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10 Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch, Built-in Virtual Caddie, Mapping and Full Color Screen, White

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,189
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
461 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Locates satellites faster, making GPS functionality more efficient.
Course Maps
Hazard list navigation is better than previous models, making it easier to gauge distances to obstacles.
Battery Life
Combines the best features of the S60 and S40, including 'plays like' distances and a long-lasting battery.
Display Quality
Face is larger, clearer, and more readable in direct sunlight, enhancing visibility on the course.
Smart Features
Always-on heart rate and Pulse Ox features are useful for health monitoring.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Automatically detects starting hole, even with course layout changes, improving ease of use.

The Garmin Approach S62 is a high-end golf GPS watch that impresses with its large, easy-to-read 1.3-inch color touchscreen display. The display is larger and more scratch-resistant than its predecessor, the Approach S60, and it features a ceramic bezel and interchangeable bands for a customizable look. One of the standout features is the Virtual Caddie, which provides club suggestions based on your typical performance, wind conditions, and optimal aiming points. This can be a game-changer for improving your strategy on the course.

Additionally, the watch comes preloaded with over 41,000 full-color CourseView maps from around the globe, making it highly versatile for avid golfers who travel frequently. The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, reducing the need for frequent charging. Smart features like Garmin Pay for contactless payments and compatibility with the Garmin Golf app offer added convenience and deeper insights into your game.

On the downside, the Garmin Approach S62 can be quite expensive compared to other golf GPS watches, and its advanced features might be overwhelming for beginners. However, its durability, water resistance, and ease of use make it a reliable companion on the golf course. The watch also includes useful features like Hazard View, PlaysLike Distance, and Green View for detailed course navigation. Despite some complexity, the intuitive user interface makes it accessible for most users. In summary, the Garmin Approach S62 is best suited for dedicated golfers who want a robust, feature-packed GPS watch to enhance their game and course management skills.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,189
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
461 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Locates satellites faster, making GPS functionality more efficient.
Course Maps
Hazard list navigation is better than previous models, making it easier to gauge distances to obstacles.
Battery Life
Combines the best features of the S60 and S40, including 'plays like' distances and a long-lasting battery.
Display Quality
Face is larger, clearer, and more readable in direct sunlight, enhancing visibility on the course.
Smart Features
Always-on heart rate and Pulse Ox features are useful for health monitoring.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Automatically detects starting hole, even with course layout changes, improving ease of use.
#2

Garmin Approach® S44, Essential Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Silver Aluminum Bezel with Black Silicone Band

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
41 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin location on the green for more accurate yardages is a highly appreciated feature.
Course Maps
Reviewing rounds hole by hole with course maps, club selection, and yardage numbers is incredibly satisfying.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with only 15% drain after one round, suggesting it can last for 3-4 rounds without recharging.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a sleek and modern golf GPS smartwatch designed to improve your game with a range of on-course features. The standout 1.2” AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, making the 43,000+ preloaded course maps easy to read. The GPS accuracy is reliable, helping you gauge distances to various points on the course including greens, hazards, and layups. You can also pair the watch with optional club trackers for enhanced shot tracking, which can be very beneficial for focusing on specific areas of improvement in your game.

The battery life is fairly decent with up to 15 hours in GPS mode, enough for a couple of rounds without needing a recharge. Smart features such as notifications for calls, texts, and emails when paired with your smartphone provide added convenience, letting you stay connected even on the course. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, which is great for long rounds of golf. The 1.2” screen might feel a bit small for some users.

The Garmin Approach S44 offers a blend of performance and smart features, making it a good choice for avid golfers who want to enhance their game with accurate data and convenient tech on their wrist.

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
41 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin location on the green for more accurate yardages is a highly appreciated feature.
Course Maps
Reviewing rounds hole by hole with course maps, club selection, and yardage numbers is incredibly satisfying.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with only 15% drain after one round, suggesting it can last for 3-4 rounds without recharging.
#3

Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Black, 010-02472-00

Rating
9.6
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2516 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Initial GPS signal acquisition may take a little time, but once connected, it’s very accurate on the course.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional; after a 3.5-hour round, it still had a 90% charge with Bluetooth on.
Display Quality
The Garmin Approach S12 is very easy to see in the sun, thanks to its reflective display.
Smart Features
Downloading the app and pairing the watch with a phone is a breeze, even for non-techies.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to attach the charging cord and much more user-friendly compared to other GPS watches.

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.

Rating
9.6
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Display Quality

Most important from
2516 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Initial GPS signal acquisition may take a little time, but once connected, it’s very accurate on the course.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional; after a 3.5-hour round, it still had a 90% charge with Bluetooth on.
Display Quality
The Garmin Approach S12 is very easy to see in the sun, thanks to its reflective display.
Smart Features
Downloading the app and pairing the watch with a phone is a breeze, even for non-techies.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to attach the charging cord and much more user-friendly compared to other GPS watches.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches

Choosing the right Garmin GPS golf watch can significantly enhance your golfing experience by providing accurate data and useful features. When selecting a golf watch, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for providing precise distance measurements to the green, hazards, and other key points on the course. High accuracy ensures you can trust the data to make better decisions during your game. GPS accuracy can vary, with some watches offering advanced multi-band GPS for better precision. If you play on courses with challenging terrain or in areas with poor satellite reception, opt for a watch with higher GPS accuracy.
Course MapsCourse maps are preloaded maps of golf courses that the watch can use to provide detailed information about each hole. The more courses a watch has preloaded, the more versatile it is. Some watches offer updates and the ability to download new courses. If you frequently play on different courses or travel for golf, choose a watch with a large database of course maps and easy update options.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long rounds or multi-day golf trips. Battery life can range from a few hours in GPS mode to several weeks in smartwatch mode. If you often play long rounds or multiple rounds in a day, look for a watch with extended battery life in GPS mode.
Display QualityDisplay quality affects how easily you can read the watch in different lighting conditions. A high-resolution, sunlight-readable display ensures you can see the information clearly even on bright days. Displays can range from basic monochrome to high-resolution color screens. If you play in varying light conditions, prioritize a watch with a high-quality, easily readable display.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, fitness tracking, and connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features can enhance the overall functionality of the watch beyond just golf. If you want a watch that doubles as a fitness tracker or can keep you connected with notifications, look for models with comprehensive smart features.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance ensure the watch can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and exposure to the elements. Water resistance is particularly important if you play in wet conditions or want to use the watch for other activities like swimming. Watches can range from splash-proof to fully waterproof. If you play in diverse weather conditions or want a multi-sport watch, choose one with higher durability and water resistance.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how quickly and easily you can access the watch's features. A simple, intuitive interface can make a big difference, especially during a game. Some watches offer touchscreen controls, while others use buttons. If you prefer quick and easy access to information, look for a watch with a user-friendly interface that suits your preference for touch or button controls.

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