Looking or a GPS for golf? Whether you’re a new golf player looking to purchase your first GPS for golf or a longtime golfer hunting for an updated GPS for golf device, you need to know what makes best golf GPS devices these days. The times have changed, and so have the golf GPS rankings. There are several new technologies that you can take advantage of; your golf GPS will make huge differences in your game.

So what makes the best GPS for golf?

GPS for Golf Review

Capabilities and Features

The best GPS for golf is the one that can give you access to a larger database of golf courses, and can give you more insightful information about these courses. Important data includes distances to different areas in the course, including front, back, center distances, from any area of approach, accurate position, and position and distance to course hazards.

Aside from that, the best GPS for golf should also have usage features. A USB interface for PC connection is a must; some models can also be easily synced to your PC, while some are more complicated to use. The iGolf Neo Sync software is an example of an effortless PC-syncing feature you should look for in a GPS for golf.

A GPS for golf that can track scores is also quite helpful, especially if you are a serious golfer and you are determined to improve your performance. Some GPS for golf devices such as the latest Golf Buddy GPS, can track not only your scores but the scores of 4 different players.

Information Display and Layout

Another very significant distinction among GPS for golf devices is the way that information is displayed and laid out. On one hand, there are the latest, most advanced GPS for golf devices that offer full-color aerial views, while on the other hand there are more practical grayscale GPS devices that offer the most important information in easy-to-read large numerical displays. The former is advantageous because they are clearly more sophisticated, but they are also more expensive and require some effort to use.

If you want a sophisticated full aerial view GPS for golf device, check out the GPS Golf Guru 4 and the sleek touchscreen Sonocaddie V500. If you want the more practical and easier to use models, check out the Izzo Swami golf GPS, a small device with a large grayscale numerical display. If you want something in the middle, check out the Skycaddie SG5 which offers a large numerical display but adds a small graphical view of the course on one side of the screen.

Price and Cost of Ownership

It’s normal for golfers to compare GPS devices based on price. But since GPS for golf devices also charge membership fees and course download fees, you need to compare based on overall cost of ownership. Some models sell more expensively but waive membership fees and offer free pre-loaded courses; you just have to pay around $5 to $10 for each course you download. Some models sell at a lower price but charge a yearly membership fee. Paying the membership fee already entitles you to unlimited downloads.

The lure of the unlimited downloads is definitely stronger, so consider paying the membership fee. Most golfers simply download all the courses they want then cancel their membership the next year.

Durability and Portability

The smaller, less sophisticated GPS for golf models have another advantage over the sophisticated models: durability and portability. Some golfers complain that using the sophisticated models means that you have to worry all the time about whether the device might get wet or scratched, while the more practical models like the water-resistant Golf Buddy Plus and the Sonocaddie V100 are more resilient.

Why Compare?

It is important to compare different models carefully before buying a GPS for golf device, so you’ll buy a unit that you will actually love to use and one that will be highly useful in improving your game.