Best Smartwatch for Golf [2022 Update]
There are many methods to track your progress round a golf course, many of which are tried and tested ways. Now, you can turn to modern technology to help you with a Smartwatch for Golf.
Smartwatches are so much more than watches and the right one can take the stress out of remembering to accurately record all the details of your game. They even provide information to help you improve your game and your swing.
If you like trying out different courses, or carry your clubs around with you when you travel, then you definitely need a smartwatch, and we have picked out the best smartwatches for golf which offer everything you need.
Best Smartwatch for Golf
1. Garmin vívoactive 3
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The Garmin vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch is a great watch for any fitness enthusiast, not just golfers. It comes preloaded with GPS for golfers and you can set it to 15 different indoor sports as well. Golf can be added and the app will help you record your distances and show the distance to the front, back and center of the green.
The watch face can be personalized and you can also buy and download widgets and apps from the Connect IQ store. With Garmin Pay contactless payment, this is very easy to do as well.
The GPS allows you to monitor and record how far you have walked, how far and lets you know if you’ve been idle for too long. You can set it to monitor your VO2 Max, your heart rate, and see how you’re coping with the stress of your current golf match.
You don’t need to worry about the weather you are playing in as the watch is waterproof and can even be used when you’re swimming. The display is 1.2” wide and easy to read and scrolling through the menus is quick and simple. The battery will last up to 7 days, or 13 hours if you are using GPS.
The Smartwatch can be used for so much more too. You can use it to help run your daily life, check your calendar and even check the weather forecast for your next game.
- Preloaded with GPS
- Includes over 15 indoor sports apps
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Contactless pay to download apps from Connect IQ store
- Monitor fitness levels
- 13 hours battery use
- 1.2” display
2. Garmin Approach S20
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The Garmin Approach S20 is a great companion for any golfer. It comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses so you can use it anywhere in the World. Just turn on GPS and it will work out where you are and load the right course.
The Smartwatch will show you the distance to the front of the green, the center and the back based on where you are standing and it will record the distance of every shot you take. If you have GarminTruSwing installed, it will even show you how to improve the consistency of your swing.
If you’re playing on a course you’re unfamiliar with, it will show you where the hazards are and show you the best way to avoid them.
It also helps you keep track of your health and mobility. If you have been inactive for too long it will alert you so that you can move around. It also keeps track of the number of steps you have taken each day and how many calories you have burned off. You can also keep track of the amount of sleep you are getting at night.
The display is clear and easy to read and it is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones.
- Wireless course updates
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Displays hazards
- Preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses.
- Shows shot distance
- Display size: 0.9” x 0.9”
- Uses GPS to track your location
3. Garmin Approach S40
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The Garmin Approach S40 is a versatile Smartwatch which will not only help you with your game, but help you with your life too.
It comes preloaded with over 41,000 golf course from all around the World, so you can find the information on every golf course, no matter where you are. It will identify the course you are on when you turn on the GPS and it can then track each hole as you play.
During your game it will show you the distance to the front, back and center of the green and will tell you how far it is from your current position. The distance of your shots will be recorded so you can look over the game when you have finished, and can avoid hazards as it shows you where they are too.
It includes the Green View feature for more accuracy so you can see the green and position the pin manually.
Away from the golf course, it can help you track your fitness as it tracks your daily steps and how many hours sleep you have. You can also use it with several other sports.
The Smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone, so you can sync it to receive your calls and texts when you are on the course, and everything is displayed on the color touchscreen. The design of the screen means you can see it clearly in bright sunlight.
In Smartwatch mode you will get up to 10 days of battery life, and in GPS mode up to 15 hours of use, plenty for a few rounds of golf.
If you want to get more from it, you can download the Garmin Golf app which shows you the leader board on anyone of the courses loaded in to it and you can create your own personal contest with your friends.
- 2” touchscreen display
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Preloaded with over 41,000 courses worldwide
- Measures and records shot distances
- Uses GPS to track your location
4. Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch
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The Shot Scope V2 helps you get around any course with all the information you need close to hand for the perfect game.
Once you set it up it will recognize every golf course in the World, so you can play anytime, anywhere. The GPS will automatically locate your position and show you the distance to the front, back and middle of the green. You can also see where all the hazards are on the course, which is very useful if it is a course you are not used to. You can choose to see the distances in yards or meters, and the information it provides will help you use the right club for every shot.
You can also track your performance automatically with Clubsense technology. All the information about your game so you don’t need to record any information yourself. As you play, it will record each course and how you played it so that you can view an aerial map of your round the next time you play.
Once you have finished your round, you can check the performance dashboard to look up 100 Tour level statistics for every course you’ve played, including shot by shot maps. All statistics can be viewed by club, tee shot, approach, short game and putting.
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Includes hazards
- Works on every course worldwide
- Shows distances in yards or meters
- Uses GPS to track your location
DON’T MISS: Beginner? Check out our recommended golf sets!
5. TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch
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The TecTecTed ULT-G Golf GPS watch is preloaded with over 38,000 courses so you can play anywhere in the World.
Setting up the watch couldn’t be easier. When you turn GPS on, it will automatically register where you are and on which course, and it will track each hole as you play. It will show you the distance to the front, back and middle of the green and the accuracy will be within 1 yard. All hazards are included so you will be given the best information to help you avoid them.
The screen is backlit so you can see it in any light and it has just 4 buttons to operate it. The watch itself is water resistant so you can play in any weather. If you use it on GPS mode, the battery will last you for 2.5 rounds and it is USGA compliant. It also comes with a 1 year warranty.
- Measures to the front, back and center of the green.
- Preloaded with over 38,000 courses worldwide
- Water resistant
- Includes hazards
- Easy to use
- 1 year warranty
- Backlit screen
- Uses GPS to track your location
6. Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch
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The Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch makes playing a round easier and less stressful.
It has 36,000 golf courses preloaded in 30 different countries, so you can use it when you are on vacation too.
The distance to the front, back and center of the green is clearly displayed and you can combine this with the Shot Distance Calculator to see how far your last shot was. Course hazards are included so you can see how to avoid them and you can use all the information to make sure you use the right club.
Whether on or off the golf course, you can track your steps to keep an eye on your fitness.
The design is comfortable and the band is also reversible. Updates are free via Bluetooth, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours in GPS mode, or 3 rounds of golf.
It comes with a 2 year warranty and includes the Bushnell Golf App.
- Wireless course updates
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Preloaded with over 36,000 golf courses.
- Battery lasts for 3 rounds
- Shows shot distance
- Uses GPS to track your location
7. CANMORE TW-353 GPS Golf Watch
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No matter where you play, CANMORE TW-353 GPS Golf Watch has all the functionality you need. It is pre-programmed with over 38,000 courses so you can use it anywhere in the World. When you start it, it will also show you the top 10 courses closest to you so you can find the best place to play when you’re away from home.
It includes a scorecard and tells you the distance of your last shot. It can also measure the distance you are from the front of the green, the center and the back and will tell you the par for the hole you are on. When you move to the next hole, it will automatically update so you don’t have to keep setting it during your game.
You can even check where the hazards are so you can avoid them.
The watch is lightweight and the display is in a clear monochrome design, so you can see what it says in any weather and at any time of day and if you play when it’s wet, the watch is also waterproof.
It comes with a 1 year warranty and is easy to update.
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses and recognizes the course and the hole
- Scorecard and shot distance
- Water resistant for use in all weathers
- Easy to read display
- Uses GPS to track your location
8. GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS/Rangefinder
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The GolfBuddy Voice 2 Golf GPS / Rangefinder is easy to set up. It automatically identifies the course you are on, and the hole, so you don’t need to spend time finding the right course before you play. It comes preloaded with 38,000 golf courses so you can use it wherever you are, even if you are abroad on holiday.
It can be used with or without sound, and will clearly tell you the distance to the hole so you can make sure you hit the ball right. It also comes with Dynamic Green View, which gives you the exact distance from where you are actually standing and you can see how far it is to the front of the green, the center or the back.
It is perfectly legal to use in a tournament, and if your opponent finds it too distracting, you can turn the sound off and simply check the clear 1” LCD display. You can also wear it in all weathers as it is water resistant.
You can clip it on wherever it is easiest for you to wear it and when charged, it will last up to 14 hours so you can enjoy a few games before you need to charge it up again.
It comes with a charger and has a 1 year warranty.
- Measures distance to front, center and back of the green
- With or without sound
- Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses and recognizes the course and the hole
- Dynamic Green View technology
- Water resistant for use in all weathers
- Dimensions: 1.76” x 1.78” x 0.49”
- Uses GPS to track your location
Buying Guide
Now we’ve gone over our recommendations, we thought it’d be useful to give you some additional information on what we based our reviews on, if you haven’t made your mind up on which smartwatch to go for, this will help! Once you’ve read our guide, be sure to check our Daily Deals page for steep discounts on smart watches and other golf gear.
Recording your game information
Keeping track of your data when you’re on the course isn’t always easy. Making sure you have the distance of each shot can be a time consuming process and can take the enjoyment out of the game. You also have to make sure you have everything you need while you are out and sometimes it’s hard to record a course accurately if you’ve not played it before. When you get home you then have to transfer all your data to a spreadsheet to calculate your handicap.
If you have a cell, you can download apps to help you keep track. Instead of writing everything down, everything can be stored in an app and this can work all your stats out for you. While this is much easier, not everyone likes to take their cell with them when they play. If you do take a cell on the course, many times it is turned off so it doesn’t provide a distraction. If you turn your cell off, you may not be able to use it to record your data.
You can, of course, have your cell on silent but there is a more convenient way of making sure you don’t miss a shot.
Smartwatches are becoming more and more popular. The apps included with them record everything you need to know to help you track your game and handicap, and you will never lose any information from any of your games.
What is a Smartwatch?
Smartwatches are watches but they are more like wearing a mini computer. The screen is slightly larger than a normal watch, but they are not heavy or bulky to wear. Smartwatches do tell you the time, but they can also do a whole lot more.
A Smartwatch will connect to the internet and the more modern designs use 4G so you can connect wherever you go. You can download apps and games of your choice and functionality is similar to a Smartphone. Depending on your own preferences, you can use the Smartwatch to record information about your favorite sport or hobby, or simply to help you organize your day.
Battery life varies but they can last up to a month or more, depending on your usage. If they have Bluetooth they can also connect to your headsets or music devices.
Smartwatches are evolving all the time but they are a great way to have everything you need on your wrist.
Many people use them to keep track of their health and fitness, as they can track your steps, heart rate and stress levels. Many apps are available for different sports, and there is a lot of choice if you are looking for one for golf.
It’s worth taking the time to check out what each Smartwatch offers and how each app works. If you have a preferred method of storing your data, a Smartwatch for golf can be used to make sure you never lose any important information.
Why do you need a Smartwatch for Golf?
A Smartwatch for Golf does all the work for you, so you can relax and enjoy your round of golf. They sit neatly on your wrist and won’t cause any distractions. Some watches do make a sound as they record, but that can usually be turned off to allow you and your opponent to concentrate.
Here are just some of the ways they can help you.
Preloaded courses
If you always play on the same course, this may not be too important, but as most golf players like to take their clubs with them when they travel, having golf course information ready at the touch of a button is a real help.
Golf Smartwatches all come with course information loaded and they don’t just have the ones closest to where you live. The courses they have cover the World so you can play just about anywhere. Should you find a course which isn’t on the Smartwatch, most manufacturers will add it for you if you ask. Course information is also updated free of charge on most watches, so when holes change or hazards are added, this will all be ready for you when you next play.
The watches use GPS to track your location, so they identify the course you are on and track each hole as you progress. All you have to do, is play.
Shot distance
While many experienced golfers can guess the distance pretty accurately, a golf Smartwatch can do it even better.
They locate your position on the course, and will show you the distance from where you are to the center of the green, back of the green and front of the green so you get a more accurate estimate. You can often check how accurate you were with your last shot too as it will record just how far it was.
This information is very useful in ensuring you choose the best iron for your next shot to make sure your distance is exactly right.
Green view
Smartwatches which include Green view give you a better idea of the green. This shows you the actual green so you can see exactly how it lies and where the pin is.
Not all Smartwatches have this option so check before you buy. If it’s not loaded, it may be available as an additional app.
Hazards
Hazards are the curse of every golf course and if you’re playing a new course, you may not be sure where the hazards are or how far they are from where your ball is lying.
Your Smartwatch for Golf will include the details of all hazards, telling you what sort of hazard it is and exactly how far away from you it is. If information changes, these will be included in the course updates. You may need to check if the updates are done automatically or if you can choose to run them when you are not on the course.
Records stats
We all have our own method of recording all the statistics of our games. Over time these can start to get messy and confusing, and may even be a little out of date. A golf Smartwatch makes it so much easier to record all your round statistics, and you don’t need to do anything.
All the information about every round you play is stored in the watch. This includes your shot distances, how you played each hole and also the details of your swing. Everything is done automatically.
Made for use outdoors
Unlike many phones, golf Smartwatches are designed to be used outdoors. Not all matches are played in good weather, and paper scorecards or phone apps don’t do well if it’s wet. Most Smartwatches will be water resistant so they won’t get damaged or stop working if you play in wet weather.
If you’re playing in sunshine, the screens will be adapted so they are anti-glare and the information displayed will always be clearly visible. Many even have backlights so if you’re playing later in the day, you can still keep track.
Useful off the course too
Smartwatches also have many useful features off the course, as well as telling you the time and date.
Some include other sports so you can also use them to track your progress with that as well, or they will have an app you can use for your other chosen sports. You will be able to keep track of any fitness goals as all steps are recorded and many will track how many hours sleep you get a night. Some can also help you monitor your stress levels.
You can also link your Smartwatch to your cellphone and using Bluetooth you can receive texts and calls through the watch. For many this is simply easier to use when you’re out than your cell.
It can be a daunting experience trusting something so small with all your game stats, but the right golf Smartwatch takes all the stress out of this so you can relax and fully enjoy your game.
