Keeping track of your distance to the green while your favorite tunes keep you motivated. That's where the Bushnell Wingman HD GPS Speaker comes in, and let me tell you, this little gadget tries to solve both problems at once.
It's not just another Bluetooth speaker you toss in your golf bag. This device combines a decent wireless speaker with GPS technology that tells you exactly how far you are from the hole. Think of it as having a caddie and a DJ rolled into one compact device that clips right onto your cart.
The moment I powered on the 3.5-inch HD touchscreen, I knew this wasn't just another Bluetooth speaker with GPS tacked on as an afterthought. The display is genuinely impressive – bright enough that I could read yardages clearly even during those brutal 2 PM tee times in Phoenix when the sun feels like it's personally attacking you. The interface shows front, middle, and back distances in colors that actually make sense (green for go, yellow for caution around hazards), and the large plus and minus buttons meant I could adjust volume without taking my eyes off my playing partners' shots.
What really sold me was the customizable soft keys at the bottom of the screen. I set mine up to quick-access the scorecard, but you can configure them for golf announcements or whatever you use most. The directional arrows let me peek ahead at upcoming holes during those inevitable backups on par 3s. And here's something I didn't expect to care about but absolutely do – when you're streaming music, the album cover displays right there on the screen while your GPS data stays visible. It's a small touch that makes the whole experience feel premium rather than cobbled together.
The HoleView and GreenView images deserve their own mention. These aren't just basic overhead shots; they show actual hole layouts with hazard positions and green contours. I found myself checking the GreenView before approach shots to see where the false fronts were, especially on courses I hadn't played before. Up to six hazards per hole might sound like overkill, but on those resort courses with water everywhere, you'll appreciate knowing exactly how far you need to carry that forced carry over the creek, pond, and waterfall combo.
Let me put this in context: I've tested the original Wingman, the JBL Golf Speaker, and pretty much every cart-mounted audio solution short of installing an actual car stereo. The Wingman HD's dual 15-watt speakers with passive radiators absolutely blow them all away. We're talking 360-degree sound that's so clear and full, my regular foursome accused me of hiding additional speakers in my bag.
The bi-directional speaker design means everyone in the cart gets the same audio experience – no more fighting over who sits on the "good" side. At low volumes, perfect for those early morning rounds when you don't want to disturb anyone, the sound stays rich and balanced. Crank it up for your afternoon scramble (you know, when everyone's had a few and standards get looser), and it maintains that clarity without any distortion. I've pushed this thing to volumes that made other groups three fairways over give us looks, and it never broke a sweat.
But the feature that made me a true believer: adaptive audio adjustment through the Bushnell Golf Mobile App. As your cart speed increases, the speaker automatically compensates for wind and motor noise. I was skeptical this would actually work, but on a windy day at my home course, I could hear my music perfectly clearly while bombing down the cart path at full speed. The app also lets you fine-tune the EQ settings, though honestly, the default sound profile is so good I barely touched it.
Remember that time you left your speaker on the cart roof and it fell off at the turn? Or when that surprise thunderstorm rolled in and you had to scramble to protect your electronics? The Wingman HD laughs at these scenarios. With its IP67 rating, this thing is completely dustproof and waterproof – and I mean actually waterproof, not just "resistant."
During testing, I deliberately left it out during a torrential downpour that had everyone else running for cover. Not only did it keep working perfectly, but the touchscreen remained responsive even with water droplets all over it. I've dropped it off the cart (accidentally), left it in direct Arizona sun for four hours straight, and even had it fall into a greenside pond when I got a little too enthusiastic celebrating a chip-in. Each time, it just kept on trucking.
The 8-hour battery life is conservative – I've gotten closer to 10 hours at moderate volume levels. That's enough for 18 holes, lunch at the turn, and then hanging out at the 19th hole afterward. The USB-C charging is fast enough that even a quick 30-minute charge during lunch gives you enough juice to finish your round. The lithium-ion battery shows no signs of degradation after three months of heavy use, which is more than I can say for some other golf electronics I've tested.
I compared the Wingman HD's distances against my Garmin Approach Z82 rangefinder (which I trust with my life) on over 50 holes, and the GPS was consistently within 2-3 yards. That's more than accurate enough for club selection, especially considering you're getting front, middle, and back distances instantly without having to pull out and aim a rangefinder. Unlike Voice Caddie's SL3 model which combines both laser and GPS technologies in one device, the Wingman HD focuses purely on GPS accuracy while adding premium audio capabilities.
The shot distance calculator is something I didn't think I'd use much, but it's become essential for dialing in my distances with new clubs. Hit your shot, drive to your ball, and the screen shows exactly how far you hit it. You can track this visually on the screen or have it announced through the speakers (though I keep that feature off because nobody needs to hear that my "crushed" drive only went 235 yards).
The BITE magnetic cart mount is genius engineering. It's strong enough that even on the bumpiest cart paths, the speaker never budged, yet it's easy to remove with one hand when you want to take it to the range or use it off the course. The magnets are recessed so they won't interfere with your phone or credit cards, and the mounting bracket is universal enough to work on any cart frame I've encountered.
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity means rock-solid connection with zero dropouts, even when my phone was in my bag in the back of the cart. Pairing is instant – it remembers up to 8 devices and automatically connects to the last one used. The multi-speaker concert links capability is honestly overkill (who needs 100 connected speakers on a golf course?), but I did test it with three Wingman HDs during a charity tournament, and being able to sync music across multiple carts was pretty epic.
The Bushnell Golf Mobile App integration changes this from a good product into a great one. Beyond the adaptive audio adjustment I mentioned earlier, you get customized club settings, performance tracking, and access to over 36,000 courses worldwide. The app also enables customizable soundbites – I recorded a ridiculous announcer-voice introduction for myself that plays on the initial tee, much to my playing partners' amusement (and occasional annoyance).
Live scoring through the app works flawlessly, automatically advancing holes as you play and keeping track of stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts. It even calculates your handicap if you play enough rounds. The data syncs to the cloud, so you can review your rounds later on your computer, which has actually helped me identify some patterns in my game I hadn't noticed.
The Bushnell Wingman HD GPS Speaker sets a new standard for golf gadgets, merging pinpoint GPS accuracy with rich audio to elevate your game and enjoyment on the course. Explore its standout features and why it’s a top pick for pros and enthusiasts alike.
No, you can't connect the Wingman HD to multiple devices simultaneously for audio playback. While it'll remember up to eight paired Bluetooth devices, you can only actively stream from one device at a time. You'll need to manually disconnect from one device before connecting another. The speaker doesn't support multipoint Bluetooth technology, so you're limited to single-device connections for both music streaming and GPS voice features.
Yes, you'll find the Wingman HD perfectly compatible with electric golf carts. Its magnetic mount securely attaches to standard cart bars, while the compact 3-pound design stays stable during rides. You can enjoy the 360° sound that's audible over cart noise, access GPS features hands-free, and use the remote control conveniently. The 8-10 hour battery life covers full rounds, and Bluetooth 5.2 maintains stable connections while you're moving.
No, you'll need to use the Bushnell Golf App to access GPS features like distances and course data. While you can use the Wingman HD as a Bluetooth speaker with any music app, its golf-specific GPS functions won't work with third-party golf apps like Golfshot or 18Birdies. The device's GPS capabilities are locked into Bushnell's ecosystem, so you're limited to their app for yardages and course information.
You can't completely disable GPS announcements only while music plays, but you can control them through the Bushnell Golf app. You'll find options to lower the announcement volume to nearly silent or turn off specific announcement types like auto hole advance and hazard alerts. When GPS announcements do play, they'll briefly lower your music volume, deliver the distance information, then automatically resume your music at normal volume.
Yes, the magnet can damage credit cards and certain electronic devices. You'll need to keep the Wingman HD away from credit cards, ATM cards, mechanical hard drives, and data storage media. While modern phones typically aren't affected by magnets, older devices might be susceptible. The strong neodymium magnet can also interfere with hearing aids, speakers, mechanical watches, TVs, and laptops. Always maintain sufficient distance between the device and these items.
The Bushnell Wingman HD is the rare golf gadget that actually delivers on its promises and then some. At $350, it's not cheap, but when you consider you're getting a premium Bluetooth speaker that would cost $200+ on its own, plus a GPS unit that rivals $300 dedicated devices, the math starts to make sense. While the device won't hit stores until mid-October 2025, early previews suggest it's worth the wait. This is for the golfer who plays at least once a week and wants to improve their on-course experience without juggling multiple devices. If you're tired of choosing between good music and accurate distances, or if you've been frustrated by golf speakers that sound tinny or GPS units with dim screens, the Wingman HD solves all those problems in one surprisingly well-executed package. After three months of testing, it's earned a permanent spot on my cart, and I genuinely can't imagine playing without it. Bushnell backs this investment with a one year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, giving you peace of mind for your purchase.
