GPS Watch vs Phone GPS vs Smartwatch/APP

d373rm1ned · February 6, 2017

Struggling to figure out which combo I want to go after so was hoping of r a little insight...

Smartwatch (probably Apple) paired with a phone app - heard the watch is only as good as the app itself and currently there is no true front runner/winning combo here?

Phone GPS - have heard good things about several phone based apps (TheGrint and Golfshot) but hesitant to constantly get my phone out during the round

Golf specific watch - I think I'm mostly interested in this category. What recommendations would you make here. DO you find touch screens necessary for the watch like the S6 or are simplier version that just show F/C/B yardages enough? What about hazards?

Have been trying to figure out what combo to try but don't want to drop the $$$ on something and then find I can't stand it.

Hstead · February 7, 2017

What features are you looking for? Scores? Shot data, distances etc? Of just F/M/B yardages?

Personally, I just want FMB. So I went with a Garmin S2 watch. I have some good free apps on my phone that also give me accurate yardages, but I like the ease of the watch. If you want more functions, then the S20 would fit better.

Also, I have had a laser for 6 years, it broke, went to a G6 handheld for 3 years, lost it, and now have a watch. The watch is just so convenient.

Dr Rangelove · February 7, 2017

Personally I like lasers so I can get distance to trees, bunkers, lay up spot, etc.

Chazb · February 9, 2017

You can also use a laser at the range.

BUCKEYERBALL88 · February 22, 2017

I currently use GolfShot Pro and like it a lot. I have used for 200+ rounds. Is get a laser rangefinder going to be that much better? I've gone from about 13 to 10 index in the past year. As I try to get into the single digits I'll probably need to make more birdies so an exact yardage may be beneficial. Would be dumb to use both in the same round?

Golfshot Pro

Pros:

Only $30/year means only about $0.30/round for me

Front, Center, Back yardages

Distance to Hazards...

Shows a hole flyover

Has 99% of courses

Keeps my detailed stats and scores

Cons:

Uses battery

Uses data (although I just switched to Verizon's unlimited data plan)

No exact yardage to the flag (If its a front flag, I take the average between the front of the green and middle yardages)

Example :

Front Edge 100 yds

Center 120 yds

Pin 110yds (educated guess)

Laser Rangefinder

Pros:

Exact yardage to flags...

Cons:

Cost

I'd be really mad if I lost it

taporsnap17 · February 23, 2017

I currently use GolfShot Pro and like it a lot. I have used for 200+ rounds. Is get a laser rangefinder going to be that much better? I've gone from about 13 to 10 index in the past year. As I try to get into the single digits I'll probably need to make more birdies so an exact yardage may be beneficial. Would be dumb to use both in the same round?

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I wouldn't call it dumb at all to use both. I've been using a watch for years and am considering getting a laser now just to get exact yardage to a flag. The watch has served me well since I can do some quick mental math from the tee and fairway. Essentially, my depth perception is terrible. It's literally a coin flip when I guess if a flag is at the front or back of a green

LongBallKY · March 1, 2017

I use a laser rangefinder (breaking80 - is way less expensive but just as good IMO), and the iPhone app SwingxSwing. I have verified the app next to high level rangefinders and its at most 1 yd off. If you pay $15/yr you can get slope, wind conditions from NOAA, and different yardages to all parts of the green. Also keeps score as well as stats (putts, GIR, FIR, scramble %, etc.). Use rangefinder for reasons listed above, but phone gps comes in handy when you can't see the flag to shoot. I can't imaging a better set up than this. Of note - the rangefinder is good for exact distances (but like I said, my phone gps is at most 1 yd off). Good luck!