10 Best Garmin Golf GPS Devices 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S50 is a golf GPS smartwatch designed to enhance your time on the course by providing accurate distances and useful features right on your wrist. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED color display is bright and clear, making it easy to read course details and hazards, which is a big help when planning your shots. With over 43,000 preloaded courses mainly across North America, it offers extensive course coverage for most golfers. The battery life supports up to 15 hours in GPS mode—enough for a full day of golf—and extends to 10 days if used just as a smartwatch, which means less frequent charging is needed.

You get smart distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of greens, plus a feature that adjusts distances for elevation changes to give a truer shot yardage. The watch pairs with optional club trackers for detailed shot analysis, adding value if you want to dive deeper into improving your game. Beyond golf, it tracks heart rate and other health stats to help maintain overall fitness, which might be a bonus if you enjoy a well-rounded wearable. It also supports contactless payments and music streaming, making it versatile off the course.

The nylon strap is comfortable and lightweight, although some may prefer a more durable material for rougher use. The device is user-friendly with both touchscreen and button controls, simplifying navigation even for those new to golf GPS watches. Some users might find the battery life in GPS mode a bit limited if playing back-to-back rounds, but for most, it strikes a good balance. The Approach S50 mixes useful golf-focused tools with smartwatch conveniences, making it ideal for golfers who want accurate course info plus fitness and lifestyle features in one device.

The Garmin Approach R50 is a premium golf launch monitor and simulator featuring a bright 10-inch color touchscreen for easy interaction both on the course and at the range. It uses a 3-camera system to provide detailed swing metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate, offering precise feedback to help golfers improve their game. The device supports an extensive course library of over 43,000 courses via the Home Tee Hero platform, enabling virtual rounds and online competitions, though this requires an active subscription. Battery life is about 4 hours, suitable for typical practice sessions, but may need recharging for extended use.

Portability is enhanced by an included carrying case, although the device weighs around 9 pounds, which may not be the lightest option. The built-in barometer improves accuracy by adjusting distance calculations based on atmospheric conditions, enhancing outdoor performance. Users can also connect the R50 to a monitor or projector through HDMI for a larger viewing experience, a useful feature for home practice setups.

The device includes essentials such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen control. It is well-suited for serious golfers seeking detailed swing data and virtual play, while casual users may find the subscription requirement and device weight less convenient.

The Garmin Approach G80 is a versatile golf GPS device that combines a bright 3.5-inch touchscreen with an integrated launch monitor, making it a good fit for golfers who want both course navigation and swing analysis in one unit. Its display is easy to read even in sunlight, which helps when you are outdoors on the course. The device includes more than 41,000 preloaded golf course maps worldwide, so it will work in most locations. Battery life is solid, offering up to 15 hours of use with GPS active, enough for multiple rounds without recharging.

One of the G80's standout features is the built-in launch monitor that tracks important swing data like club head speed, ball speed, and estimated distance. This feature is useful if you're looking to practice and improve your game by reviewing these stats. The device offers dedicated practice and game modes to help test and develop your skills. In terms of accuracy, the club head speed is measured within a range of plus or minus 5 mph, which is fairly precise for this type of handheld device, though it might not replace professional-grade launch monitors. The device is lightweight and has a slim design with quick button access for ease of use, alongside Bluetooth connectivity for syncing data.

The G80 is designed to be durable and suitable for outdoor conditions, but users should avoid heavy rain or submersion to protect the device. The package includes useful accessories like a trolley mount and lanyard, which enhance convenience during play. This device is well suited for golfers who want a combination of GPS navigation and swing data in a portable device, effectively covering the essentials for navigating courses and offering helpful practice tools. Serious players seeking highly precise launch measurements might want to consider specialized equipment.