Shot Scope V5 vs Garmin Approach vs Hole19: which GPS platform is right for you?

Three golfers in my regular group use three different GPS platforms. One uses Shot Scope V5, one uses Garmin Approach S62 (previous generation S70 predecessor), and one uses Hole19 on an iPhone in his pocket. After 60 rounds playing together, here is what each approach actually delivers.

Shot Scope V5 (£199): The value proposition is unique: it's the only GPS watch that combines shot auto-tracking (the V5's wrist sensors detect your swing and log the GPS position automatically, building shot-by-shot stats) with full GPS mapping at sub-£200. No subscription required beyond the device purchase. The mapping is solid: front, middle, and back yardages plus hazard distances on all 36,000+ mapped courses. The display is transflective LCD rather than AMOLED — readable in bright sunlight, unremarkable in low light. The shot tracking isn't quite Arccos-level in accuracy (approximately 90% auto-detection vs Arccos's 95%), but it's good enough to build a meaningful performance picture over a season. For a golfer who wants GPS plus performance statistics and doesn't want a phone on the course: this is the recommendation at this price.

Garmin Approach S62 / S70 (£279–449): The Garmin has a superior display, significantly better UI, broader smart watch functionality (notifications, music control, weather), and a more comprehensive international course database. It does not auto-track shots without the addition of the ClubSensors add-on (Garmin's own shot-tracking sensors, effectively competing with Arccos and Shot Scope at £200 additional cost). Without the ClubSensors, it is a GPS watch only — no performance statistics. For golfers who want the best-quality GPS experience on a watch that also works as a daily wearable: Garmin Approach S70 is the premium answer. For golfers who primarily want performance data: add ClubSensors or choose Shot Scope V5.

Hole19 (free / £59.99 per year Premium): The best-maintained free GPS golf app available. 46,000+ courses mapped, real-time scoring with friends (the feature my group uses constantly during competitive rounds), and a clean UI that has improved significantly in 2024. The Premium tier adds advanced statistics, wind speed/direction at your location, and the ability to move the pin position from your phone. The limitation: it requires holding your phone, which most golfers find disruptive to their routine. In a cart, it's the obvious choice — mount the phone on the cart and use it as a dashboard. Walking, a watch is almost always better. Hole19's value proposition peaks as a social scoring and course information app rather than a pure GPS device.

My recommendation by use case: Walking without a phone → Shot Scope V5 (statistics) or Garmin Approach S70 (premium GPS, add ClubSensors if statistics wanted). Cart golf or as a supplement to any watch → Hole19 for social scoring and map detail. Serious performance data with any equipment → Arccos sensors plus any GPS watch.