10 Best Garmin Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch is designed with golfers in mind, offering several useful features that cater specifically to this sport. One of its standout strengths is the preloaded database of over 42,000 courses worldwide, ensuring that golfers have access to accurate and comprehensive course information. The GPS accuracy is reliable, providing precise yardages to various points on the course such as the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs. This can significantly enhance gameplay strategy and decision-making on the course.

The watch's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which means it can comfortably handle multiple rounds of golf without needing a recharge. The high-resolution sunlight-readable display ensures that the screen remains clear and easy to read, even on bright days outdoors. The watch also offers scorekeeping features and connectivity with the Garmin Golf app, allowing users to upload scores, participate in leaderboards, and track their performance over time. However, the advanced club tracking features require additional sensors (sold separately), which might be an extra cost for users looking to utilize this functionality.

Durability and water resistance up to 164 feet make it suitable for various weather conditions and environments, adding to its robustness. Connectivity via Bluetooth is straightforward, but users must pair the watch with a compatible smartphone to access some features fully. The Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golfers seeking a functional and user-friendly GPS watch with extensive course coverage and reliable performance on the golf course.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a versatile and well-designed golf watch that stands out with its vibrant 1.2” AMOLED display, making course maps clear and easy to read. This watch comes preloaded with over 43,000 courses, which is great for golfers who travel to different locations. The GPS accuracy is excellent, providing precise distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards on the course. This can significantly improve your game management and decision-making.

The Approach S44 also offers advanced features like shot-tracking capabilities when paired with optional club trackers, and detailed stat tracking through the Garmin Golf app, which can be very insightful for dedicated golfers looking to analyze their performance. Battery life is decent, with up to 15 hours in GPS mode, which should cover a few rounds of golf before needing a recharge. However, heavy users might need to charge it more frequently. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and its design is sleek, combining a silver aluminum bezel with a durable black silicone band. The water resistance adds to its durability, making it reliable in various weather conditions.

On the downside, some users might find the need for a Garmin Golf membership to access enhanced course maps and other features a bit restrictive. Additionally, while the smartwatch connectivity for notifications is a useful feature, it may not be as essential for everyone. The Garmin Approach S44 is a strong contender for golfers seeking a feature-rich GPS watch, especially those who value precise course details and advanced game tracking.

The Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch is designed for golf enthusiasts who want to enhance their game with advanced technology. One of its standout features is the impressive GPS accuracy, offering access to over 43,000 full-color CourseView maps that provide detailed information about each hole. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and easy to read, allowing for quick navigation through the various features, which is helpful on the course.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 16 days on a single charge, meaning you won’t have to worry about recharging frequently, even during extended play. The watch also includes advanced features like a virtual caddie that suggests clubs based on your historical data and environmental factors, along with the innovative PlaysLike Distance feature that gives you adjusted yardage based on terrain characteristics.

The watch is waterproof and durable, making it a reliable companion on the course. The included charging accessories like the watch stand and portable power bank add extra value. The Garmin Approach S70 is a solid choice for serious golfers looking for advanced functionalities to help improve their game, but it may be more than what a beginner might need.