Best Golf Watches for Tracking Your Game in 2024

Golf is a sport that requires a lot of skill, patience, and precision. One of the essential tools for any golfer is a golf watch. A golf watch is a wearable device that can help golfers improve their game by providing them with accurate information about distances, hazards, and other course features. It can also help golfers keep track of their scores, monitor their fitness levels, and even receive notifications from their smartphones.

When it comes to golf watches, there are many options available on the market today. Some of the critical factors that people should consider when purchasing a golf watch include the quality of the GPS, the battery life, the ease of use, and the design. Golfers will want a watch that is comfortable to wear and easy to read in all lighting conditions.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various golf watches to identify the ones that offer the best features, accuracy, and value for money. In this article, we will introduce you to the top golf watches on the market and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you find the perfect golf watch to improve your game and enhance your overall golfing experience.

Best Golf Watches

We know that keeping track of your golf game can be a hassle, especially when you’re trying to focus on your swing. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best golf watches on the market. These watches not only tell time but also track your shots, measure your swing speed, and even provide you with GPS distances to the green. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these watches will help you improve your game and take your golfing experience to the next level. So without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best golf watches.

1) Garmin Approach S70, 47mm, Premium GPS Golf Watch, Black 47 MM Black

If you’re looking for a golf watch that has it all, the Garmin Approach S70 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 1.4” AMOLED display is stunning and brings more than 43,000 preloaded full-color CourseView maps to life on your wrist.
• The slim, stylish design looks great on and off the course, with features that support your training — and lifestyle — including strength, yoga and running activities.
• The battery life is impressive, with up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode.

Cons

• The price point is high, so it might not be the best option for budget-conscious golfers.
• Some users have reported that the GPS can be slow to connect at times.
• The watch face can be a bit large for those with smaller wrists.

The Garmin Approach S70 is a premium golf watch that offers a wide range of features to help you improve your game. With the improved virtual caddie feature, the watch provides a recommended club based on your shot dispersion data, elevation, wind speed, wind direction, and more. The enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature accounts for uphill shots, downhill shots, and trajectory as well as wind, temperature, and air pressure with a built-in barometer — for more accurate plays like distances.

In addition to its golf-specific features, the Garmin Approach S70 also includes preloaded activity profiles for strength, yoga, cardio, and more so you can hit the ball farther and prevent injuries. You can also easily keep score as you play and upload to the Garmin Golf app for stat tracking and handicap calculation.

Overall, if you’re serious about golf and want a watch that can help you improve your game, the Garmin Approach S70 is definitely worth considering.

2) Garmin Approach S12, Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use golf watch, the Garmin Approach S12 is worth considering.

Pros

• The high-resolution sunlight-readable display is easy to read in bright sunlight.
• With more than 42,000 preloaded courses from around the world, you’re likely to find your course on the watch.
• The watch is water-resistant to 164 feet, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the rain or during a round.

Cons

• The watch doesn’t have a touchscreen, so you have to use the buttons to navigate through the menus.
• The watch doesn’t have a heart rate monitor, so you can’t track your heart rate during your round.
• The watch doesn’t come with the Approach CT10 club tracking sensors, which are sold separately.

We found the Garmin Approach S12 to be a solid golf watch that provides accurate yardages to the green, hazards, and doglegs. The watch is easy to use and the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode.

The watch has a new round design that looks sleek and modern, and the display is easy to read in bright sunlight. We also appreciate the ability to keep score right on the watch and upload directly to the Garmin Golf app to participate in weekly leaderboards.

One downside is that the watch doesn’t have a touchscreen, so you have to use the buttons to navigate through the menus. However, we found the buttons to be responsive and easy to use.

Another downside is that the watch doesn’t come with the Approach CT10 club tracking sensors, which are sold separately. However, if you do decide to purchase the sensors, they will automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club.

Overall, we think the Garmin Approach S12 is a great option for golfers looking for a reliable and easy-to-use golf watch.

3) Garmin Approach S60 Golf Watch

If you’re looking for a golf watch that’s both stylish and functional, the Garmin Approach S60 is worth considering.

Pros

• The large, sunlight-readable color touchscreen display makes it easy to read yardages, hazards, and doglegs on full-color course maps.
• With more than 40,000 preloaded courses from around the world, you’ll be able to use this watch no matter where you play.
• The Quick Fit bands make it easy to change your style without tools, so you can always look your best on and off the course.

Cons

• The battery life in golf mode is only up to 10 hours, so you may need to recharge it during a long round.
• The watch may take some time to get used to if you’re not familiar with Garmin’s interface.
• Some users have reported issues with the watch’s accuracy, so you may want to double-check your yardages with another device.

We’ve found the Garmin Approach S60 to be a reliable and convenient golf watch. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, and the watch is comfortable to wear all day. We appreciate the Quick Fit bands, which make it easy to change up our look depending on the occasion.

One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life in golf mode is only up to 10 hours, so if you’re playing a long round, you may need to recharge it during the day. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the watch’s accuracy, so it may be a good idea to double-check your yardages with another device.

Overall, we think the Garmin Approach S60 is a great option for golfers who want a stylish and functional watch that can help improve their game.

4) TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch

We highly recommend the TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch for golfers who want a reliable and accurate GPS watch that is also stylish and lightweight.

Pros

• The watch is durable and comes with a comfortable wrist band.
• It has worldwide preloaded courses and a 2.4-inch LCD display that is easy to read.
• The watch is Bluetooth-enabled for easy connectivity.

Cons

• The watch is bulkier than some other GPS watches on the market.
• Charging the watch can be somewhat cumbersome.
• Some users have reported difficulty loading courses to pick from.

The TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch is a great choice for golfers who want a reliable and accurate GPS watch that is also stylish and lightweight. The watch is durable and comes with a comfortable wrist band, making it easy to wear for long periods of time. It also has worldwide preloaded courses, so you can easily find the course you want to play on. The 2.4-inch LCD display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the watch is Bluetooth-enabled for easy connectivity.

The main downside to the TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch is that it is bulkier than some other GPS watches on the market. Charging the watch can also be somewhat cumbersome, as it requires a pin-type charger. Some users have also reported difficulty loading courses to pick from, although this seems to be a relatively rare issue.

Overall, we think the TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch is a great choice for golfers who want a reliable and accurate GPS watch. It offers a great combination of style, functionality, and ease of use, and is sure to be a valuable addition to any golfer’s toolkit.

5) Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate GPS golf smartwatch, then the Garmin Approach S42 is a great option.

Pros

• The 1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands makes it easy to customize your watch to your style.
• The Green View feature allows manual pin positioning, so you can quickly reference distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs.
• The AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking); pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately) for more automatic game tracking capabilities.

Cons

• The strap seems a little short for people with thicker wrists.
• Some users have had trouble recharging the watch.
• It may take some time to figure out all the features and maximize its potential.

The Garmin Approach S42 is perfect for golfers who want to keep track of their game both on and off the course. The watch is lightweight and has a battery life of up to 15 hours in GPS mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode.

The watch comes preloaded with more than 42,000 CourseView maps worldwide, and the Garmin Golf app (when downloaded on a compatible smartphone) allows for live scoring, automatic scorecard uploads, and the ability to review all your stats in one place.

In addition to its golf features, the watch also offers smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone) and estimated activity-tracking features such as steps, sleep, and built-in sports profiles.

Overall, the Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch is a great investment for golfers who want to improve their game and keep track of their progress.

6) Garmin Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch

If you’re a serious golfer looking for a reliable and feature-packed GPS watch, the Garmin Approach S62 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The large, easy-to-read color touchscreen display is a standout feature, and the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands make it durable and stylish.
• The battery life is impressive, with up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-round.
• The Virtual Caddie feature is a game-changer, suggesting which club to use based on your typical distance with that club, wind speed and direction, and where you should aim on the map.

Cons

• While the PlaysLike Distance feature is useful for uphill and downhill shots, it may not be accurate enough for some golfers.
• Some users have reported issues with the PinPointer feature, which tells you the direction to the pin when you have a blind shot.
• Garmin Pay, the contactless payment solution, is not available in all countries and payment networks.

We’ve been using the Garmin Approach S62 for several rounds now, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The large touchscreen display is easy to read in any lighting conditions, and the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands make it both durable and stylish.

The Virtual Caddie feature is a standout, providing personalized club suggestions based on your typical distance with that club, wind speed and direction, and where you should aim on the map. It’s like having a personal caddie with you on the course.

The battery life is also impressive, with up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-round. Plus, the PlaysLike Distance feature accounts for uphill and downhill shots, making it easier to choose the right club for the shot.

While the PinPointer feature is useful for blind shots, some users have reported issues with its accuracy. Additionally, the Garmin Pay contactless payment solution is not available in all countries and payment networks.

Overall, the Garmin Approach S62 is a great choice for serious golfers who want a reliable and feature-packed GPS watch.

7) Garmin Approach S10 Golf Watch

If you’re looking for a reliable golf watch that can help you stay focused on your game, the Garmin Approach S10 is a great choice.

Pros

• The Approach S10 is simple and easy to use, with a high-resolution, sunlight-readable display that makes it easy to see yardages and other information on the course.
• The watch provides yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs, on more than 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide.
• You can keep score on the watch for a summary of your round, total distance played, and total time, and upload your scorecards to Garmin Express to keep track of your rounds.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the watch doesn’t always hold a full charge, even when turned off.
• The watch doesn’t have as many features as some higher-end golf watches, so it may not be the best choice for more advanced golfers.
• The Approach S10 doesn’t have a backup light, which can make it difficult to read in low-light conditions.

We’ve used the Garmin Approach S10 on several rounds at different courses, and we’ve found it to be a reliable and easy-to-use golf watch. The watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing based on your location, and provides accurate yardages to help you make better shots. The watch is also lightweight and comfortable to wear, so you won’t even notice it’s there while you’re playing.

One of the best things about the Approach S10 is how easy it is to use. The watch has a simple interface that makes it easy to navigate between holes and see the information you need. The high-resolution display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the watch provides accurate yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs, on more than 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide.

Another great feature of the Approach S10 is the ability to keep score on the watch. You can enter your score for each hole, and the watch will keep track of your total score, distance played, and time. You can then upload your scorecards to Garmin Express to keep track of your rounds and see your progress over time.

While the Approach S10 doesn’t have as many features as some higher-end golf watches, we’ve found that it has everything we need to improve our game. The watch is accurate, reliable, and easy to use, and it’s a great choice for golfers of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a reliable golf watch that won’t break the bank, we highly recommend the Garmin Approach S10.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best golf watch, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features that you should look for when making your decision.

GPS Capability

One of the most important features of a golf watch is GPS capability. This feature allows you to track your location on the course and provides accurate yardage information. Look for a watch that has preloaded course maps or the ability to download them. A watch with GPS capability will help improve your game and give you an edge on the course.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor to consider when choosing a golf watch. Look for a watch that has a long battery life, ideally lasting for multiple rounds of golf. Some watches have a battery-saving mode that can extend the battery life even further.

Display

The display is an important feature of a golf watch, as it needs to be easy to read in all lighting conditions. A watch with a high-resolution display and adjustable brightness is ideal. Some watches also have a touchscreen display, which can make it easier to navigate through the various features.

Water Resistance

Golfers often encounter rain and wet conditions on the course, so it’s important to choose a watch that is water-resistant. Look for a watch with a water resistance rating of at least 50 meters to ensure it can withstand the elements.

Additional Features

Many golf watches come with additional features that can enhance your experience on the course. Look for watches that have a scorecard feature, shot tracking, and the ability to measure the distance of your shots. Some watches even have fitness tracking features, allowing you to monitor your activity levels and health.

By considering these features when choosing a golf watch, you can find the best product to improve your game and enhance your overall golfing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should we look for in a high-quality golf watch?

A high-quality golf watch should have features such as GPS tracking, accurate course maps, and distance measurements. It should also have a long battery life, be water-resistant, and have a comfortable fit. Some golf watches also come with features like shot tracking, swing analysis, and fitness tracking.

How do golf watches help improve our game?

Golf watches help improve our game by providing accurate distance measurements, course maps, and shot tracking. With this information, we can make more informed decisions about our shots and improve our overall strategy on the course. Golf watches also help us track our progress and identify areas where we need to improve.

What are the top-rated golf watches currently on the market?

Some of the top-rated golf watches currently on the market include the Garmin Approach S62, the SkyCaddie LX5C, and the Bushnell Pro XE. These watches offer a range of features and price points, making them accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

Can a golf watch provide accurate course maps and distances?

Yes, a golf watch can provide accurate course maps and distances. Most golf watches use GPS technology to track your location on the course and provide real-time distance measurements. However, it’s important to note that some watches may be more accurate than others, so it’s always a good idea to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.

How do we choose a golf watch that fits our skill level?

When choosing a golf watch, consider your skill level and the features that are most important to you. If you’re a beginner, you may want to look for a watch with basic distance measurements and course maps. If you’re a more experienced golfer, you may want a watch with advanced features like shot tracking and swing analysis.

What are the benefits of investing in a luxury golf watch?

Investing in a luxury golf watch can offer benefits like premium materials, advanced features, and stylish designs. Luxury watches may also come with additional perks like personalized customer service and exclusive membership programs. However, it’s important to consider whether the added cost is worth it for your individual needs and budget.