Garmin Approach G5- An old favorite, the Garmin Approach G5 has all the bells and whistles that the advanced player needs to take their game to the next level. The unit’s stat tracking feature keeps your scores at various courses so you can quickly analyze your strengths and weaknesses and find new ways to improve.

Golf Buddy World Platinum- One of the newest GPS units on the market, the Golf Buddy World Platinum has a feature set that many older units just can’t match. Loaded with over 40,000 courses across six continents this model is perfect for the traveler who likes to sneak in a round when out of town.

Garmin Approach G3 - A smaller, less expensive version of the Approach G5, the Garmin Approach G3 is a mid-range GPS system that combines great performance with excellent portability. A no-nonsense unit that is ready to go right out of the box.

Related posts:

1. Golf GPS Systems Buying Guide
2. Golf Buddy World Platinum GPS Review
3. Garmin Approach G3 Review

The main difference you will notice between the two Garmins is that the Approach G3 is a bit smaller. It’s not a dramatic difference, but you will find that it slips into a pocket easier than the G5. Garmin managed to take about a half inch off the previous unit’s length and about a tenth of an inch off its width. This does mean, however, that the G3′s touchscreen is a bit smaller, with a 2.6″ diagonal compared with the the G5′s 3″ monitor.

I know a lot of my buddies will find the smaller size more appealing as it makes it easier to carry around, but I did find myself missing the larger, higher resolution screen of the G5 after awhile. Still, the Approach G3′s touchscreen is very responsive and operates as well as the larger G5. If portability is important than you are likely to be quite happy with the G3.

No Extra Fees

The Approach G3′s most obvious competitor is the SkyCaddie SG5. While the SG5 may be a bit less expensive up front (it currently retails for around $200), it requires an annual membership fee ranging from $30 to $60 per year depending on the geographic location of the courses you play. The Approach G3, like the G5, has no additional fees. With your purchase you receive maps to over 16,000 courses across the US and Canada without ever having to pay an additional fee. When new courses are added you can download them free of charge. So don’t forget to factor subscription fees into the equation as you compare prices.

Accurate Readings

Another thing I liked about the Garmin Approach G3 is that the measurements came out to be very accurate. One thing I like to do when evaluating golf GPS systems is to stand at the 100 yard marker and check and see if the unit spits out a 100 yard measurement. Each time I tried this with the G3 I got a measurement of either 100 or 101, which is superb.


For More Information on the Garmin Approach G3 Click HERE


Additional Features:

• Unit comes with a belt clip, USB cable and manual

• Estimated 15-hour battery life with two AA batteries

• Green view lets you zoom in on the green for a closer look

• Shot tracking feature keeps track of shot distances

• Basic scorekeeping feature for up to four players

Conclusion

Now some of you may be wondering how the G3 and G5 differ besides the smaller size of the G3. There is one feature that didn’t make it over to the Approach G3. The G3 does not come with stat tracking software to track things like fairways hit, putts per round and average distance for individual clubs. For this you will want to go with the G5.

That said, the Garmin Approach G3 is one of the top golf GPS units in its class. While I love my G5, those looking to save a few bucks–or those shopping for a gift for a casual or semi-regular golfer–will be well satisfied with the Approach G3.

Get the Best Price on the Garmin Approach G3 GPS HERE

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1. Garmin Approach G5 Review
2. GolfLogix GPS 8: Lower Your Score With Garmin Technology
3. uPro GPS by Callaway Review

Golf Buddy World Platinum GPS

Not only that, but it soon displayed a list of courses in my area from its database of 40,000+ courses. Now being an avid golfer I am already familiar with all the courses close to my house, but I can see how this would be useful when going to visit the in-laws or when out of town on business.

In fact, the World Platinum has course maps for over 90 different countries. The US and Canada are well covered, as you’d expect, but you can also find courses in England, Scotland, Singapore, the Bahamas, even Zimbabwe! Not that I have plans to travel to Zimbabwe anytime in the near future, but it’s nice to know if I ever do I can easily find a spot to put in a few rounds.

Click HERE to Check the Price for the Golf Buddy at Amazon.com

Functionality on the Course

After the initial fooling around it was time to try this baby out on the course. Once again I was pleased with the response time as the unit picked up the satellite signal rather quickly. The Golf Buddy instantly recognized the course I was on and was ready to go with a full graphic layout of the course at my disposal.

Another useful feature is that the display changes automatically as you move around the course, so there’s no need to manually adjust the display to reorient yourself to your new position. The monitor is clear and yardages are easy to read. Screen brightness could be a bit better, but of course this is done for a reason–to conserve battery life. The device works fairly intuitively, with a touch screen and menus that are easy to navigate. Just put your finger on the target point and yardage info is quickly displayed.

Additional Features

• Shock & water resistant design

• High-resolution color touch screen display

• Pin placement functionality

• Four-player score and distance tracking feature

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (no clumsy AAs needed)

• Power management settings to conserve battery life

• Zoom functionality

View the Full Feature List and Check the Latest Price at Amazon


Perhaps the most impressive feature with the Golf Buddy is the company’s extremely responsive customer service. When playing my local course I noticed that one of the hazards, a small sand trap on the right side of the fairway, was nowhere to be seen on the map for that course. Anyone familiar with golf GPS systems knows that it is not uncommon to find some minor discrepancies from time to time. When I got home I decided to fire out an email to Golf Buddy customer support letting them know of the problem. I checked back about a week later to find that the correction had been made.

Just a tip for prospective Golf Buddy owners: make sure to connect your GPS with your computer for regular updates. Updating the maps and firmware is important if you want to enjoy a hassle-free experience. It seems to me that many of the people who report issues with this device are those who have not updated from the default install. Updates are free, so there is no excuse!

Conclusion

The Golf Buddy World Platinum definitely ranks as one of the top golf GPS units available right now. Those familiar with my reviews know that I am partial to GPS units that offer free course maps and no subscription fees. I’d rather pay a little more upfront and be done with it than spend $60 a year just for the “privilege” of downloading courses from their database (SkyCaddie I’m looking at you). The GolfBuddy puts a world of courses in the palm of your hand with no additional fees to spend. It also looks great and is intuitive enough for new users to figure out. All around a very solid GPS unit.


Find the Best Price on the Golf Buddy World Platinum at Amazon.com

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1. Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder: Solid Performance, No Hidden Fees
2. uPro GPS by Callaway Review
3. Garmin Approach G3 Review

Garmin Approach G5 GPS


Built to Last

When holding the unit in your hands you can tell that the Garmin Approach is one well-built GPS. Built on the same hardware as Garmin’s Oregon series of hiking GPS, the Garmin Approach G5 golf GPS was designed to withstand bumps, bruises, scratches, and scrapes. Unlike many other golf GPS units, the Garmin Approach is fully waterproof so you never need to worry about a sudden rain shower or accidentally dropping it in wet grass. If you’re looking to invest in a unit for the long-tern you certainly can’t go wrong with the G5.

No Subscription Fees

The Garmin Approach G5 comes out of the box with more than 12,000 courses preloaded. This means you never have to pay another penny once the unit is in your hands. All additional course additions and updates are offered free of charge from the Garmin website.


Click HERE for More Info on the Garmin Approach G5


Additional Features:

• Sunlight-readable display

• WASS-enabled receiver for excellent accuracy

• Manual pin-positioning

• Digital scorecard saves scores for up to 4 players

• Hole-by-hole preview lets you plan your strategy ahead of time or scout out new courses to try

• USGA and R&A compliant

• Gets up to 15 hours of battery life using 2 AA batteries

Conclusion

I found the Garmin Approach G5 to be a pleasure to use and feel it is the best GPS available for players looking for a high-end unit. The price is a bit higher than some other devices, but its lack of subscription fees and expected longevity make it a solid value for the money. Those looking for a smaller model may want to compare the G5 with our review of the Approach G3 to see which one best suits your needs.

Find the Best Price on the Garmin Approach G5 GPS HERE

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1. Garmin Approach G3 Review
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The unit’s large screen automatically displays the distances to the greens, bunkers, and hazards-giving you confidence to make your next shot. It even charts the lay-up and carry distances so you can avoid the water hazards and sand traps that threaten your to ruin your round. Perhaps the best feature of the Golf Buddy Tour is the unit’s score tracking feature, which logs your score and helps calculate your handicap so you are able to track your progress as you go along. The Golf Buddy GPS provides all the information a golfer could need in a sleek and intuitive interface.

Golf Buddy Tour

Free Preloaded Course Maps

A nice feature of the Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder is that the unit comes preloaded with close to 20,000 course maps free of charge. This makes the Golf Buddy a great choice for those who are not computer savvy and don’t want to go through the hassle of syncing the unit to their computer to download their favorite courses. While some golf GPS units force users to pay for courses separately, owners of the Golf Buddy Tour never have to pay another cent once the unit is in their hands.  For more advanced users, updates may be downloaded free of charge from the GolfBuddy GPS website. Users also have the ability to custom-map a course on their own or to download courses custom-mapped by another user. It is easy to see why the Golf Buddy Tour is considered one of the best golf GPS units on the market.

View the Amazon.com price for the Golf Buddy Tour GPS here

Pros

• Excellent value – One of the lowest priced color golf GPS systems available

• No download or membership fees

• Easy to set up and use. Perfect for those who have never used a golf course GPS before

• Clear, easy to read screen

• Accurate distances to greens, bunkers, lay-ups, and hazards

• Stores information on up to 20,00 courses from around the world

• Score tracking feature

• No computer is required

Cons

• Not as many bells & whistles as some of the more expensive GPS rangefinders

• Sync not compatible with Macs

Read the latest Golf Buddy reviews at Amazon.com

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1. Golf Buddy World Platinum GPS Review
2. Garmin Approach G5 Review
3. GolfLogix GPS 8: Lower Your Score With Garmin Technology

With so many units available it can be a challenge to find the one that meets your needs, so I’ve decided to collect best golf gps reviews here in one place. But first, here are my current recommended units:

Best Golf GPS Systems for 2012

Recommended: Garmin Approach G3

Pros:
Fits in a pocket
User friendly interface
No subscription fees necessary

Cons:
Requires AA batteries
No advanced stat tracking




Full Review

Recommended: Garmin Approach G5

Pros:
Solidly built
Easy to set up
Advanced stat tracking software

Cons:
Requires AA batteries
Occasional screen glare




Full Review


What to Look For

People are always asking me which features are really the most important when buying one of these units. Here are a few things I consider to be absolutely critical when conducting your own golf GPS comparison.

Accuracy

This is obviously an important factor. What good is a golf GPS unit if you can’t rely on the readings that it takes? GPS technology is typically very accurate, often providing the distance to your target or hole within one yard or less. Of course some models are going to be more accurate than others, so it is important to research a unit’s accuracy before making your purchase. The Garmin Approach G3 is one of several golf GPS systems known for having razor-sharp accuracy.

Durability

You’re also going want a unit with a rugged feel that can withstand drops, dings, scratches and whatever else the course throws at it. If your unit feels like a cheap piece of plastic in your hands you can bet that it is not going to last. Depending on your playing style you will ideally want a durable, waterproof golf course GPS that has been designed to withstand the rigors of an active golfing lifestyle. The Approach G5 ranks among the top in this category. Many leading golf GPS reviews and publications rate this one near the top in many categories.

Maps & Course Availability

Will the GPS work at all your favorite local courses or is it only good at courses where you are unlikely to ever play? A GPS can have all the bells and whistles in the world, but if it doesn’t have a map for your favorite course it is nothing more than a fancy brick. There are two ways that course maps can be incorporated into a golf GPS. Some units come preloaded with thousands of courses, so it is ready to be used right out of the box. Other units provide you with access to a database where you can download the courses that you need straight to your unit over the internet. There are often additional fees with these types of units, so it’s important to consider this as you comparison shop.

Whichever type of unit you choose, you’ll want to find one that you will actually be able to use at your favorite courses.

Portability

An often overlooked factor, but no less important. If you’re going to be carrying your GPS around for 18 holes you will want one that is lightweight and can either attach to your bag or belt or slide effortlessly into your pocket. On the other hand, it needs to be large enough that you can easily read the display and operate the controls. Some units are ultra-portable and known for their ease of use in any conditions.

Battery Life

Does the GPS have enough juice to last a full 18 holes? What about 36 holes? Yes, it’s true that some of the best golf GPS units perform better than others in terms of battery life. If you’re the type of person who is always forgetting to charge your cellphone then you’re certainly going to want a GPS with excellent battery life.

Read on for my golf GPS reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between golf GPS systems and rangefinders?

A golf GPS uses satellite technology to determine your location. It then provides you with a map of the hole and distance estimates to critical points. A rangefinder shoots a laser out to different points to determine the distance. I personally prefer GPS because I find the overhead map to be incredibly useful when planning my strategy. However, if you’re just looking to measure distances a rangefinder can be very accurate.

Are iPhone/Android golf apps as good as a dedicated golf GPS device?

I’ve tried several iPhone apps and found them to be quite useful, but there are a few drawbacks to using an app. For one thing, having your phone’s GPS running while you play can drain the battery in a hurry. If you need to be able to take calls as you play you will have to carefully monitor your battery usage, and be prepared to shut off your GPS before finishing the round. Also, golf apps lack many of the features of dedicated devices, such as advanced stat tracking and the ability to measure to any point on the course.

Is the (insert model here) any good?

The best way to answer this is by pointing you to some of my golf GPS reviews on this site.

Garmin Approach G3

Garmin Approach G5

Golf Buddy World

Callaway uPro

Are GPS units allowed during tournament play?

It depends on the tournament. The USGA changed its rule a few years back to allow GPS units and rangefinders in tournaments if the tournament’s rules committee votes to allow them. However, advanced units that determine wind speed, course gradient or include a club recommendation feature are still prohibited. If you’re thinking of playing in a tournament you will want to check with the rules committee to find out if your GPS is allowed.

Can I use my car GPS as a GPS for golf?

No, not unless you’re playing golf in the street–which I don’t recommend. A golf GPS provides detailed maps of thousands golf courses, which you won’t find in any other type of GPS unit.
Check out the rest of my golf GPS reviews here.

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1. uPro GPS by Callaway Review
2. Best Golf GPS Systems for Spring 2012
3. GolfLogix GPS 8: Lower Your Score With Garmin Technology

Full-Color Aerial Views

Unlike many other golf GPS systems, the Callaway uPro GPS displays full-color aerial photographs of the hole so you can map out your next shot as you wait your turn. View where the sand traps and hazards are located and check the distance to the green so you can always choose the right club. Measure mode provides a quick and easy way to find the distance to any point on the hole.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight at just 3.2 ounces
• Provides accurate distances in Measure Mode
• SmartView technology provides an overhead view of the hole as you move down the fairway
• Easy to use interface
• Access to Callaway’s extensive golf course database
• Battery indicator lets you know when the unit’s lithium ion battery needs recharging (battery is rated at 10-12 hours)

Cons:

• Some computer knowledge is helpful when downloading courses
• Unit is not waterproof

For the latest GPS in the uPro series check out the Callaway uPro MX

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2. Golf GPS Systems Buying Guide
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Big, bold numbers warn you of upcoming hazards, trees, and bunkers. The included software lets you download course information from a database of more than 15,000 golf courses worldwide.

Incredibly Easy to Use

The GolfLogix’s ease of use is what sets it apart from other golf course gps units on the market. You don’t have to be a gadget whiz to operate this Garmin unit. Simply turn it on at the first hole and you’re ready to go. The GolfLogix will automatically chart your position on the course and display information for each hole on its clear, easy to read LCD screen. The unit clips to your bag or belt for hands-free use, so there’s no need to press any buttons or do any aiming.

Visit the Garmin Golflogix GPS page at Amazon


Additional Features:

• Calculates the distance of your last shot
• Automatic course recognition
• Durable & impact-resistant for use outdoors
• Screen contrast is adjustable to provide visibility in direct sunlight or under dark conditions
• Displays distances in yards or meters
• Includes easy to use GolfLogix Course Manager software
• The GolfLogix is on sale now at Amazon.com. Click HERE for more information.

Here’s what current owners are saying about the GolfLogix by Garmin:

Charles,

I found the Golf Logix very simple to use. Downloading courses took no more than a couple minutes and I was ready to go. On the course the unit is easy to read. The numbers are big enough that I did not have to use my glasses to see it. Battery life is good, but carry an extra pair of AA batteries to be on the safe side. I read tons of golf GPS reviews before finally settling on…Read Original Review

Dave,

I belong to a Seniors golf group and this baby has really made a difference in my game. Many of my opponents have yet to catch on to the benefits of a gps for golf, but I’m sure glad I have. Only wish I had a gadget like this 30 years ago…Read Original Review

Related posts:

1. Garmin Approach G5 Review
2. Garmin Approach G3 Review
3. Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder: Solid Performance, No Hidden Fees

When I first heard that Callaway was coming out with a new GPS unit to target the lower end of the GPS marketplace I figured it would be similar to the Garmin GolfLogix or iGolf models-a simple black and white unit with basic functionality. To my surprise the uPro Go actually looks like a higher-end model. The 240 x 320 hi-res screen is the same size as that of the original uPro, and although it lacks the aerial pictures of its big brother the full-color screen is still quite impressive. In addition the unit is preloaded with a whopping 18,000 courses, so there are no fees associated with downloading new courses.

Basic Mode Vs. Go Mode

One thing to note about the uPro Go is that it operates in two different modes: Basic Mode and Go Mode. Basic Mode provides you with all the basic info you need like the distance to the green and all hazards. It also lets you easily measure the distances of your shots. Go Mode gives you a more detailed map of the course and automatically updates distances as you move. The only drawback is that there’s a one time activation fee of $49.99 if you wish to activate Go Mode on your unit. The device is still quite usable without Go Mode, but it will reduce the functionality quite a bit.

Here are the pros and cons of the Callaway uPro Go GPS:

Pros

•    The size of this unit is quite compact, making it easy to carry in a pocket as you play. It’s a good choice for players who hate having to carry around their GPS on a belt clip.

•    Attractive color screen. This gives it a leg up on the similarly-priced GolfLogix and its black & white monitor.

•    Interface is intuitive. Most players should be able to figure out how to use all its features rather quickly.

•    Distance tracking feature is easy to use and seems accurate.

•    The unit can be set to go into sleep mode so you can save battery power if it has been on idle for about 30 seconds or more.

Cons

•    Does not calculate advanced yardages for lay-ups and doglegs.

•    Information on hazards can be a bit confusing in basic mode without the ability to view the entire hole at one time. This can be remedied by activating Go Mode.

•    The unit lacks a scorecard feature to keep tabs on you and your partner’s scores. The addition of this feature would have been a nice touch.

Related posts:

1. uPro GPS by Callaway Review
2. Garmin Approach G3 Review
3. Golf Buddy World Platinum GPS Review