If there’s one thing we’ve learned about covering golf equipment, it’s this: You don’t need to drop thousands on a new set of clubs to make golf a whole lot more fun. Sometimes the best upgrades are the things that make every round more enjoyable, like the rangefinder you’ve been eyeing, the speaker your foursome will love, a fresh pair of golf shoes or a sharp new bag that finally replaces the old, beat-up carry bag you have in your trunk.
We rounded up 10 standout golf products (none are clubs, by the way) priced at or around $250 (some way less) that deliver serious value without that new-driver-sticker-shock. Whether you’re treating yourself or another golfer in your life, these are the kinds of finds worth snagging before they’re gone.
You could spend A LOT on a golf smartwatch if you really wanted to, but the Garmin Approach S12 is the no-fuss/great value GPS golf watch for anyone who want accurate yardages without an annoying learning curve. It comes preloaded with over 42,000 courses worldwide, displays front, back and middle distances at a glance, and it tracks your score right on your wrist. Battery life runs up to 30 hours in GPS mode, meaning it won’t die mid-round even during aggravating rounds with your slow-playing son-in-law. (If that’s not enough of a hint for a perfect Father’s Day present, we don’t know what else to tell you.)
1 thing we really like: It’s easy to use and it’s on-sale for a fraction of what some other Garmin golf smartwatches cost.
The Biom Tour is Ecco’s performance flagship, conveniently worn by golf’s most recent PGA Champion, Aaron Rai. The shoe comes with Biom Natural Motion technology keeps the foot low to the ground, delivering a snug, anatomical fit that promotes forward momentum and power transfer through the swing. The soft Phorene midsole, made with Ecco FluidForm Direct Comfort Technology, provides genuine bounce and energy return that you’ll feel when walking 18 holes (or more). It also has one of the most distinctive profiles that’s both classic and athletic at the same time.
1 thing we really like: Ecco is known for making comfortable golf shoes, so that part almost goes without saying. Where this pair really stands out is in the outstanding traction provided by the Pivix spike system.
Titleist’s Players 4 Carbon stand bag is still popular since being introduced a few years ago and for good reason: it uses a carbon fiber frame to keep weight under 3 lbs without sacrificing durability or organization. The dual-strap system distributes weight evenly across your back, making it genuinely comfortable to carry for 18 holes. This prior-generation model is nearly identical to the current version, but comes with a lighter price.
1 thing we really like: We’ve been buying previous-gen products for years to save money, and this bag will still be a great, lightweight bag for years, if not decades to come.
This is one of the best bundles you can find anywhere when it comes to accessorizing your game. The centerpiece is the Series 3 Max E Rangefinder with a crystal clear display, 1,000-yard range, advanced flag lock with pulse vibration, a slope switch that toggles tournament-legal mode on and off and a magnetic strip that attaches it directly to your bag or cart. Alongside it is the Player Go GPS Speaker which delivers audible distance readings, auto-course recognition, 16+ hours of battery life and an IPX7 waterproof rating. The bundle is rounded out with a premium carrying case and a 6-in-1 utility divot tool.
1 thing we really like: A rangefinder, GPS speaker and 6-in-1 divot tool bundled together at 40% off is going to be the perfect gift for anyone, including yourself.
The Contrail is Oakley’s modern spin on the classic aviator that’s sleek enough to wear on or off the course. The ultra-lightweight C-5 alloy frame keeps things comfortable through a full round, while adjustable silicone nosepads let you dial in a secure fit that won’t shift when you’re tracking a ball flight. The real star is the Prizm lens technology, which enhances color and contrast so hazards, slopes and green contours are easier to read at a glance.
1 thing we really like: Hugely on sale at the moment and aviator-style sunglasses always look and fit better under caps.
The Approach G20 Solar seems to be ahead of the trend and it comes with solar charging that generates seemingly unlimited battery life in sunny conditions. The 2.2″ high-contrast screen displays front, middle, and back yardages in large, easy-to-read numbers, and covers hazard points and doglegs across more than 43,000 preloaded courses worldwide. Pair it with the Garmin Golf app and you get wind speed and direction, live scoring and automatic shot tracking when used with compatible Approach CT10 sensors.
1 thing we really like: The Find My Garmin feature is a huge help, especially if you’re prone to leaving things behind in a golf cart.
Arccos Gen 4 Smart GPS sensors make it easy to get started, just twist a Smart Sensor into each club grip, pair them to the app and let the AI do the rest. The system tracks every shot automatically and delivers Strokes Gained insights that pinpoint exactly which part of your game is costing you strokes relative to your target handicap. On top of that, the A.I.-powered GPS rangefinder adjusts yardages in real time for wind, elevation, temperature, humidity and altitude. Comes with 15 Smart Sensors, a dedicated Putter Sensor, a first year of app membership and an Annual Free Sensor Renewal Program that sends you 5 new sensors every year.
1 thing we really like: These are where you want to start in building your Arcoss system. Next to consider is the Air (that can be used with or without sensors), and the new Smart Laser Rangefinder.
Whoop isn’t a golf-specific device, but it’s awesome for the serious golfer who wants to show up to every round at his or her best. The WHOOP 5.0 monitors sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, VO2 max and more around the clock, then delivers personalized coaching so you know whether today is a day to push hard on the range or dial it back and recover. The Healthspan feature goes a step further, quantifying your physiological age and tracking how your daily habits are affecting your long-term health over time. The bundle includes the WHOOP 5.0 device, a 12-month Peak membership, a SuperKnit band and a waterproof Wireless PowerPack.
1 thing we really like: The Wireless PowerPack means you never have to take it off. Just like JT and Rory, who both seem to never take theirs off either.
TaylorMade’s Liberty Lines collection brings major Americana to your bag to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, and the driver headcover is a great place to start collecting. Bold patriotic stripes in red, white and blue make it one of the most distinctive headcovers you’ll find this season, and you can add more to match in fairway, rescue and putter covers as well as golf bags to rock the look.
1 thing we really like: We’ve already seen tour players with them this year and fully expect to see Liberty Lines everywhere at the U.S. Open this June.
The SC200 Plus packs top-tier launch monitor metrics into a device small enough to fit in your bag pocket, at a fraction of what a full studio monitor costs. Doppler radar technology combined with barometric pressure calibration delivers accurate readings on carry distance, swing speed, ball speed and smash factor out to 320 yards, and voice output calls out your distance after every shot. Also, the new Practice Swing Mode measures your clubhead speed without needing to hit a ball.
1 thing we really like: We’ve exceeded the $250 limit here, but a product this good (that’s on sale, by the way) shouldn’t be overlooked. The Practice Mode is a lot of fun.
The post Best golf deals for $250 or less: 10 picks worth treating yourself to appeared first on Golf.
