10 Best Rangefinder Golf Watches 2025 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 S62 is a premium golf GPS watch designed to enhance your golfing experience with its array of advanced features. Its standout feature is the Virtual Caddie, which suggests the best club to use based on your typical distances, wind conditions, and the layout of the course.

The watch also boasts a large, easy-to-read 1.3” color touchscreen display that is 18% larger than its predecessor, the Approach S60, and is protected by a durable, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, ensuring you can use it for multiple rounds without needing a recharge.

With more than 41,000 preloaded full-color CourseView maps from around the world, the S62 provides extensive course coverage. Additional features like the Hazard View, PlaysLike Distance, and PinPointer make navigating the course more intuitive. The Green View allows for manual pin positioning for better accuracy in your shots. Garmin Pay supports contactless payments, adding convenience. However, this feature might not be available in all countries. On the downside, the watch is relatively expensive, and some users might find the numerous features overwhelming at first. Additionally, while the heart rate monitor and Pulse Ox sensors are great for fitness tracking, they might be considered unnecessary for users solely focused on golf. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Approach S62 is an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive and reliable GPS watch to improve their game.