Best 2023 golf watches
Agolf watch can become a trusted companion that provides GPS distances and strategy-enhancing information, all coming in a wearable package many golfers find more convenient than a rangefinder. We tested the latest models to determine where each excels.
Styling/design
On the whole, screen sizes and general footprints have become smaller this year in a bid to intrude less on your eye line. This is especially the case with the minimalist Skycaddie LX2, although some will argue it detracts from the experience should you opt to invest in the hole maps feature.
The Golfbuddy Aim W12 has also slimmed down compared with its predecessor, boosting its appeal on and away from the course. Along with the Shot Scope V3, these watches are still somewhat function over form, whereas the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition and Voice Caddie T9 add wow factor to the visual package.
The Garmin Approach S62 and Bushnell Ion Elite also have a more modern look akin to a fitness watch, enhancing the shelf appeal. But for all-round aesthetic prowess, it’s hard to look past the T9. It boasts a lightweight feel and a shiny silver bezel.
GM pick: Voice Caddie T9
Ease of use
The ability to just turn on the watch and head straight for the 1st tee is highly underrated, and most of these devices fit this bill to a degree. To maximise their potential, most partner with an accompanying app, which takes time, but it’s not essential. With the Shot Scope V3, it naturally takes extra time to set up the tags in the grips of your clubs, but once done, the experience with the watch is straightforward.
Nearly all of these watches have touchscreens which are responsive, especially on the T9 and LX2, with the latter being particularly easy to navigate –
“THE EXCELLENT NEW FEATURES ON GOLF WATCHES ARE MAKING HANDHELD DEVICES OBSOLETE” Joel Tadman, GM technical editor
helped by the more basic functionality. But in terms of user-friendliness, the Bushnell Ion Elite really stands out. The sizeable display and obvious icons help you easily access the plethora of features – it requires very little familiarisation time and genuinely enhances your enjoyment of the product.
GM pick: Bushnell Ion Elite
Features
Slope (compensating for changes in elevation) is becoming more prominent, with the Ion Elite, Approach S62, Aim W12 and T9 all offering it. The T9 certainly has plenty of unique features, including green undulation heat maps and Putt View, which shows the distance and elevation change to the pin from a selected point on the green.
For shot tracking and performance analysis, the Shot Scope V3 is excellent, and it also provides distances to hazards. Reach a new tee and the Golfbuddy Aim V12 will flash up a flyover of what lies ahead. It’s also fully waterproof and shows green undulations. The Tag Heuer certainly stands out here by automatically tracking tee shots and plotting your performance off every tee in the app. It also includes a ball marker integrated into the strap.
But despite not being ‘new’, the Garmin Approach S62 continues to offer the best array of useful functionality, notably the Virtual Caddie that recommends clubs for upcoming shots, the Pin Pointer feature and the comprehensive (if a little dated visually) hole maps.
GM pick: Garmin Approach S62 Value
There are two standout options for value – the first being the Bushnell Ion Elite. For under £200, you get a suite of features many more expensive watches don’t offer in a stylish, versatile package. But for a lower price, one can’t help but feel you get a bit more from the Shot Scope V3. The insights it offers into your play, including Strokes Gained broken down by areas of the game and any ability level, provide a crystalclear view of what you need to work on in your practice sessions.
GM pick: Shot Scope V3