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 S62 is a premium golf GPS watch designed for both amateur and serious golfers. One of its standout features is the large 1.3-inch color touchscreen, which is easy to read and enhances usability on the course. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long rounds without needing a recharge. With over 41,000 preloaded course maps, you can expect comprehensive coverage for your golfing needs.

The built-in Virtual Caddie is a significant advantage, as it suggests clubs based on your typical hitting distances and takes environmental factors like wind into account. This can help improve your game by making informed decisions. The PlaysLike Distance feature is particularly useful for adjusting distances on uphill or downhill shots, while the PinPointer feature assists on blind shots by directing you to the pin's location.

Durability is another strong point, with water resistance making it a suitable companion in various weather conditions. The connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allow for integration with the Garmin Golf app, providing further insights into your performance through strokes gained analysis and the ability to join tournaments. The Garmin Approach S62 is a great choice for golfers seeking a feature-rich GPS watch that enhances their game. Although it may have a learning curve and a higher price tag, its robust features make it a worthwhile investment for serious golfers.