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10 Best Garmin Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Approach® S50, Advanced Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Wrist-Based Heart Rate, Slate Aluminum Bezel with Black ComfortFit Nylon Band

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
212 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 GPS watch has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.
Course Coverage
The large, colorful face is easy to use and makes score comparison across different courses simple.
Battery Life
The watch holds a charge well, easily lasting for 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
The S50's user interface is more responsive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall experience.
Advanced Features
The watch vibrates to prompt club selection after each shot, enhancing shot tracking.
Connectivity and App Integration
While the initial software update took a long time, the watch functions perfectly afterward.

The Garmin Approach S50 is an advanced golf GPS smartwatch designed to enhance your golfing experience. One of its standout features is the stunning 1.2” AMOLED display, which brings over 43,000 preloaded golf courses to life on your wrist, making it easier to navigate the course. The ComfortFit nylon strap ensures that the watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear both on and off the course.

With up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode, it has sufficient endurance for multiple rounds of golf without needing frequent recharges. The GPS accuracy is excellent, providing distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazard views to help you navigate bunkers and water hazards. The Playslike Distance feature further enhances accuracy by adjusting yardage for elevation changes, giving you a better understanding of your shots. However, the advanced features don't stop at golf; the watch also includes fitness profiles for strength, yoga, and cardio, along with health monitoring such as wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring.

For golfers who want detailed shot tracking, pairing with optional Approach CT1 or CT10 club trackers is a great addition, though these are sold separately. Connectivity and app integration are robust, with Bluetooth and USB options, and the Garmin Golf smartphone app allows for stat tracking and handicap calculation. Additionally, the watch offers Garmin Pay for contactless payments and music downloads from popular streaming services, making it convenient for on-the-go use. While the watch is quite feature-rich, potential drawbacks include the need for separate purchases for full shot-tracking capabilities and a higher price tag compared to some other golf watches. With its comprehensive set of features and strong performance on the course, the Garmin Approach S50 is an excellent choice for avid golfers looking to improve their game.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
212 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 GPS watch has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.
Course Coverage
The large, colorful face is easy to use and makes score comparison across different courses simple.
Battery Life
The watch holds a charge well, easily lasting for 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
The S50's user interface is more responsive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall experience.
Advanced Features
The watch vibrates to prompt club selection after each shot, enhancing shot tracking.
Connectivity and App Integration
While the initial software update took a long time, the watch functions perfectly afterward.
#2

Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch, Full-Color CourseView Maps AMOLED Display, Advanced Shot Execution & Putt Alignment, Immersive Golfing Experience w/Signature Stand Power Bundle

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
77 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Approach S70 provides exceptional GPS accuracy, making it a standout feature for golfers.
Course Coverage
The watch's ability to show yardages to various hazards such as bunkers and water is highly appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through two rounds of golf without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Upgrading from an older model like the S-60 to the S-70 reveals a significant improvement in performance and usability.
Advanced Features
The watch's advanced features, like the virtual caddie, provide valuable insights and suggestions to improve one's game.

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.

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
77 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Approach S70 provides exceptional GPS accuracy, making it a standout feature for golfers.
Course Coverage
The watch's ability to show yardages to various hazards such as bunkers and water is highly appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting through two rounds of golf without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Upgrading from an older model like the S-60 to the S-70 reveals a significant improvement in performance and usability.
Advanced Features
The watch's advanced features, like the virtual caddie, provide valuable insights and suggestions to improve one's game.
#3

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

Rating
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
212 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Getting instant numbers from the watch instead of pulling out a rangefinder has significantly improved the game experience.
Course Coverage
The Garmin Golf membership fee for enhanced course maps is seen as unnecessary, with users wishing it was included.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, using only about 15% after one round, potentially lasting 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.

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.

Rating
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
212 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Getting instant numbers from the watch instead of pulling out a rangefinder has significantly improved the game experience.
Course Coverage
The Garmin Golf membership fee for enhanced course maps is seen as unnecessary, with users wishing it was included.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, using only about 15% after one round, potentially lasting 3 to 4 rounds without needing a recharge.
Display and Usability
Switching from a rangefinder to the S44 has been a game changer, making rounds faster and more strategic.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Golf Watches

Choosing the right golf watch can make your time on the course more enjoyable and help improve your game by providing helpful insights and data right on your wrist. When selecting a golf watch, it's important to consider which features will genuinely benefit your playing style and how user-friendly the watch will be for you. Understanding the key specifications will help you filter out models that aren't a good fit and focus on those that will truly enhance your golf experience.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy refers to how precisely the golf watch can determine your location on the course, including distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs. This matters because more accurate GPS means better distance readings, helping you choose the right club and plan your shots more effectively. Watches can vary in their accuracy, with some offering basic tracking and others using advanced systems for higher precision. For casual golfers, standard GPS accuracy is usually enough, but serious players who want very precise yardages should look for watches advertised with advanced GPS technology to ensure every shot is measured as closely as possible.
Course CoverageCourse coverage is about how many golf courses are preloaded or available to download on the watch. This is crucial because the more courses your watch recognizes, the more likely it is to be useful wherever you play. Some watches only have local or regional courses, while others provide access to tens of thousands of courses worldwide. Golfers who travel or like to play at different locations should opt for watches with global and regularly updated course databases, while those who stick to a few club courses may not need extensive coverage.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the golf watch can operate between charges, especially with GPS mode active. This matters because you want your watch to last through rounds without shutting off. Battery performance can range from just one or two rounds per charge to several rounds or even multiple days. If you often play long rounds or participate in tournaments, go for a watch with extended battery life in GPS mode; if you’re a shorter, casual player, standard battery performance might be enough.
Shot Tracking and AnalyticsShot tracking and analytics describe the watch's ability to monitor your shots and provide detailed feedback about your performance, like shot distances, club usage, and patterns over time. This feature is important for players looking to improve, as it helps identify strengths and weaknesses in your game. Some watches offer automatic shot detection, while others require manual input. Beginners might find this less crucial, but golfers interested in improvement will benefit from built-in tracking and easy-to-read analytics.
Display and InterfaceThe display and interface encompass screen size, readability in sunlight, and how easy the watch is to use. These affect how quickly and efficiently you can access information while playing. Some watches offer color touchscreens, while others stick to basic monochrome displays. If you value fast, clear visuals, look for bright color screens and intuitive menus; if you prefer simplicity, basic screens may suffice and offer longer battery life.
Comfort and DurabilityComfort and durability refer to how the watch feels on your wrist during play and its ability to withstand daily wear and golf course conditions. Since you’ll wear it for hours, the watch should be lightweight and have an adjustable, breathable strap. Water and shock resistance are also important to handle sweat, rain, or the occasional bump. Active golfers or those playing in varied weather should prioritize robust, comfortable builds for long-lasting wear, while occasional golfers can opt for regular comfort features.
Smart FeaturesSmart features go beyond golf, such as notifications, fitness tracking, and connectivity with your phone or other apps. These can make your golf watch useful off the course, combining it with everyday smartwatch functions. If you want a multi-use device, consider watches packed with extra smart features. If you only care about golf performance, focusing on golf-specific functions is generally the best choice.

FAQ