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10 Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Approach® S50, Advanced Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Wrist-Based Heart Rate, Slate Aluminum Bezel with Black ComfortFit Nylon Band

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
326 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The watch delivers instant shot distances and detailed course info, transforming rounds into faster and more strategic experiences.
Course Maps
Some advanced features, like enhanced course maps and slope adjustments, require a subscription, which feels like an unnecessary extra cost.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports multiple rounds, with only about 15% drain after a full 18-hole game, making it reliable for extended play.
Display Quality
The bright, smooth glass screen and lightweight design make the watch comfortable and easy to read during play.
Smart Features
The combination of vibration prompts and post-round score confirmation helps track game stats accurately without overwhelming the player.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The watch's autoshot detection had initial reliability problems causing data loss mid-round, but recent software updates have resolved these issues.

The Garmin Approach S50 is a solid choice for golfers looking for a stylish, feature-packed GPS watch. Its bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display makes reading course details easy and enjoyable, showing over 43,000 preloaded golf courses with precise distances to greens and hazards. The GPS is reliable, helping you navigate the course confidently. Battery life holds up well, lasting up to 15 hours during active GPS use, which covers most rounds comfortably, and extends to 10 days in regular smartwatch mode.

The watch offers useful extras like Playslike Distance, which adjusts yardage based on elevation, and optional club trackers to analyze your shots more deeply. It also supports health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring and stress levels, which can aid overall fitness. Garmin Pay and music streaming options add convenience off the course too. The lightweight nylon strap and aluminum bezel provide a comfortable and durable feel, suitable for all weather conditions. The user interface combines touchscreen and button controls, which might take a little time to get used to but generally provides smooth navigation.

One limitation is that the battery life is shorter than some less colorful models, especially if you use GPS heavily. Also, some advanced functions require additional accessories or subscriptions. The Approach S50 balances golf-specific features with smart technology, making it an excellent companion for both casual and serious players who want detailed course info and fitness tracking in a sleek package.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
326 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The watch delivers instant shot distances and detailed course info, transforming rounds into faster and more strategic experiences.
Course Maps
Some advanced features, like enhanced course maps and slope adjustments, require a subscription, which feels like an unnecessary extra cost.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports multiple rounds, with only about 15% drain after a full 18-hole game, making it reliable for extended play.
Display Quality
The bright, smooth glass screen and lightweight design make the watch comfortable and easy to read during play.
Smart Features
The combination of vibration prompts and post-round score confirmation helps track game stats accurately without overwhelming the player.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The watch's autoshot detection had initial reliability problems causing data loss mid-round, but recent software updates have resolved these issues.
#2

Garmin Approach S70 (Black, 47mm) Golf GPS Watch | Premium Smartwatch with AMOLED Display, Virtual Caddie & Playslike Distance | Bundle with PlayBetter Screen Protectors & Portable Charger

Rating
9.4
Battery Life

Most important from
79 reviews

Battery Life
The larger display and comprehensive feature set are impressive, and the battery life is outstanding, lasting a week with 25% still remaining.

The Garmin Approach S70 is a standout golf GPS watch that combines advanced features with stylish design, making it a great option for both casual and serious golfers. With 43,000 full-color CourseView maps, the display quality is impressive, especially on its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen, which makes reading information on the course clear and easy. The watch is also built for durability and offers water resistance, so you can confidently wear it in various weather conditions.

One of the notable strengths of the S70 is its exceptional battery life, boasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. This means you won't have to worry about recharging it frequently, even on long outings. The virtual caddie feature is another highlight, providing personalized club recommendations based on your data, which can significantly assist in improving your game.

In terms of smart features, it integrates well with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity, yet does not offer extensive smartwatch functionalities beyond golf-related apps. This could limit its appeal for those looking for a multi-functional smartwatch experience.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life

Most important from
79 reviews

Battery Life
The larger display and comprehensive feature set are impressive, and the battery life is outstanding, lasting a week with 25% still remaining.
#3

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

Rating
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2898 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Initial GPS signal acquisition may take a little time, but once connected, it’s very accurate on the course.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional; after a 3.5-hour round, it still had a 90% charge with Bluetooth on.
Display Quality
The Garmin Approach S12 is very easy to see in the sun, thanks to its reflective display.
Smart Features
Downloading the app and pairing the watch with a phone is a breeze, even for non-techies.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to attach the charging cord and much more user-friendly compared to other GPS watches.

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.

Rating
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2898 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Initial GPS signal acquisition may take a little time, but once connected, it’s very accurate on the course.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional; after a 3.5-hour round, it still had a 90% charge with Bluetooth on.
Display Quality
The Garmin Approach S12 is very easy to see in the sun, thanks to its reflective display.
Smart Features
Downloading the app and pairing the watch with a phone is a breeze, even for non-techies.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to attach the charging cord and much more user-friendly compared to other GPS watches.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches

Choosing the right Garmin GPS golf watch can significantly enhance your golfing experience by providing accurate data and useful features. When selecting a golf watch, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for providing precise distance measurements to the green, hazards, and other key points on the course. High accuracy ensures you can trust the data to make better decisions during your game. GPS accuracy can vary, with some watches offering advanced multi-band GPS for better precision. If you play on courses with challenging terrain or in areas with poor satellite reception, opt for a watch with higher GPS accuracy.
Course MapsCourse maps are preloaded maps of golf courses that the watch can use to provide detailed information about each hole. The more courses a watch has preloaded, the more versatile it is. Some watches offer updates and the ability to download new courses. If you frequently play on different courses or travel for golf, choose a watch with a large database of course maps and easy update options.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long rounds or multi-day golf trips. Battery life can range from a few hours in GPS mode to several weeks in smartwatch mode. If you often play long rounds or multiple rounds in a day, look for a watch with extended battery life in GPS mode.
Display QualityDisplay quality affects how easily you can read the watch in different lighting conditions. A high-resolution, sunlight-readable display ensures you can see the information clearly even on bright days. Displays can range from basic monochrome to high-resolution color screens. If you play in varying light conditions, prioritize a watch with a high-quality, easily readable display.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, fitness tracking, and connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features can enhance the overall functionality of the watch beyond just golf. If you want a watch that doubles as a fitness tracker or can keep you connected with notifications, look for models with comprehensive smart features.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance ensure the watch can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and exposure to the elements. Water resistance is particularly important if you play in wet conditions or want to use the watch for other activities like swimming. Watches can range from splash-proof to fully waterproof. If you play in diverse weather conditions or want a multi-sport watch, choose one with higher durability and water resistance.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how quickly and easily you can access the watch's features. A simple, intuitive interface can make a big difference, especially during a game. Some watches offer touchscreen controls, while others use buttons. If you prefer quick and easy access to information, look for a watch with a user-friendly interface that suits your preference for touch or button controls.

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