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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 by1,225
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
241 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 by1,225
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
241 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® S44, Essential Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Silver Aluminum Bezel with Twilight Silicone Band

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
241 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin position on the green is simple and enhances distance accuracy, helping players make more precise shots.
Course Coverage
Some frustration exists over Garmin's subscription model for enhanced course maps and slope data, which users feel should be included as standard features.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively supports multiple rounds, with only about 15% drain after a full 18-hole round, enabling extended use without frequent recharging.
Shot Tracking and Analytics
The intuitive vibration prompts for club selection after each shot streamline shot tracking, though it requires some adjustment as it also triggers after practice swings.
Display and Interface
The watch transforms the golfing experience by providing instant yardages and strategic data right on the wrist, eliminating the need for a separate rangefinder.
Comfort and Durability
Its lightweight, slim design and smooth glass screen make it comfortable and stylish for both on-course and daily wear.
Smart Features
Smart notifications add convenience by delivering emails, texts, and alerts directly to the watch, integrating golf and daily life seamlessly.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a slim and stylish golf GPS watch featuring a sharp 1.2-inch AMOLED color display, making course details clear and easy to read. It comes preloaded with over 43,000 courses, primarily covering North America, providing quick access to important distances like front, middle, and back of greens, as well as hazards such as bunkers and water. Battery life lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode, sufficient for an extended day on the course.

For shot tracking, it pairs with optional club sensors (sold separately) to offer useful insights into your game, helping you focus on areas needing improvement. Scorekeeping is simple directly on the watch, and stats can be synced to the Garmin Golf app for more detailed analysis and handicap tracking. Comfort-wise, its slim design and lightweight build make it easy to wear without feeling bulky. The watch also supports smart notifications, allowing you to receive emails, texts, and alerts right on your wrist when connected to your phone.

Some users may find that the battery requires daily charging if used heavily with GPS and smart features. Advanced shot tracking requires purchasing additional accessories, and while course coverage is strong in North America, it might be less comprehensive in other regions. The Approach S44 is well suited for golfers seeking a handy, stylish GPS watch with solid on-course functions and basic smart features, without involving overly complex technology.

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
241 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Adjusting the pin position on the green is simple and enhances distance accuracy, helping players make more precise shots.
Course Coverage
Some frustration exists over Garmin's subscription model for enhanced course maps and slope data, which users feel should be included as standard features.
Battery Life
Battery life impressively supports multiple rounds, with only about 15% drain after a full 18-hole round, enabling extended use without frequent recharging.
Shot Tracking and Analytics
The intuitive vibration prompts for club selection after each shot streamline shot tracking, though it requires some adjustment as it also triggers after practice swings.
Display and Interface
The watch transforms the golfing experience by providing instant yardages and strategic data right on the wrist, eliminating the need for a separate rangefinder.
Comfort and Durability
Its lightweight, slim design and smooth glass screen make it comfortable and stylish for both on-course and daily wear.
Smart Features
Smart notifications add convenience by delivering emails, texts, and alerts directly to the watch, integrating golf and daily life seamlessly.
#3

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
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
80 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
8.8
GPS Accuracy
Course Coverage
Battery Life

Most important from
80 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.

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.

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