10 Best Rangefinder Golf Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S50 is a solid choice for golfers looking for a reliable GPS smartwatch with plenty of useful features. Its standout 1.2-inch AMOLED color display is bright and sharp, making it easy to read distances and course details on the wrist, even in sunlight. With over 43,000 preloaded courses, it covers most golf locations you might play in North America, giving good course coverage for most users. Accuracy is strong, offering distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of greens, plus hazard views that help navigate tricky spots like bunkers and water. The Playslike Distance feature is handy, adjusting yardages based on elevation changes for more realistic shot planning. Battery life is decent—up to 10 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 15 hours when using GPS continuously, which should last through a full round of golf but might require charging if playing multiple rounds in a day.

The watch is lightweight and comfortable thanks to its nylon band, though the aluminum bezel adds some sturdiness without making it bulky. It also includes extras like wrist-based heart rate tracking, stress and sleep monitoring, and even contactless payments for convenience on the course. For those serious about improving their game, pairing it with Garmin’s optional club trackers can provide detailed shot analysis. On the downside, battery life in GPS mode isn’t the longest in its class, and some features like music streaming require a subscription. Additionally, while the watch is durable for everyday use, it may not be as rugged as some more heavy-duty golf watches.

In summary, the Approach S50 is a versatile, easy-to-use device geared toward golfers who want detailed course data and health tracking in a sleek package.

The Garmin Approach S44 features a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display that clearly shows over 43,000 preloaded golf courses, making it easy to read distances to the front, middle, and back of greens. This accuracy helps golfers plan shots better by highlighting hazards like bunkers and water. Its battery lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode, suitable for several rounds before needing a recharge. The watch’s slim and lightweight design adds comfort on the wrist during play.

Course coverage is particularly strong for players in North America, with an optional Garmin Golf membership offering detailed maps and features like green contour and touch targeting for precise distance measurements. Additional smart features include shot tracking when paired with separate club trackers, automatic scorekeeping, and syncing with a smartphone app for advanced stats and handicap tracking. It also delivers phone notifications right on your wrist, allowing you to stay connected without carrying your phone.

While the battery life supports multiple rounds, it might require charging for extended play over several days. The watch is not specifically emphasized for rugged durability, which might be a consideration for use in very rough conditions. Unlocking full shot-tracking capabilities requires pairing with extra devices, potentially increasing the overall cost. The Approach S44 suits golfers seeking an easy-to-read, feature-rich GPS watch that combines essential golf functions with smartwatch conveniences.

The Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a high-resolution, sunlight-readable display that ensures visibility even in bright conditions. One of its standout features is the extensive course coverage, with over 42,000 preloaded courses from around the world, making it a valuable tool for golfers who play on various courses. The watch provides precise yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs, which can significantly aid in shot planning and accuracy on the course.

Additionally, it includes automatic scorekeeping and can track how far you hit with each club when paired with Approach CT10 sensors, though these are sold separately. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it can handle multiple rounds without needing a recharge. Durability is another strong point, as the watch is water-resistant up to 164 feet.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks. The screen size is relatively small at 0.9 inches, which may not be ideal for users who prefer larger displays. While it offers Bluetooth connectivity for uploading scores to the Garmin Golf app, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, such as touchscreens or color displays. This watch is best suited for golfers seeking a reliable, straightforward GPS watch with excellent course coverage and long battery life, but who do not require more advanced technological features.