Golf watches and handhelds for instant, glanceable yardages.
GPS golf devices — watches, handhelds and some phone apps — use preloaded satellite course maps to instantly display distances to the front, center and back of the green, plus hazards, without needing to aim at anything.
Watches vs. handhelds
GPS watches are the most popular format today: glanceable at the wrist, no fumbling in a pocket, and many double as fitness/smartwatches off the course. The tradeoff is a smaller screen for course maps compared to a handheld.
Handheld GPS devices offer larger, more detailed screens for reading hazard layouts and doglegs, at the cost of needing to be pulled out and held for every shot rather than glanced at on your wrist.
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What matters in a GPS device
- Preloaded course count and free course updates — check that your regular course(s) are included, and that new course updates don't require a paid subscription if that matters to you.
- Battery life in GPS mode — should comfortably cover 18 holes plus buffer; some ultra-thin watches sacrifice battery life you'll notice on longer rounds.
- Green mapping detail — basic front/center/back is the minimum; better devices show a full green shape and hazard outlines for more precise layup and approach decisions.
GPS vs. laser rangefinder
A GPS device is faster for routine "how far to the green" information and requires no aiming skill, but a laser rangefinder is more precise for exact flag distance and works on any course, preloaded or not. Many serious golfers eventually carry both — see our rangefinders guide for that comparison.