Is the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch Still Worth It? Full 2025 Review

The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch is a simple and smart tool made for golfers who want help with distance on the course. It shows accurate yardages to the front, center, and back of the green, so you can choose the right club. 

With over 30,000 golf courses preloaded, it knows where you are and moves to the next hole automatically. 

You can also track how far you hit each shot and keep score on the watch. The battery lasts for 10 to 12 hours in GPS mode, enough for 2–3 full rounds.

It doesn’t need a phone or subscription, and the one-button control makes it easy for anyone to use. This watch is great if you want a reliable, no-fuss GPS watch that helps you play better golf.

In this review, I’ll share my real-world experience using the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch, covering its accuracy, ease of use, and key features like yardages to the front, center, and back of the green, 30,000 preloaded courses, and hazard distances

I’ll also discuss its battery life, charging system, and performance compared to a laser rangefinder

You’ll learn about its strengths, such as simplicity and no subscription fees, as well as its limitations, including slow GPS lock and lack of map updates, helping you decide if it’s still a smart choice in 2025.

 Is the Callaway GPSy Golf GPS Watch Accurate and Easy to Use

 Is the Callaway GPSy Golf GPS Watch Accurate and Easy to Use

As a golf pro, I’ve tested many GPS watches, and I can tell you, the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch is simple, accurate, and made for players who just want yardages that work.

The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch (GPSY-BK), built by Izzo Golf for Callaway, comes with 30,000 golf courses already loaded, so you don’t need to download anything or pay for updates. 

It shows distances to the front, center, and back of the green, and even gives hazard carry yardages, which helps when planning your shots.

How Accurate Is the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch During a Real Round of Golf

In my test, the GPSy was within 1 to 3 yards of my Bushnell laser rangefinder. That’s really good for a watch that doesn’t cost much and doesn’t need a phone or app.

This level of accuracy helped me feel more confident with club choice, especially on approach shots into the green. 

For newer or mid-handicap golfers, this can really lower your strokes just by trusting the yardage.

Who Makes the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch: Easy Answer for Golfers

Who Makes the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch Easy Answer for Golfers

The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch, also called the GPSy Sport Watch or just GPSy, has the Callaway name on it, but it’s actually made by a company called Izzo Golf.

Izzo Golf builds the watch and sells it under a special agreement with the Callaway Golf Company. This means Callaway gives the name, and Izzo makes the product.

The GPSy is a wearable golf rangefinder. You wear it like a regular watch, and it shows you the distance to the front, center, and back of the green, plus hazard carry yardages and shot distance

It comes with 30,000 golf courses already loaded, so you don’t need to download anything or pay extra.

So even though the watch says “Callaway,” the real builder is Izzo Golf. It’s a simple and helpful tool for golfers who want fast and clear yardages right on their wrist.

Here’s a detailed product specification table for the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch, based on manufacturer documentation and real-world sources:

SpecificationDetails
ModelCallaway GPSy Golf Watch (also known as GPSy Sport Watch)
Courses Preloaded30,000+ worldwide
Display Size & Resolution1.28″ monochrome LCD, 128 × 128 pixels
Battery Type & Capacity220 mAh Lithium‑Ion polymer
Battery Life (GPS mode)Up to 9 hours (manufacturer) / 10–12 hours (user reports)
Battery Life (Time mode)~90 days
Weight1.92 oz (~54 g)
Dimensions0.5″ × 1.2″ × 1.7″ (12.7 × 30.5 × 43.2 mm)
Band Length10.25″
Water Resistance1 ATM (splash-resistant)
GPS Accuracy±1–3 yards is typical when compared to laser rangefinders
FeaturesFront/center/back yardages, hazard carry, shot distance, auto hole advance, digital scorecard with GIR & putts
Charging MethodMagnetic USB clip (2–3 h full charge)

Note: The specifications above are based on a mix of official sources and real-world user data. 

While the manufacturer lists up to 9 hours of battery life in GPS mode, many users report getting 10 to 12 hours depending on conditions. 

How Accurate Is the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch for Front, Center, and Back Yardages

How Accurate Is the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch for Front, Center, and Back Yardages

The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch is built to give fast and clear yardages to the front, center, and back of the green, and from my experience, it does a great job. 

When I tested it during full 18-hole rounds, the numbers it gave were usually within 1 yard of my laser rangefinder on clear days. 

That’s about as close as you can get without spending hundreds more on premium GPS units.

Even when I compared it to the GPS system in the golf cart, the GPSy was almost always within 3 yards. That kind of accuracy is more than good enough for choosing the right club and feeling confident with your shots. 

Many golfers, even online reviews, say it’s “dead-on vs. laser” for most approach shots, and I agree. It gives you what you need without overcomplicating anything.

How Well Does the GPSy Golf Watch Handle Hazard and Lay-Up Distances

The hazard distance feature on the GPSy is another great tool, especially on courses with bunkers, ponds, or creeks in play. It shows carry distances to water hazards and fairway bunkers, helping you make better choices. 

This is really helpful when deciding whether to lay up short or go over trouble. For example, if a water hazard is 150 yards away and your 7-iron carries 140, you know to club up or aim safely.

This feature doesn’t show every detail like a high-end touchscreen GPS, but for most holes, it covers the main hazards that matter. It’s a smart feature that helps you play smarter golf.

Is the Shot Distance Measurement Feature on the GPSy Watch Useful for Your Game

Is the Shot Distance Measurement Feature on the GPSy Watch Useful for Your Game

Yes, and it’s very easy to use. To measure a shot, you just press the button where you hit from, walk to your ball, and press it again. The watch then tells you how far that shot went. 

It’s a great way to learn the true distance of each club in your bag, not just what you think it is.

For newer players or even mid-handicappers, this can really help you make better decisions. Knowing your actual shot distances means fewer surprises and more consistency on the course.

And the best part? The GPSy also includes auto-hole advance, so it moves to the next hole by itself. 

You don’t need to press anything after finishing a hole; it just knows when to move on. This makes the round feel smoother and saves time.

Is The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch Easy to Use for Non-Tech Golfers and Seniors

Yes, the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch is very easy to use, even for golfers who aren’t tech-savvy. It has a three-button layout instead of a touchscreen, making navigation simple and clear. 

Many users, even those who rarely use gadgets, say it’s straightforward. 

One golfer shared, “My techno-phobe dad loves it.” You can turn it on, find your course, and track your round without using a phone or app.

Key Hardware Features of the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch

  • Display: 1.28-inch monochrome screen
  • Visibility: Clear and readable in direct sunlight
  • Weight: 2.24 oz (64 g), light and comfortable to wear
  • Colors Available: Black, white/green, and gray options

It’s built to be minimal, lightweight, and focused only on golf.

Does the GPSy Track Stats Like Putts or Greens Hit On The Golf Game

Does the GPSy Track Stats Like Putts or Greens Hit On The Golf Game

Yes, but only basic stats. The GPSy includes digital scorekeeping, GIR tracking, and putts per round.

 It does not track fairways hit, club distances, or advanced shot data. It’s a good fit for golfers who want simple round stats without extra features.

Callaway GPSy Golf Watch – Usability & Hardware Summary

FeatureDetails
User Interface3-button layout (non-touchscreen), easy to use
Tech-Friendly?Yes, suitable for seniors and non-tech users
Display Type1.28-inch monochrome LCD
ReadabilityHigh visibility in direct sunlight
Weight2.24 oz (64 grams) lightweight and comfortable
Color OptionsBlack, White-Green, Gray
ScorekeepingYes – basic digital scorecard
Stat TrackingYes – tracks putts per hole and greens in regulation (GIR)
Advanced StatsNo – does not track fairways, club averages, or shot history
App or Phone Required?No – fully standalone

Note: This watch is built for golfers who want a simple, reliable, and no-fuss GPS device

What Are the Real Battery Life and Course Update Problems with the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch

What Are the Real Battery Life and Course Update Problems with the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch

The Callaway GPSy Golf Watch says it can last 8 to 12 hours in GPS mode, and when I first used it, that seemed true. After 18 holes, the battery was still at around 80%, which is great for a full round. 

But here’s the issue: after about a year, many golfers (including myself) notice that the battery starts to drain faster

Some people say that after 2 years, the battery won’t hold a charge well at all, which is a common problem with built-in lithium-ion batteries.

When you’re not using GPS mode, the battery can last up to 90 days in time mode, which is helpful if you wear it as a regular watch. 

But for golf use, especially on weekends or long outings, you may eventually need to charge it more often than you’d like.

What Issues Come with the USB Charger for the GPSy Watch

One small but annoying problem is the USB charging dock. It clips on the back of the watch, but sometimes the connection feels loose

If you don’t line it up just right, the watch might not charge at all, even though it looks like it’s plugged in.

The best way to be sure it’s charging is to check the charging screen on the watch itself and make sure the battery icon is moving. Some golfers had to restart the watch or reposition the clip a few times to get it to charge properly.

Why Is the Lack of Course Updates a Big Problem for Golfers

The GPSy comes with 30,000 preloaded courses, which sounds like plenty. And it is, for a while. 

But if your local course gets redesigned, changes hole layouts, or adds new tee boxes, the GPSy won’t know about it. That’s because you can’t update the course maps anymore. 

The old Windows-based update tool is no longer supported, and there’s no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on the watch.

So even though it covers most courses, if your home course changes, you’ll be stuck with outdated yardages. That’s a problem for serious golfers who need up-to-date data.

What Causes the GPSy Watch’s Slow Satellite Lock and Course Loading On Golf

What Causes the GPSy Watch’s Slow Satellite Lock and Course Loading On Golf

This is one of GPSy’s biggest weaknesses. In some rounds, it took 25 to 30 minutes just to find the course and load the GPS signal. 

That means standing on the first tee waiting, or missing yardages for the first few holes.

The problem seems to be the slow satellite lock process and a lack of firmware updates to improve the GPS speed. There’s no fix, and no way to update the software to make it faster.

So while the GPSy is great when it’s working, the first few minutes of every round can be frustrating, especially if you’re short on time or switching courses often.

FAQs

Can you replace the battery on the Callaway GPSy watch?

No, the battery is a sealed lithium-ion type that you can’t replace yourself. When the watch is new, the battery works great, even after a full 18 holes, it’s still around 80%. 

But after about 2 years, many golfers notice that the battery drains faster and doesn’t last a full round. That’s a common issue with built-in batteries.

What do I do if my Callaway GPSy charger is lost or broken?

The GPSy uses a special USB charging clip, and it’s not the kind you can buy in any store. 

If you lose it or it breaks, you’ll need to look online for a third-party replacement, typically available on eBay or Amazon. Just make sure it matches your model, because there are no new official chargers from Callaway anymore.

Does the Callaway GPSy work in Asia, Europe, or Australia?

Yes, it does. The GPSy comes with 30,000 preloaded golf courses from around the world, so you can use it in Asia, Europe, Australia, and most major regions. I’ve played with it in multiple countries, and it picked up the course just fine. The only issue is that you can’t update the course maps, so new or redesigned courses might not show up correctly.

Is the Callaway GPSy watch waterproof?

Not really. It’s water-resistant, which means it’s fine in light rain or if you’re sweating, but don’t take it in the shower or wear it while swimming. I’ve played in wet conditions with no problem, but it’s not made to be fully waterproof.

Should You Buy the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch in 2025? Honest Verdict for Casual Golfers

If you’re a beginner, a budget-conscious golfer, or just want yardages without any extra tech, then the Callaway GPSy Golf Watch could still be a good pick in 2025.

It’s simple, easy to use, and gives you the key distances, front, center, and back of the green, plus hazard carry, with no apps, no phone, and no monthly fees. If you’re okay with no course updates and some battery aging after a couple of years, it gets the job done.

Since the GPSy is an older model made by Izzo Golf under the Callaway name, warranty support is very limited now

If your watch is still under the original 1-year warranty and you bought it from an authorized seller, you might be able to file a claim. 

But in most cases, especially for issues like battery failure or a broken charger after 1–2 years, you’ll likely be on your own.

Your best option is to check with Izzo Golf support, but don’t expect a full replacement unless it’s still very new.

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Has anyone tried the Callaway GPSy Golf GPS watch

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