Best Handheld Golf GPS | 5 Options Worth Considering
Rangefinders devices come in are available in various types of devices these days. These include laser rangefinders, golf GPS watches, mobile apps and handheld golf GPS devices. A lot of golfers aren’t keen on laser rangefinders and do not like golf watches, which make them the perfect fit for a handheld golf GPS. They can be kept in your pocket, clipped to your bag or stored away in your golf bag. Here’s my recommendations for the Best Handheld GPS for Golf.
Best Handheld Golf GPS Reviews
Rangefinders devices are becoming a standard addition to every golfers bag, regardless of skill level. Distance devices take guessing yardages out of your game, giving you accurate distances, allowing you to make better club decision and focus on your swing.
These are what I feel are the Best GPS Devices For Golfing. I go in depth about each one below.
Please note that some of the links on thegolfinglad.com are affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase from one of the websites I recommend.
Garmin Approach G80
I’m going to jump straight to it. The Garmin G80 is the bees knees and probably the best handheld golf GPS you can buy (alongside the SkyCaddie SX500).
- Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
- Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
- Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
- Practice and game modes allow you to test your skills and work to improve your game
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours with GPS
The Garmin Approach G80, All-in-One Premium GPS Golf Handheld with Integrated Launch Monitor, 3.5" TouchscreenGarmin G80
Not only is the G80 one of the best handheld golf GPS devices, it’s also a portable launch monitor.
Yes, you read that right – a LAUNCH MONITOR. I will go into more on that below.
Design
The design of the G80 is very much like like a smartphone. It’s 3.5″ sunlight display is easy to read with adjustable text sizes. With a colourful bright colour screen, the G80 maps were clearly displayed in great detail.
The touch screen is very responsive and can be used with a golf glove. This was perfect for me as I play golf left handed but I am actually right handed (glove on right hand).
This will be the same for any right handed golfers who are actually left handed. I hate having to take my glove off to use a touchscreen, so the G80 was a pleasant surprise.
The G80 is not too bulky and comfortably fits in your pocket while playing. There’s a little lock button like you have on a smartphone so it won’t bounce between holes in your pocket.
There’s also a clip that comes with it to clip onto your golf bag. If you have an electric trolley, there’s a holder that comes with this set Garmin Approach G80 Handheld Golf GPS + Launch Monitor Radar Bundle | PlayBetter Portable Charger, Protective Case, Cart/Trolley Mount & Carabiner Clip | 41,000 Courses, PinPointer | 010-01914-00HERE
Performance
If you are paying top dollar for one of the best handheld GPS for golf, then you would expect it performs well. The G80 does just that and more.
(Amazon Affiliate Link) will come preloaded with detailed colour maps of over 41,000 courses from around the globe.You will get a complete sky view of each hole to view the hole layout, green shapes and clearly identify hazards, etc. Which is brilliant for playing courses for the first time.
One of my favourite things abut using good handheld golf GPS devices is the touch target yardage features. This is only on some of the premium GPS devices, but the G80 is one of them.
Simply tap any part of the map on each hole and you will get a yardage to that location based on yours. This is really good for getting yardages to hazards and lay us for par 5’s or short par 4’s.
The touch target also works with Green View. You can zoom in on the green to move the pin position for deadly accurate yardages for approach shots.
I must note also that the battery last for 15 hours in GPS mode which is very good for the performance it pushes out. 15 hours will get you at least 3 full rounds of golf.
Slope & Play’s Like Feature
The Garmin Approach G80 can also adjust for slope and offers a plays like yardage based on the uphill or downhill elevation change. This feature is not legal for tournament play but can be easily turned off.
If you are unsure on the rules of using rangefinders golfing, I have a post on that HERE or you can check out what the R&A have to say HERE.
Garmin G80 Portable Launch Monitor
Now this really is something different. Rangefinders have got more and more innovative over the last few years with GPS watches, laser rangefinders and now handheld golf GPS units.
- [GARMIN APPROACH G80 GPS + LAUNCH MONITOR] - Garmin Approach G80 Premium Golf GPS with Launch Monitor Radar, Trolley/Cart Mount, Lanyard Carabiner & USB Cable | Protected by Garmin's 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- [PLAYBETTER BUNDLE] - Includes PlayBetter Protective Hard Case + PlayBetter #Z05 5000mAh Powerbank | Perfect for golf bag storage & emergency charges on the course or in the car!
- [GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR INTEGRATION + VIRTUAL COURSE PLAY] - Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated shot distance! Plus you can play virtual rounds on any of the 41,000+ courses using the launch monitor integration.
- [PLAYSLIKE DISTANCE, PINPOINTER & COURSEVIEW] - Accurate distances 41,000+ worldwide courses, features PinPointer & PlaysLike technology and Full-Color CourseView
- [FIRST-AND-ONLY INTEGRATED GOLF GPS + LAUNCH MONITOR] - There is no other device like the Approach G80 - combining the best of the top GPS units plus the features of the best Launch Monitors into one product, priced at a fraction of what you'd pay for both individual units!
The G80 is the worlds first portable GPS and launch monitor system. The launch monitor offers multiple modes that can make any practice session entertaining.
What I was surprised at was that you can actually virtually play any of the 41,000 pre loaded courses. Now this isn’t like one of those simulator type monitors you see at the golf shops or the cool home golf simulators but still a cool feature none the less.
The warm up mode is the one that really stands out to me, especially if there’s a range at your golf club. Simple place the device on a golf ball with the G80’s screen facing you perpendicular to your golf ball. From their you just start swinging.
The G80 will show you key swing metrics like ball speed, club head speed, tempo, smash factor and estimated distance. This is really good for fine tuning your swing before hitting the first tee.
Even if you only have a golf net at your course for warming up, it will allow you to get your club speed and tempo right.
Since it’s so small and compact, you can easily use this when playing a quick 9 holes. It only takes 2 seconds to set up and place down by the ball. It’s great for transitioning your swing changes or drills from the range to the course.
However, don’t expect this little portable rangefinder to be a portable trackman or home simulator quality. It won’t give you metrics like face angle, launch angle or club path (lets not get too greedy).
The key thing I like here is the swing speed, tempo and estimated distance. It’s great for getting to know your yardages for your scoring irons.
It really is a brilliant little device to help with your pre round routine and nail your timing before hitting that first tee.
Price
Ok! I gave you all the good stuff, it’s a class device that any golfer would love to half, right?
- [GARMIN APPROACH G80 GPS + LAUNCH MONITOR] - Garmin Approach G80 Premium Golf GPS with Launch Monitor Radar, Trolley/Cart Mount, Lanyard Carabiner & USB Cable | Protected by Garmin's 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- [PLAYBETTER BUNDLE] - Includes PlayBetter Protective Hard Case + PlayBetter #Z05 5000mAh Powerbank | Perfect for golf bag storage & emergency charges on the course or in the car!
- [GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR INTEGRATION + VIRTUAL COURSE PLAY] - Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated shot distance! Plus you can play virtual rounds on any of the 41,000+ courses using the launch monitor integration.
- [PLAYSLIKE DISTANCE, PINPOINTER & COURSEVIEW] - Accurate distances 41,000+ worldwide courses, features PinPointer & PlaysLike technology and Full-Color CourseView
- [FIRST-AND-ONLY INTEGRATED GOLF GPS + LAUNCH MONITOR] - There is no other device like the Approach G80 - combining the best of the top GPS units plus the features of the best Launch Monitors into one product, priced at a fraction of what you'd pay for both individual units!
But it doesn’t come cheap. Although it’s probably the best handheld golf GPS that you can buy, it’s also one of the most expensive.
Right now, the G80 will set you back around $420, and around $520 if you get the bundle pack Garmin Approach G80 Handheld Golf GPS + Launch Monitor Radar Bundle | PlayBetter Portable Charger, Protective Case, Cart/Trolley Mount & Carabiner Clip | 41,000 Courses, PinPointer | 010-01914-00HERE
Garmin Approach G80 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed Maps In Colour | Expensive |
| Tab Target Yardages | Need to Buy Accessories With It |
| Excellent Hazard Info | |
| Shot Counting & Statistics | |
| Potable Launch Monitor | |
| Slope Readings | |
| Sun Readable LCD & Great TouchScreen | |
| Rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours with GPS |
Bushnell Phantom
If you are looking for a simple handheld golf GPS device with no fuss an does the simple things right, the Bushnell Phantom could be your answer.
The Phantom in particular is popular with the older generation who aren’t all that interested in the fancy features a lot of GPS devices have right now.
I really like the magnetic back on it that lets you stock to any metal object. Handy if you use a golf cart a lot.
Performance
The Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS, BlackBushnell Phantom
If your course is not available (which is unlikely) you can contact Bushnell and they will add the course information. Course changes can also be updated via bluetooth.
The Bushnell Phantom will show you the yardages to the front, middle and back of the green in big bold text.
You should be able to see it within standing distance from the golf bag, so you don’t have to disconnect it from your bag or anything like that.
Players will also be able to see distances to up to four hazards. You will get short descriptions for each hazard type. You just need to have a quick check at the manual to see what each one is. For example RFB = Right Fairway Bunker.
What I love about Bushnell is how they go the extra mile. If your course in missing a hazard or maybe a new one was added, give them a call or email and explaining the hazard and they will update it right away.
The Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS, BlackBushnell Phantom
More Features Available If Needed
I mentioned that this is a no fuss kind of device that gives you yardages to the green and that;s it really. But this thing works with the Bushnell App that will allow you to take it a a little further.
For example you will be able to get hole flyovers with yardages to greens and hazards via the mobile app. This is just handy in case you want a little more info or maybe are playing on a course you’ve never played before.
Remember hole flyovers and maps are usually more premium features that cost a lot more on some of the best handheld GPS devices for golf.
Price
Along with being one of the simplest handheld GPS devices for golf, it’s also one of the cheapest, costing in around $130. Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS, BlackCheck Price HERE
I would also have a look at the reviews to see what many other golfers have to say.
Phantom Bushnell Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy To Use | No Colour Screen |
| Large Bold Text For Easy To Read Yardages | Hole Layouts & Green Views Can Only be Viewed Via Bushnell's App |
| Small Enough to Fit in Your Pocket While Playing | |
| More Features Available Via Bushnell App If Required | |
| Very Cheap | |
| Can Be Clipped to Your Golf Bag |
Garmin Approach G30
The Garmin Approach G30, Handheld Golf GPS with 2.3-inch Color Touchscreen DisplayGarmin Approach G30
It really has the higher quality feel and performance making it a brilliant handheld GPS for golfing. The outer edge of the device is surrounded by a light layer of rubber to protect against accidental drops.
The design is very modern with only 1 single button for power and with the rest of functionality solely on the touchscreen.
Garmin G30 Performance
The Garmin Approach really has that Garmin quality touch that they bring with all their Garmin devices.