Key Takeaways
- Fitbit does not have dedicated golf gps watches with in-built golf features like Garmin, but there is a golf gps rangefinder app that you can install on certain Fitbit models that will give you some of the same functionality found in Garmin golf gps watches as well as track your steps, heart rate, and calories burned during a round of golf.
- The Golf GPS Rangefinder app is available for select Fitbit trackers and provides accurate distances to hazards, greens, bunkers, and more, as well as shot and club tracking, club recommendations, and auto hole advance and scorecard functionality.
- The Fitbit Ionic, Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, and Versa Lite are the only Fitbit trackers compatible with the Golf GPS Rangefinder app.
- The Fitbit Sense is the best Fitbit tracker that is compatible with the Golf GPS Rangefinder app because it is one of the few fitbits that offers an electrocardiogram (ECG) app and stress tracking and EDA sensor, and it is also the only fitbit that comes with a skin temperature monitoring.
- All fitbit trackers offer a variety of fitness features that can be useful for golfers, including exercise tracking modes like running and swimming, heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and sleep monitoring, and a few of them, including the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, have a microphone and speaker that enables voice calls via Bluetooth.
Choosing the perfect Fitbit for golfers can be challenging, but fear not! We will look at whether or not Fitbit offers watches with in-built golf features and what GPS apps are available for golfing enthusiasts.
We’ll also look at which trackers are compatible with certain Golf GPS Rangefinder apps and ultimately determine which Fitbit tracker is the best golf gps watch and fitness tracker.
Does Fitbit Make a Watch with In-Built Golf Features?
Unlike Garmin, Fitbit doesn’t make any watches with in-built golf features such as course maps, shot and club tracking, and GPS-based distance measurements to hazards, doglegs, and flagsticks found in the Garmin Approach S62 and S60.
However, this doesn’t mean that Fitbit watches are useless for golfers because there is a third-party app called Golf GPS Rangefinder app that you can install on certain Fitbit trackers that will give you a lot of golf functionality.
Also you can still use them without installing any third-party apps to track your steps, heart rate, and calories burned during a round of golf which is important as walking around the course can be quite physically demanding. You can also use them to track other sports or fitness activities like running or cycling which could complement your training regime.
Golfers should keep in mind their priorities when selecting a smartwatch – whether they want one specifically tailored towards helping them improve their game or one that offers more general health tracking features – before making their purchase decision.
What Golf GPS Apps are Available for the Fitbit?
There is only one third-party golf GPS app available for Fitbit trackers. It is called the Golf GPS Rangefinder app and it was developed by Pieter Oskam. This app provides golfers with distances to the front, center, and back of the green, sand bunkers, water hazards, and doglegs.
The app also features shot distance tracking, club tracking, and automatic tracking of golf exercises. Club recommendations are also provided, as well as auto-hole advance and scorecard (Strokeplay).
The Golf GPS Rangefinder app can be downloaded from inside the Fitbit mobile app for a 7-day free trial. After the trial period is over, users will need to pay $9.99 per year to continue using this service. However, it is important to note that only the last 5 downloaded courses are stored in memory which may mean you have to download your course before playing if it’s not one of those five.
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Distances to front, center, and back of green
- Distances to bunkers, water hazards, and doglegs
- Shot Distance Tracking
- Club Tracking
- Automatic Tracking of Golf Exercise
- Club Recommendations
- Auto Hole Advance
- Score Card (Strokeplay)
- Only stores last 5 courses downloaded in memory
PROS:
- Provides accurate distances on course
- Can track shots taken during round
- Helps improve club selection with club recommendations
CONS:
- Requires payment after the free trial period ends
- Only stores last 5 courses downloaded in memory
Which Fitbit Trackers are Compatible With the Golf GPS Rangefinder App?
The Golf GPS Rangefinder app is compatible with select Fitbit trackers, including the Ionic, Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, and Versa Lite.
This app has been designed to provide golfers with an accurate and reliable way to track their progress on the course. By connecting the app to your Fitbit tracker, you can easily access detailed information about each hole and make informed decisions about your game.
One of the key benefits of using a Fitbit tracker for golfing is its accuracy. With GPS technology built into these devices, you can get precise measurements of distance to hazards and greens. This means that you can plan your shots more effectively and avoid costly mistakes on the course.
Also many Fitbit models come with other features such as heart rate monitoring and step tracking, which can help you stay motivated throughout your game.
When choosing a Fitbit device for golfing, it’s important to consider factors such as battery life and durability. The last thing you want is for your device to run out of juice mid-round or break due to accidental damage. Thankfully, most modern Fitbits are designed to be both long-lasting and rugged enough to withstand outdoor activities like golfing.
Comparison Table – Fitbit Trackers Compatible With the Golf GPS Rangefinder App
Feature | Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Sense | Fitbit Versa | Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa 3 | Fitbit Versa Lite |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | Color LCD | AMOLED | LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED | LCD |
Size | 1.42 inches | 1.58 inches | 1.34 inches | 1.39 inches | 1.58 inches | 1.34 inches |
Resolution | 348 x 250 pixels | 336 x 336 pixels | 300 x 300 pixels | 300 x 300 pixels | 336 x 336 pixels | 300 x 300 pixels |
Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SpO2 Monitoring | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Electrocardiogram (ECG) app | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Stress Management | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Electrodermal Activity (EDA) Scan | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes | No (must pair with your smartphone’s GPS) | No (must pair with your smartphone’s GPS) | Yes | No (must pair with your smartphone’s GPS) |
Water Resistance | 50m | 50m | 50m | 50m | 50m | 50m |
Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 4 days | Up to 6 days | Up to 4 days | Up to 6 days | Up to 6 days | Up to 4 days |
Voice Assistant | No | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | No |
Music Storage and Playback | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
NFC Payments | Yes (Fitbit Pay) | Yes (Fitbit Pay) | Yes (Fitbit Pay) | Yes (Fitbit Pay) | Yes (Fitbit Pay) | No |
Third-Party Apps | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Suggested Retail Price | $249.95 | $239.95 | $199.95 | $179.95 | $229.95 | $159.95 |
Which Fitbit Tracker is the Best for Golfers?
Fitbit Sense
You’ll feel like a pro on the course with the only Fitbit tracker that is compatible with the Golf GPS Rangefinder app and comes equipped with an ECG app, stress tracking and EDA sensor, and a skin temperature sensor: the Fitbit Sense.
The ECG app measures heart rate variability and can detect atrial fibrillation, while stress tracking helps you stay calm under pressure. Also the skin temperature sensor can use your skin to monitor changes in body temperature.
In terms of design, the Fitbit Sense has a sleek look that won’t get in your way during your swing. Its light weight makes it comfortable to wear throughout your game, and its large display screen ensures you can easily read data such as yardage distances and hole layouts provided by the Golf GPS Rangefinder app.
With up to six days of battery life on a single charge, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice during a long round.
With its advanced sensors and convenient design, it’ll quickly become an essential part of your gear on every trip to the links.
Fitbit Versa 3
The second best Fitbit tracker for golfers is the Fitbit Versa 3 because it comes with most of the features of the Fitbit Sense including an ECG app and EDA sensor but it is missing the skin temperature sensor.
Like the Fitbit Sense, the Fitbit Versa 3 has an AMOLED display with a diagonal measurement of 1.58 inches and a resolution of 336 x 336 pixels as well as a heart rate monitor, SpO2 Monitoring, built-in GPS for accurate tracking of your hikes and runs, compatibility with the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, and built-in music storage and playback.
Common Features Found in Most Fitbit Trackers
When tracking your fitness goals, it’s helpful to know that most Fitbit trackers come equipped with many of the same features that can be useful for fitness-minded people.
One such feature is a range of exercise modes, including options like Run and Swim which both can track the number of laps, time elapsed, and distance covered for your running and swimming sessions.
In addition to exercise modes, many Fitbit trackers also have built-in GPS tracking functionality. With GPS tracking, you can easily see how far you’ve walked or run during a round of golf, which can help you plan your movements more efficiently.
Most Fitbits come with a built-in microphone and speaker for taking and replying to Bluetooth calls hands-free, sending callers to voicemail, and adjusting volume. However, this feature is only available when your phone is nearby.
Also you receive notifications for calls, texts, calendar events, and apps like Gmail and Facebook and send quick replies right from your wrist.
They also come with IR sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring and a sleep monitor that tracks your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages.
Another basic feature found in most Fitbit trackers that may be of interest to golfers is heart rate monitoring. Most Fitbit trackers come equipped with a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, which can provide accurate heart rate readings during exercise and rest periods alike. By monitoring your heart rate during physical activity, you can gain insights into your overall cardiovascular health and ensure that you’re working out at an appropriate intensity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Fitbit to track my clubhead or ball speed on the golf course?
As someone who loves golf and really enjoys tracking my runs and hikes with my Fibit, I’ve often wondered if my trusty Fitbit could be used to track my clubhead or ball speed on the course. After some research and testing, I’m sad to report that no, it cannot!
The Golf GPS Rangefinder app can provide valuable insights into your golf game but it will not give you real-time feedback on things like clubhead or ball speed.
While not specifically designed for golfers, the versatility of a Fitbit makes it a great choice for those looking to improve their game – just remember to keep it charged and synced up with the golf rangefinder app!
As they say in golf: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” And with a little help from your trusty Fitbit, you might just be able to do both a little bit better.
Are there any Fitbit accessories specifically designed for golfers, such as a golf glove with a built-in tracker?
Currently, there are no Fitbit accessories specifically designed for golfers, such as a golf glove with a built-in tracker.
Some Fitbit models like the Ionic and Versa have GPS capabilities that can track your location on the golf course and provide distance measurements to help you better navigate it.
How accurate are the GPS distance measurements on Fitbit golf apps compared to traditional golf gps rangefinders?
I’ve found that the accuracy of GPS distance measurements on Fitbit golf apps can vary depending on factors such as signal strength, terrain, and weather conditions.
While some users have reported discrepancies in their readings compared to traditional golf gps rangefinders, others have found them to be quite reliable.
It’s important to note that Fitbit devices aren’t specifically designed for golf and may not provide all of the features that a dedicated golfing device would offer.
Can I sync my Fitbit golf data with other popular golf apps, such as GolfNow or GolfLogix?
Yes, it’s possible to sync your Fitbit golf data with other popular golf apps such as GolfNow or GolfLogix. The process may vary depending on the app you choose to use, but generally involves connecting your Fitbit account to the third-party app and allowing access to your golf data.
Once connected, you can view all of your golf stats in one place, including distance measurements from your Fitbit device.
Are there any Fitbit models that can track my golf game without the need for a smartphone or additional devices?
Yes, there are Fitbit models that can track your golf game without the need for a smartphone or additional devices. The Fitbit Ionic and the Fitbit Versa both have built-in GPS capabilities and can automatically detect when you start playing golf.
Once you begin your round, the watch will track your shots, distance traveled, and total steps taken throughout the course.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a Fitbit model designed with built-in features, the Golf GPS Rangefinder app, which is free to download from their platform, is compatible with a few of the Fitbit trackers, including the Sense, Versa 2, and Ionic.
After trying out different Fitbit devices, I highly recommend the Versa 2 as the best option for golfers because it offers heart rate monitoring and step counting.