You'll find impressive value in the Blue Tees Player Plus, a clever hybrid that combines a GPS rangefinder with a premium Bluetooth speaker. For $199, you're getting accurate yardages to greens and hazards across 40,000+ courses, along with rich 360-degree audio that adjusts to both indoor and outdoor settings. The device feels substantial yet comfortable, featuring an IPX7 water-resistant build and strong magnetic attachment for golf carts. With 10+ hours of battery life, USB-C charging, and a free initial year of advanced features like shot tracking, this 2-in-1 device saves you money while elevating your on-course experience. There's plenty more to explore about this pioneering golf companion.
Key Features
Combines premium GPS golf rangefinder and Bluetooth speaker functionality in one device, offering exceptional value at $199 retail price.
Features IPX7 water resistance, strong magnetic cart attachment, and floats in water for worry-free course use.
Delivers 360-degree audio with indoor/outdoor modes and 10+ hours battery life, plus power bank capability for charging devices.
Provides accurate yardage measurements for 40,000+ golf courses worldwide with comprehensive shot and score tracking features.
Includes first-year free subscription, followed by affordable plans ($25-50/year) for advanced tracking and performance analytics.
What's in the Box
The Blue Tees Player Plus speaker arrives in sleek packaging with all the necessities you'll need to get started. Inside, you'll find the compact but powerful Player+ speaker unit, which comes with a handy microfiber cleaning cloth to keep your device looking pristine. A sturdy lanyard is included, making it easy to carry or attach to your golf bag while you're out on the course. As a brand focused on advanced golf technology, Blue Tees ensures every component meets their high-quality standards.
For power management, you'll appreciate the included power bank, which features both USB-C and USB-A ports, giving you flexible charging options for your speaker and other devices. With a retail price of $249, this premium speaker package delivers exceptional value for serious golfers. The manual and insert provide basic setup instructions, though you can access more detailed guidance through the downloadable PDF manual or instructional videos if you need them.
If you've opted for the TravisMathew Limited Edition, you'll also receive a premium soft leather case that adds both protection and style. The entire package comes with a generous 60-day return window, so you'll have plenty of time to test it out on the links and make sure it meets your expectations. Everything's thoughtfully packaged to guarantee your new golf companion arrives ready for action.
Design and Build Quality
Built like a premium golf accessory, Blue Tees Player Plus impresses with its sturdy construction and thoughtful design elements. You'll notice the device's substantial feel right away, though it's still comfortable to handle with one hand. While modern design aesthetics set it apart from traditional speakers, the well-knit fabric covering adds a touch of sophistication, while the IPX7 water resistance rating means you won't have to worry about those unexpected rain showers on the course. The device offers 12-hour battery life for those marathon golf sessions.
The standout design features include:
Three distinct screens showing hazard distances, driving distance, and score
Touch-sensitive display with bright, backlit visibility
Strong magnetic strip for secure golf cart attachment
Rubber-protected USB-C port for durability
The interface is remarkably intuitive, letting you swipe up or down through menus while providing both tactile and visual feedback. While it's slightly bulkier than its predecessor due to the screen additions, you'll appreciate the thoughtful control placement and included carrying strap. The device's ability to float in water adds peace of mind, and you'll find the clicky buttons satisfyingly responsive during your rounds.
Sound Performance on the Course
With exceptional volume and clarity, Blue Tees Player Plus delivers impressive sound performance that'll enhance your golfing experience. You'll enjoy balanced audio that's perfectly suited for outdoor use, with clear vocals and lead instruments that cut through ambient noise on the course. While it won't shake the ground with deep bass, you'll appreciate how the speaker maintains consistent sound quality from all angles. The 360-degree audio ensures everyone in your group can enjoy clear sound no matter where they're positioned. A distinct sound cue lets you know when you've reached the maximum volume level.
You've got two sound modes to work with - Indoor and Outdoor - which help refine your audio depending on where you're playing. Whether you're listening to your favorite tunes or catching up on golf podcasts between shots, the Player Plus handles both with impressive clarity. The speaker's balanced mids guarantee you won't miss crucial details in your audio content, and you'll find the volume more than adequate for typical course conditions.
When compared to other golf speakers on the market, you'll notice the Player Plus stands head and shoulders above the competition. Its superior sound quality and volume control make it the current leader in golf GPS speakers, even though you can't pair it with older models for a multi-speaker setup.
GPS and Navigation Features
Packing impressive GPS technology, Blue Tees Player Plus delivers accurate yardages to greens and hazards through its integrated guiding system. You'll find yourself relying on its intuitive touchscreen display, which clearly shows distances in any lighting condition, while the professionally mapped course data guarantees you're getting reliable measurements for your shots. The bright built-in screen enhances data visibility for quick reference during your round. The well-designed interface allows access to 40,000+ golf courses worldwide through the companion app.
The device's core GPS features include:
Real-time yardage measurements to greens
Flexible hazard mapping and driving distances
Shot tracking with automated measurements
All-encompassing score tracking capabilities
You'll need to download courses via the Blue Tees app, which opens up a world of additional features like 3D flyovers and detailed hole mapping. While the accuracy typically matches other GPS devices, you might notice slight variations compared to laser rangefinders. The subscription model gives you the initial year free, then you can choose between $49.99 annually or a more budget-friendly two-year plan at $25 per year. It's worth noting that initial setup requires your smartphone, but once you're on the course, you'll appreciate how seamlessly the device shifts between different screens for time, music, and scoring data.
Battery Life and Charging
Longevity stands out as a key strength of the Blue Tees Player Plus, providing over 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. You'll find the battery life more than adequate for multiple rounds of golf, even when you're using GPS features and playing music simultaneously. Before your initial use, you'll want to give it a complete charge to guarantee peak performance. The 15-hour battery life allows for extended playtime during lengthy golf outings.
The speaker's versatility extends to its power bank functionality, allowing you to charge your phone or other devices through its USB-C port while you're on the course. A strong Bluetooth range ensures consistent connectivity even across long distances on the fairway. While this feature's definitely convenient, you'll need to reflect on how using it affects the speaker's general battery life. To maintain peak performance, Blue Tees recommends a full charge monthly, which helps preserve battery health.
It's worth noting that some users have reported charging issues after several uses, and battery replacement isn't particularly straightforward. You might encounter occasional charging problems, which can be frustrating when temporary fixes don't provide lasting solutions. If you do experience issues, you'll want to contact customer support, though responses have been mixed according to user feedback.
App Experience and Membership
Enhancing the Player Plus experience, the Blue Tees Game App delivers extensive course management features and detailed analytics. You'll find yourself navigating through over 40,000 courses with crystal-clear flyovers, while the non-clunky interface makes tracking scores and club distances a breeze. The app's intuitive design lets you tap quickly for GPS distances, and the display options include multiple color schemes for ideal viewing.
With your Premium Membership, which comes free for the initial year with Player+ purchase, you'll access advanced features that'll change your game:
Shot tracking with post-round analysis
Virtual caddie with customized club suggestions
Live leaderboards for friendly competition
Comparative analytics for performance tracking
The membership, normally priced at $49.99 annually, seamlessly integrates with your Player+ speaker to display hazard distances and driving stats right on the device. You're getting the complete package here - from score keeping to energetic hazard displays - all working together to create a thorough on-course experience. Best of all, there's no commitment required, and you can cancel anytime, though you probably won't want to once you've experienced the full suite of features.
Price and Value Analysis
While the app and membership features add significant value to the Player Plus experience, the device's price point of $249 MSRP deserves careful consideration. You'll find it commonly retailing at $199. For what you're getting - a touchscreen GPS, 40,000+ courses, and premium sound features - it's quite competitive in the market.
The value proposition becomes even more appealing when you factor in the device's durability and extensive feature set. With its IPX7 waterproof rating and 10+ hour battery life, you won't need to worry about replacing it anytime soon. While there's an optional subscription fee ($49/year or $99/3 years) for premium features, the base unit functions perfectly well without it. When you compare it to buying separate GPS and speaker units, you're actually saving money in the long run. Plus, during promotional periods, you might catch it at an impressive $129, making it an absolute steal for the technology you're getting.
Blue Tees Player Plus
Blue Tees Player+ revolutionizes golf with unmatched sound and precision GPS in one device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Player Plus Be Used in Tournaments During Competitive Play?
You'll need to check with your specific tournament committee before using the Player Plus in competition. While the USGA generally allows GPS devices that provide only distance information under Rule 4.3a(1), you must guarantee the device's additional features, like Bluetooth and music, are disabled during play. Since tournament rules vary, it's essential to get explicit approval and verify any local regulations beforehand.
How Does Extreme Temperature Affect the GPS and Battery Performance?
When you're using GPS devices in extreme temperatures, you'll notice impacts on both GPS accuracy and battery life. Cold weather can greatly reduce your battery's performance and runtime, while extreme heat might affect GPS signal reliability and potentially damage the battery. While most GPS devices operate best between -4°F to 140°F, it's wise to keep your device at moderate temperatures whenever possible to maintain ideal performance and extend its lifespan.
Is the Speaker Compatible With Both Iphone and Android Devices?
Yes, you'll find that the Blue Tees Player+ speaker works seamlessly with both iPhone and Android devices through Bluetooth connectivity. Once you've downloaded the Blue Tees Game app from your device's app store, you can easily pair the speaker through your phone's Bluetooth settings. The speaker's 360-degree audio capability delivers consistent sound quality, regardless of whether you're using an iOS or Android device.
What Happens to Stored Course Data if the Subscription Expires?
Like a library card that's expired, when your subscription lapses, you'll still have your course data stored, but you won't be able to access the premium features. You'll maintain basic functionalities, such as front, center, and back distances to the green, but you'll lose access to detailed course information, hazard data, and advanced analytics. Your stored data isn't deleted - it's just temporarily locked behind the subscription wall until you renew.
Can Multiple Golfers Connect Their Phones to One Speaker Simultaneously?
Based on the available information, you can't connect multiple phones simultaneously to one speaker for audio playback or GPS functionality. The Player+ uses two separate Bluetooth connections - one for audio and one for GPS - but it's designed to pair with just one phone at a time. While you can pair two Player+ speakers together for stereo sound, the device's connectivity is limited to a single phone connection.
Conclusion
You'll notice the Blue Tees Player Plus isn't transforming golf GPS devices, but it's doing something arguably more significant - providing reliable performance without emptying your wallet. While the app could use some polishing, and you might chuckle at its occasionally quirky distance readings, you're getting a solid device that'll help your game without forcing you to take out a second mortgage. For the price, it's hard to complain about this little caddie companion.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
