10 Best Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golf enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use GPS watch. With over 42,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide, it offers extensive coverage, making it suitable for both casual and serious golfers. The high-resolution display is sunlight-readable, ensuring you can easily view crucial information outdoors. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which is great for long rounds or multiple games without needing a charge.

A standout feature is the ability to keep score directly on the watch and upload it via the Garmin Golf app, fostering engagement through weekly leaderboards. Additionally, the watch can track your shot distances if paired with compatible club tracking sensors.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the watch excels in golf-specific features, it may lack some advanced health or fitness tracking features that other smartwatches offer. Some users might find the interface a bit basic since it primarily focuses on golf functionality rather than multi-sport capabilities. The screen size, at only 0.9 inches, may also feel small for those used to larger displays. In terms of design, the Garmin Approach S12 is lightweight and has a modern round shape, but it may not be as stylish for non-golf-related occasions. Lastly, while it’s water-resistant up to 164 feet, it’s important to handle it with care to maintain its durability.

The Approach S12 is an excellent golf watch for those who prioritize GPS accuracy, course coverage, and battery life. Golfers who want a simple and effective tool for their game will likely appreciate its strengths, while those seeking a multi-functional smartwatch may want to explore other options.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a sleek golf GPS smartwatch designed for avid golfers. One of its standout features is the 1.2” color AMOLED display, which offers vibrant visuals that bring the 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist. This watch excels in providing accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as navigation around hazards, making it a valuable tool on the course.

The slim design and lightweight build (1.5 ounces) add to its appeal, ensuring it is comfortable to wear throughout the day. Additionally, the watch is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to receive smart notifications directly on your wrist, which can be convenient when you want to leave your phone behind during a game. The S44 also supports pairing with optional club trackers for shot-tracking capabilities and offers an advanced stat tracking and handicap calculation feature through the Garmin Golf smartphone app.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The battery life, while decent at up to 15 hours in GPS mode, may require frequent charging for extensive use. Additionally, the watch's water resistance rating is not specified, which might be a concern for those who play in varying weather conditions. Lastly, while the watch offers a wide range of features, some users might find the need for a Garmin Golf membership to access enhanced course maps an added expense.

The Garmin Approach S70 is a standout golf smartwatch, especially appealing to avid golfers who want advanced features to enhance their game. One of its major strengths is the GPS accuracy, with over 43,000 preloaded golf courses and advanced SATIQ technology, ensuring precise location tracking on the course. The AMOLED display is another highlight, providing vibrant colors and clarity, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 days on a single charge and offering 20 hours in GPS mode, which is ideal for extended golfing sessions or outdoor activities. The watch is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of golf-related applications, including shot tracking and hazard info, which can significantly benefit players looking to improve their game.

In addition to golf, the S70 serves as a multifunctional fitness watch with capabilities for various sports and health monitoring, making it versatile for everyday use. With features like health tracking, music downloads, Garmin Pay, and safety alerts, it caters to a wide range of users beyond just golfers. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the watch is lightweight, some may find its size (47 mm) a bit bulky for daily wear outside of sports. Additionally, while the price may reflect its premium features, it might not fit everyone's budget compared to simpler models. The water resistance rating of 5 ATM is suitable for most activities, but serious divers might find this limiting. The Garmin Approach S70 excels in delivering a rich blend of golf-specific features and general smartwatch functionality, making it a great choice for both committed golfers and fitness enthusiasts. Just keep in mind its size and price point when making your decision.