10 Best Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S44 is a sleek golf GPS smartwatch designed for avid golfers. One of its standout features is the 1.2” color AMOLED display, which offers vibrant visuals that bring the 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist. This watch excels in providing accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as navigation around hazards, making it a valuable tool on the course.

The slim design and lightweight build (1.5 ounces) add to its appeal, ensuring it is comfortable to wear throughout the day. Additionally, the watch is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to receive smart notifications directly on your wrist, which can be convenient when you want to leave your phone behind during a game. The S44 also supports pairing with optional club trackers for shot-tracking capabilities and offers an advanced stat tracking and handicap calculation feature through the Garmin Golf smartphone app.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The battery life, while decent at up to 15 hours in GPS mode, may require frequent charging for extensive use. Additionally, the watch's water resistance rating is not specified, which might be a concern for those who play in varying weather conditions. Lastly, while the watch offers a wide range of features, some users might find the need for a Garmin Golf membership to access enhanced course maps an added expense.

The Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golf enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use GPS watch. With over 42,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide, it offers extensive coverage, making it suitable for both casual and serious golfers. The high-resolution display is sunlight-readable, ensuring you can easily view crucial information outdoors. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which is great for long rounds or multiple games without needing a charge.

A standout feature is the ability to keep score directly on the watch and upload it via the Garmin Golf app, fostering engagement through weekly leaderboards. Additionally, the watch can track your shot distances if paired with compatible club tracking sensors.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the watch excels in golf-specific features, it may lack some advanced health or fitness tracking features that other smartwatches offer. Some users might find the interface a bit basic since it primarily focuses on golf functionality rather than multi-sport capabilities. The screen size, at only 0.9 inches, may also feel small for those used to larger displays. In terms of design, the Garmin Approach S12 is lightweight and has a modern round shape, but it may not be as stylish for non-golf-related occasions. Lastly, while it’s water-resistant up to 164 feet, it’s important to handle it with care to maintain its durability.

The Approach S12 is an excellent golf watch for those who prioritize GPS accuracy, course coverage, and battery life. Golfers who want a simple and effective tool for their game will likely appreciate its strengths, while those seeking a multi-functional smartwatch may want to explore other options.

The Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch is designed to enhance the golfing experience with numerous advanced features. One of its standout strengths is its full-color CourseView maps, offering access to over 43,000 courses worldwide. The high-quality 1.2” AMOLED display delivers exceptional detail, making it easier to visualize courses and plan shots effectively. The advanced virtual caddie and PlaysLike Distance features provide precise club recommendations and distance calculations, taking into account factors like wind and elevation, which can significantly improve game strategy and performance.

Additionally, the green contour data is a unique feature that can help with putt alignment by offering insights into the slope and topography of greens on select courses. With a battery life of up to 16 days, it’s reliable for extended use without frequent charging. The watch is also durable and waterproof, suitable for all weather conditions on the course.

However, the advanced features and high-quality display may come at a premium price, potentially making it a less attractive option for casual golfers or those on a budget. While the additional power bank and charging accessories included in the bundle add value, they may not be necessary for everyone. The watch’s relatively small screen size of 1.4 inches might also be a limitation for users who prefer larger displays. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Approach S70 is a robust and feature-rich golf smartwatch that can greatly benefit serious golfers looking to enhance their game.