Our favorite tech ranges from laser rangefinders such as the Precision Pro Golf NX7 to simple GPS key finders such as the Tile Mate to keep track of your belongings on the green. We’ve rounded up the best golf tech for players, based on usefulness, price, durability, and portability. If staying in is more your style, make sure to read up on our collection of the best PC Golf games. But if you’re ready to take your game to the range, here is the best golf tech—we can’t guarantee a hole in one, but this tech is sure to give you valuable insight into your technique and performance. It uses a laser to accurately measure distances to 1/10th of a yard, with a 400-yard range capacity. You lock onto your target in less than a second with a push of a button, with the rangefinder giving a small vibration once you land on the target, providing you with peace of mind that it’s working as you want it to. The NX7 is also compact and water and fog-resistant, making it the perfect addition to any golf bag. You can measure in both yards and meters, and the device is tournament legal. However, if you want to measure your slope, you’ll need to upgrade to the more expensive NX7 Pro Slope Golf Rangefinder. It’s really hard to fault this device, as it does everything a golfer needs a rangefinder to do. The device comes with a carrying case, cleaning cloth, lanyard, and instructions, plus it’s backed by a lifetime battery replacement service, as long as you register your device after purchase. Power Source: CR2 3v battery | Connectivity: Laser technology | Companion App: Precision Pro Golf app | Warranty: Lifetime battery replacement services with product registration. The care package also includes a 2-year warranty, trade-in allowance, and support. The GPS data includes hole layouts with distance, including the distances to up to four hazards per hole. You can also use Bluetooth to download additional course information. Overall, the device is easy to use, with comfortable handheld grips and simple controls. While it’s on the expensive side, the Bushnell Hybrid offers plenty of useful features that are sure to improve your performance—plus, it’s something avid golfers will use constantly, making it a solid investment. This bundle is particularly valuable as it comes with a hardshell case, a carabiner to hook the unit onto your belt, a cleaning cloth, a wearable course brush, and even batteries to get it going. Power Source: CR2 battery | Connectivity: Laser and GPS technology | Companion App: Bushnell Golf app | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty If you’re further away, the GPS tracker will let you know where you were last within range of your clubs, and the Tile Mate community will let you know if they see your clubs on the app. You can purchase and install multiple tiles, as they can be useful to attach to just about any important item. Tile Mate is also water-resistant, with the battery life good for up to a year. However, for some of the device’s features you’ll need to upgrade to the premium subscription. If you tend to misplace valuables, Tile Mate can be a lifesaver. It works anywhere in the world and the tile itself is small enough that it won’t detract from the look and style of your golf gear. Power Source: 1-year replaceable CR1632 battery | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Companion App: Tile app | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty You can customize the look of your watch with QuickFit bands and can also change your display screen with the Garmin Connect app—this also allows you to connect the Garmin to your smartphone to receive notifications. Golfers will love all the data this watch can provide, including yardage to the front, center, and back of the green, compass direction to the hole, and whether it’s uphill or downhill. The AutoShot game tracking also tracks and stores data from your game so you can analyze it later. For those who enjoy a variety of sports, the S60 also tracks running, swimming, and cycling, to name a few. While it’s an expensive watch, the inclusion of so many useful golfing features, combined with a long battery life, makes it a real winner. Power Source: CR2 battery | Connectivity: GPS | Companion App: Garmin Connect app | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty Using the Game Golf app, you can see all sorts of insights and data, including distances gained from each club, GPS rangefinder data for each hole, and metrics developed to improve your putting, teeing off, and short game. Players can also compete in virtual challenges with others, comparing data with friends and even your favorite PGA players. Game Golf Live was a winner of a 2016 Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Award for “Best Game Analyzer” and is an easy-to-use tool that can change the way you approach the game. If you’re not able to hire your own golf coach, this might be the next best thing. Power Source: CR2 battery | Connectivity: GPS and Bluetooth | Companion App: Game Golf Live app | Warranty: Not specified The SelfieGolf holds your phone securely in place and gives you the ability to film and capture every swing without any shaking, letting you film videos on your phone that you can watch back. However, keep in mind that the device is designed to shoot in portrait, rather than landscape mode. The lightweight and ergonomic design is the perfect training tool for both amateurs and pros. The device is sturdy and won’t break from regular wear and tear, giving you plenty of opportunities to perfect your swing. Power Source: N/A | Connectivity: N/A | Companion App: N/A | Warranty: 1-year warranty
What to Look for in Golf Tech
Portability
If you’re schlepping 18 holes around a golf course, you’ll want any additional golf tech to be as portable as possible. That means lightweight tech that also doesn’t take up too much room in your bag.
Durability
Once in a while, you’ll get caught in a downpour or your bag will take a beating. Make sure your golf gear can keep up by buying durable models. Many smartwatches, for example, can track your game but are waterproof as well.
Price
Golf can be a pricey sport. In addition to expensive clubs, there are greens fees and golf clothing. Of course, there are premium models of nearly every item of golf tech out there, but many features you won’t find necessary. Depending on your budget, you can find reasonably priced GPS trackers and rangefinders that give you dynamic distance readings and course maps. Decide which features are important to your individual game. If you’re ever unsure about what you can use on the course, contact the club in advance for clarification. While golf tech is by no means a requirement if you want to become a top golfer, many players recognize the competitive edge it can provide.
