It’s never been “easier” to shave a few strokes off your game thanks to new innovations in technology that you bring to the course – in your pocket or on your wrist.
Easier, in this case, is relative. Golf’s hard enough, right? But some of these great tech gifts can guarantee something – like dialling in distances!
Whether the golfer on your list shoots for the stick with a rangefinder or loves the efficiency (and bonus features!) of a GPS watch, there are a ton of great options this holiday season.
Perhaps the coolest recent innovation, however? The Bushnell Wingman GPS speaker. Part voice-activated distance-giver (plus you can use it to take calls and even record custom first-tee introductions), part-Bluetooth speaker, it’s a fabulous all-in-one.
RANGEFINDERS
There’s a reason why Bushnell rangefinders are used by more than 98 percent(!) of PGA Tour pros – they’re the top distance-finder in golf and continue to get better every year.
The Tour V6 (and V6 Shift) feature new and improved electronics that make these rangefinders the most accurate, longest-ranging, and consistent Bushnell has ever made. They’re chalk full of other great features, as well.
Not to say there aren’t other solid options out there: both Garmin and Voice Caddie make rangefinders that boast impressive tech and design.
GPS WATCHES
Garmin has a few GPS watches on offer again in 2023 no matter what your gift-giving budget may be. While the final effort (getting a distance) may be the same, some have a few more bells and whistles.
On the top of the mountain is the Approach S70 GPS watch. It’s a premium smartwatch that features more than 43,000 preloaded full-colour CourseView maps and boasts 16 days(!) of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. It’s got virtual caddie, enhanced “PlaysLike” distance for uphill and downhill shots, and you can even improve your off-course health with activity profiles for yoga, cardio, and more. More? More. Pay for your food at the turn with Garmin Pay contactless payments and listen to music on the go via your favourite streaming service. Hard to believe how much is packed into this particular GPS watch.
That said, the Approach S10 GPS watch provides some serious value – it boasts the ability to track scores, is water resistant, has over 41,000 course maps pre-loaded, and you’ll be able to get distances to the front, middle, and back of the green.
LAUNCH MONITORS
The Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor is small but mighty. Given its size, you can take the R10 from inside your home to your backyard or the driving range. Included with the launch monitor is a phone mount so your device pairs effortlessly with your mobile device, giving you quick access to your stats – metrics like ball speed, launch angle, club-head speed, and even smash factor are tracked. You can see and analyze your own swing with video clips that feature your stats overlayed on top.