The 8 Best Golf Trackers: Pros, Cons, & Head-To-Head Comparisons

Golf tracker technology has given me the platform to precisely identify my average yardage with each club and my strokes gained. Most devices provide GPS distance measurements for optimal club selection and distance control. In this post, I reveal the best golf tracker for 2023 to better analyze every golf shot.

Here is a rundown of the 7 best golf Trackers for 2023:

1. Arccos Gen 3+  – Overall Best Golf Tracker
2. Bushnell Golf Phantom 2 – Best Shot Tracker Golf Device For Budgets
3. Garmin S62 – Best Golf Club Distance Tracker
4. Shot Scope X5 – Best Golf Shot Tracking System For Analysis
5. Izzo Swami 6000 – Best Distance Tracker For Golf Carts
6. Blast Swing Analyzer – Best Golf Swing Tracker
7. Tag Heuer Calibre E4 Golf Edition – Premium Best Golf Ball Tracker
8. SkyCaddie LX5 – Best Golf Tracking System For Strokes Gained

After reading this post, you will see whether Smart sensors, a GPS handheld, or a wearable device suits your needs. In addition, I reveal which trackers are fit for swing inspection, a virtual caddie or a standard digital scorecard with strokes gained analysis.

Top 3 Best Golf Shot Tracker Devices

	Best Overall	Best Budget	Best GPS Golf Tracker
	Arccos Gen 3 +	Bushnell Golf Phantom 2	Garmin S62
Pros	Detailed strokes gained analysis Smart Club Distances highlight your average yardage with each club Personalized Caddie Advice provides a strategy for each hole.	Affordable for a golf tracker Records GIR, FIR, and putts per round Preloaded with GPS data of 38,000 golf courses	Tracks average club distances Analyzes strokes gained, FIR and GIR Preloaded with GPS data on 41,000 golf courses
Cons	It only gives you free access to the Arccos Caddie app for 1 year It struggles to detect shots when the app microphone is disabled The personalized Caddie feature only works after 5 rounds	It does not automatically track shot data. You have to enter it into the digital scorecard. You need to download the Bushnell Golf App to get strokes gained analysis	Priced at the top end of the market You need the Garmin CT10 tracking sensors to automatically detect each shot.
Price Score	84.2	94.7	77.1
Accuracy	89.8	86.1	94.4
Usability	95.9	91.4	92.8
Features	96.3	89.8	97.3
Rating	4.5 Stars	4.4 Stars	4.3 Stars

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here’s our product review process.

We can bring these reviews to you through the small commissions we earn if you buy through the links below. 

How We Reviewed These Products

Golfspan only shares equipment and brands we trust. 

I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the trackers shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information. 

To select these trackers, I considered these criteria:

• Cost
• Strokes Gained Analysis
• Caddie advice
• Rangefinder measurements
• Compatibility
• App functionality
• GPS data
• Scorecard features
• And more

Read more: The Best Golf GPS Devices

The Best Golf Ball Tracker Devices 2023

1. Arccos Gen 3+  – Overall Best Golf Tracker

Pros

• Detailed strokes gained analysis
• Smart Club Distances highlight your average yardage with each club
• Personalized Caddie Advice provides a strategy for each hole
• A.I. rangefinder provides distance measurements
• Compatible with iOS and Android devices

Cons

• It only gives you free access to the Arccos Caddie app for 1 year
• It struggles to detect shots when the app microphone is disabled
• You need to play 5 rounds before the Personalized Caddie Feature works

The Arccos Gen 3+ is our best golf shot tracker for its strokes gained analysis, automatic shot tracking, and A.I.-powered rangefinder. In addition, I was impressed with the personalized caddy advice and Smart distance feature to identify averages with each club in my bag.

Arccos includes 14 sensors in the Gen 3+ package to fit into every club in your bag, including your putter. The sensors then transmit data to the Arccos Caddie app, where you can analyze your strokes gained, the average distances and leverage the power of the A.I. rangefinder feature.

I embraced the automatic shot tracking feature, which worked for the most part, and identified the yardage of each strike. This information is then fed to the Smart Club Distances section, where the algorithm determines your average length for each club in your bag.

The Smart Club Distances then combined with the Personalized Caddie function and proposed a strategy for each hole. This allowed me to see the optimal route and clubs to take off the tee and on approach.

Next, the Strokes Gained Analytics feature is substantial and offers microdata of strokes gained with each club. Finally, it also provides insight into your overall strokes gained performance from tee to green. I found this highly valuable to identify the strengths and weaknesses of every club and aspect of my game.

Rating: 4.5

Read More: The Best Golf App For Apple Watch

2. Bushnell Golf Phantom 2 – Best Shot Tracker Golf Device For Budgets

Pros

• Affordable for a golf tracker
• Records GIR, FIR, and putts per round
• Preloaded with GPS data of 38,000 golf courses
• Attaches to the frame of a cart with a robust magnet
• 18 hours of battery life

Cons

• It does not automatically track shot data. You have to enter it into the digital scorecard.
• You need to download the Bushnell Golf App to get strokes gained analysis.

Bushnell is famed for their quality laser rangefinders, but the Phantom 2 shows they can dabble with golf shot tracker products. Our best budget tracker this season is a golf GPS device, which transmits data to the Bushnell Golf App to record greens and fairways in regulation, strokes gained, and putts per round.

Bushnell preloaded the Phantom 2 with GPS data of 38,000 golf courses globally. It offers measurements to hazards and the front, middle, and back of the green. Plus, you can access the Green View feature with moveable pin placement.

As for the actual golf tracker system, you need to download the Bushnell Golf App. I was impressed with the analytics despite the affordable price of the model. Having all my putts per round, strokes gained, and overall gross overage was an eye-opener.

Using the Bushnell Golf App in conjunction with the Phantom 2 gave me access to a digital scorecard. Besides adding my gross for each hole, it allowed me to record my FIR, GIR, and putts per round.

Lastly, the Bushnell Phantom 2 features a hard-biting magnet to attach the device to the frame of your golf cart for added convenience.

Rating: 4.4

Read more: Best Golf GPS Apps

3. Garmin S62 – Best Golf Club Distance Tracker

Pros

• Tracks average club distances
• Analyzes strokes gained, FIR and GIR
• Preloaded with GPS data on 41,000 golf courses
• Factors in wind speed into its distance measurements
• Features a digital scorecard

Cons

• Priced at the top end of the market
• You need the Garmin CT10 tracking sensors to automatically detect each shot.

The Garmin S62 is an advanced wearable golf GPS and tracker device which provides GPS data on 41,00 golf courses. Its shot-tracking abilities extend to strokes gained analysis, a digital scorecard, FIR, GIR, and putts per round statistics. In addition, it delivers plays like distance measurements and detailed green contour maps.

I needed to download the Garmin Golf App to enjoy the golf club tracker features like strokes gained, FIR, and GIR statistics. I also had to manually record the information, like where each shot landed and how many putts on each hole. However, pairing them with the Garmin CT10 Club Tracking Sensors will automatically feed this information to the app.

The S62 seriously shone with the GPS functionality, providing me with Plays Like distance and wind speed direction. It also highlighted where the flagstick was relative to my current position to guide me on blind approach shots.

I also appreciated the manual green adjustment setting, enabling me to alter the pin position on the device to represent its current location. This refined the distance measurements and brought greater precision to my club selection.

Finally, the Virtual Caddie feature proved highly valuable, as it factored in wind speed and analyzed my previous distances to recommend clubs for each shot.

Rating: 4.3

4. Shot Scope X5 – Best Golf Shot Tracking System For Analysis

Pros

• Tracks over 100 statistics
• The package includes tracking tags for automatic shot detection
• GPS data for 36,000 golf courses
• Available in 6 colors
• Customizable watch faces

Cons

• Expensive golf shot tracker
• No other complaints

The Shotscope X5 provided the best analytics during testing examining over 100 data points. As a self-professed data nerd, the device was music to my ears. It calculated average distances, proximity to the cup, and gross scores over a season.

Shot Scope includes 16 2nd Generation Tracking Tags which screw into the end of your grip and automatically track shots. This helped the device calculate my distance, tee shot position, and proximity to the flag on approach.

The data was then applied to an overhead map and displayed for me to identify where every strike ended during my round. I found this handy in identifying what holes I could potentially pick up shots with a few tweaks to my club selection and alignment.

Next, the X5 provides yardage to the front, middle, and back of the green and layup points for safer play. Green View also allows you to adjust the flagstick location to its position on the day. I felt this marginally enhanced the accuracy of the read for optimal club selection.

Finally, the Shot Scope X5 is a stylish wearable device that also suits casual occasions. I appreciated the effort of adding customizable watch faces at the click of a button. I prefer the Panerai face, but you can toggle between a digital setup with the date, time, and daily step count.

Rating: 4.1

Read More: Top Golf Stats Apps For Smartphones

5. Izzo Swami 6000 – Best Distance Tracker For Golf Carts

Pros

• Internal magnets fasten it to the frame of your cart
• The font is large, making it easy to read
• It tracks your score, GIR, and putts per round
• Affordable
• Preloaded with yardage data for 38,000 golf courses

Cons

• Tracks limited areas of your golf game
• It does have a moveable pin placement feature

If you are not up for sporting a wearable device, you may warm to the magnet build of the Izzo Swami 6000. Strong internal magnets secure the device to the frame of your golf cart for greater convenience and hands-free use.

The golf shot tracker feature is limited on the Swami 6000, which may explain its highly affordable price tag. However, it does record strokes, GIR, and putts per round to highlight your overall averages.

Its principal purpose is distance measurements, containing specifics on 38,000 golf courses. I felt the measurements were reasonably accurate as they highlighted the yardage to the back, middle, and front of the green and to hazards.

Although the features are standard for a golf GPS device, the font on the Swami 6000 was enlarged and easy to identify. Seniors or golfers with visual impairments may find the size better to handle.

Izzo crafted the Swami 6000 range in blue and yellow, adding flavor to the model for stylish golfers. Lastly, the lithium-ion battery is built to last up to 16 hours, and in my case, I got 3 18-hole rounds in before I plugged it in.

Rating: 3.9

6. Blast Swing Analyzer – Best Golf Swing Tracker

Pros

• Measures your swing tempo, angle of attack, and face angle
• Works on air swings
• You can add the sensor to every club in your bag
• The application captures slow-motion swing videos
• Library of tips and drills

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Only 1 sensor is added to the package

Blast Golf takes a unique approach to tracker devices, avoiding the typical digital scorecard features and instead zeroing in on your tempo and attack angle. It suits the golfer seeking deeper intel into swing specifics rather than strokes gained, which do not identify the root cause of your shots.

I found the Blast Swing sensor easy to put on and remove from the grip of my club, but it was annoying and time-consuming to do it before every shot. Another downside is its cost, but I did extract value from the analytics.

The magic happens on the Blast Golf app, which displays swing tempo, face angle, and angle of attack statistics. The face angle feature was interesting because I consistently squared the face at contact when my backswing took 3 times longer than my downswing.

It showed when my transition was smooth and left me ample time to square my clubface and generate straighter flight. I also found the portfolio of tips and drills helpful in improving the fluidity of my golf swing.

Finally, the Blast Swing Analyzer even measures your tempo, angle of attack, and face angle at impact on air swings. This means you do not need to hit a golf ball to receive insight into your golf swing, which is brilliant for practicing from the comfort of your living room if your ceiling is high enough.

Rating: 3.7

7. Tag Heuer Calibre E4 Golf Edition – Premium Best Golf Ball Tracker

Pros

• Stylish design with customizable faces
• Auto detects the distance of your tee shot
• Provides a heat map for past shots
• Offers club selection tips
• It is fitted with a built-in magnet ball marker

Cons

• Super expensive golf tracker
• The white band dirties easily

Stylish golfers who appreciate the convenience of wearable devices should instantly connect with the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4. The Swiss-crafted watches track every shot and display them on a heat map for you to analyze post-round. Plus, it provides club suggestions to enhance your distance control.

The longer you use the watch, the better it evolves at offering strategies to successfully navigate from tee to green. In addition, the device is equipped with a digital scorecard feature to track your strokes and an Automatic Shot Tracking feature to determine your average distances with each club in the bag.

Next, I enjoyed the convenience of the golf ball tracking system, which determined the length of my tee shot. When I commenced my second swing on a hole, it would automatically detect the movement and register that position as the lie of my tee shot.

Shot tracking aside, the Tag Heuer Calibre E4 is loaded with GPS data of 40,000 golf courses. It offered me yardage to hazards and various points on the green. Plus, it carries a built-in magnetic ball marker which I found easy to remove and slide off on the green, saving me from rummaging through my bag or pockets to find one.

Off the links, it presents an elegant look with a customizable face and interchangeable watch strap. For a formal look, I like to switch to the Panerai face, but they also give the choice of a Flieger Type B layout.

Rating: 3.4

8. SkyCaddie LX5 – Best Golf Tracking System For Strokes Gained

Pros

• Insightful strokes gained analysis
• Provides distances to the green and hazards
• HD graphics
• Soft, comfortable band
• Preloaded with GPS data of over 35,000 golf courses

Cons

• Not the longest-lasting battery
• Premium price tag

The SkyCaddie LX5 GPS Watch brings our best golf tracker review to a close for its strokes gained analysis. SkyCaddie rapidly transmits data from the wearable device to the SkyGolf 360 mobile app to track FIR and GIR, putting average and round time.

I welcomed the detailed strokes gained analysis provided by the LX5 on the SkyGolf 360 app. I could filter results by season, last 20 rounds, or all-time. Data recorded by the device included average driving and approach shot distance, scramble percentage, putts per hole, and average handicap.

Scoring aside, SkyCaddie added distance measurements for 35,000 golf courses, including layouts in out-of-the-way places. It offered the yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, hazards, and optimal landing zones.

Performance and technology aside, the LX5 presents an easy-to-read display and is incredibly comfortable to wear. SkyCaddie threw in 2 soft silicon bands, which are smooth on the skin, durable, and breathable.

The SkyCaddie LX5 tracks steps per day, miles, and heart rate to cover multiple aspects of your health. Lastly, purchasing the device gives you a 3-year subscription to the SkyGolf 360 app, after which it runs you under $100 for an additional 36-month pass.

Rating: 3.1

What To Consider When Purchasing A Golf Tracker Device

Strokes Gained Analytics

The most common feature of a golf tracker is strokes gained analysis. Golf tech products compare your performance to other golfers on a specific hole or course. In a nutshell, it tells you whether you performed better or worse than most of your peers.

If you hit the fairway and green in regulation on a stroke 1 hole, you are likely gaining strokes on the field. This will be reflected as a positive figure. Conversely, when you perform worse than your peers, you lose strokes, represented by a negative number.

Strokes gained help you identify where you are leaking strokes on a hole or your overall game. For example, you can deduce that your iron play is erratic and needs work if you have a positive strokes gained record off the tee and a negative on approach.

It does not identify the root cause, but at least it narrows down which part of your game you struggle with.

Distance Tracking

Another common feature of golf tracking devices is their ability to measure the distances of each club in your bag. Some products, like the Arccos Gen 3+, require smart sensors which attach the grip of your club. These products are typically priced higher but offer maximum convenience.

Golf trackers that automatically detect the distance of each shot tend to analyze that data and offer club selection suggestions. This eliminates the guesswork on every strike, giving me a trusted opinion to fall back on.

Virtual Caddy

Golf tracking devices feed data back to a mobile application that surveys the input and, over time, uses it to make suggestions. A common virtual caddie feature is to provide club selection advice based on your past distances with each club.

However, more advanced devices like Arccos Gen 3+ offer a strategy on the easiest route from tee to green.

Digital Scorecard

Next, many golf trackers are loaded with digital scorecard functionality, enabling you to record your strokes, FIR, GIR, and putts per round. The device transmits this information to the cloud and stores it for you to review historical performances.

You can see your FIR, GIR, and putts per round averages for your last round, previous 20 outings, an entire season, or all-time. Without a digital scorecard, your strokes gained analytics would not be possible.

Price

Golf shot tracker devices range significantly from under $100 for an entry-level option to thousands for a premium device. Typically, The higher the price tag of the tracker, the more features and versatility it offers.

The Bushnell Phantom 2 is a quality, affordable golf tracker which records simple data like strokes, FIR, and GIR. Conversely, the Tag Heuer Calibre E4 offers 3D maps of past shots, automatic swing detection, and club selection. Naturally, these added features come at a higher price than the Phantom.

Wearability

Wearable golf tracking devices are admired for their convenience and comfort. Although many praise the design, it best serves walking golfers. However, if you drive a cart, you may consider a device with built-in magnets to attach to your cart’s frame.

By attaching the device to the cart, you can receive GPS data and track your shots without the device weighing your wrists down. The Bushnell Phantom 2 with built-in magnets is worth testing if you are searching for a non-wearable golf tracker.

GPS

Although GPS is not a golf shot tracking feature, it is popular on these devices to add an extra layer of value. These devices register the yardage to hazards, layup points, and the green’s front, middle, and back. I appreciate the feature and find it saves time and helps me make better-informed club selections.

Every device on our best golf tracker list for 2023 features GPS capability besides the Blast Swing Analyzer.

FAQ

Conclusion

Our best golf tracker review highlighted the versatility of these devices. They track score, GIR, FIR, and putts per round. In addition, they offer distances to hazards, and the green and premium devices deliver strategies for the most effective approach to get from the tee to the green.

The most common statistics tracked by golf shot trackers are strokes gained and distances. Strokes gained help determine which part of your game is the strongest, from tee to green. However, the distances enable the system to recommend the optimal club for your next shot.

The best golf tracker finalists all impressed in their respective categories, but one offering was superior to the rest. The Arccos Gen 3+ topped the overall standings for its virtual caddie advice, detailed strokes gained analysis to help me correct the weaknesses in my swing and make better-informed shot decisions.

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