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

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,283
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2780 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
9.7
Chosen by1,283
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2780 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.
#2

Garmin Approach S50 (Cream Gold/Ivory) Golf GPS Smartwatch Bundle - 1.2" AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Wrist Heart Rate with PlayBetter Screen Protectors & 5000mAh Portable Charger

Rating
9.4
Display Quality
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
12 reviews

Display Quality
More visible compared to previous models.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Touch screen makes it super easy to use!

The Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Smartwatch Bundle offers a comprehensive set of features tailored for golfers. Its standout feature is the 1.2” AMOLED display, providing clear and vibrant visuals, which enhances the readability of yardages and course maps. With over 43,000 preloaded courses, golfers can access detailed maps of nearly any course, ensuring they have the information needed for precise shots.

The GPS accuracy is reliable, and the PlaysLike Distance feature adjusts yardages for slopes, helping golfers make informed club selections. The watch's ComfortFit nylon strap is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear throughout lengthy rounds. Battery life is another strong point; it lasts up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode, reducing the need for frequent recharges. Smart features like wrist heart rate monitoring add extra value, allowing users to track their fitness levels.

Additionally, the bundle includes PlayBetter screen protectors and a 5000mAh portable charger, which are useful additions for maintaining the watch's condition and prolonging its usage. On the downside, while the watch is designed to be durable and offers water resistance, it may not be suitable for extreme conditions. The user interface is intuitive but may require some familiarization for those new to smartwatches. The Garmin Approach S50 is well-suited for avid golfers seeking a stylish and functional GPS golf watch with extensive course coverage and solid battery performance.

Rating
9.4
Display Quality
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
12 reviews

Display Quality
More visible compared to previous models.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Touch screen makes it super easy to use!
#3

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

Rating
9.2
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
196 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin location on the green for more accurate yardages is a highly appreciated feature.
Course Maps
Reviewing rounds hole by hole with course maps, club selection, and yardage numbers is incredibly satisfying.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with only 15% drain after one round, suggesting it can last for 3-4 rounds without recharging.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a sleek and modern golf GPS smartwatch designed to improve your game with a range of on-course features. The standout 1.2” AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, making the 43,000+ preloaded course maps easy to read. The GPS accuracy is reliable, helping you gauge distances to various points on the course including greens, hazards, and layups. You can also pair the watch with optional club trackers for enhanced shot tracking, which can be very beneficial for focusing on specific areas of improvement in your game.

The battery life is fairly decent with up to 15 hours in GPS mode, enough for a couple of rounds without needing a recharge. Smart features such as notifications for calls, texts, and emails when paired with your smartphone provide added convenience, letting you stay connected even on the course. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, which is great for long rounds of golf. The 1.2” screen might feel a bit small for some users.

The Garmin Approach S44 offers a blend of performance and smart features, making it a good choice for avid golfers who want to enhance their game with accurate data and convenient tech on their wrist.

Rating
9.2
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
196 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin location on the green for more accurate yardages is a highly appreciated feature.
Course Maps
Reviewing rounds hole by hole with course maps, club selection, and yardage numbers is incredibly satisfying.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with only 15% drain after one round, suggesting it can last for 3-4 rounds without recharging.

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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