10 Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S12 is a dedicated GPS golf watch designed to support golfers with essential features. One of its standout features is the extensive database of over 42,000 preloaded courses, which ensures that golfers have access to course maps from around the world. The watch offers precise GPS accuracy, providing yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs. This can be immensely helpful for strategizing shots during a game.

The high-resolution, sunlight-readable display ensures visibility even on bright days, which is a valuable attribute for outdoor sports like golf. Additionally, the watch boasts a robust battery life of up to 30 hours in GPS mode, allowing it to last through multiple rounds of golf without needing a recharge. The device's water resistance up to 164 feet adds to its durability, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

However, the watch does have some drawbacks. While it offers scorekeeping and compatibility with the Garmin Golf app for leaderboard participation, advanced smart features are limited compared to higher-end models. The absence of built-in club tracking means users would need to purchase the additional Approach CT10 sensors for a comprehensive tracking experience. Despite these limitations, the Garmin Approach S12 excels in its primary purpose as a user-friendly GPS golf watch, making it an excellent choice for golfers who prioritize ease of use, durability, and accurate course information.

The Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch is designed with golfers in mind, offering a 1.2-inch color touchscreen display that's easy to read and navigate. One of its biggest strengths is the extensive database of over 42,000 preloaded course maps, which can be incredibly helpful for tracking your game on various courses worldwide. The Green View feature is particularly handy, as it allows for manual pin positioning and provides quick references to distances on the course, including hazards and doglegs. This can significantly enhance your strategic play on the course.

The watch's battery life is quite impressive, offering up to 15 hours in GPS mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, ensuring it lasts through multiple rounds of golf without needing frequent recharges. Durability and water resistance are also strong points, making it a reliable companion in various weather conditions. Additionally, the watch supports smart notifications, so you can stay connected to your phone without missing important updates. The device also includes fitness tracking features, like steps and sleep monitoring, which adds to its versatility beyond golf.

However, some users may find the 1.2-inch display a bit small for detailed viewing, and the shot tracking feature may not always be accurate depending on the lie and ball contact. The Garmin Approach S42 pairs with the Garmin Golf app, providing live scoring and automatic scorecard uploads, which can be very useful for those who want to keep meticulous records of their game. While the watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, the $42,000 preloaded courses and various smart features make it a bit of an investment. This watch is ideal for avid golfers who want to improve their game with detailed course information and convenient smart features.

The Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch stands out for golfers looking for a reliable and feature-rich device. One of its key strengths is the high accuracy of its GPS, which gives access to over 43,000 full-color CourseView maps right on your wrist. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display provides excellent visibility, making it easy to analyze the course layout, hazards, and more. With advanced features like the virtual caddie, which suggests clubs based on various conditions, and the PlaysLike Distance feature that factors in elevation and weather, this watch can significantly enhance your game strategy.

Battery life is quite impressive, lasting up to 16 days, which is great for long golf trips or regular use without constant recharging. It also offers durability, being waterproof, which is essential for outdoor sports.

The watch isn't without its drawbacks. While it excels in golfing-specific features, some users might find the smart features, like notifications, less comprehensive compared to standalone smartwatches. The user interface, while generally easy to navigate, may not be intuitive for those unfamiliar with smartwatch technology. Additionally, at a higher price point due to its advanced features and bundled accessories, budget-conscious users might find it a bit pricey.