Congrats to the 3 Winners!
We selected our 3 winners of the Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watches….and they are:
(MSP1404, Mark Farkhan & Ron Cuffie)
(Written By: GolfSpy Dave) As computing power gets cheaper and smaller, the overall trend in electronic devices is definitely toward packing more and more features into the new models. Can you imagine a new iPhone press conference that doesn’t have that “one more thing”? Want to get fired from your job as an Apple engineer? Just roll out an iPhone 6 with the exact same specs at the iPhone 5. We expect the new gadget to be more powerful and to do more.
Bushnell’s new Neo+ GPS Watch definitely goes against this increasing complexity trend. The Neo+ GPS Watch is marketed as Golf Distance Made Simple™. Where other GPS units are becoming more and more software dense, including such features as scorekeeping and even the ability to trace your progress around the course, the Neo+ Watch is all about giving you just the basics you need to play golf. Here’s-your-distance-now-hit-the-ball simplicity. The question then becomes, is the Bushnell Neo+ GPS watch too simplistic, or does it in fact give you just what you need to play an accurately-ranged round of golf?
AESTHETICS & DESIGN
Discussing watch aesthetics is almost as dangerous as discussing putter aesthetics. Watch collecting is a serious passion for some. However, many people in the “my phone tells the time” generation have never even owned a watch. The Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch is a clean looking plastic watch. It reminds me a bit of my “old” 1990’s Casio G-Shock watch (which my son considers “vintage”). The face is large and easy to read. The buttons are huge, but sleek. Even though there are five buttons, you almost don’t notice them when you look at the watch. The band is pre-bent to wrap around your wrist, similar to the styling of the G-Shock as well. The clasp is a standard belt-like closure, which should provide all but the very large or very small wrists a secure fit.
Overall, even though the watch is a bit larger than the titanium Fossil that I usually wear, I found it very comfortable and visually very pleasing. It’s not flashy. It’s totally bling-free. Maybe, based upon the simple intentions of the GPS, a bolder style would seem inappropriate. Although, there is also a white version of the watch if that is more how you roll…
AESTHETICS & STYLE SCORE = 20/20
PERFORMANCE
So what do you need your GPS to do for you on the course? These are the first things that came to my mind:
- Give accurate yardages to multiple important targets (front, middle, back, traps, doglegs, & etc.)
- Be fast
- Have a strong enough battery
- Have data for all of the courses I play
- Keep my score and play statistics
- Be easy to use
- Have something extra to separate it from my iPhone or laser rangefinder
1. Give accurate yardages
As I have said in previous reviews, the whole point of using a rangefinder of any kind is to know the correct yardage to your target. As with every GPS review, I verify the GPS distances whenever possible using a laser. The Neo+ GPS Watch only provides you with distance to front/middle/ and back of green. While this is a limited data set compared to other units in the marketplace, the distances are accurate to a degree well within my ball-striking skill needs.
2. Be Fast
Odds are, if you are using the Neo+ GPS Watch, then the watch is already on your wrist. When you need a number, look at your wrist. That seems like quick access to me. When you walk up to the ball, the yardage number does take a touch of time to stabilize, but it is definitely not longer than any other GPS unit, nor is it more time consuming than taking a reading with a laser. Waking up your smart phone to access a GPS app will take more time. The watch also is very quick to lock on to the GPS satellites.
3. Have a strong enough battery
In watch mode, the battery will last for about a year between charges. Measuring battery life in years, rather than hours, seems good. When you are running the GPS the battery life decreases, but it still lasts quite a while. Multiple rounds per charge are not a problem. If you are a “forgot to charge” kind of person, you will really appreciate the longevity. I think that the simplicity of the GPS readings likely contributes to the extended battery life, though that is just my speculation.
On a side note, the charger for the watch is a little different. At one end of the cable, you have a standard USB plug. At the other end, there is this crazy-looking clamp with little metal teeth. These teeth plug into ports on the underside of the watch, while a rubber pad on the other side of the clamp rests on the face. I imagine that the reason for this interface is that it saves space in the watch’s interior when compared to a standard USB connector. Regardless, it’s a bit different and may take you all of 10 seconds to figure out. Don’t fret, the display on the watch will tell you that you have it right and that the watch is charging.
4. Have data for all of the courses I play.
Right off the bat you get access to 25,000 courses worldwide. With many of the pre-loaded units, this 25K seems to be the magic number. The Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch did have the data for every course that I played with it, but it didn’t have all of the data that I usually like to have. Front/middle/back of green represent about 75%-ish of the numbers that I want from a GPS. What I also like to see are the numbers that I cannot shoot with a laser such as doglegs, traps, and so on.
I think that if you are on a course that you have played many times before, than the front/middle/back yardages will suit you just fine. Maybe the measurement complexity of the other units out there has spoiled me a bit. The Neo+ GPS Watch numbers were good, but I would like more of them. I would love to see them get the unit to give the same set of numbers as the handheld Neo+. Perhaps this is coming down the road…
5. Keep my score and my play statistics.
No scoring or stats on this GPS. Distance Made Simple™
6. Be easy to use
So first you put on the watch. Next you hit menu to get “Play Golf”. You then pick the course from the 25,000 preloaded courses. Don’t worry, it knows where you are so only close courses are suggested. Once selected, all you have to do is walk the course and look at the watch when you need a number. It even auto advances as you walk to the next tee. Silly easy.
7. Have something extra to separate it from my iPhone or laser rangefinder
OK, so we have established that the Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch was never intended to be the complex data providing and collecting machine like its largely more expensive hand-held competitors. We are back to the Golf Distance Made Simple™ tag line. Without belaboring the obvious, the “something extra” that this unit brings is the fact that you can use it as a watch when you are both on and off the course.
If you don’t wear a watch, this may not be an added value feature to you. The watch side does have the standard features like telling time, and the ability to set an alarm. I know, amazing… The GPS nature of the watch does allow it to also have an odometer function though, something that my Casio can’t do. If you run, cycle, or ?, then the odometer may be a feature that you really appreciate and use.
The other question that needs answering is “Is it comfortable on the course during play?” While I do wear a watch at work, I do not wear one when I play golf. Keep that in mind when I say that wearing the Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch did not seem to have any effect on my golf swing. After a few holes, I didn’t notice it until I looked at it for yardage. The comfort was good when the temperatures were cool. However, when the temps jumped into the 90’s and above, wearing the watch generated a bit too much wrist sweat for my liking. At this point, I took it off and fastened it through a belt loop instead. Not quite the intended attachment, but it worked, and the display is large enough to read even from the hip rather than the wrist.
PERFORMANCE SCORE: 47/60
VALUE
The Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch retails for $199.99. For a GPS unit with intentionally-limited features, I think that this is OK, but perhaps a touch high, price. Bushnell’s own non-watch Neo+ has more features and can be found online for about $130. The watch GPS units from Garmin are more expensive, but I have not used one of the Garmin units, so I can’t really say if it is competitive with the Neo+ watch. Based upon the literature I have read though, the Bushnell watch kills the Garmin in terms of battery life. Bushnell’s watch runs as a watch for a year or for three rounds of golf. The Garmin lasts for three weeks as a watch, or 8 hours of golf. So vs. the other watch GPS units, value is solid, but it seems the handhelds like the Neo+ may give you more bang for the buck.
VALUE SCORE: 16/20
IN CONCLUSION
If you look from the perspective of Golf Distance Made Simple™, then Bushnell’s Neo+ GPS Watch definitely does what it is advertised to do. This is a quick, accurate, and very easy to use GPS unit housed in a simple, yet stylish, watch. The points lost in this review were not lost due to poor performance, but rather due to the lack of the features that I like to see in a GPS (distance to hazards, data/score recording) that were left out intentionally by Bushnell. Again, the marketing point is Golf Distance Made Simple™, and Bushnell definitely hit their intended mark with the unit. If you want a GPS that gives you measurements to front, back, and middle of the green, and also doubles as a casual watch, give the Neo+ GPS Watch a look.
TOTAL SCORE: 83/100
Win 1 of 3 Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watches!
To be in the random drawing to win one of three Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watches, simply answer the following questions in the comments section:
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
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{ 163 comments… read them below or add one }
yes i wear a watch when i play. i always wear a watch.
i think there is enough distance info provided with this watch. too much clutter will take away the simplicity of the watch.
I do wear a watch while i play golf, and i do believe that this would provide me with enough information to me.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
Nope, hairy hands prevents me from doing so. but hey with such a cool watch, why not!
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
Distance from the next hazard would be helpful!
To answer your questions for the random drawing:
(1) I always wear a watch when I golf, on my glove wrist (left)… it’s almost become a thing I cannot golf without, just doesn’t feel right. I know Mickelson plays with one on his non-glove wrist… I’ve tried that and it messes with my feel. I assume he does this to not hide the watch (due to an endorsement deal with Rolex).
(2) I think that the accuracy and measurments provided by the Neo+ are fine for my game… I’m currently a 20 hcp and find it a waste of time to pull out a laser for every shot beyond 100 yds (I had one and returned it… wasn’t worth the $ for me). I really like the idea of being able to stand over the ball check how far to the front and back of the green and pull a club that I know with relative certainty will get me there with a solid hit. It’s all I need. The additional features like shot measurement are cool if only to allow you to brag about out-driving your 8 hcp friend… sorry, but it’s all I’ve got on him right now
. I suppose adding lay-up distances and distances to doglegs and hazards would be a nice luxury…but I’m sure we’d have to pay for them! I’m fine with the price and the information provided.
As always, love the website and the write-ups/reviews are always interesting, informative, unbiased and well written. This has moved above GolfWRX as my go-to golf website. Keep up the good work!
I always wear a watch 24 hrs a day including playing golf and I know this watch would help me in my game
Yes I wear a watch while I golf. In fact I cannot play without a watch as I don’t “feel” right without a watch on my wrist.
While I agree with the reviewer that more numbers would be helpful like distances to dog legs or fairway bunkers etc, I’m sure I could get by with the info supplied by the Neo+ watch!
1. I do wear a watch when I play golf.
2. Yes I do think it would provide all the yardages I need. Since it does provide distance to the front and back of the green. I think that would useful. I especially like the convenience of being on my wrist.
1. My current watch? No, it’s too heavy. A GPS watch? Sure, if it’s light enough.
2. If the laser rangefinder distances are good enough, the ones provided by the Neo+ GPS should suffice. Distance to doglegs and hazards are not necessary… I like playing in a “human” way.
I do where a watch when I play. I believe for the non-pro glolfer the distances this unit provides are fine. I have one of these on my Christmas list for this year.
1) Not currently, looking at getting GPS watch.
2) yes
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
Yup. I use the face of the watch as a guide to square the club face at impact by pointing the watch face to the target.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
I would like also distances to and to carry hazards.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
I currently DO NOT wear a watch when I play. I do where a magnetic bracelet, but open to the idea of a GPS watch.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
YES, although it is sometimes nice to reference the distance to a certain hazard, etc. I for the most part find this unnecessary and for me the most important distance readings are to front/back of green, etc.
1. Dont wear a watch when i play. Watch i have now is really bulky and heavy.
2. I think the distances are fine. The main purpose of a range finder is to know how far to the cup. Knowing the Front, Center, and back of the green is perfectly accurate. You can easily figure the other items out by yourself.
1.) I do wear a watch while golfing. Its is definitely a comfort thing.
2.) This watch would be very useful to my overall game. I do agree with the reviewer that it can use more yardages, but having this at the convenience of on your wrist makes up for that.
I have alway worn a watch when I play…Simple info is the best…No one wants to stand around while you determine too much information…
1) I rarely ever wear a watch, let alone on the course. I can get the current time off my phone that currently doubles as my yardage finder.
2) For my game, I just need the distance to the front, middle, back so this unit would work great for me. It is on rare occasions that I need to pull up a screen with yardages to hazards so I don’t see this as a deal breaker.
Yes I wear a watch when I play. Ive had all the GPS golf gadgets except for a watch. I think the watch would not only be enough for me(Front,Middle,Back) but would probably help me to simplfy my thought process and just play the game.
I haven’t worn a watch since I started carrying a cell phone, although I don’t mind the idea of wearing one when I golf. Wearing a watch doesn’t bother me, I just don’t have a reason to wear one.
As a SkyCaddie user, I think I would find the basic distances provided by the Neo+ a bit limiting. Several times a round on my home course I am moving the target on my SkyCaddie to different points, either to find optimal layup distances or to get distances to hazards or other features, I use this even more on away courses. I don’t know how those features could be acomodated in a usable way on a watch.
I do wear a watch when I am playing. The Bushnell GEO+ gives me everything I need for a GPS. Front, back and middle is basically all that is needed.
No I have never worn a watch while playing. In fact, I’ve actually read recent studies that it slows your club head speed.
On my home course, the front-center-back distances to the green is all I need. On a new course for me I would want more.
I don’t really ever wear a watch, though I have been eyeing up a Citizen watch that looked so clean and simple. I swear this isn’t a plug.
I would LOVE a GPS watch, because I almost never really need more than a simple front/middle/back measurement. I can eyeball most other yardages. I would love to see a hazard carry number incorporated as well though. That would come in handy… Or should I say wristy?
1. No
2. Yes
I do not wear a watch when I play as it offers nothing to aide me. I would most certainly wear a GPS watch and believe the yardages would be more than adequate.
I don’t wear a watch but it would be good ta make it so it would clip on the bag. I think it would be very good for the yardages.
1. I don’t wear a watch when I play.
2. The Neo would perfect for my game.
1. I do not wear a watch. Combination of not wanting to know what time it is and not wanting the tan lines
2. I think the distances would be sufficient on my home course, but only because I’ve played it so many times. On a course I don’t play regularly it would not be sufficient. I would want distances to bunkers, tree’s, ponds ect…
I currently don’t wear a watch I wouldn’t mind it I just don’t have a reason to wear one but if I HAD a gps watch I would wear it without a problem. Front/middle /back feature provided by the gps watch would definitely help my game
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
No, but I’d be open to it. Something like this could be useful for speed golf (time plus front/middle/back).
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
For the first time playing a course, carry distances to bunkers and hazards could be useful. But for the most part, front/middle/back are just fine.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
No, but I’ve never really had a reason to. Having yardage available conveniently on a watch would be a great reason.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
I agree that having distance to hazards would be a definite plus on this watch, but I understand the tradeoff.
I do not wear a watch when I golf. I think the front middle back yardages are fine for most of the round but its always nice to have distances to traps, hazards, etc off the tee.
1. I don’t wear a watch when I play.
2. The Neo would fit for my game.and will be perfect combine with my range finder!
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf? No, rarely if ever wear a watch
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? More than sufficient for my abilities or lack thereof.
1. Always have a watch on
2. All I need is front, back, middle
To be short:
1) No, I only rarely wear a watch.
2.) Yes
yes , I wear the garmin watch
I have the watch and bushnall v 2 , so it would be greTa to combine both products
I have never worn a watch while playing but it’s not something I would be against, (i don’t wear a watch normally at all but gave been thinking about getting one).
All I really need are front/middle/back. Sure, occasionally it would be nice to have other things but not often enough to be a big deal.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
No, I do not.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
I always like distances to water hazards or sand hazards.
1) I always wear a watch. Even naked.
2) On my home course it will be perfect. Since I know the layout and “nuances” of my course, I only need a distance when attacking the green. On courses not played much, I need the information a full GPS unit provides, including bunkers and such.
!. I wear watch when I play.
2. I have been using the NEO (iGolf version) for years and find is to be more than enough for my
game. Front, Middle and Back are all I need to get my ball on the dance floor. Now my
putting is a different story.
I do not wear a watch . But i think the distance would be good enough for my game.
Great write up
No watches, or jewelry for that matter when I play.
Yes I think supplied features are more than sufficient.
Wear a watch sparingly on the course but would defintiley take interest in one with yardages. does it have everything i need for “tournament” play no but if I am going for a fun round with friends and don’t want to pull out that laser this would be great.
most courses you play you have some varied local knowledge so I think this fits the bill very nicely.
no i do not wear a watch when i play, and yes i feel that they would be good enough
I don’t wear a watch and I don’t own a GPS or laser for yardages. But I’m sure I would start using this GPS if I was fortunate enough to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
I do wear a watch when I play golf. I dont like the distraction of my cell phone on the course so it is nice to have something to help me make sure I am keeping pace while also not distracting me like my phone used to.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
I think the distances are sufficient for my game. Having something quick and easy that shows distances to various parts of the green is exactly what I am looking for in my golf game. Quick and easy equals faster rounds and Bushnell seems to have a winner with this one.
Thanks to Bushnell and MGS for the awesome contest
1. I never wear a watch, but I like to hook one to my bag for the time.
2. On one hand, simplicity is a great thing and less measurements means better better life. But on the other, one of the great benefits of a GPS is distance to blind areas, so knowing where bunkers or doglegs are is pretty big. I’m not sure I would pay $200 for this thing. For $100 I’d scoop it up though.
“better battery life”, not “better better life”
1. i do not wear a watch while playing, only becuase i dont own a watch.
2. i think that the distances are sufficient for my game becuase the other gps’s i’ve tried give lengths to bunkers and other hazards which i never use. The beauty of this watch is that it is simple.
I don’t wear a watch, but i attach one to my bag when i play. Its a shame its not a GPS watch though. I think that the Bushnell+Watch GPS provides all the necessary features and distances for any golfer. However if i had the opportunity for more, i would perhaps like distance of shot and perhaps even a read on the green in terms of slope of distance to hole, i think that would be ‘out of this world’, and it would make putting so much easier.
1. No, I do not wear a watch at the minute
2. Distances to hazards would be good, particularly off the tee (Bunkers and Water only). Could have two modes: Tee mode and Green mode (Green mode would be the only options on par 3)
Yes, I always wear a watch. What more would I want than those distances.
1. I always wear a watch when I play.
2. Distances to front, middle, back of green are preferable. If there are any hazards around the green then I would like to have thos distances as well.
1- I usually wear a watch (only don’t when up early for a tee time b/c not a morning person and often forget)
2- Front Middle Back is fine by me. The only other number I’d like in a basic unit would be distance to 150 marker for doglegs.
1- I don’t wear a watch when I play but used to before I was told it was bad for the watch to go through the swing motion all the time.
2- I like the yardages, but yardages for lay-up to water or to bunkers is helpful as well. Or from the tee to lay up or to a corner would be great too. Love the product though. Looks like an industry leader in my opinion.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
No, but I used to before my watch died.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
Yes, I’m sure the provided distances will be more than sufficient for my game.
1. I do not wear a watch while golfing… Generally am of the opinion that on the course a goal is to forget time constraints.
2. For a course I know (with multicolored flags) the watch would be sufficient… It might not work for a new course (but I’m willing to try
Thanks for the review, and I´m sure this is a great GPS watch. But….
AESTHETICS & DESIGN 20/20, seriously? If a “clean looking plastic watch” is the superlative in watch design then you might be right…. I suspect you have left your Fossil in the drawer now that you have found your perfectly designed watch, or is the Fossil also a 20/20?
My point is, if this watch was made with a Ti frame and a leather (or nicer rubber) strap, could it score higher than 20/20? I understand that the score is your opinion, but is this in your opinion really the ultimate in AESTHETICS & DESIGN?
1. I wear a watch 90% of the time I golf. the only time I don’t is when it is cold out then i just put it on my bag at that point.
2. I think I agree that green yardages are about a 70-75% solution for my needs. The only other stat I would like would be my elevation in comparison to the green.
Bushnell makes great units, so I expect good quality with this unit.
No I do not wear a watch when playing.
The yardages would definitely be sufficient to my game. I wouldn’t mind some more, such as significan landmarks, but it would definitely do more than I would need with front back and middle of the green.
1. I don’t normally wear a watch when golfing… or anywhere but this would be way more handy than having to pull my super slow iPhone each time out to check yardage because I don’t want to leave it on and kill the battery.
2. I think it’s sufficient for someone who plays as much as I need it, without being overwhelming with too many features.
The watch is a cool idea I wear one anyway and it’s one less thing in you pocket will also help keep the phone charged!!
Do I wear a watch.? No.
Would I? Yes for these purposes.
Good enough yardages? No.
Most times front middle back is fine but I still need major hazards. So adding some should be an upgrade or in a sequel.
Most of the time though this simplicity would work.
1. Not usually. 2. Absolutely, why would you need more information than that.
I wear a watch only when I have something to do after the round. These yardages would definitely help my game out. Any yardage within +/- 3 yards could help me. Where I play, yardages to the center of the greens could be off by as much as +/- 10 yards.
One question, compared to the laser how far off were the yardages?
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf? Not yet, but I will.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
Looks perfect for a simple mind like myself
1. I never wear my watch on the course, as part of the enjoyment is just not worrying about the time. I do currently use my iPhone with GolfShot GPS App, and primarily make use of the distance to the front and back of the green. I then eyeball where most danger lie, and according to that decide whether I want to be front of green, or back of green. Pin position doesn’t play a part in my decision at this time, I’m a high handicapper so I don’t go chasing pins much. On the dancefloor is good enough for me.
I will add though, that it takes some time to get the front and back distances when I get to my ball, I have to pull the iPhone from my pocket, unlock, and then wait a moment for the sensors to pick up the distance to the green. Then I have to drag the line to the front edge of the green, as well as the back edge to get the front and back distances. This is time consuming, and in this regard this watch would save me a fair amount of time on the course.
2. At this time the only distances I routinely use is to the front and back of the green. Sure it would be useful to have distances to hazards, but I’m not 100% convinced that I would use it all that much. I don’t really take the time to get the distances to bunkers and other hazards, as it is time consuming. Maybe if I had these options, I would use them. But I think the Distance Made Simple thing is a good concept. I would prefer to have a glance at my watch, get the necessary distance and shoot. I don’t want to fidget switching between hazard\green distances before each shot. Having the distances available at first glance, without having to push any buttons, is a great idea and something I think I would really enjoy.
Great review as always, Dave!
1. I don’t generally wear a watch while playing, but do at almost all other times when I’m out.
2. This GPS watch sounds sufficient for most of my needs. It would be nice if it had just a tad more, such as if a hole had water that I had to hit over, I’d like to know the distance that I need to carry. Otherwise, I’m not one looking for excessive information overload, as it would probably just slow me down trying to make decisions about avoiding sandtraps, etc.
I do wear my watch playing golf
I feel that the info provided by the Neo watch is sufficient
Very nice review!
I currently do not wear a watch.
I think the data available is adequate, but the distance to, and to carry a hazard would be nice as well. As long as it was simple to access.
I do wear a watch and think that the distances given out are fine. Also, I think folk can get a bit too carried away with too much information and being to loose the plot.
I don’t wear a watch playing golf but would try a Neo GPS on the wrist or more likely on the bag.
Distances to mid green would be sufficient to speed up play.
A really cool feature I would like to see on the next version of this watch /distance finder would be an internet linked tracking device. I’d leave it in the bag so if the bag was stolen I’d l be able to find it. And I would pay extra for the feature. That would separate it from laser range finders.
I do wear a watch when I play, even though I have a wicked watch tan. This watch’s distance features are perfect for what I need and would replace my use of GPS on my iPhone.
I do wear a watch when I play golf; I have gotten used to the weight on my wrist, and would feel out of balance without one.
Based on the specs given in the article, I think the Bushnell Neo+ GPS Watch would give me all the info I am looking for.
1. Yes I wear a watch, unless it gets too sweaty, in which case I’ll take it off and hook to my bag.
2. Would like to see forced carries, but F, M, B yardages would be sufficient.
As always, thanks and MGS, you’re the best golfing website!
1. I do not wear a watch. However, I like to play speed golf which would make this prefect.
2. The watch provides exactly what I need. Also, at the price point you can but a laser , etc with more features If you have the skill level to take advantage of the added data. However, the watch is quick and easy alternative…….Use both….Ron
1. I do not wear a watch when I golf
2. As a high handicap golfer I believe that the Neo+ would be sufficient for my game. If I were to improve as a golfer I could see how distance to traps and dog legs would be necessary. I’m too busy worrying about losing my ball out of bounds to worry about carrying a bunker.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?… Sometimes I do but I would wear one of these if I had it.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see? I have a Upro now and most of the time I am just looking for the middle of the green distance. But if if I could request a distance it would be the distance to and over a water hazard.
I do wear a watch when I golf.
I think distance measuring is adequate. i would like to see the ability to keep score on the watch too>
I don’t currently wear a watch when I play golf. The yardages provided by this watch would be sufficient for my game. I like the ease of use of this device. I’d like to see an armband feature of the watch for those who might not be used to be wearing a wristwatch when playing golf. Yardages to water in fairways or layup targets on par 5s would be handy. I like this product and would love to be a winner
Yes, I do wear a watch (passé, I know) when I play golf……and every other moment in my life…..sleeping….showering….I always am wearing a watch. Probably something to do with being a infantry grunt my entire adult life……training. Anyway, I love my iPhone Golfshot, Golfscape and Golflogix apps and the feedback you can get from them, but they do contribute to slow play. Over here in Germany the pace of play is brisk and stopping to check how far that last drive was or whether you need to hit a soft 9I or a firm PW into a green will result in players waiting on me. As much as I like my GPS apps I didn’t use them this season to see if my calibrated eye could guesstimate yardages well enough….I mean, that’s how the golfing gods intended us to play, right? Well, turns out that either through natural talent or by trained skill from 28+ years in the infantry……I’m a pretty good judge of distance…..sufficient for my handicap anyway. Pulling the right club is a different skill set altogether……requiring a humble spirit to pull the club I know I can hit a given distance consistently vs. the club I wish I could hit that far. It would be ever so nice to just look down and see the distance to the green. A nice feature would be to display the distance of your last shot .
Yes I wear a watch all the time. I also think the distances are more than sufficient for my game (I rely on ground markers at the moment).
1. I do wear a watch sometimes, but not all the time.
2. I do believe the distances the Neo+ GPS Watch would be more than sufficient for my game.
I currently wear a watch when I play and use a Bushnell range finder. Having distances to f/m/b on the green is more than sufficient. The ease of use and instant access to accurate distances woukd be great.
Yes and Yes. I currently wear a watch and I believe this watch provides more than enough data for a watch gps system! Looks great also
1. I wear a watch while playing golf about 90% of the time. I wear a very lightweight watch.
2. The distances provided by one of these units would be perfect for my game. I play to a 7 handicap and I used a SG1 for 2 years and felt pretty comfortable about the yardages and also had my lowest average scores at that time.
I like the idea of having the watch on my wrist at all times, so if i get out of my golf cart, I still have the yardages.
Yes and yes
Yes I always wear a watch. All I want is the distance from the green and I am good to go.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf? SOMETIMES I wear it, sometimes I attach my watch to my bag.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? YES and less annoying than a human caddy. What other distances would you like to see? How about the distance from the 18th green to the club house bar?
I do not, nor have I ever, wear a watch when I play golf. Although my favorite golfer Mickelson does and he seems to make out alright. As far as distances provided, that is all I need. Sure once in awhile knowing the distance to a dog leg and whatnot would be nice but I like the streamlined take on things.
Yes, I wear another brand and yes plenty of info…..(I am impressed with the batery life…the 1 I have now only last 1 and 1/2 rounds
No, i wear no watch when i play. i never wear a watch. But with a GPS watch thats different!
I think there is enough distance info provided with this watch. too much clutter will take away the simplicity of the watch.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf? No, don’t need to know what time it is on the course.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? Absolutely, because I have the Neo+ which uses the same gps system.
1) Yes I do wear my regular watch when I play golf.
2) I’m thinking that just knowing the distances to front, pin and back of green should be most everything I need to know!
Thanks.
I dont use one…but find this very interesting. It appears to be fairly simple to use and pretty effective. It sounds like the distances provided would work just fine…in fact this article makes it seem to me like simpler could be better for me.
I do not wear a watch while golfing: the reason, I am right handed in most situations, but like a few pros, golf left handed and the watch seems to interfere with my swing. For a basic course where you can see all the hazards/trouble, just knowing the distance to front, middle and back is fine – it sure makes for a faster round when you missed the fairway and are not close to any distance markers.
1. Most of the time.
2. Yes
yes I wear a watch during play. The simplicity of this watch gives me all I want to know and is easy to access
yes i wear a watch when i play and the bushnel watch ahas all the info and features i would need
No I do not wear a watch when playing golf, but I would definately do that if I would win a Bushnell-neo watch gps!!
Distances to bunkers and waterhasards and so on would be great to se as well
1. No. But now I would.
2. I a member of a golf club in Bangkok. I have great caddy, good looker, and good at her job.
Would use the watch to replace her. The answer is NO. However when playing at other
courses I appreciate this could be a added bonus distance wise.
I used to wear a watch then stopped but I would consider wearing this. It would be nice to know distances to simple hazards but normally I have an idea where they are and am just looking for distance to the green.
Yes I wear a watch and yes I think this would provide me all the info I need
I wear a watch when I play. All I need is front-middle-back yardages in a fast and accurate display. I prefer the watch as its less cumbersome and time consuming than other GPS units I see others using. Stand over the ball and go.
Yes I do wear a watch when playing golf.
All I need is front, middle, back of green distances, this watch is simple stylish and unobtrusive (very important to me as I do get a bit annoyed when the range finders and complex GPS units come out and take time to use). With this watch, one glance at your wrist tells you all you need to know to get it close. That leaves with the challenge of actually sending the ball straight and the right direction, if only that were as easy!
1) yes
2) yes
Yes I always wear a watch.
Distances are fine for keeping it simple – at last!
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf?
Not typically since my phone provides the time if needed.
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see?
Good enough for my handicap purposes, although it would be nice to know hazard distances to improve speed of play and scoring. Battery life to me is very important since I’m also one to forget to charge my devices.
1. Do you wear a watch when you play golf? Not usually
2. Do you think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for your game? If not, what other distances would you like to see? I do
1. No
2. yes
I don’t normally wear a watch when I play but wouldn’t bother me.
Front, middle back is good enough for me.
1. I don’t wear a watch when I play.
2. After reading the review, I think the Neo+ will offer the accuracy that I need.
1. Yes, I do wear a watch while playing golf.
2. Yes, I do think that the distances provided by the Neo+ GPS Watch are sufficient for my game. Because most of the time I am usually approaching the green from a direction that does not allow me to use my laser ranger finder (another fairway with trees in the way). God I love this game!
Yes I wear a watch. I think that the info privided in this unit is just enough.I do not need to get over load on info. Next will see Wind Speed and Direction, Elevation etc. ( Not USGA approved) Radar
yes i wear a watch every where
and having one on the golf course with this capability would improve everybody’s game especially mine !!!!
1.No I do not wear a watch when I play golf.
2. I believe the information the GPS provides would satisfy me.
Nice review. My watch at present is a big clunky SS one, and a little loose, so …
1–> I do wear one, but I don’t wear it on the golf course.
2–> For me, this level of functionality does suffice. If I want a range-finder or full scope GPS then I’ll buy one, but I would not expect nor want to have to scroll through screeds of info on a watch for the info I need. Looks great to me.
Yes I wear a watch and I believe the front, middle, back yardages are plenty for all but the very low handicaper. Most golfers games are not honed fine enough to need exact yardage to the pin. I would definitely be interested in buying a unit like this as I am getting tired of having to look through my range finder for each shot other than short chips and putting. Also having to carry any type unit to places one can not go to with a cart is troublesome.
No I do not where a watch on the course. Has no purpose when i play so take it off. Yes the Busnell watch would be satisfactory for my game as a quick reference. Would love to win one…..
I do wear a watch when I play, but a very thin light weight one. Having used a laser for some time (Leupold) and being a single figure player I find the greatest benefit for me is knowing distance to pin, especially from 100 or so out. I don’t think I would want to lose that capability, however using the two devices together may prove quicker.
Yes, I wear a watch when I play.
I’ve tried carrying a separate Laser or a GPS but I’ve found that it’s just too annoying to carry around extra equipment – especially when I’m walking a course.
I like the simplicity of the Neo design since all I really need are green yardages.
Yes, sometomes I wear a watch while playing golf.
The watch would make it easier to get distances than a hand held GPS
also less chance of losing it.
1. Yes i wear a watch when i play
2. The distances are pretty sufficient. The only other distance i would like would be the distance to water or hazard and distance to carry the hazard. Not a must but it would be nice
I do not wear a watch and haven’t for years and I do not own any sort of golf GPS or laser device or rangefinder but this is the ONE unit I have considered trying simply because it IS simple and would seem to give me most of what I am constantly looking for: distances re: front – middle – back. Single digit index here but play 6,200 – 6.400 yard tracks and I am not particularly long SO mid-short iron distances are what I need most and the short game is where I do my scoring so this unit would seem to fit the bill for me. And then again, having the thing on my wrist might drive me crazy………but won’t know that until I try it….even if Santa has to bring me one.
1. I don’t wear a watch when I play.
2. The Neo would be perfect to go with my range finder!
I love the watch as it is more than portable, but I have to admit I sweat like a pig on the golf course as I walk the 18 and will wait and see if it can stand the test!
Thanks!
I do not wear a watch while golfing.
This device would give me the information I want 90% of the time.
Yes I do wear a watch when I play.
Front, middle and back are all you need.
I do not currently wear a watch when I play, but this will change when I win this watch!
Info provided sufficient!
Yes, I wear a watch when i play golf. I think the distances provided by the gps would be good for me.
I don’t wear a watch because I’m not in a friggen hurry to finish…..My golf buddies each have one of these and love it!!…I have the Bushnell Hybrid..which I love…..I found this watch was accurate most the times the flag was in the middle….I can see me using one when i don’t want to take a chance on having my hybrid disappear while traveling to an Island to golf.
Other measurements that would be nice are distances to and over hazards….dogleg corners..and how much the beer is in the 19th hole
1.Do not usually wear a watch – as once lost a very expensive watch when playing
2.Am certain this would perfectly suit my requirements plus the requirements of most of my golfing colleagues – with our average handicaps in 4 – 11 range
Ok i am in.
The upro mx + has been been replaced by a golf logix app. Which is ok actually. At least i can see the damn screen.
The problem with that is its on a company phone
The problem with that is many.
Ever pocket dialed your boss from a golf cart during work hours?
So i think getting one of these would be fantastic on a couple levels
Cheers
I rarely wear a watch when golfing and rely on my phone which I use as a GPS. I would wear a GPS watch however as it would be more convenient.
I am a high handicapper so the data and accuracy are more than adequate.
Yes
Yes
1. Yep, I do wear a watch when I play.
2. Whilst the distance to the front, middle and back of greens is key, I would also welcome the distance to a dogleg or fairway bunker etc. when standing on the tee.
1. Yes. I always wear a watch when I play golf.
2. I like their more minimalist approach to GPS design. However, I would definitely like to see the addition of yardage to–and, in some cases, over (e.g., a large hazard, such as an enormous pond)–key points on the hole, such as fairway bunkers, water hazards, doglegs, etc. Then, it would be ideal.
I always wear my watch during play so this review really interests me. The only thing I did’t like was the price. I am a 72 year old ex Vetniam Vet navy type and love my golf.
No I dont wear a watch when i play but i would if it had a gps.
Yes i do think the distances are adequate for my game
1. Yes. I wear my watch when I play.
2. Yardage to any hazard that crosses the fairway would be helpful.
I don’t normally wear a watch, but a friend had one of these on and I noted how light weight it was. Front, back, middle is all I need, plus distance to and over hazards.
Thanks
I would feel naked without a watch on while playing golf.
I currently wear a watch and carry a basic GPS. The only distances I need are to the front , Middle and Rear of the green. Most everything else can be figured out from there. The Neo+ GPS watch from Bushnell would be ideal.
I wear a watch and I believe the distances provided would be sufficient for my needs
I don’t wear a watch when I play golf and it gives all I need for distances. I got a Bushnell for my wife and she wears it whenever she plays. She loves it I am jealous and wish I also had one. great tool.
I don’t usually wear a watch while playing golf. If this watch is as fast and accurate as advertised, I would be pleased to have it on my wrist. Additional distances to traps and water would be most useful.
I only wear my watch if I forget I have it on, which is more common now in the colder months (I’m in Canada) when long sleeved shirts are the norm. Once I realize it’s on, I have to take it off, otherwise I’m distracted psychologically (which sadly doesn’t take much). Were I to get a watch GPS I think I’d attach it to the handle of my bag.
Of course, I’d like to see distances include hazards (bunkers, water) but my game is still under construction and the back, middle, front of greens is definitely the most helpful thing, something I’d need 90% of the time in relation of hazards.
I used to wear a watch all the time until mine just died recently. I played golf while wearing a watch all the time.
More features would be nice but the idea of being very simple is appealing as well.
1) Yes I play Golf with a watch on.
2) Yes it would be perfect for me. Simple quick and accurate, could not ask for more.
I don’t wear a watch at all. Where this would be awesome for me is strapped to th handle of a push cart. Who knows, I might start wearing one though.
FMB is all the distance I want from a GPS.
Ice, I either strap it on my push cart or bag handle if I carry. If I ride in a cart, it sits in the cup holder. I tried wearing it and it’s really not too bulky but I have never been one to wear a watch.
I like the yardage watch idea, You can’t guess a distance if your not close to the marker. Thanks for this chance to win.
Yes to “wear a watch”. Need more distances…would not trade my Garmin for this GPS watch. Need distances totroible..front and back of greenside bunkers..dog legs..water & etc. Doesn’t mean I would not include it in my on course information resouces.
Being a “lefty” I find playing with a watch on my left wrist restricts the correct backward bend of that hand. In fact I once bent the little telescopic pin that attaches the strap to the watch, causing it to fall off. I’d probably have to wear it on my right wrist or attach it to a belt-loop.
I think this yardage info ought to be enough for amateurs, after all they’ve been allowed by the R&A on the basis that they speed up play. Too much checking for every condition on the course might negate this .
Do I wear a watch when I play. Sometimes but not always it depends on if I leave from my house or work to go to the golf course. I would wear this watch and want to be the first one in my leauge to have one and show it off.
I’m not all concerned with yardage except for to the front and center and back of the green.Perfect.
Yes i use a watch, this watch gives me everything i require on the course, simple but effective.
I always wear a watch when I play golf. I have a neo gps That I use everytime I play and think having one on my wrist would be a killer. I have forgotten how to play with out a gps, and wouldn’t want to go back to guessing yardages.
yes i wear a watch and digital counter when i play, have been looking at these, would be very helpful to all levels esp me hi handicap to learn clubs distance etc
I do not currently wear a watch while golfing.
I’m content that the Neo + Watch GPS will show me
the distances that I’m most concerned about..
I’t appears to be a very nice product.
1. I do wear a watch so I know how close I am to tee time, and how long we are taking to play the course.
2. Definitely think that this GPS watch fills my need. I like the simplicity, long battery life and style of the device.
The fact that you wear it on your wrist makes things simpler..i had a garmin hand held and lost it ..that won’t happen with the neo..I never had a problem estimating yardage from the middle pin..I’m usually within 2-3 yards.The majority of the time I’m aiming for the middle of the green..I suppose if I were a scratch golfer it would matter a little more.That being said …I like simple.I don’t care about readings to water hazards or bunkers i believe in positive thinking during setup and try to keep the trouble out of the equasion.Give me that neo and I will love it..thanks
No, I don’t wear a watch when I play golf. I broke a citizen from the sped and constant vibrations associated with a golf swing. I think the info on the NEO + would benefit my game and i am looking into it but the neo plus gps is less expensive.
I have lost 2 GPS units over the last 2 years. I now have this Bushnell Neo+ watch/GPS and my wife said if I loss this one I really have a problem, The watch works great and is perfect for what I want, Front ,Middle and Back.
I am one of the lucky three to have won the watch. I have worn the watch every day since getting it (much to the chagrin of my wife that prefers me to wear my fancier watches). I have played multiple rounds with it 1-2 a week sine getting it. Here are my observations.
- Battery life: good. Easily lasts a couple of weeks and 2-3 rounds.
- Accuracy: good. Close to my phone’s GPS application Golfshot. Just more convenient.
- Track your shot: great feature that allows you to see how far you hit your last shot.
Cons/features I wish it had
- You can’t see the time when golfing. I wish you could toggle to see time and time elapsed since round started.
- Pedometer doesn’t work will Golf app is running. Stupid since they both rely on GPS and it would be great to know how far I had walked during my round.
- simple score keeping to let you know how many strokes below/above par you are shooting.
- Overall: very convinient and easy to use. I wouldn’t golf without it.
Yes I do wear a watch sometimes .i would like to be able to access distances to hazards . Also maybe not for this model but for a full hand held model a rules section might be usefull ?
Thanks
Roddy