Golf Watch vs Rangefinder vs GPS App (Everything You Need to Know)

[@Radar-lp9td]

I've used a Garmin watch for a few years now and find it great. Front, middle and back of the green is all most of us need and it also helps to speed up play compared to a rangefinder or app. Great video as always Pete.

[@marvinsallen1594]

Which two or three GPS Apps do you recomend

[@badmuppet6532]

@@marvinsallen1594as the OP said it’s Garmin. Use the natural watches golf setting and you don’t need to add apps. It isn’t apple phones after all lol

[@MattMacKo]

Do they tell you plays like/slope information?

[@robcook7473]

When you’re currently in the market for one of these 3, the timing of this video ain’t half bad!!! Lovely bloody stuff. The value of this rangefinder is incredible.

[@rickysamson8093]

I’ve watched you for a few years now and I have to say your delivery is excellent no shouting no over excitement just get the message across thanks great content

[@TheBigserg42]

Using apps and devices brought me down from the 90’s in to the 80’s with ease! I also appreciate the app recommendation for new golfers.

[@omaralkirwi]

Having used the 3 technologies myself at one time or another in the last 3 years I prefer a GPS watch. Like Pete said knowing the yards for front, middle and back are ideal and allows me to focus on how best to get on the green. Found myself concentrating so much on the pin with a laser range finder I would ignore the dangers around the green or whether missing short or long was a good backup. Hate having to take my phone out during a round, especially when it's raining so using an app became a nuisance.

[@suilegew]

GPS watches are accurate to about 4m in perfect conditions. It is OK to give ballpark figure, but only a rangefinder can give an accurate measure you can trust. In worst case, in non GPS favorable weather and with limited satellite access, the accuracy could drop significantly. You never know... However, as long as you can see your target, the range finder will give you an accurate measure.

[@bestthinger]

I have the Garmin S60 and not only does is give you the 3 yardages on the green, it also allows you to keep youe score and it knows when you have hit a shot and at the end of the round you can sync with with a Garmin App and see the shots you played on each hole. It can sometimes get this wrong but mainly get's it right.

[@m.g.1089]

Ive been using a garmin watch for years now. Im a mid to low handicap golfer and I've never found exact numbers to be helpful really. Its much easier to just look at the watch, take into account the lie and environment and hit a shot rather than perseverating over "i need to a hit a 136yd shot". I acquired a laser range finder years ago while a family member was working for bushnell but i found that its just an extra step on the course when the watch is faster. The one scenario that I found that the laser was great for is when you go to the range. You can zap the targets or yardages to make sure they are correct. Almost every range i've been to has either yardages that are off by more than 5 yards or more or no yardages at all. So the laser is great for that scenario. I dont often use it anymore.

[@maccybee2144]

I'm still on the Garmin S40 and it works great for me!

[@toddd.9433]

Hey.. thanks for the lead on the app.. but it requires me to sync up with one of the other devices before it open tabs to go to courses... keep up the good work on your swing.. u are looking solid bro!~

[@davidcole2337]

I uses Swing U and it works great. helps track Handicap and also if you score it correctly will tell you how many 3 putts per a round. How often you are hitting fairway.

[@FloyD12x35]

It’s funny that you made this video right now. I’ve been shopping for a watch for the exact reasons that you mentioned, front back and middle of a green, front and back of bunkers/ hazards, and for me the most important aspect keeping all of the swing data. Thank you much!! Cheers!! 🍻🍻

[@bloggs730]

I have the shotscope V3 watch with club tags. Excellent and very simple to use.

[@duncand1964]

Same here. Upgraded from V2 to V3 when it came out. Now tempted to get an updated 5 model with full hole graphics displayed. But for now I combine V3 and iPhone app to cover everything I need. Plus data analysis post round is a real geeky bonus!

[@natheward_]

I’ve been thinking about getting the connex sensors and using the app, feel like this video has convinced me.

[@MichaelBlanksonGolf]

Seriously, the editing for your videos is possibly the best out there for KZbin golf. And I haven’t even finished the video yet. 🦾🦾🦾

[@chbou1313]

Agreed

[@brendant93]

Absolutely. Man's putting in hard graft for the good of golfkind

[@UnknownMoses]

Really? I prefer when someone talks to the camera and not chopped up so there are no pauses in talking

[@thenakinavy]

A lot of Garmin fitness watches have Golf functionality, which I like as it means it has many uses, and is a quick glance for longer approach shots. A laser for PW and closer, with a GPS tracking app on the phone in the back pocket, that auto tracks shots to keep an eye on shots gained etc. The best function on the watch is for an unsighted shot, known carry distance, set the distance measure function and walk out the club distance to find the ball!

[@stevewillis7684]

I use a Garmin watch with a rangefinder. Really good combo.

[@richardbroadbent7847]

Watched the videos for many years, excellent variety. Have always used a laser reading coupled with a gps unit. Have never tried a watch as not used to wearing a watch whislt playimg a round. As all distance units relay on accuracy have not trusted a watch to be as accurate as a laser (instant feeback) whereas a watch relays on gps signal response and time delays.

[@garethpowell9891]

I’m a gps watch man myself having tried both, I just find it’s ease of use better 👍

[@MichaelMortell-s6j]

Love the videos. Your channel is definitely my go to for all things Golf. Haven’t let me down yet.

[@DanWessonSpecialist]

I have the app, Garmin S62 watch, and a Nikon Coolshot stabilized rangefinder. Wish I had my money back on the watch. Too complex to get back to each hole played. Slows down play with too many questions before playing next hole, need to carry a manual to remember how to do things, and bulky on the wrist. My favorite is the rangefinder. Simple, quick, precise. Only one con- blind yardages like a uphill drive or dogleg you want to fly some trees.

[@michaelmcsherry9348]

Good clear advice I like the watch and the club interphase applications. If only my hitting distance and direction was consistant? I usually take advantage of all the hazards on every course but laugh and smile my way round. Thanks.

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

Love my ShotScope G5! Previously used the phone GPS, Cart GPS or rangefinder. They all work but the watch is so much faster and I didn't catch myself fiddling all round like I do with the phone. The only issue I ran into was getting distances for my layup shots on dog legs. Still needed the rangefinder or cart gps for that.

[@AlabamaGolfer]

I use a Garmin S70 and a laser. I use the laser for exact distances when I’m within my 58 degree wedge distance as I have specific backswings for specific yardages. Wish I could do it by eye and feel, but I just don’t have that gene. The watch, however, is great for everything else. I like that it has a long battery life (I usually only charge it once per week, and that’s with playing four to five rounds of golf) compared to a phone. I don’t even notice it on my wrist. It’s resistant to the weather, which I’d be wary about with a phone. But the thing I like most about it is all the stat tracking features, plus it keeps my score, and even recommends clubs based on your play history for certain yardages and even situations, calculating your most likely best score. The app that goes with the watch helps you track yardages per club, and even shows you each hole you have ever played, which club you used, and how far you hit each shot, letting you relive your best rounds. And when you hit that bomb of a drive that’s your longest ever, it’ll show you what hole and course it happened on. But all that does come with a price unfortunately (no subscription though unless you want the green contours). For me, I play four to five times per week, so it’s worth it. There are many cheaper options for a golf watch, however.

[@timvyvyan]

Great practical video Peter... Watch plus rangefinder is my go to and a great combination. keep up the great content,

[@barneystuta]

I use a V3 Shot Scope. Helped get my handicap down from 23 to 15. Having the front, middle, back distance is perfect and has me hitting more greens more than ever.

[@golfingreaper]

Thank you for the insight Peter, really appreciate your content. I agree with you, the watch would be the best option. Easy and accessible. 😁

[@robinroth7175]

Nice video. Where my game's at I prefer the watch gps because of how easy it's to use and give me enough info to help me make an informed decision on what club to use.

[@sipiware]

Always like and look forward to your golf videos, thank for the time and effort you put into making these videos for golfers like me.

[@Cherdos962]

Watch/Laser combo is the best. Use the watch for hole views, hazards and Front/Middle/ Back of green reading. Laser gives exact distance on par 3 and approach shots then with the watch you can tell pin placement and know how much green you have in front of the pin and behind.

[@MrRocstar50]

Great video. I use a rangefinder and a watch. In winter the rangefinder is very useful for temporary greens etc. The only downside is it doesn't work well in foggy conditions or rain. Keep up the good work.

[@suilegew]

Neither will your GPS... In those conditions, the GPS accuracy drops well below the 4m (4.5yds) best case accuracy. I use GPS phone app together with rangefinder and get the best of both worlds!

[@joshhislop3719]

Always a good day when there’s a new vid out 🎉

[@colinnewman6074]

Love unboxing videos. Makes me well jealous. All them lovely new clubs to play with.

[@adz5OOO]

Once we got back to your studio and you're sitting with the Hedwig mug, the guitar track playing in the background was really interesting audio. I felt like I could hear it way off to my right even just out of my phone speaker. Top notch video as always 👍 the laser ping editing was class 😂

[@leemeadows5764]

Perfect review and very timely in the market for a ranger finder or watch and was looking for advice. Thanks Peter

[@ralpho58]

Interesting vid Pete. I use a rangefinder because I need reading glasses to see both watches and phones on the course which is a pain. Planning to buy the VC4 talking GPS by Voice Caddie to give me front and back distances.

[@gordonbragg810]

Hi Pete. I got very excited when I saw the free app gps. Unfortunately when downloading the app. The only way I could get into the app was by having a shot scope unit, watch etc. 😢 Bushnel same, Garmin to. But enjoyed the vid😅

[@davidnagy510]

Another good video Peter always enjoy watching 😊

[@mattsnape6631]

Great video, as always. Range finder looks like a cracking piece of kit 🏌🏻👍🏻

[@The_Madd_Golfer]

I've been using a Bushnell Tour V2 rangefinder for over 10 years and it's done me well. I have been considering getting a watch GPS due to some of the issues you indicated with the laser such as, having to have a clear view of the target (pin, green, etc.), as well as some of the benefits of the GPS target range features. Since retiring over five years ago, I haven't worn a watch (or anything on my wrist) while golfing (or at all for that matter), so it may take some getting used to. Thanks for the guidance and maybe I'll be fortunate enough to win one! 😆

[@AlabamaGolfer]

I was worried about the same thing before I got one since I was never a watch wearer, but it didn’t take long to get used to. I even sleep with it since it has sleep monitoring as one of the features. Doesn’t bother me at all and I don’t notice it on my swing either.

[@winstonsmith11]

I'm still using a tour V2 as well. It gets the job done.

[@robertearle7964]

I don’t wear a watch outside of golf but my bushnell watch with a polyurethane band is quite comfortable

[@bothered1984]

I’ve got golfshot on my phone and it links to my Apple Watch so it’s the best of both the first 2 options. I’ve never used a range finder but I’ve always been tempted to

[@user_1664]

I use all of them , i use my phone app at home to get a feel for a course and look out for any hazards or get an understanding of possibly where im approaching a hole wrong , i wouldnt use a phone on course .. i carry the clip on shot scope gps ( in my pocket the magnets poor ) but again only use that on long fairway lay ups , i use a rangefinder if im in pin hunting distance because the slope feature just takes out a question , i dont very often use front middle back unless its push and im hoping to sneak on or lay up from bad misses . Fantastic videos from you and your team btw 👍 i do appreciate the hard day to day slog you put yourself through for my entertainment . As an aside i dont bother with club stats - thats just sad 🤷🏻‍♂️ Oh yeah and another bonus of the clip gps is although the magnets not man enough to keep it in the clip ( and its not an easy find) it is perfect for holding on to your ball marker ..

[@DericktheHutt]

I have the Shot Scope H4 GPS/Tracker and Pro LX Rangefinder. The GPS is great for quick info and tracking my rounds has given me great insight on what I need to work on. Having the rangefinder is great for finding the distance to something that might not show up on a GPS, like a random tree, or the group in front of you. The only real advantage, I would say, that a phone app would have is looking at the over course layout. I'm looking forward to trying out Shot Scope's MyStrategy.

[@GabrielGuess]

I love the laser and apps

[@George-qc7fg]

Been using hole19 to track but I've been thinking about getting the sensors for a while!

[@kevan4852]

Love the special effects.

[@steventurnbull4198]

Enjoying your content immensely keep up the good work.

[@craigmoy5428]

I run all three in the round Shot Scope Range finder LX PRO+(exact shot to the pin) and the yardage recorder H4 for every hole to hold stats ongoing (I dont use it for yardages etc just on belt for tap and go) and have a Garmin watch S60 for general live distances of shots I hit and general distance to the pin on Par 5's etc where a range finder is overkill to my ability or need.

[@slafter]

Really glad Peter made this video. I have been known to use all three of these methods during a round for all of the reasons he mentioned. Another thing that's nice is a lot of the GPS phone apps also extend to a smart watch. So you might not need to buy a GPS watch if you already have a smart watch. Still would need the phone nearby, if not in your pocket, for it to be accurate.

[@fretless05]

When I got back into golf in a more serious way, I bought the Arccos sensors and started using the app. It is a bit of hassle to have to keep pulling out the phone, but being able to not only get front/middle/back green distances but point to any spot on the course and get distances corrected for elevation and wind (which isn't very accurate) as well as club distances from the stats it keeps, is like having a caddy in my pocket. Maybe some day when I get my distances more consistent and I can remember them all, a move to a watch might simplify the game, but for now, the app and sensors seem like a good fit for me.

[@davegregory2809]

I use Golf Game Book on my phone, its not brilliant as can be really laggy, but its better than guessing 😂 Great video as always Peter.

[@terrywells2095]

Great video, I am in the market for a golf gps watch and this is great information.

[@jamesfloyd7020]

Got it, Apple Watch with the app is the best option. Thanks Pete!

[@wooklim9440]

I agree watches are convenient... only thing I don't like about watches are disassociation of your, current hole, should you wander from it after an errant shot

[@gferg5190]

Love the review I'd love to try out a laser range finder! Videos have been top quality this year constantly improving too!! Can't wait to see what you've got planned going forward

[@kevinmarsland2383]

Thanks Pete, I purchased the s70 and all ready seeing the advantages. Love your videos. When are you playing Rick next. ?

[@mikeparsons1746]

Great video with good information. I have a watch and it's all I need. I don't have to worry about leaving it on the side of the tee, like with a range finder. I don't have to keep it in my pocket and dig it out on every shot like a phone. It's with me all the time - even if I walk a ways away from my cart (buggy) to find my ball. I like the convenience and simplicity of it. It was very affordable compared to a range finder (under $100). I'm a high-handicapper (probably about an 18) so front/middle/back is all the info I need.

[@davidvesseur]

What watch is it for under $100?

[@mikeparsons1746]

@@davidvesseur It is the Garmin S10 Approach. I got it new last year for $99 on Amazon. Sadly, it appears they no longer sell that model new; there are just some refurbished models. It's a black and white screen, which is fine for me. This is depressing; their entry-level model is the S12, now listed for $199. They have doubled in price in the last year. Yikes.

[@mikeparsons1746]

As I think about it, there's not much that can wear out on these things - so maybe a refurbished model would be a fine choice. Amazon has a couple in the $120 range. I'm very happy with mine, and it's no worse for wear after a year of use. The band is a pretty strong rubber with a bit of give, so it's easy to fit on any wrist while staying nice and snug. I would buy it again.

[@ianstephenson8460]

Another good video I use my phone easy to use how many yardage comes up on my front screen.

[@jesssimpson5959]

I have the Garmin S12 and I love it and I particularly like how it links to my phone and automatically stores all my scorecards but that said it has failed to load the course for me a couple of times on courses it had previously worked on and left me blind for the round and there has been times when I wish I had a rangefinder, but all in all I am really happy with it.

[@SmaugySpeedruns]

I had this problem with my home course. It has 3 9hole courses called A+B+C, and the real course is A and C. But the watch only loads 1-18 holes and it is A+B, its so frustrating. The B course is just the for fun short round way while C is the real shit.

[@anthonymcevoy3894]

Great video as usuall Pete… brilliant content and good insight to all these gadgets… I’ve got garmin watch… but would really like to try scope… 😉👍… keep up the good work.👍👍

[@colinvarney1729]

Hi Pete. I think for my standard of golf a watch would be most useful

[@phillipmccoy6426]

Another great video. Keep them coming

[@lexxwhite747]

I use a watch for general distances and keep a laser in the bag as well for if/when I feel like I want something a little more specific.

[@trickyp03]

Another use for a GPS app is pre-planning the round. Most apps allow you to pre-download a course you are going to play and then go through each hole. When playing a new course, I like to do a preview of the course and figure out what shots I might play… bonus is when you have too many clubs for a bag, you can figure out what clubs to leave in the car.

[@Paulo-zh6vk]

Great video and top class editing 🙌🏽❤️

[@oyomariano]

Having used the three tech, here’re my 2 pence. Also serves as my ranking Gps watch - very convenient. Laser - most accurate but may take a bit of time using. Might not be suited for high handicappers as our shot distances (and direction) are not that accurate to begin with Phone - very cumbersome. Same funcionality as the gps watch

[@silkyslim8]

Love the videos Pete! You and the boys are smashing it in the golf and video editing space! I use the Garmin Fenix 7x watch while playing around but it's literally just died on me. Might switch to a rangefinder soon

[@grinnders]

I use all 3, and generally use the laser for elevation adjustments into the green or identify distances to elbow of a dog leg. I use Arccos for shot recording and courses I don’t know. The watching I use for fairway hazards etc… so they all get used but in different scenarios.

[@gp2860]

Was just looking for this Pete

[@johnnybailey4091]

I like all of them! Great video

[@GrumpyGolf4]

I have a Fenix 5x...I despise playing with a watch. I played regularly with a watch for several years, so, it's not as if I didn't give it a chance. I have the H4. I love that little device. I suppliment that with a Bushnell range finder

[@brendant93]

Peter I'd love a video on wedges and shot types with them. Especially a 60 degree as it's completely different from the other wedges.

[@damiensharkey6603]

What a prize. Use to have Shotscope v3, found x5 a little to pricy. Love the channel.

[@paulgreen8228]

Great summary, I prefer a watch

[@graemewilliams3522]

I’m a watch user , simple easy and ready to go , especially when your club colours the flags for front , middle and back pin positions

[@kevinadams1214]

Keep up the good work enjoy the vids. I use a phone app and borrow a range finder.

[@onsenguy]

Pete, buddy..you forgot one type of gps device: the handheld gps. I've been using the Garmin G30 and really like it. It's more compact than a phone, and has a color touch screen to get yardages to any hazard, dogleg, or layup on the hole. Also has a moveable pin placement on the greens. It's accurate enough as well, typically no worse than 2-3 yds when compared to the yardage markers. Easy Peasy! 👍

[@mister.wizard]

I was just wondering this last week, so great timing of your video. However, I was hoping that you would see each device’s measurement and then actually measure to see which was was really more accurate and how close the ones that weren’t were off by. Maybe another video?

[@derobs2438]

Pete: I use a Shotscope V3 watch with the tags which seems quite good and hopefully will improve my game. Also have a sky caddie rangefinder but since software is no longer supported you have to physically mark out holes on course yourself. (This is ok if you are a member of a particular course but no use on new courses).

[@Golflass]

A fantastic and very helpful video Pete ❤

[@darrenhuggins-smith2349]

Great review as always ..

[@JoeyPorkChop]

I use the Golf Canada app to see the course and hole,but I use the range finder while over the ball.

[@peterandresen328]

Great information thanks

[@alastairkirkland1580]

Great video, many thanks as ever. One stupid question though - to use the app on the phone, do I then need to have a shot scope ‘device’ to use the free app?

[@peterhammer4644]

Very good video. I have the rangefinder without slope and I like it the most as I have the most involvement with that. Golf isn't supposed to be "easy" 🤣. And with the rangefinder I have to use my brain.

[@seanarmstrong8458]

I agree the watch is a great accessory to have, but having a laser is handy for when needing to zap bunkers etc, I am however using a GPS device rather than my phone, its great for moving the curser to give distances on certain points of the hole, down side was you had to pay for a subscription to download holes, but now the sub has ran out I'm still able to use the downloaded courses 😊

[@jepperosenmejer3398]

I have a laser range finder and that is really good. But I have thought about trying a watch for a better overview and for the convenience.

[@paulgoy9325]

Great video Pete I would have the watch

[@todpharis4996]

Laser gets my vote. App is great for the tee shot for decision making.

[@stuartmonteith2547]

Hi Pete! I have a watch and laser. I tend to use my watch more often but think a laser is something I will use a little more often in the winter especially when the dreaded winter greens are out as the watch won’t have the capability to take these into account ! 👍 Good video

[@timothysharlowjr]

Golf Pad GPS for tee to fairway, laser for fairways to hole!

[@joelafives]

I use the shotscope watch, its been steadily improving

[@gadget6623]

I like the GPS in belt clip form and a simple laser to do the lay up shots or hazards etc. Especially if you wan to work a long hole backwards to leave a preferred club in. You can use the laser to "see" where you want to end up and help with visualising the shot. I started with the phone apps and had a booster battery with me, they are great. But after nearly losing my phone twice, I went to the belt fob and never looked back. For the few holes that are blind that you have never played before, you can still google maps it and take a peek. The laser will help you scale to the corner.

[@vonnyrotten]

Great video, Mr Finch! I dont disagree with anything you've said. I do think I would just say that all 3 options aren't a bad thing to have at once. Lasers aren't very expensive, watches as well and many people already have smart watches that function with apps as well, and then the gps allows for greater visual understanding of the course. Depending on your familiarity with the course would/could dictate what you want. Big blind dog leg? pull up the gps map and get an idea. Cant tell what the green is doing? most lasers also have a great magnification which can help just in that alone! many gps has green slopes baked in, maybe you aren't super precise but knowing that the whole left side of the green runs off into the lake is very useful! Most shots I think a watch is the basic no brainer but there are times when the other 2 will be very good to have in the bag!

[@vertstang123]

Combo of a GPS watch and laser range finder is best IMO.

[@jimmahT]

Thanks Pete

[@petemajor4454]

I use a watch & scope. Scope is great for temp greens as watch doesn't have location mapped.

[@edwargo]

Laser and watch for me. Laser is primary because the accuracy matters as long as your carry numbers are real and you can hit them consistently. I use the Galaxy 5 Pro watch with the golfzon "Smart Caddie" app because it's just a good smart swatch regardless - but the golf app is useful for blind shots or if you have a fog/mist roll in because the laser doesn't work. It also plots my shots on the map and keeps the stats but I don't really use that. -3 hcp.

[@davidbradley6145]

Your timing is ridiculous. I've been browsing for a GPS watch to buy on Black Friday and this has convinced me, thanks Pete!

[@matthewlaw8268]

I use my Garmin Fenix watch (I wear a watch on my right wrist) and a range finder... even though the watch was twice as much as the range finder I find the range finder gives you more accuracy when you can see the target and has slope adjust when not in competition.

[@kevintynan7876]

I have started using a range finder, but I would be interested in the watch.