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 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.

The Garmin Enduro 3 Ultraperformance GPS Smartwatch is a solid choice for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering impressive features tailored to enhance your experience on the course or during any adventure. One of its standout strengths is the exceptional battery life, which can last up to 90 days in smartwatch mode and 320 hours in GPS mode, thanks to solar charging. This means you can play multiple rounds without worrying about recharging frequently, which is a significant advantage in an outdoor setting.

The watch is designed to be ultralight at just 63 grams, ensuring comfort during long hours of wear, whether on the course or during workouts. The built-in LED flashlight is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to navigate in low-light conditions, making it versatile for evening runs or hikes. GPS accuracy is reliable, with preloaded TopoActive maps that support pinpoint navigation, an essential feature for golfers looking for precise course layouts and distances. The 1.4-inch HD display is user-friendly and clear, although some users might find it slightly small for detailed data analysis.

However, it’s not without drawbacks. While it excels in battery longevity, the watch's design may feel basic compared to more stylish or feature-rich options available in the smartwatch market. Additionally, while it's packed with features for outdoor sports, it may lack some advanced golf-specific functionalities found in dedicated golf watches, such as swing analysis or advanced course mapping. The included gift box bundle, which features a portable charger and protective accessories, adds great value, making this smartwatch an appealing present for fitness enthusiasts. Its higher price point compared to basic models might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.