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Smartwatches have become extremely popular recently, thanks to significant technological advances and the fact that there are many brands for golfers to choose from.
One such brand is GolfBuddy – a leading producer of golf GPS tech, including laser rangefinders and watches. But is the GolfBuddy AIM W111 really worth it?
Here, we take a closer look at the key features in our GolfBuddy watch review for 2023 and help you decide whether it’s a worthwhile contender to help your golf game this season.
What is the Golf Buddy Watch?
GolfBuddy is a leading manufacturer of golf tech, including laser rangefinders, voice GPS, and wearable GPS, including watches. The GolfBuddy AIM W11 is a leading golf GPS watch for a great price and has many impressive features.

When you’re out on the golf course, it’s helpful to rely on GPS tech to help you with club selection and course management, and in the digital age, a smartwatch is an ideal project to level things up when you’re playing golf.
While several brands are operating in the golf tech industry, GolfBuddy is one of the forerunners and has an excellent reputation for producing excellent laser rangefinders, voice GPS devices, and smartwatches.
So, read on to find out everything you need to know about the GolfBuddy AIM W11 watch, arguably one of the best on the market.
What is the Best Golf Buddy Watch?
The best GolfBuddy watch is the AIM W11, which comes with a slew of impressive features that can significantly improve your game management out on the golf course.
Fundamentally the watch provides accurate distances to hazard and pin placements on the course.

But it does a lot more than that, and you can find accurate distances to different pin locations, be it front, back, or center of the green.
The watch also shows green undulation on most US golf courses.
You can also keep score with the GolfBuddy watch.
The digital scorecard is extremely easy to use and track, meaning you no longer need to worry about using paper scorecards and searching through your bag for a pencil!
Ultimately, the GolfBuddy watch is designed to make your life so much easier out on the golf course and will help you improve your scores and make smarter choices as far as your game management is concerned.
Golf Buddy AIM W11 Review Breakdown
Description
The GolfBuddy AIM W11 watch is an excellent GPS smartwatch that can help you shoot lower scores.* It has a broad spectrum of impressive features and is user-friendly, making it a great option for all golfers.
It also looks great and is pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint.
Features
- Full-color touch-screen display
- 13-hour battery life
- Distances to the front, center, and back of the green, as well as manual pin placement
- Green undulation
- Digital scorecard
- Automatic course and hole recognition, with 40,000 preloaded US golf courses
Pros
- Extremely accurate distances are available, and a huge selection of golf courses is preloaded.
- Waterproof
- High-resolution screen that makes it easy to see your distances
Cons
- The battery life could be better
- Only available in one color
Overall
The Golf Buddy AIM W11 smartwatch is the perfect option for golfers of all abilities. Use it to get accurate distances while playing your chosen course, and you will see significant improvements in your game.

Does Golf Buddy Require a Subscription?
One thing that we like about GolfBuddy is that all of their products are 100% fee free.** Therefore, when you buy a GolfBuddy watch or any of their other GPS products, you don’t need to pay an annual fee or ongoing subscription to use it.
This is in stark contrast to some brands, which require you to purchase their products before buying an expensive monthly or annual subscription to access the software.
You can access the GolfBuddy software for free is a huge bonus.

As a GolfBuddy user, you can also download the app to track your metrics on your smartphone, as the app integrates fully with the GolfBuddy watch.
The fact that no subscription is required to use the GolfBuddy watch is another reason why this GPS device is so appealing to golfers and helps it stand out from its competitors.
How Long Does the Golf Buddy Battery Last?
The GolfBuddy battery lasts approximately 13 hours, sufficient time for at least two rounds of golf. To get the most out of your battery, you should charge it fully for at least four hours before use.
It’s also best to charge the GolfBuddy watch directly through a wall port charger instead of through your computer, as it ensures that the battery works to its full capacity.

Most GolfBuddy batteries should last at least two years before showing signs of slowing down, so if you’ve had your watch for longer than this, it might be time to change the battery.
But if your watch is new and you’re experiencing issues on the course, it’s a good idea to contact GolfBuddy directly to request a replacement.
How Do I Update My Golf Buddy?
The GolfBuddy software updates periodically, so it’s best to keep up to date with the latest iterations to get the most out of your device. GolfBuddy recommends checking in with their website every few months to check for updates.
If you discover updates, you can connect your GolfBuddy watch to your PC via the USB port and proceed with the update.
While some are related to the software, others incorporate new courses and better features, so it’s worth keeping your watch up to date.
It’s also a good idea to sign up for the GolfBuddy newsletter so you never miss an update and can ensure that your device works as it should throughout the golf season.
But thanks to regular updates from the GolfBuddy team, you can be confident that your watch will deliver an outstanding on-the-course experience, which will help to improve your game.
Is there a Golf Buddy App?
Yes, there is a GolfBuddy app available for Android and iOS. While it’s a good supplement to your GolfBuddy watch, the reviews are mixed regarding the app’s performance, with reviewers commenting that there are some syncing issues.

But if you invest in a GolfBuddy app, it makes sense to download the app to your smartphone, as it’s the best way to track your play and ensure that you have all the information you need while you’re out on the course.
The GolfBuddy app also has an easy-to-use digital scorecard, which will help you track your performance and update your handicap much more easily.
So, given that you’re planning to invest in a GolfBuddy app, it makes sense to download the free app on iOS or Android to ensure you get the best possible experience from your new tech.
Any Good Alternatives to the Golf Buddy Watch?
While there’s a lot to like about the GolfBuddy app, it’s not the only smartwatch on the market. A good alternative to GolfBuddy is the Garmin Approach S62.*** While it’s more expensive than a GolfBuddy, it’s a high-spec golf watch with many impressive features.
You can sync the Garmin Approach watch with an app on your smartphone for advanced data and considerably more metrics that can help you as you take to the golf course.
Garmin is one of the leading GPS brands in the world, so you can buy with the confidence that you’re getting a great product.
It’s no secret that you can buy many different smartwatches to help you when playing golf, but the GolfBuddy AIM W11 is one of the best, and it’s available for a great price.
So, if you’re on the fence about treating yourself to a smart golf watch this season, we say go for it and experience the multitude of benefits of the GolfBuddy Aim W11.
Conclusion
Golf is a complex game, as many variables contribute to your performance out on the course.
From green contours to hazards, you must be abreast of all the challenges you might face on the course.
With that in mind, investing in a GolfBuddy smartwatch is an excellent way to boost your game management and will likely help you with club selection and shot type.
Rich in features and available for a great price, we highly recommend the GolfBuddy Aim W11, and it will undoubtedly help your golf game this season.
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