What to look out for when buying a golf watch

Preload thousands of courses, log your latest scores and much more with the help of game-changing wristwear…

Advanced GPS
All golf watches should display accurate distances to the front, back and centre of the green. Some models will also include a rangefinder for hazards and doglegs. If you have the budget for something a little more advanced, a ‘touch to target’ function will allow you to set a marker to calculate the distance to a layup zone or bunker you’re trying to avoid.

Course recognition and green mapping
The days of manually downloading courses to your computer to update your watch are long-gone. Most modern watches come pre-loaded with 30,000 to 40,000 courses from around the world, while some will automatically update with the latest layouts when connected to wi-fi. Look out for models with auto-course recognition to save searching before your next round, and green mapping modes to help gain a better understanding of the contours of the green.

Scorecards and app pairing
Your new golf watch can eliminate the need to scrawl scores down using a pen and paper. The latest options allow wearers to record strokes using a touchscreen for convenience. Over time the digital log of bogeys and pars can be easily revisited to track your progress. Many watches pair with an app so you can scroll through your scores as and when you wish. Some software even analyses performance to help identify weaknesses in your game.
  


  
Light and waterproof materials
Although golf watches are built with the great outdoors in mind, not all models are made equal. It’s important to pay attention to whether your wristwear is water resistant or waterproof, especially if you tend to play in the rain. Waterproof models should be completely impermeable, while resistant models will prevent water damage to some degree. You should look for a breathable strap that wicks away sweat and rain, and a watch under 60g to ensure its weight doesn’t affect play.

Fitness and swing analysis
Your golf watch can also double up as a fitness wearable. Models that count your steps and monitor your heart rate, are widely available and a great way of measuring the impact of your latest round on your health. If you love tech but you’re keen to keep gadgets to a minimum, some watches use clever sensors to analyse your swing. Swing path, swing speed and more can be measured and displayed on your watch face or a companion app for extra guidance.