower your scores! You can play 18 holes without ever touching it!

Pros:
  • Additional features – The Swami golf watch comes with some amazing features such as scorecard and shot monitoring
  • Stylish
  • Solid battery life
Cons:
  • No touchscreen
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02/05/2024 11:18 pm GMT

If you’re after a cheaper GPS watch that still performs brilliantly then you should strongly consider the Izzo Golf Swami watch. This watch is super affordable and packed with the features you need on the course.

Preloaded with 38,000 worldwide golf courses you can precisely identify exactly where the front, center, and back of the green are. You can also measure distances to layups, doglegs, and hazards.

Despite its low price the Izzo watch also comes with some handy features that help you track your game. Included is a digital scorecard and a neat shot measurement tool that lets you keep track of those pile driver shots.

In terms of reliability and design, this watch is right up there with the best. This stylish black GPS watch has been crafted with the golfer in mind. It has a sleek and lightweight band that sits comfortably on the wrist.

On top of that, the hands-free auto course recognition and auto-hole advancement do the hard work for you. The easy-to-read display simply adds to this watch’s usability.

In regards to reliability, this watch is trustworthy. The lithium battery lasts for 10 hours giving you plenty of time to play at least 2 rounds of golf before a recharge is needed.

The water resistance feature will also protect your watch on wet days or those unfortunate times you end up in a water hazard.

Features

  • 38,000 preloaded courses.
  • Green tracking.
  • Distance to hazards measured.
  • Comfortable silicone band.
  • Scorecard feature.
  • Shot measurement.
  • Easy to read display.
  • 10-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Izzo Golf Swami

Pros
  • Key features – The Swami golf watch comes with some amazing added features such as scorecard and shot monitoring
  • Stylish – A good-looking watch is always nice
  • Solid battery life
Cons
  • No touchscreen – Like the TecTecTec GPS watch this model also doesn’t have a touchscreen

Best Value: Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch

Best Value
Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch

Shot Scope V2 Is The Only Gps Watch With Integrated, Fully Automated Performance Tracking, Making It The Smartest Watch In Golf. Make Any Course Your Home Course And Seize The Advantage, Worldwide, While Mastering Your Game Using A Detailed Post-Round Analysis Platform Containing Over 100 Tour-Level Statistics.

Pros:
  • Ability to review performance
  • Free to use
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Cheap yet powerful
Cons:
  • Appearance
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The Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch is the most affordable GPS golf watch on this list. The Shot Scope watch is a highly accurate watch that will provide you with precise data during your round of golf.

Its basic features allow you to measure the distance to the front, center, and back of the green to within one yard. It also allows you to monitor the position of various hazards including sand bunkers and water hazards.

That’s not all this watch can do though. As far as improving your game goes, the Shot Scope can help you enormously. Through the mobile app or interactive dashboard on the watch, you can check out detailed insights into your game. The watch features automatic shot tracking, so can see how you have performed and identify areas you need to improve.

If you’re trying out a new course or your regular course has a new layout, you don’t need to worry if you own this GPS watch. The Slope Scope already has 36,000 courses preloaded. This updates regularly to ensure the data is correct.

When it comes to the watch’s appearance and design, we must say it isn’t our favorite. The streamlined watch is comfortable to wear but it is quite chunky. Having said that, the LCD screen is easy-to-navigate and the watch doesn’t interfere with your performance on the course.

The watch more than makes up for this with its impressive features. Overall this watch is incredible value for money, providing us with all the key features we need to improve our game.

Features

  • 36,000+ courses.
  • Touchscreen.
  • LCD display.
  • Track course distances.
  • Monitor hazards.
  • Automatic shot tracking.
  • Smartphone connectivity.
  • Silicone band.
  • No subscription fees.
  • 12-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Shot Scope V2 Smart

Pros
  • Ability to review performance
  • Free to use, no need for a subscription to access course information
  • Comfortable to wear, band fits nicely on your wrist
  • Cheap yet powerful
Cons
  • Appearance – This GPS watch doesn’t look too appealing but it does its job amazingly

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S10

Runner Up
Garmin Approach S10 Garmin Approach S10
$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:
  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 3 colors
  • Relatively affordable price tag
  • No pesky smart notifications
Cons:
  • Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
  • No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors
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02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

Garmin has a strong reputation for creating top-of-the-range GPS smartwatches. This reputation carries over to offering incredibly powerful golf GPS watches too.

The Garmin Approach S10 is the cheapest Garmin golf watch on the market. Despite it being the cheapest it is arguably one of the best. This watch comes equipped with technology that measures the distance to various hazards, doglegs, and of course the distance to the green. Unlike other budget golf watches the Garmin Approach S10 also includes a useful scorecard feature.

Though this watch doesn’t have a touchscreen the button on the side of the watch makes navigating the different menus straightforward and quick to do. In all honesty, the watch does lack other fitness tracking features such as a step counter, heart rate monitor, and a shot tracker.

However, considering the price of the device it does exactly what any beginner or intermediate golfer needs, even automatically recognizing which course you’re playing.

It is also worth noting that a lot of care has gone into designing this watch. The watch looks and feels unbelievably good. Weighing just over 1 ounce you will almost forget you’re wearing it. This is great if you’re looking for a watch that has no chance of getting in your way as you swing.

With 41,000 preloaded courses and free lifetime updates, you can’t go wrong with the Garmin Approach S10.

Features

  • Black and white display.
  • 41,000 preloaded courses.
  • Automatic course selection.
  • Display: 128 x 128 pixels.
  • 12-hour battery life.
  • Water-resistant to 50m.
  • 64 MB of memory.
  • Lightweight.
  • Upload scorecards to Garmin Express to keep track of your scores.
  • Weekly tournaments on the Garmin Golf app.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S10

Pros
  • Access to a golfing community
  • Accurate yardage
  • Green view
  • Summary provided
Cons
  • Lack of some basic features such as fitness tracking

Runner Up: Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch
$99.99

WORLDWIDE COURSE DATA - Free course data is provided for over 40,000 (and counting) golf courses around the world (NO subscription fees) - Download new data from the CANMORE website for easy upload via USB on Windows, Mac and Linux.

SIMPLE FUNCTIONS YOU NEED - Manage your game, not your golf watch! GPS course finder switches hole automatically and gives you easy-to-access distance to green (F/M/B), hazard distance, shot distance, scorecard and of course—digital clock with alarm.

COMFORTABLE - Soft, durable rubber wristband feels great - The watch is lightweight so it won’t throw off your stroke. Fits wrists 6" to 8".


Pros:
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic features
Cons:
  • No smartphone connectivity
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02/04/2024 11:46 pm GMT

The Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch is probably the most attractive watch on this list. Available in five colors some of which are vibrant, this watch is one you will love to wear.

The comfortable rubber strap and lightweight nature of the device won’t get in your way or cause any interference with your swing.

In terms of what this watch can do you won’t be disappointed.

This powerful watch with an 11-hour battery life gives every golfer all the information they need to successfully navigate a golf course.

The watch tracks the distance to the hole and measures distance to nearby hazards like you would expect. It also has some neat features that help make your round easier and improve your game.

The watch includes a digital scorecard, shot distance monitor, and of course a digital clock and alarm. Having all of this at your fingertips gives you the opportunity to monitor your performance, improving your knowledge of where you need to improve your game.

To ensure you can access information quickly Canmore has designed the display to be super easy to read and use, even in harsh sunlight.

One feature we loved that makes using the watch even easier is the automatic hole switcher. When you have finished a hole the watch will change the hole for you automatically, letting you focus solely on the next hole.

Complete with 38,000 free courses, the Canmore golf watch is definitely one to consider.

Features

  • 38,000 courses.
  • Rubber strap.
  • Course tracking.
  • Digital scorecard.
  • Five color variations.
  • 11-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Canmore TW353

Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic features
Cons
  • No smartphone connectivity

Runner Up: Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch Black with 38,000 Courses and auto-Course Recognition, GreenView with Wearable4U Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch Black with 38,000 Courses and auto-Course Recognition, GreenView with Wearable4U
$149.99
Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch
Pros:
  • Great battery life
  • Shot distance calculator
  • Comprehensive App access
Cons:
  • Not as many available features as its competitors
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02/05/2024 10:58 am GMT

Bushnell produces high-quality pieces of golfing equipment. One of their standout products is the popular iON Edge Golf GPS Watch. Sitting at the higher end of the $150 budget this more powerful watch has a wider range of features including an easy-to-use touchscreen.

The inclusion of a touchscreen already sets this watch above the others we have previously mentioned but that’s not the only advantage of owning this watch. This comfortable, slim golf GPS watch features Green View with a moveable pin.

Green View allows you to see the true shape of the green and different distances to the pin so that you can plan your best approach. The iON Edge also has a much superior battery life to other watches on the market. With 15 hours of battery life, you can charge the watch less frequently.

Other features on offer include the tracking of up to 6 hazards per hole, dynamic green mapping, 38,000 preloaded courses, shot distance calculator, auto hole advance, auto course recognition, and distances to the front, center, and back of the green.

As if that wasn’t enough Bushnell gives you access to the Bushnell Golf app. This app is packed with additional benefits so be sure to check it out.

Features

  • Stylish design.
  • Course tracking.
  • Green View.
  • Auto hole advance.
  • Shot distance calculator.
  • Auto course recognition.
  • Scorekeeping.
  • Comfortable, lightweight design.
  • 15-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell iON Edge

Pros
  • Rammed with features
  • Amazing design
  • Easy-to-use
Cons
  • Top of the $150 budget

Runner Up: Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch

The aim W10 GPS Golf Watch provides accurate distance measurements, with a 1.3” TFT-LCD color touch screen that provides distance calculations to the front, center and back of the green, and distances to targets and hazards. The watch automatically recognizes which hole you are playing and has manual pin placement, digital scorecard and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which lasts up to 10 hours in golf mode.

Pros:
  • Colorful LCD display
  • Advanced features
  • 40,000 preloaded courses
Cons:
  • Weaker battery life
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If you’re looking for a golf watch with a variety of great features and a colorful LCD screen then the Golf Buddy Aim W10 could be a good option. The standout feature with this GPS watch is the brightly colored LCD screen.

The other watches on our list so far all have black and white screens. The beauty of having a colorful LCD display is not only a more aesthetic watch but also one that is easier to read and understand.

With the Golf Buddy Aim watch, you will have a clear view of an entire hole before hitting a shot. The Golf Buddy golf watch is also touchscreen making it nice and easy to navigate.

With over 40,000 courses from 170 countries preloaded, you have the option to measure key shot information and monitor the undulation of the green.

This will help you approach your shot with a full understanding of the shot required.

Included with the watch is also a digital scorecard and the ability to measure the distance to various hazards and parts of the green. In our opinion, the colorful LCD display sets this watch above others on the market.

The display makes it a lot easier to identify certain parts of the course and above all else gives the watch a better appearance.

This is a watch you will really enjoy wearing.

Features

  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Colorful LCD display.
  • Golf Buddy smart app.
  • Green undulated data.
  • Full hole tracking including distance to hazards and the green.
  • Large LCD display.
  • Weatherproof.
  • 10-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Golf Buddy Aim W10

Pros
  • Colorful LCD display
  • Advanced features
  • 40,000 preloaded courses
Cons
  • Weak battery life because of the colorful screen

Runner Up: Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch
$129.99

It takes more than a slick gadget to make a scratch player, but if you're like us, you'll take any edge you can get! CANMORE GPS Golf Watches are exactly the edge you need—it’s time to take your game places!

Whether you are new to smart golf watches or are looking to try something new, CANMORE Golf Watches give you the data you need, when you need it, without getting in the way of the game.

The CANMORE TW-353 automatically shows the top 10 courses nearest you when you start Golf Mode, meaning you can start golfing with no setup beforehand.

Pros:
  • Step counter feature
  • Wide variety of features
  • Beautiful design
Cons:
  • No touchscreen
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02/05/2024 11:31 am GMT

Another beautifully designed Canmore golf watch that is complete with some awesome features is the TW410G GPS watch. Like the TW353 watch, this device comes with features that allow you to access accurate data from over 40,000 golf courses around the world.

This watch will give you precise information in regards to how far away the green is and any hazards you may encounter. On top of that, this watch also contains a digital scorecard and shot distance measurements.

These features are all things the TW353 model can do so what separates the two? When we took a look at the two watches the first thing that stood out for us was their appearance. The TW353 looks amazing but the TW410G looks even better.

The blend of colors and the immaculate rubber wristband go with each other excellently well. The other difference between the two watches is the addition of a step counter in the TW410G.

This additional feature is great for those of you who want to also track how far you have moved during your round of golf. If you were to choose between both models of Canmore GPS watch this is something you will want to consider.

When it comes to the usability of this watch, the five buttons make navigating the different menus a hassle-free task, giving you more time to focus on your golf. The auto hole switcher also makes this watch a convenient choice.

This device lets you manage your game instead of focusing on your golf watch.

Features

  • Comfortable rubber strap.
  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Large monochrome display.
  • Five-button control system.
  • Front, center, and back green measurements.
  • Monitor hazards.
  • Step counter.
  • Digital scorecard.

Pros and Cons of Canmore TW410G

Pros
  • Step counter feature
  • Wide variety of features
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • No touchscreen

Runner Up: Garmin Approach G10

Runner Up
Garmin Approach G10 Garmin Approach G10

Compact clip-on device fits anywhere.

Preloaded with more than 40,000 golf courses around the world.

Displays distances to the front, back and middle of the green, plus hazards.

Green View display shows shape of the green with manual pin placements.

Digital scorecard lets you easily keep track of your score throughout each round.


Pros:
  • Four modes for measuring distances to the green, obstacles, layup distances and more
  • Can measure your shots to keep track of how far you are hitting the ball
  • Comes preloaded with 40,000 courses from around the world
  • Mode 4 gives you an aerial view of the green that you can manually place pins onto
Cons:
  • Small and may be easy to lose
  • Needs to be charged with the USB cable it comes with
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If you want a GPS golf watch that is a little more unique and is guaranteed to stay out of your way then the Garmin Approach G10 is a watch you should take a look at.

The Approach G10 is a one-of-a-kind strapless device that can be clipped anywhere or placed in your pocket.

A popular place people place it is on their waist. The strapless design ensures the watch never interferes with your game, giving you versatility in regard to your comfort.

In terms of performance, this watch can be considered a high-performance device. Whether you’re playing a solo round of golf on your home turf or playing with friends on a golfing holiday the Approach G10 will have you covered.

The compact, easy-to-use, and lightweight device accurately measures yardage for your shots no matter where you are on the course. It will display distances to the green and any hazards, and also use Green View to display the shape of each green.

At all times the watch will know exactly where you are and where the next pin is thanks to the 40,000 preloaded courses. Other useful features include a handy scorecard to keep track of your score and access to the Garmin Golf app where you can join thousands of other golfers like yourself.

The Approach G10 looks great, performs well, comes with an array of features, has a 15-hour battery life, and is water-resistant to 10m.

Features

  • Strapless.
  • Green View included.
  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Measure shot yardage.
  • Automatic hole switch.
  • 15-hour battery life.
  • Lithium-ion battery.
  • Scorecard.
  • Distances to the green and hazards measured.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G10

Pros
  • No interference
  • Compact
  • Green view
Cons
  • Not a traditional watch

Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Runner Up
Garmin Vivoactive 3 with 1 Year Extedned Warranty Garmin Vivoactive 3 with 1 Year Extedned Warranty

GPS Smartwatch with Contactless Payments and Wrist-based Heart Rate Garmin Pay trade; contactless payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch.

Personalize your watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps and widgets from our Connect IQ trade; store More than 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more.

Monitor your fitness level with VO2 max and fitness age estimates, plus keep an eye on how you handle stress Get connected features such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect trade.

Pros:
  • Perfect for multiple interests
  • Track your fitness levels
  • Sleek and aesthetic
Cons:
  • Not suitable for expert golfers
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We want to finish this list with a watch that isn’t specifically designed for golfers. This will be a great option for you if you want to buy a watch you can wear daily, not just when you are playing golf.

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is one of the best smartwatches on the market. This high-quality watch lets you track data from a variety of different sports including golf.

Firstly the design of this watch makes it a suitable watch to wear all day no matter what the occasion. You can spend the afternoon playing golf with the watch before then wearing it on a night out with friends and family.

Featuring a solid Gorilla Glass 3 protected touchscreen, a stylish dashboard, and a soft silicone strap, you can wear this watch with ease knowing it can handle whatever comes its way. The Vivoactive 3 accurately monitors heart rate, steps, calories burned, and hydration levels.

It can also be used to play music, make a contactless payment, receive notifications from your phone, and also answer messages/calls.

As far as the golf-relevant features are concerned, this sophisticated smartwatch is preloaded with over 41,000 courses.

Once at the course, you will be able to see all the course attributes you need in relation to hole length, greens, doglegs, and hazards.

The watch can also determine shot distance, pin placement, record your score, and collect other individual stats.

All in all the Garmin Vivoactive 3 gives you the best of both worlds.

Features

  • Track over 15 sports.
  • Track golf-specific metrics including shot distance, hole mapping, and scorecard.
  • Monitor heart rate, calories burned, steps, and hydration levels.
  • 13-hour battery life.
  • Silicone strap.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Social features.
  • Payment capabilities.
  • Listen to your favorite music.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Vivoactive 3

Pros
  • Perfect for multiple interests
  • Track your fitness levels
  • Sleek and aesthetic
Cons
  • Not suitable for expert golfers

Buyers Guide to Golf GPS Watch

If you still find yourself struggling to find the right smartwatch for you then this buyer’s guide can help.

In this guide, you will find some of the key things you need to consider when looking to buy a GPS golf watch.

Taking these points on board will help you make a decision you won’t regret.

Comfortability

Arguably the most important thing you need to consider is how comfortable a watch is to wear. You will be wearing the watch for up to 10 hours a day depending on how much golf you play, therefore your watch needs to be comfortable. The weight of the watch and the style of the band plays a big part in the comfortability of a watch.

Most watches are designed with this in mind. You probably won’t encounter any issues, however, there are some things you can check to make sure the watch will be comfortable.

Ensuring the strap is made from silicone is one thing that guarantees comfort. Silicone straps are produced to be soft and snug on your skin. This allows you to wear the watch all day without any irritation.

In terms of weight, chunkier watches tend to be heavier on your wrist. This might cause fatigue in your wrist and also interfere with your play. Picking a compact, lightweight watch is a good idea.

Battery Life

Your watch needs to have you covered while you play. This will vary from person to person so you need to really consider who long you will need the watch to last between charges. Most golf GPS watches have a battery life of 10 hours.

This should be more than enough to cover you for two and a half rounds of golf. Other watches have a battery life of up to 15 hours. If you think you need a watch with longer battery life then clearly you should look at buying one with 15 hours of battery life.

We recommend buying a watch that has at least a 10-hour battery life. This should easily be enough.

Features

Considering the features you need in your watch will greatly impact the one you choose. Watches vary massively. The general rule of thumb is the more features included the more money you will spend.

If you want a watch that will simply give you information regarding each hole in terms of distance to the green, doglegs, hazards, and shot yardage you can look at the lower-priced watches.

If you want a watch that comes with more technology like Green View, step counters, scorecards, and the ability to analyze your performance, you will need to look at the more expensive watches. When we say more expensive they still fit into your budget and might only cost $50 more.

Brand

Though it’s not all about the brand it is worth considering who you are buying a product from. Big brands like Garmin have a reputation for producing reliable watches. The watches on our list are all from reliable brands so you can be happy buying from any of them.

If you choose to look elsewhere for a watch, always check reviews and brand reputation before buying. This will ensure you are buying from a reliable source.

It is also worth noting that some brands have their own apps that come with additional benefits and a community of people who share your interests.

Takeaway

Golf GPS watches are an excellent way to track your golfing performance, improve your ability, and also improve your game. A good watch will act as the perfect caddie. You should be able to navigate any course with ease, understanding the distance to each hole and any hazards you may encounter.

An even better watch will be able to show you key details about the shape of the green, record your score, collect swing data, and also pinpoint your location during any hole.

Though GPS watches can be expensive there are plenty to choose from that come with all the features you need at a more budget-friendly price. You can see this from our list.

The GPS watches on our list offer you everything you need from a golf GPS watch for under $150. Whether you’re a casual golfer looking for some assistance or a competitive sports person looking to hone their skills there is a watch out there for you.

Take our list and narrow it down until you find the best watch that suits your needs and requirements. Finding the right watch for you will help you enjoy golf even more than you do already. 


Frequently Asked Questions – Budget Golf Watches

Is A Garmin Golf Watch Worth It?

A Garmin golf watch is definitely worth it as is any golf GPS watch. A golf GPS watch is fantastic for navigating your way around a golf course. The basic features allow you to measure the distance to each green and any hazards you may encounter along the way. You can also conveniently keep track of your score, analyze your swing performance and identify the specific shape of each green. These features help you develop your game and improve your overall golfing ability.

How Accurate Are Golf GPS Watches?

Golf GPS watches tend to be extremely accurate. In most cases, a high-performing GPS watch will be accurate within 1 yard when the conditions allow for optimal performance (clear sky and strong satellite coverage). Even poorer performing GPS golf watches have an accuracy within 3 to 4 yards.

Are Golf Watches Allowed To Be Used In Tournaments?

Yes, golf watches are allowed to be used in tournament play. As a result of this, even the highest level of golfer should consider investing in a highly rated golf GPS watch.

In the past electronics weren’t allowed to be used but rule changes have since permitted the use of said devices in most tournament play. Having said that, it is always worth checking specific competition rules before using one just in case.

By Andrew Barrett

Hi, my name is Andrew Barrett, and I have been a keen golfer for the last 15 years. As a teenager, I used to attend my local golf club and resort with my father, and I quickly realized that it was the perfect sport for me. From here, I decided to take the sport more seriously, and have been playing regularly with family and friends since.

Over the years, I have picked up many useful skills and tips about golf. I have decided to set up my site, Golf Link, as a way to share my knowledge and tips with other keen golfers. Through this site, I will be talking you through general golfing knowledge, and I will also be reviewing golf clubs and equipment too.