Thinking about grabbing a GPS golf watch but not sure which one’s actually worth it? You’re not alone. The Garmin Approach S62 and Bushnell Ion Elite are two of the biggest names out there, and they’re built for totally different types of golfers.
So which one fits your game better?
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Garmin S62 | Bushnell Ion Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″ full-color touchscreen | Color display (non-touch) |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours in GPS mode | Up to 12 hours |
| Course Maps | 41,000+ worldwide | 38,000+ worldwide |
| Shot Tracking | Yes (AutoShot + manual) | No |
| Hazard View | Yes | Yes |
| Green View | Full color w/ pin placement | Yes, basic overview |
| Virtual Caddie | Yes | No |
| Price | ~$449 | ~$199 |
🔹 Garmin S62: Built for Golf Nerds (In a Good Way)
The Garmin S62 is loaded. If you want advanced data, visuals, and some smartwatch features baked in, this thing delivers.
- ✅ Shows slope-adjusted yardages
- ✅ Recommends clubs with the Virtual Caddie
- ✅ Tracks shots automatically
- ✅ Even checks wind direction + has fitness tracking
It’s like having a caddie, yardage book, and fitness band all in one watch.
Best for: Golfers who love data, want every detail, and don’t mind spending more to get it.
🤝 Bushnell Ion Elite: Straightforward and Reliable
The Bushnell Ion Elite keeps things simple. It gives you what most golfers actually need — front, middle, and back distances — plus some hazard info and slope-adjusted yardages.
- ✅ Big numbers, easy to read
- ✅ No touchscreen = fewer distractions
- ✅ Slope toggle (legal for tournaments when turned off)
It doesn’t do shot tracking or fancy features, but it’s super reliable and less than half the cost of the Garmin.
Best for: Golfers who want quick, accurate yardages without all the extras.
🔄 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
- ✨ Go with the Garmin S62 if you want the most tech, the most features, and something that doubles as a smartwatch.
- 💡 Go with the Bushnell Ion Elite if you want something super simple that gets the job done — and saves you money.
Either way, you’re getting a solid golf GPS. It really depends on how much you want your watch to do.
🚚 Shop the Watches
- 📏 Garmin Approach S62: Buy on Amazon
- 🗿 Bushnell Ion Elite: Buy on Amazon
Palm + Par 
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