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10 Best Garmin Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Approach® S44, Essential Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Silver Aluminum Bezel with Black Silicone Band

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,196
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
44 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Getting instant numbers from the watch instead of pulling out a rangefinder has significantly improved the game experience.
Course Coverage
The Garmin Golf membership fee for enhanced course maps is seen as unnecessary, with users wishing it was included.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, using only about 15% after one round, potentially lasting 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a versatile and well-designed golf watch that stands out with its vibrant 1.2” AMOLED display, making course maps clear and easy to read. This watch comes preloaded with over 43,000 courses, which is great for golfers who travel to different locations. The GPS accuracy is excellent, providing precise distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards on the course. This can significantly improve your game management and decision-making.

The Approach S44 also offers advanced features like shot-tracking capabilities when paired with optional club trackers, and detailed stat tracking through the Garmin Golf app, which can be very insightful for dedicated golfers looking to analyze their performance. Battery life is decent, with up to 15 hours in GPS mode, which should cover a few rounds of golf before needing a recharge. However, heavy users might need to charge it more frequently. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and its design is sleek, combining a silver aluminum bezel with a durable black silicone band. The water resistance adds to its durability, making it reliable in various weather conditions.

On the downside, some users might find the need for a Garmin Golf membership to access enhanced course maps and other features a bit restrictive. Additionally, while the smartwatch connectivity for notifications is a useful feature, it may not be as essential for everyone. The Garmin Approach S44 is a strong contender for golfers seeking a feature-rich GPS watch, especially those who value precise course details and advanced game tracking.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,196
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
44 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Getting instant numbers from the watch instead of pulling out a rangefinder has significantly improved the game experience.
Course Coverage
The Garmin Golf membership fee for enhanced course maps is seen as unnecessary, with users wishing it was included.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, using only about 15% after one round, potentially lasting 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.
#2

Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Black, 010-02472-00

Rating
10.0
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display and Usability

Most important from
2528 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Takes a couple of minutes to acquire GPS signal initially, but very accurate once connected.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional; it retains 90% charge even after a 3.5-hour round.
Display and Usability
The display is highly reflective and easy to see in bright sunlight.
Advanced Features
Provides more information than needed for average golfers, but useful for those looking to improve.
Durability and Water Resistance
Lightweight and not bulky, making it comfortable for long rounds.
Connectivity and App Integration
Works great even with the Bluetooth on, connecting seamlessly to the Garmin phone app.

The Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch is designed with golfers in mind, offering several useful features that cater specifically to this sport. One of its standout strengths is the preloaded database of over 42,000 courses worldwide, ensuring that golfers have access to accurate and comprehensive course information. The GPS accuracy is reliable, providing precise yardages to various points on the course such as the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs. This can significantly enhance gameplay strategy and decision-making on the course.

The watch's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which means it can comfortably handle multiple rounds of golf without needing a recharge. The high-resolution sunlight-readable display ensures that the screen remains clear and easy to read, even on bright days outdoors. The watch also offers scorekeeping features and connectivity with the Garmin Golf app, allowing users to upload scores, participate in leaderboards, and track their performance over time. However, the advanced club tracking features require additional sensors (sold separately), which might be an extra cost for users looking to utilize this functionality.

Durability and water resistance up to 164 feet make it suitable for various weather conditions and environments, adding to its robustness. Connectivity via Bluetooth is straightforward, but users must pair the watch with a compatible smartphone to access some features fully. The Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golfers seeking a functional and user-friendly GPS watch with extensive course coverage and reliable performance on the golf course.

Rating
10.0
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display and Usability

Most important from
2528 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Takes a couple of minutes to acquire GPS signal initially, but very accurate once connected.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional; it retains 90% charge even after a 3.5-hour round.
Display and Usability
The display is highly reflective and easy to see in bright sunlight.
Advanced Features
Provides more information than needed for average golfers, but useful for those looking to improve.
Durability and Water Resistance
Lightweight and not bulky, making it comfortable for long rounds.
Connectivity and App Integration
Works great even with the Bluetooth on, connecting seamlessly to the Garmin phone app.
#3

Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch, Full-Color CourseView Maps AMOLED Display, Advanced Shot Execution & Putt Alignment, Immersive Golfing Experience w/Signature Stand Power Bundle

Rating
9.9
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
42 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Approach S70 provides exceptional GPS accuracy, making it a standout feature for golfers.
Course Coverage
The watch's ability to show yardages to various hazards such as bunkers and water is highly appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through two rounds of golf without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Upgrading from an older model like the S-60 to the S-70 reveals a significant improvement in performance and usability.
Advanced Features
The watch's advanced features, like the virtual caddie, provide valuable insights and suggestions to improve one's game.

The Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch is designed for golf enthusiasts who want to enhance their game with advanced technology. One of its standout features is the impressive GPS accuracy, offering access to over 43,000 full-color CourseView maps that provide detailed information about each hole. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and easy to read, allowing for quick navigation through the various features, which is helpful on the course.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 16 days on a single charge, meaning you won’t have to worry about recharging frequently, even during extended play. The watch also includes advanced features like a virtual caddie that suggests clubs based on your historical data and environmental factors, along with the innovative PlaysLike Distance feature that gives you adjusted yardage based on terrain characteristics.

The watch is waterproof and durable, making it a reliable companion on the course. The included charging accessories like the watch stand and portable power bank add extra value. The Garmin Approach S70 is a solid choice for serious golfers looking for advanced functionalities to help improve their game, but it may be more than what a beginner might need.

Rating
9.9
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
42 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Approach S70 provides exceptional GPS accuracy, making it a standout feature for golfers.
Course Coverage
The watch's ability to show yardages to various hazards such as bunkers and water is highly appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through two rounds of golf without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Upgrading from an older model like the S-60 to the S-70 reveals a significant improvement in performance and usability.
Advanced Features
The watch's advanced features, like the virtual caddie, provide valuable insights and suggestions to improve one's game.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Golf Watches

When choosing a Garmin golf watch, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure you get the best fit for your game. Garmin offers a range of golf watches with various features that can enhance your golfing experience, from basic distance tracking to advanced performance metrics. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your golfing goals will help you make an informed decision.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for a golf watch as it determines how precisely the watch can measure distances on the course. High GPS accuracy ensures that you get reliable yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs. Watches with high GPS accuracy are ideal for serious golfers who rely on precise measurements to improve their game. If you are a casual golfer, a watch with standard GPS accuracy may suffice.
Course CoverageCourse coverage refers to the number of golf courses preloaded on the watch and the ability to download additional courses. A watch with extensive course coverage is beneficial if you play at various courses or travel frequently. Look for a watch that includes the courses you play most often and has the option to add new ones. If you primarily play at a few local courses, a watch with fewer preloaded courses may be adequate.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially if you play long rounds or multiple rounds in a day. A watch with longer battery life ensures that it won't die in the middle of your game. Battery life can vary significantly between models, with some offering up to several days of use on a single charge. If you play frequently or for extended periods, opt for a watch with a longer battery life. For occasional golfers, a shorter battery life may be acceptable.
Display and UsabilityThe display and usability of the watch affect how easily you can read and interact with it during your game. A clear, high-resolution display is important for visibility in various lighting conditions. Touchscreen functionality and intuitive navigation can enhance the user experience. If you prefer a straightforward, easy-to-read display, look for a watch with a simple interface. Advanced users might appreciate more complex displays with additional data and customization options.
Advanced FeaturesAdvanced features can include shot tracking, swing analysis, and virtual caddie functions. These features provide in-depth insights into your game and can help you improve your performance. Shot tracking records the distance and location of each shot, while swing analysis evaluates your swing mechanics. Virtual caddie functions offer club recommendations based on your past performance. If you are serious about improving your game, look for a watch with these advanced features. Casual golfers may not need these extras and can opt for a simpler model.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for ensuring that your watch can withstand the rigors of the golf course. A durable watch is less likely to be damaged by accidental drops or impacts. Water resistance is essential for playing in various weather conditions, including rain. Look for a watch with a high level of durability and water resistance if you play frequently or in diverse conditions. For occasional golfers, standard durability and water resistance may be sufficient.
Connectivity and App IntegrationConnectivity and app integration allow you to sync your watch with your smartphone or other devices to access additional features and data. This can include receiving notifications, downloading course updates, and analyzing your performance through companion apps. If you value staying connected and accessing detailed performance metrics, choose a watch with strong connectivity and app integration. If you prefer a standalone device, these features may be less important.

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