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 S42 is a lightweight and stylish GPS golf smartwatch designed to enhance your golfing experience. It features a 1.2-inch color touchscreen that is easy to read and allows for quick navigation. With over 42,000 preloaded courses, the watch offers extensive course coverage, making it a great companion for golfers who play on various courses. The Green View feature and manual pin positioning help you get precise distances to different parts of the green, while the AutoShot round analyzer tracks your shots automatically, though its accuracy can vary based on ball contact and lie conditions. The watch also supports pairing with optional Approach CT10 sensors for more detailed game tracking.

Battery life is commendable, lasting up to 15 hours in GPS mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, ensuring it can last through multiple rounds of golf without needing a recharge. The build quality is high, with a gunmetal ceramic bezel and a durable black silicone band, making it both stylish and resilient. The watch is water-resistant, which is beneficial for use in various weather conditions. For smart features, the Garmin Approach S42 offers notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone and includes activity-tracking features like steps and sleep monitoring.

It integrates well with the Garmin Golf app, allowing you to review stats, upload scorecards, and participate in live scoring. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth technology, and the user experience is enhanced by the easy-to-use interface and quick-release bands. However, some users may find the shot tracking to be less reliable in certain conditions, and the smartwatch features, while useful, may not be as advanced as those found in dedicated fitness trackers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Approach S42 stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly golf watch suitable for both casual and serious golfers.