A comprehensive guide on the 5 best golf course GPS units you can consider if you want to shave strokes off your game by always knowing distances, hazards, and green layouts. Golf GPS devices come in various forms — handheld units, dedicated golf watches, or combo options — but all aim to help you manage your rounds smarter and faster.
Top 5 Best Golf Course GPS Units
1. Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope Golf GPS — Best Handheld GPS Overall
A standout handheld GPS device with intuitive touchscreen controls and industry-leading slope-adjusted yardages — meaning it calculates “plays-like” distances based on elevation. It’s easy to attach to a golf cart and delivers reliable distances to front, center, and back of greens plus hazard info. A favorite among golfers who want accuracy without fuss.
Why golfers love it:
Easy-to-read screen & simple UI Precise slope compensation for real course conditions Strong magnetic mount for carts
2. ASAHI GOLF EAGLE VISION VOICE 3 GPS — Best Golf GPS with Voice Alerts
This unit offers GPS yardages along with built-in voice announcement distances — perfect when you don’t want to look down at a screen mid-swing. It’s especially helpful if you prefer alerts directly while walking or when the phone/watch display is out of sight.
Key features:
Voice distance readouts for greens and hazards Simple GPS interface Lightweight and easy to hold or mount
3. CANMORE TW353 Golf GPS Watch — Best GPS Watch for Everyday Golfers
A highly rated golf GPS watch that’s simple yet powerful. Perfect for players who prefer wearable tech over handheld units. With more than 41,000 preloaded course maps and a high-contrast screen, yardages and course info are easy to read on the go.
Pros:
Wrist-worn convenience Large course database Lightweight & golf-focused interface
4. Shot Scope G6 GPS Golf Watch — Best for Performance + Game Tracking
This golf GPS watch goes beyond basic yardages, including shot tracking and statistics alongside course distances. It’s ideal for golfers who want to learn more about their game and improve over time.
Standout benefits:
GPS distances plus performance data Comfortable wearable design Great value for tech-minded players
5. CANMORE HG500 Golf GPS — Best Large Display Handheld GPS
An excellent choice if you want a larger screen handheld GPS unit with clear mapping and preloaded courses worldwide (over 41,000). Its easy-to-read display makes it ideal for cart users and players who want quick visual course info without squinting.
Highlights:
Wide color display for quick yardage checks Preloaded global course data Simple controls and updates
How to Choose the Right Golf GPS Unit
Here are a few tips when picking your GPS device:
Handheld vs. Watch vs. Voice
Handheld units (like the Bushnell Phantom 3) usually offer larger screens and detailed course layouts. Watches are perfect for golfers who want something lightweight and always visible during play. Voice GPS devices provide spoken distances, which can be safer and easier to use while walking or driving a cart.
Battery Life & Course Coverage
Go for units with long battery life (enough for multiple rounds) and a large database of preloaded golf courses so you’re covered wherever you play.
Smart Features
Some GPS watches also track shots and stats, giving you deeper feedback on your play — a useful addition if you want both performance tracking and course management.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a golf GPS unit can help you score lower, plan smarter, and play faster by providing reliable distances and hazard information tailored to your course. Whether you prefer a handheld device, a wearable GPS watch, or voice announced GPS, there’s a great unit on this list for every type of golfer.