What’s the Best Golf GPS System? That’s like asking what’s the best city to live in or the best vacation spot. Some people like the mountains, others like the beach. In other words, it’s partially a matter of preference.

So, if you’re in the market for a golf GPS system, how are you going to decide what’s the best golf GPS system for you, your budget, and your needs? Well, the first thing you need to do is to consider how much you want to spend. Next you need to have some idea as to why you want this thing in the first place. Once you get those constraints figured out, you can more easily decide on the best golf GPS for you.

As far as cost, golf GPS systems cost anywhere from $100 to $400. The main difference between the low to mid-range and the $400 models is in the quality and extent of the graphics.

All golf GPS systems work as range finders. That is they can tell you how far it is from wherever your ball is to the green. They do this by accessing the Global Positioning System satellites that now orbit the earth. (Same as your car GPS.) So, if this is the only capability that you need, then a $150 model will work fine for you. Something like the iGolf Neo would be perfect. (It’s not the only choice in this price range, by the way. There are many other fine choices.)

On the other hand, if it’s the graphics you’re after, then you’re going to be paying more. The Callaway, uPro Golf GPS, for instance can give you multiple views of both the fairway and the green of the particular hole you’re playing. As you approach the tee, it will give you an aerial bird’s eye view. As you progress toward the green, it will show you yardages from where you are to the green. Also, it shows you an aerial view of the green. The Garmin Approach and the Golf Buddy Tour do the same thing. Although the Golf Buddy Tour’s graphics are not quite as spectacular.

In order to make sure that you’re getting the best golf GPS system, you need to ask yourself why you’re buying it in the first place. If you’re a gadget aficionado, and you just want to know what’s the best golf GPS system that you can show off to your friends with, then something like the Callaway uPro or the Garmin Approach would be perfect. It would also be perfect if you play a lot of courses that are new or “newish” to you and you want that extra information that really detailed pictures of the fairway and the green will give you.

If, however, you’re more interested in things like instant calculation of your shot distance, help with angles of approach to the green, and keeping a historical record of scores and shots on the same course over time, then you probably don’t need all the graphics. So, what’s the best Golf GPS system? It all depends on why you’re buying it.