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

If you're deciding between a golf rangefinder, watch and GPS app, this video will guide you through everything you need to know!
For more info on the distance-measuring devices I use, check them out here: shotscope.com/uk/
VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Distance-Measuring Devices
00:58 Should I Use a GPS Device or App?
02:49 Should I Use a GPS Watch?
05:29 Should I Use a Laser Rangefinder?
07:53 Which Option is Right for You?
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[@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.

[@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

[@leemeadows5764]

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

[@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!! 🍻🍻

[@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

[@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.

[@bloggs730]

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

[@kennethbnorris]

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.

[@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

[@steventurnbull4198]

Enjoying your content immensely keep up the good work.

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@davidnagy510]

Another good video Peter always enjoy watching 😊

[@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.👍👍

[@natheward_]

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

[@LilyOloumi]

A fantastic and very helpful video Pete ❤

[@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.

[@Paulo-zh6vk]

Great video and top class editing 🙌🏽❤️

[@timvyvyan]

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

[@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.

[@Rookscarcare]

The editing in this video is pure 👌🏼

[@kevinmarsland2383]

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

[@terrywells2095]

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

[@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.

[@phillipmccoy6426]

Another great video. Keep them coming

[@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.

[@joshhislop3719]

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

[@peterandresen328]

Great information thanks

[@maccybee2144]

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

[@MichaelPatterson-jz2jg]

Very informative, thanks

[@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.

[@mattsnape6631]

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

[@colinnewman6074]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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).

[@gp2860]

Was just looking for this Pete

[@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.

[@TheYesFactory]

@Pete Great video! Thnx. What is your opinion on the effect of changing the swing weight of arm-hand-club unit by wearing a watch?

[@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. 😁

[@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.

[@darrenhuggins-smith2349]

Great review as always ..

[@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 😂

[@George-qc7fg]

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

[@johnnybailey4091]

I like all of them! Great video

[@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!~

[@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.

[@ianstephenson8460]

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

[@jamesanderson2176]

Great video BUT, you need to make it clear that you are NOT using the Shot Scope app. I downloaded it while watching the video and it is useless without one of their devices within Bluetooth range. I would be interested to know whose free app you are using.

[@damiensharkey6603]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@kevan4852]

Love the special effects.

[@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.

[@kevinadams1214]

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

[@jgourlay6581]

Very helpful!

[@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.

[@colinvarney1729]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@davegrindey7823]

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.

[@Heron2811]

Very helpful

[@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 ..

[@GabrielGuess]

I love the laser and apps

[@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?

[@jimmahT]

Thanks Pete

[@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.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

I use my phone with Golfpad GPS that I pay extra for the subscription (around 16 quid per year) so I can keep data on my shots and clubs. For fine tuning or 'pin seeking', I also use a range finder.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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😅

[@paulgoy9325]

Great video Pete I would have the watch

[@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.

[@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

[@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! 😆

[@kennethbnorris]

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

[@garethpowell9891]

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

[@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.

[@paulgreen8228]

Great summary, I prefer a watch

[@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

[@jamesfloyd7020]

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

[@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.

[@joelafives]

I use the shotscope watch, its been steadily improving

[@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.

[@stevewillis7684]

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

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@Gigity1107]

I use a phone app as I can keep score and stats on that and also a rangefinder. I don't use the phone app for distances etc all that often as I mostly play my home course. So the laser is easily the one I use the most for measuring distance. I'm at a links course as well, so seldom have line of sight issues.

[@lukejackson2618]

I'm 100% on the phone train. I put it into "do no disturb" and I'm golden.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@JoeyPorkChop]

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

[@martynrollo800]

Pete I use golf pad..with the paid version it gives me a caddy service..as well as many stats..would you review this..as a 21 hcper I can't play without this cheers martyn from nz

[@danhorchover]

I use a watch currently, and it's great, but feel as though I need a range finder, as sometimes greens are massive and I want to be more specific with the yardage

[@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! 👍