Garmin is one of the world's leading tech brands and over recent years it has made a big slash in the golf industry with its market leading GPS technology. A brand synonymous with high-quality products, Garmin is now one of the top names when it comes to the best golf GPS devices. While Garmin excels across all golf GPS platforms, perhaps the area they are most accomplished in is when it comes to producing the best golf watches. Garmin offer some of the best watches across all price categories.
So whether you want something basic that gives you front-middle-back yardages, something a little more upmarket with a bright and easy-to-view display, or an out-and-out fully-fledged smart watch with golf capabilities, there's a Garmin to suit your needs. The reason they are so good is that Garmin has found a perfect balance between usability, convenience and powerful features in all of their watches.
We have tested them all and here we will list the best Garmin golf watches on the market right now. However, if golf watches aren't for you, then why not check out some of the best budget golf rangefinders, best golf launch monitors, or the best golf shot tracking apps and devices too.
The Quick List
The outstanding Approach S70 is the most feature-packed golf watch Garmin has produced. It boasts a brilliant display and incredible detail as well as an expansive raft of handy features.
The mid-priced S42 is ideal for use anywhere. A number of extremely useful and easy-to-use features are contained in a sleek package suitable for golfers of all levels.
The Approach S62 was Garmin's flagship offering before being upgraded by the S70. This watch is one for the gadget loving golfer who wants lots of cool golf features and the ability to track shots all in one place.
If you don't want the distraction of too many features and just want something basic to show you how far away the flag is, the S12 ticks the box. The yardages are accurate and well-displayed on a black and white screen.
Features all of the functionality of the S70 only in a premium build, the MARQ sits at the top end of the price spectrum and is a smart and sophisticated golf watch that boasts cutting edge features and a crystal clear display.
Best Garmin Golf Watches
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Top pick
There is a strong argument to say that the Garmin Approach S70 is the best golf watch out there on the market currently. It's very user friendly given the wealth of technology it boasts and it is a perfect option for the more tech-savvy and gadget-loving golfer. That being said, even the not so tech-savvy golfer should be able to get the hang of this watch fairly quickly.
The S70 can do as much or as little as you need it to. If you mostly just want the basics then you have the general yardages to greens, bunkers, and hazards etc and you don't have to do a great deal to access them. You can also enter your score during play as well as other details such as club selection, drive location, penalties and number of putts which will all be collated and synced to your Garmin account to give you ongoing statistics to track your performance.
Another amazing feature is the weather forecast integration, which will help to give you yardages and data based on the current weather. After playing five rounds using the watch you can utilise the Virtual Caddie feature, which will recommend club selections based on how far you hit each club. With these features, you can not doubt that this is one of the most comprehensive and best golf watches you can get.
This watch looks fantastic on the wrist as the large screen is bright and colorful when looking at the hole map. As with all Garmin watches it comes pre-loaded with over 43,000 courses and can swiftly transition from watch face to golf mode at the flick of a button. As a golf watch it's unrivalled, but you can use this watch for general fitness tracking too and it boasts a number of smart watch features.
A lot of golf smartwatches can have poor battery life, but this is not the case with the S70 which can hold its charge for up to 16 days when using it as a standard smartwatch. In golf mode using the GPS you will get 20 hours, which is still very impressive. We haven't even scratched the surface when it comes to what this watch can do so to find out more you should definitely read our full review.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch Review
Best mid-price
If you're looking for something packed with features but in a lower price point than the S70, the S42 is an ideal solution. You can feel how well made it is from the moment you put it on and it boasts many of the features you find in more expensive models. We really liked the analog display which makes it suitable for use in more social settings away from the course.
While you can wear it anywhere, the course is where this watch really comes into its own. With one click of the side button you are into golf mode and can easily scroll through the many features available. Initially, you will have the front, middle, and back yardages as normal, but if you choose you can also add in the pin location to give you that bit more precision when choosing your club.
The AutoShot round analyzer tracks your shots and records how far you hit them as well as your club selection. When synced with your Garmin connect account this gives you a detailed breakdown of your game and it very handy. It will also give you the yardage to bunkers, water hazards as well as the ideal places to lay up when you want to leave yourself a specific distance in.
The final thing worth noting is the fitness-tracking abilities of this watch. The S42 is not all about golf as you can also see how many steps you have taken, the calories burnt, the distance covered and even how well you sleep. Given the price, it's a very attractive option as there is plenty of bang for your buck on offer with this watch.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review
Best features
Prior to the introduction of the S70, the S62 was the flagship offering in Garmin's Approach range and although it has been around for a good few years now, it's still one of the most feature packed golf watches out there and it's available at a considerably reduced price now compared to when it was first introduced.
The S62 is a lovely looking watch with a slightly larger face than you find in some of the less expensive Garmin models. With this bigger screen you get more contrast and a clearer view. This watch comes with almost all of the features you will find in the S70, including a Virtual Caddie that can detect the current wind direction, adjust for slope and give you club recommendations based on previous shots.
The ease of use stands out too as considering how advanced this watch is and the vast array of functions on offer, it's very user friendly. You can use the touchscreen to drag the pin around the green for a more accurate yardage and a favorite feature of ours is Pinpointer, which is essentially a compass that points to the green and can be a life saver on blind approach shots.
With all of these great features on offer it is no surprise that the S62 was included in the Editor's Choice awards at Golf Monthly.
Another thing we like is that not only can you use this as an everyday smart watch, but the straps are easily detached so you can purchase different color options to mix and match different outfits.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch Review
Best value
The S12 is quite far removed from the more high end options in the Approach family like the S70, S62 and even the S42. It's certainly not as stylish and it lacks most of the golf features as well as the smart watch functionality you get with the more expensive watches, but if you want somerthing simple that does exactly what it says on the tin, this is a great value option.
The S12 has access to over 40,000 courses preloaded so getting set up with the course you are at is quick and easy. Once we arrived at the course for testing we found the overall usability of the watch to be really good. We enjoyed testing this watch as it was quite refreshing to not have all manner of choices available. It made life simple and probably quickens up play too.
While it is basic in comparison to some of the better watches, you do still have access to plenty of information. So when you are stood on the tee as well as seeing how far it is to the front, middle and back of the green, you will also be able to check distances to hazards, bunkers, and even yardages for the ideal layup. Another nice feature is the ability to move the pin around by using the side buttons to get a more accurate yardage for your approach.
Another feature we utilised in testing is the shot measuring feature, which allows you to see how far you hit each shot. With the more expensive watches this is done automatically and the watch starts counting the yards as soon as you have taken your shot and started walking. With the S12 you need to manually activate this feature in the menu.
Additional features are score keeping and some basic analysis options to give you some stats after your round. The final feature we will touch on is the big numbers mode, which is great for anyone who has poor eyesight. Overall this watch really is great value for money, with the amount you get at an affordable price.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review
Best ultra-premium
The MARQ Golfer GPS Watch is simply stunning and that is reflected by the price. It has been built from lovely premium materials including a 46 mm titanium case and a ceramic bezel that has been etched with 1-18 hole markings, making this a real head turner in the clubhouse. It's as much a piece of expensive jewellery as it is a golf watch.
Therefore, as with many golf watches these days, the MARQ is certainly not restricted to just being used on the course and you can proudly wear it anywhere at any social occasion. Don't let that overshadow what it can do on the course though, as it's a fantastic golf watch that has all of the features you'll find in the best golf watches, including the ability to allow for elevation changes, provide insight into what the wind is doing as well as give you the best club selection based on your previous shot history.
It's packed with smartwatch features too and you can also play music through this watch as well as make contactless payments, check your heart rate, and track your daily activity, along with other things. When it came to testing this high-end product we have to say it was something special. It was easy and fun to use and it oozed premium quality. You'll feel like a million bucks wearing this watch, but the price will put it out of reach for many. If you can afford this amazing watch though then you will enjoy it a lot.
- Read our full Garmin MARQ Golfer GPS Watch Review
How we test golf watches
We take our product testing very seriously here at Golf Monthly and we have a comprehensive testing procedure when it comes to golf watches. We do our testing while out on the course and over numerous rounds of golf, while if the watch is also designed for use away from the course we will ensure we test it thoroughly in day to day situations. On the course we aim to test in differing conditions when possible so we can see how these watches perform in the sun, wind, and rain.
All of our testing team are regular golfers so the watches get a thorough testing while we will often test them against other watches so see how they compare side by side. This is a great way to test things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability, and other similar features and it allows us to give our honest opinion on a product as well as making sure we have as much insight as possible. Rest assured that at Golf Monthly no manufacturer can buy a good review, and no matter what we test we will always give our honest opinion on anything whether good, bad or indifferent.
How to choose the right GPS watch
Features
The most important thing to consider when buying a GPS watch is what features do you ideally want and what do you require as an absolute minimum. You may not necessarily be able to afford something that has what you want, but you will need to make sure that you pick up something that does what you need it to do as a bare minimum. When it comes to the basic front, middle, and back yardage all the watches will give this but some are much cheaper, if this is the only requirement you have then go for a budget one, such as the Garmin Approach S12. If you want more features and versatility off the course, spend more.
Versatility
Many brands and watches do not work off the course so if you are looking for something versatile then make sure you check the range of features that watch is offering. The more features, the higher the price, but if you are buying something you plan on wearing all the time rather than just for golf then it's easier to justify paying more.
Your routine
When looking at buying a golf watch it is important to think about what you do during your routine on the golf course. Are you a fast player who just needs a quick glance at numbers on a screen, or are you more of a deliberate player that wants as much detail as possible before committing to a shot? There are models that fit into different routines and styles so be aware of how you play the game. Ultimately, a glance at a watch is much quicker than taking a device out of its case or dragging pointers on the screen, so weigh up if extra detail or less disruption is most important to you.
Golf course
Next it is worth considering what type of golf course you play on regularly. We have found that courses with lots of doglegs and blind tee shots require the in-depth GPS information of a watch (and in these situations the Pinpointer feature you find on the more expensive Garmin watches is a real Godsend), whereas courses that are more out in front of you are perhaps more suited to the simplicity of a laser. Additionally if you play at other clubs in matches or socially, then you may want the extra information a GPS offers over a laser. Additionally be aware of how many golf courses are preloaded onto different watches as well. Finally for more buying advice around GPS handhelds, take a look at out guide on the best golf watches for ladies.
FAQs
Is it worth getting a golf watch?
Yes, we think certainly think that golf watches are worth it. Firstly, they save a lot of time, last a long time, are convenient and simple to use, offer in-depth detail of the shot you face, and can sit easily on your golf bag or wrist. With a golf watch you no longer have to find a sprinkler, or guess yardages because you can simply look at the screen to help you plot your way around the course.
Which company makes the best golf watches?
Garmin are arguably the most recognized name when it comes to the best golf watches, but there are also companies like Bushnell and SkyCaddie who also offer high quality options.
Can I use golf watches for non-golf activities?
You certainly can as most double up as not just a watch for golf, but for fitness and work as well. Along with on course activities, golf watches can be used to check email and make calls, as well as track steps and your heartrate during a workout.
-
There's A Growing Divide Between Club Members And Nomadic Golfers When It Comes To Handicapping... And I'm Concerned About ItSome golfers believe competition play should be a pre-requisite to achieving a ‘valid’ handicap, while others feel you should be able to submit a card whenever you want
-
I'm A Golf Tech Nerd, And These 9 Garmin Deals Are Too Good To Ignore Before Black FridayIf you're looking to add some useful golf gadgets to your setup, a good place to start your search is at Garmin. Here are a few gadgets I'd recommend from the brand.
-
Garmin vs Apple Watch: I put the two head-to-head to see which is a better watch for golfBoth Garmin and Apple are leading the way on sports and golf-related devices - we explore which is better to help improve your game
-
Best Golf GPS 2024We take you through the best golf GPS devices on the market this year
-
Why Our Golf Experts Think You Should Purchase A Garmin Golf Watch This Black FridayHave you got your eyes on a new golf watch? Here, we explain why now is the best time to purchase one
-
Best Black Friday Golf Watch Deals 2024Are you looking for a wearable golf yardage device? Then these offers on golf watches will be right up your street
-
What Is The Best Smart Watch For Golfers?Thinking about getting a smart watch for golf? There's a wide range of options to choose from...
-
Garmin Approach S62 vs SkyCaddie LX5 GPS Watch: Read Our Head-To-Head VerdictWe put two excellent GPS watches to the test in this head-to-head matchup
-
Rapsodo MLM vs Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor: Read Our Head-To-Head VerdictLaunch monitors are a fantastic way to improve your game. In this piece, we take a look at two of the most affordable models
-
Best Value Golf Watches 2024Are you in the market for a golf watch but don't want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars? We've collated some of our favorites that won't break the bank.
