Best Golf Course GPS Units of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Golf course GPS units have become increasingly popular among avid golfers who want to improve their game. These devices offer accurate measurements of distances to the green, hazards, and other important points on the course. They also provide detailed maps of the course, allowing players to plan their shots more effectively. Golf GPS units come in various forms, including handheld devices, watches, and even smartphone apps. Some models also offer additional features such as score tracking and shot tracking. With the help of a golf course GPS unit, players can make more informed decisions and improve their overall performance on the course.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin Approach S12 Cover #TOP 1
Garmin Approach S12
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Blue Tees Golf Player+ GPS Speaker Cover #TOP 2
Blue Tees Golf Player+ GPS Speaker
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS Cover #TOP 3
Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Golf Course GPS Units

#TOP 1

Garmin Approach S12

010-02472-01
Granite Blue
Garmin Approach S12 Cover
Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Granite Blue, 010-02472-01

The Garmin S12 Golf Watch is the perfect companion for every golf enthusiast, featuring a new round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display. With more than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world, you can easily find the course you need. The watch provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs. You can keep score right on the watch and upload directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards. The battery life is up to 30 hours in GPS mode, ensuring that you'll have enough power to last through multiple rounds. Additionally, you can automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club with compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately).

What We Like
High-resolution display
Long battery life
Preloaded with 42k+ courses
#TOP 2

Blue Tees Golf Player+ GPS Speaker

Player Speaker
Black
One Size
Blue Tees Golf Player+ GPS Speaker Cover
Blue Tees Golf Player+ GPS Speaker with Touch Screen Display, 10+ Hours Battery, 40,000+ Courses, Visual + Audible Distance, Hazard Distance - IPX7 Waterproof (Black)

The Blue Tees GPS Speaker is a user-friendly device with a touch screen display, allowing easy navigation. You can track your driving distance to improve your game and stay informed about dynamic hazards like bunkers and water hazards. The score-keeping feature eliminates the need for a separate scorecard, making it convenient for you to keep track of your scores during the game.

What We Like
Touch Screen Display
Driving Distance Tracking
Dynamic Hazards Alerts
#TOP 3

Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS

A44084
Blue
Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS Cover
Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS Water-Resistant Color Display with 38,000 Course Maps & Scorekeeper

The Izzo Swami 6000 Handheld Golf GPS is the ultimate golf cart accessory. With over 38,000 global course maps preloaded and no subscription fees, this GPS device provides accurate distances to the front, center, and back of the green, as well as layup and carry distances to the front and back of hazards and doglegs. The device features auto-course recognition, auto-hole advance, and individual shot distance measurements. The large, vibrant 2'' color display is easy to read and operate, and the device includes a digital scorekeeper that saves round scores. The SWAMI 6000 is even water-resistant and equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of holding a 16 hour charge.

What We Like
Preloaded with over 38,000 global course maps
No subscription fees and free updates
Accurate distances to the front, center, and back of the green, as well as layup and carry distances to the front and back of hazards and doglegs
Auto-course recognition, auto-hole advance, and individual shot distance measurements
Large, vibrant 2'' color display and digital scorekeeper that saves round scores
#TOP 4

GolfBuddy Clip on Voice 2

Voice 2S+ Blue
Blue
GolfBuddy Clip on Voice 2 Cover
GOLFBUDDY Voice 2S+ Talking GPS Rangefinder, Clip on Hat Golf Navigation, Slope Mode on/Off, 18 Hours Battery Life, Shot Distance Measurement, Preloaded with 40,000 Courses Worldwide (Blue)

The GolfBuddy Voice 2 is a talking GPS device that provides distance information simultaneously on the audio and screen. It offers a green view on both right and left sides and can be played without the way by hanging it on a hat or belt. The adjustable audio guide volume allows you to set it according to your preference. With accurate QZSS GPS reception and convenient voice guidance, the device displays the distance from the current position to the front, middle, and back of the green at once. It also has a shot distance measurement function. The device comes with over 40,000 courses in 170 countries around the world and free updates via USB sync. The compact device has a clear 1-inch LCD and is IPX3 level waterproof. It offers up to 14 hours of continuous usage time in golf mode with a weight of only 1.1 oz. The device supports eight languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

What We Like
Talking GPS device
Displays distance to front, middle, and back of green
Shot distance measurement function
#TOP 5

Garmin Approach G12 Golf GPS Rangefinder

010-02555-00
Black
Garmin Approach G12 Golf GPS Rangefinder Cover
Garmin Approach G12, Clip-on Golf GPS Rangefinder, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, 010-02555-00

The Garmin Approach G12 is a compact GPS golf rangefinder with a built-in clip and lanyard loop. It features 42,000+ preloaded courses worldwide with wireless updates, accurate measurements, big numbers mode, digital scorecard, club tracking, and green view display for manual pin placements. It is also water-resistant (IPX7) and has a long-running, rechargeable battery with up to 30 hours of battery life in GPS mode.

What We Like
Compact and easy to mount with built-in clip and lanyard loop
Access to 42,000+ preloaded courses worldwide with wireless updates
Accurate measurements, big numbers mode, and digital scorecard for easy tracking
#TOP 6

Garmin Approach S12

010-02472-02
White
Garmin Approach S12 Cover
Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, White, 010-02472-02

The Garmin S12 GPS Golf Watch is designed to give you an easy-to-use experience while playing golf. With its new round watch design, you can easily read the high-resolution sunlight-readable display. The watch provides yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs, helping you make the best shot. You can keep score right on the watch and upload it directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards. The watch can also automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club with compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately). With more than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world, you'll have the confidence to play on any course.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable display
Long battery life
Over 42,000 preloaded course maps
#TOP 7

Garmin Approach S12

010-02472-00
Black
Garmin Approach S12 Cover
Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Black, 010-02472-00

The Garmin Golf Watch is a high-resolution GPS golf watch with a new round watch design, providing you with more than 42,000 preloaded courses from around the world. With a battery life of up to 30 hours in GPS mode, you can keep track of your score and upload it directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards. Additionally, the watch can automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club when you use compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately). You can also benefit from the watch's feature that provides yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs, making it easier for you to plan your shots and improve your game.

What We Like
High-resolution display
Long battery life
Preloaded with 42k+ courses
#TOP 8

IZZO Golf Swami Kiss GPS Golf Rangefinder

A44192
Multi
IZZO Golf Swami Kiss GPS Golf Rangefinder Cover
IZZO Golf Swami Kiss GPS Golf Rangefinder

The IZZO Swami Kiss GPS Rangefinder is a highly accurate golf range finder that comes preloaded with over 38,000 global course maps. It features auto course recognition, auto hole-advance, and individual shot distance measurement for a better golfing experience. The golf distance finder displays yardage in two different ways: front, center, and back display; or a new, simple mode that displays yardage to the center of the green only, with front and back distances on the next screen. The rangefinder also keeps track of scorecard, GIR, and PPR, making it a useful tool for improving your game. Additionally, the universal micro USB charging port and water-resistant body make it ideal for wet weather. Finally, the powerful integrated magnet allows you to mount the laser to any cart frame for ultra-convenient access.

What We Like
Accurate distance measurement
Scorecard tracking
Water-resistant body
#TOP 9

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf

Rapsodo
MLM01
Black/Red
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf Cover
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf Indoor and Outdoor Use with GPS Satellite View and Professional Level Accuracy, iPhone & iPad Only,Black/Red

The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf is a handheld GPS device that turns your iPhone or iPad into a launch monitor. It provides immediate feedback on the range and instant results on the course, helping you practice smarter and swing with confidence. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and offers data and insights that every golfer needs. It has been named the Best Personal Golf Launch Monitor of 2022 by MyGolfSpy and is the official launch monitor of Golf Digest.

What We Like
Provides immediate feedback and instant results, helping you practice smarter and swing with confidence
Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Offers data and insights that every golfer needs
#TOP 10

Izzo Golf Swami Max GPS

Does Not Apply
Black
Izzo Golf Swami Max GPS Cover
IZZO Golf Swami Max Handheld GPS Unit - Rangefinder Golf GPS with Oversized Large Color Screen for Measuring Golf Distances, Black

The Izzo Max Golf GPS is a handheld device with an extra-large color display, preloaded with 38,000 global course maps. The hands-free convenience feature includes auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance. It also offers shot distance measurement and a digital scorecard. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours on a full charge, ensuring long-lasting performance on the golf course.

What We Like
Large Color Display
Preloaded Global Course Maps
Hands-Free Convenience
Buying Guide Image

The Complete Guide to Buying Golf Course GPS Units

Introduction

Golf course GPS units are essential tools for golfers of all levels. Not only do they provide accurate information about distances to the green, they can also provide course maps, scoring, and other helpful features. With so many different models on the market, it can be tricky to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we’ll provide some tips to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect golf course GPS unit for you.

Benefits of Using a Golf Course GPS Unit

Golf course GPS units provide a wide range of benefits for golfers of any skill level. They can provide vital information about the course, such as the distance from the tee box to the green, distances between hazards, and other helpful information.

Using a golf course GPS unit can also help golfers save time. By having access to the course map and other features, you can quickly and easily identify the shortest route to the green, allowing you to move around the course more efficiently.

Finally, many golf course GPS units can help you track your performance. They provide useful features such as scoring and statistics, allowing you to track your progress and make adjustments to your game as needed.

Features to Consider

When choosing a golf course GPS unit, there are several features to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important features to consider when making your choice:

  • Accuracy: Accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a golf course GPS unit. Look for units that are reliable and provide accurate information about the course.

  • Ease of Use: It’s also important to make sure that the unit you choose is easy to use. Look for units that offer an intuitive interface and simple navigation.

  • Battery Life: Battery life is also a crucial factor to consider when choosing a golf course GPS unit. Look for units that offer long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about recharging during your round.

  • Additional Features: Finally, consider what additional features the unit offers. Look for units that provide useful features such as scoring, course maps, and other features that can help improve your game.

Conclusion

Choosing the right golf course GPS unit can make a huge difference in your game. By considering the features outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect golf course GPS unit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a golf GPS and a rangefinder?

A golf GPS provides digital maps of the golf course and tracks your location to provide yardages, while a rangefinder uses laser technology to measure the distance to a target. GPS units are worn on the wrist like a watch, while rangefinders are handheld devices.

2. Are GPS allowed for PGA?

Yes, GPS watches are allowed for PGA as long as certain features like slope, plays like, wind information, and swing metrics are not used. The basic functionality of providing distances is permitted.

3. What golf watch measures distance?

The TecTecTec Ult-G is an entry-level golf watch that measures distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as distances to hazards. It is a budget-friendly option priced at $99.99.

4. What is the simplest GPS to use?

The Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder GPS is not specifically designed as a golf GPS, but it is a user-friendly option for GPS navigation. For golf-specific GPS units, there are various models available from different brands that offer simplicity in terms of usage.

5. Can iPhone be used as a golf GPS?

Yes, the SwingU app is a free golf GPS app available for iPhone and Android devices. It offers accurate GPS measurements and is compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing golfers to access yardages and enter scores directly from their wrist.

6. What is a disadvantage of a rangefinder?

One disadvantage of rangefinders is that they typically have slower shutter speeds, which can limit the control of depth of field in daylight conditions. This may affect the ability to capture certain shots with desired aperture settings.

7. Can I use my phone as a golf rangefinder?

Yes, there are free golf GPS apps available for iPhone and Android devices that provide rangefinder GPS distances on the golf course. One example is the 18Birdies app.

8. Can caddies use GPS?

Players and caddies are allowed to use GPS devices on the golf course, as long as they adhere to the rules set forth by the PGA. Distance information can be obtained, but features like measuring slope or getting recommended lines of play or club choices are not permitted.

9. Are rangefinders illegal in PGA?

Rangefinders were traditionally banned in professional golf, but the PGA of America changed the rule in 2021. Rangefinders are now allowed during the PGA Championships to help with the flow of the event.

10. How do PGA Tour players measure distance?

PGA Tour players are not allowed to use artificial devices to measure distance during tournaments. Instead, they rely on yardage books that contain detailed pictures of each hole and precise measurements.

11. Can my Apple Watch do distance from hole in golf?

There are golf GPS apps available for Apple Watch that can provide measured distances to holes and hazards on over 35,000 golf courses worldwide. Some apps also offer swing detection features to track your swing automatically.

Editor's Notes

During our golf course gps unit research, we found 16 golf course gps unit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 47,708 customer reviews through our big data system to write the golf course gps units list. We found that most customers choose golf course gps units with an average price of $140.60.

The golf course gps units are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of golf course gps units, including Garmin, Blue Tees Golf, Izzo, Golf Buddy, Rapsodo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.