10 Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches 2026 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 S70 is a versatile golf smartwatch that packs a lot of features into its stylish 47 mm ceramic design. One of its standout features is the bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which excels in clarity and visibility, even under direct sunlight. With over 43,000 preloaded global golf course maps and advanced GPS capabilities, it provides accurate location tracking and essential golf-related information, making it a valuable tool for golfers looking to enhance their game.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 16 days under normal use and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is impressive for a multifunctional smartwatch. Additionally, it includes various health and wellness tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, appealing to users who prioritize fitness.

Durability is assured with a waterproof rating of up to 50 meters, which allows for use in various environments, including water sports. The lightweight design is comfortable for all-day wear, whether on the golf course or in daily errands. It is relatively pricey compared to simpler golf GPS devices, which could be a drawback for casual golfers who may not need all the extra features. The watch's size might also feel bulky for users with smaller wrists.

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.