10 Best Golf Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S44 is a sleek golf GPS smartwatch designed for avid golfers. One of its standout features is the 1.2” color AMOLED display, which offers vibrant visuals that bring the 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist. This watch excels in providing accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as navigation around hazards, making it a valuable tool on the course.

The slim design and lightweight build (1.5 ounces) add to its appeal, ensuring it is comfortable to wear throughout the day. Additionally, the watch is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to receive smart notifications directly on your wrist, which can be convenient when you want to leave your phone behind during a game. The S44 also supports pairing with optional club trackers for shot-tracking capabilities and offers an advanced stat tracking and handicap calculation feature through the Garmin Golf smartphone app.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The battery life, while decent at up to 15 hours in GPS mode, may require frequent charging for extensive use. Additionally, the watch's water resistance rating is not specified, which might be a concern for those who play in varying weather conditions. Lastly, while the watch offers a wide range of features, some users might find the need for a Garmin Golf membership to access enhanced course maps an added expense.

The Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golf enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use GPS watch. With over 42,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide, it offers extensive coverage, making it suitable for both casual and serious golfers. The high-resolution display is sunlight-readable, ensuring you can easily view crucial information outdoors. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which is great for long rounds or multiple games without needing a charge.

A standout feature is the ability to keep score directly on the watch and upload it via the Garmin Golf app, fostering engagement through weekly leaderboards. Additionally, the watch can track your shot distances if paired with compatible club tracking sensors.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the watch excels in golf-specific features, it may lack some advanced health or fitness tracking features that other smartwatches offer. Some users might find the interface a bit basic since it primarily focuses on golf functionality rather than multi-sport capabilities. The screen size, at only 0.9 inches, may also feel small for those used to larger displays. In terms of design, the Garmin Approach S12 is lightweight and has a modern round shape, but it may not be as stylish for non-golf-related occasions. Lastly, while it’s water-resistant up to 164 feet, it’s important to handle it with care to maintain its durability.

The Approach S12 is an excellent golf watch for those who prioritize GPS accuracy, course coverage, and battery life. Golfers who want a simple and effective tool for their game will likely appreciate its strengths, while those seeking a multi-functional smartwatch may want to explore other options.

The Garmin Approach S62 is a top-tier golf GPS watch that excels in several critical areas for golfers. One of its standout features is the large and vibrant 1.3” color touchscreen display, which is 18% larger than its predecessor, the Approach S60. This makes it easier to read information on the course. The screen is also scratch-resistant and comes with interchangeable bands, which adds to its durability and versatility. In terms of battery life, the watch performs admirably with up to 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, ensuring it lasts through multiple rounds of golf without needing a recharge.

The GPS accuracy is impressive, supported by over 41,000 preloaded course maps worldwide, making it easy to navigate any golf course you play on. Features like the Virtual Caddie, which suggests clubs based on your performance and factors in wind conditions, and Hazard View, which helps you quickly assess potential hazards, provide valuable assistance during play. The PlaysLike Distance feature adjusts for elevation changes, giving you more accurate distance readings, and the Green View function lets you manually position the pin for better approach shots.

Additionally, the watch offers Garmin Pay for convenient, contactless payments, and smart notifications, making it a versatile companion off the course as well. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch's premium price point might be a barrier for casual golfers. Also, while it offers a host of features, some users might find the learning curve steep, especially if they are not tech-savvy. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Approach S62's combination of robust features, durable build, and advanced golfing assistance makes it an excellent choice for serious golfers looking to improve their game.