Best Garmin Golf Watches of 2025

Golf is a premium and refined sport with a dedicated but relatively niche following. Garmin, one of the top 10 best sports watch companies in the world, has remained committed to serving this community by offering specialized golf watches that combine precision with performance. From high-end models like the MARQ Golfer and S70 to more accessible options like the S44 and S12, Garmin’s lineup is designed to enhance every swing with smart tracking, detailed course maps, and real-time data. While multi-sport models like the Fenix 8 support golf features, dedicated players will benefit most from Garmin’s purpose-built golf series. You can also learn more about Garmin Approach Watch Bands in terms of accessories.

In this article, we’ll explore several of Garmin’s top-performing golf watches, breaking them down by specs, key features, reasons to buy—or skip—and overall usability. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, this guide will help you choose the best Garmin watch for golf in your game. Discover your perfect match among the best Garmin golf watch 2025 lineup.

Best Garmin Golf Watches of 2025

Garmin Approach S70 - Top Pick for All-in-One Golf Excellence

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Accurate Golf Data: Built-in virtual caddie function recommends the best club and shot strategies based on wind speed, slope, historical shot data, and more, improving shot accuracy.
2. Comprehensive Global Course Data: Preloaded with 43,000 CourseView color maps, offering precise navigation for every course.
3. Long Battery Life: 16 days of battery life in smart mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging.
4. Multi-Function Smart Experience: Supports Garmin Pay, music playback, health tracking, and more, providing both golf and everyday smart features.
5. Fashionable and Comfortable: Lightweight design with a ceramic bezel and a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen that remains clear even in bright sunlight.

Reasons to Avoid

1. Some Features Require Membership: Certain advanced features, such as green slope display, require a Garmin Golf membership.
2. High Price: The 42mm version is priced around ¥5480, and the 47mm version around ¥5880, making it suitable for users with a higher budget.
3. Specialized Golf Features: While designed for golfers, the specialized features may be less useful for non-golfers.
4. Pairing Requirements: The watch needs to be paired with a Garmin-supported smartphone app to access all features, which may limit the user experience for those without compatible devices.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S70 is a smartwatch designed specifically for golfers, offering advanced distance tracking and personalized shot recommendations to enhance performance. It comes preloaded with 43,000 global golf course maps and includes the Virtual Caddie tool, which recommends clubs based on wind speed, slope, and other factors.

The 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen ensures clear visibility, even in bright sunlight. With a battery life of up to 16 days in smart mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, users can rely on it for long-lasting performance. In addition, the Approach S70 supports Garmin Pay, health monitoring, and music playback, making it not only a golf tool but also a daily smartwatch.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S70 is an all-in-one smart watch designed for golfers, combining precise shot suggestions, comprehensive course data, and smart features to enhance both golf performance and everyday functionality. While it is priced higher, it is an ideal choice for golfers who want a top-tier, performance-oriented watch.

Garmin Approach S42 – Best Mid-Price Golf Smartwatch

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Great for Golf and Beyond: With 42,000+ preloaded courses, AutoShot for automatic shot tracking, and golf-specific features, it’s perfect for enhancing your game.
2. Stylish and Versatile: The 1.2-inch color touchscreen makes it both functional for golf and stylish enough for everyday wear.
3. Affordable with Solid Features: At $299.99, it offers a great balance of price and performance, perfect for intermediate golfers who want both golfing and smart functionality.
4. Health & Fitness Features: Tracks steps, sleep, calories, and provides smart notifications for a well-rounded fitness experience.

Reasons to Avoid

1. Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some high-end features like Garmin Pay, which could be a dealbreaker for those seeking more smartwatch functions.
2. Learning Curve: It might take a few rounds to master all the features and functions of the watch, which could be time-consuming for beginners.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S42 is a golf smartwatch designed for both on and off the course. It features a 1.2-inch color touchscreen and an AutoShot round analyzer that tracks and records shot distances automatically. This allows players to focus on their game while the watch takes care of the statistics. Beyond golf, the Approach S42 functions as a fitness smartwatch, tracking steps, sleep, and calories, and offering smart notifications for calls, texts, and alerts.

In GPS mode, the watch lasts up to 15 hours, and in smartwatch mode, it provides up to 10 days of use, ensuring it’s ready for both long golf rounds and everyday wear. It’s also equipped with quick-release bands, making it easy to customize. At a price of $299.99, the Garmin Approach S42 delivers excellent value for golfers looking for a balance of price, performance, and style.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S42 is an excellent mid-range option for golfers who want essential features for both their game and general fitness tracking. It provides a great mix of functionality, style, and affordability, making it ideal for intermediate golfers who don’t need premium smart features but still want a reliable and stylish golf companion.

Garmin Approach S62 – Best for Comprehensive Golf & Health Tracking

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Comprehensive Golf Features: Provides maps for over 41,000 courses with slope compensation and a virtual caddie for smarter course decisions.
2. Personalized Shot Suggestions: Offers custom shot strategies based on past performance, course layout, and real-time wind data.
3. Health Tracking Features: Includes heart rate, blood oxygen, and activity tracking to support health management.
4. Long Battery Life: GPS mode lasts up to 20 hours, and smart mode lasts up to 14 days, meeting different usage needs.

Reasons to Avoid

Basic Hole Map Functionality: While it provides detailed course information, the hole map feature is relatively simple and may not meet the needs of advanced players.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S62 is a high-end smart golf watch designed specifically for golf enthusiasts, combining advanced golf functionality with health management features. Preloaded with over 41,000 golf courses worldwide, it ensures that golfers always have the most up-to-date course information. The course data is automatically updated every year to maintain accuracy and timeliness.

The S62’s unique features include slope compensation and personalized shot suggestions, which, in combination with the Garmin Golf App, help users make more informed decisions on the course based on wind speed, course layout, and previous shot performance. In addition, the S62 offers robust health tracking features, including heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, activity tracking, and intensity levels, making it suitable for golfers who also want to manage their fitness and health.

With a battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smart mode, the S62 ensures long-lasting use for extended golf rounds. The watch also allows you to receive phone calls and message notifications when paired with your smartphone, ensuring you never miss important alerts while on the course. You can explore our article before of Garmin Approach S62 review and Garmin S62 vs S70 to know more information.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S62 is a smart watch that integrates both golf assistance and health management, making it an ideal choice for golfers who require precise data and are also mindful of their fitness.

With comprehensive golf features like virtual caddie, personalized shot recommendations, and wind measurement, paired with strong health tracking capabilities, the S62 is an excellent choice for mid-to-advanced level golfers. For those seeking high performance and long-lasting durability, the Garmin Approach S62 is undoubtedly a worthy investment.

Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) - Best Ultra-Premium

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Premium Design and Build: Grade 5 titanium and sapphire crystal offer a luxurious and durable feel.
2. A True Golf Companion: Features like Virtual Caddie, slope compensation, green view, and wind speed give players a competitive edge.
3. Stunning Display: The AMOLED screen is crisp and sunlight-readable, with both touchscreen and button controls.
4. All-in-One Functionality: Includes heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, Garmin Pay, stock updates, and more.
5. Versatile for All Occasions: A wide selection of bands makes it easy to shift between sporty and business looks.

Reasons to Avoid

1. High Price Point: Positioned as a flagship model, it's considerably more expensive than most smartwatches.
2. Relatively Heavy: At 88g, it may feel bulky for users who prefer lightweight wearables.
3. Golf-Focused Features: Tailored for serious golfers—casual users might not utilize its full potential.

Watch Overview

The Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) is more than just a smartwatch—it’s a statement piece for discerning users who demand both performance and elegance. Crafted from premium materials and packed with cutting-edge features, it’s designed for golf professionals and business leaders alike.

On the course, it delivers a full suite of golf-centric tools—from virtual caddie assistance and slope-adjusted distances to wind speed detection and green targeting—helping players stay informed and in control at every shot.

Beyond the green, this watch excels in everyday utility. Health metrics like heart rate and sleep tracking combine with smart features like contactless payments and stock monitoring, making it ideal for high-performance living both on and off the course.

Also Read:

Garmin MARQ Watch Bands

Conclusion

The Garmin MARQ Golfer Gen 2 is a flagship golf smartwatch built for premium users.

Blending sport-specific precision with lifestyle functionality, it enhances your game while elevating your style. For golfers or professionals who value top-tier performance and refined aesthetics, this is a standout choice.

Garmin Approach S50 - Smart Value Meets Precision

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Advanced Golf Features: Preloaded with over 43,000 golf course maps, slope-adjusted distances, hazard view, and green details.
2. Lightweight and Comfortable: Only 29g with a soft nylon strap, designed for long-term wear on and off the course.
3. Health Tracking Included: Monitors heart rate, stress, sleep, and respiration—ideal for wellness-conscious users.
4. Extended Battery Life: Up to 15 hours in GPS mode—perfect for a full day on the course.
5. Fitness & Lifestyle Ready: Tracks strength, yoga, cardio workouts, and supports Garmin Pay and music integration.
6. Accurate Distance Data: Provides front/middle/back yardages and real-time hazard information.
7. Smart Golf Metrics: Compatible with Approach CT10/CT1 sensors for club tracking and performance analytics.
8. Smart Scoring & Syncing: Record scores, track stats, and sync with the Garmin Golf app for progress analysis.

Reasons to Avoid

1. Price Consideration: May be costly for casual golfers or those new to the sport.
2. Feature Overload: Some advanced golf and health functions may be underused by beginners.
3. Subscription Add-ons: Premium features (like virtual caddie upgrades) require a separate paid plan.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S50 strikes a balance between professional golf features and everyday smartwatch versatility. Designed with the serious golfer in mind, it offers high-resolution color mapping, slope-aware yardages, and real-time hazard views across over 43,000 global golf courses. The innovative PlaysLike Distance feature helps players adjust for elevation changes, giving a more accurate sense of true shot distance.

Pair it with optional Approach CT sensors for club-by-club tracking, or sync with the Garmin Golf app to analyze scoring trends and stats. Unlike entry-level models, the S50 also includes full fitness functionality—such as heart rate monitoring, body battery, stress tracking, sleep analysis, and even yoga and strength training modes.

Garmin Pay and music integration extend its usability far beyond the golf course. While similar to the S44 in core golf features, the S50 edges ahead with added health monitoring and compatibility for subscription-based advanced golf analytics—bringing it close to the performance level of the high-end S70 model.

Conclusion

If you're a golfer looking for a smartwatch that doubles as a reliable health and fitness tracker, the Garmin Approach S50 offers impressive value and performance. It’s a smart pick for those who want solid golfing tools without breaking into ultra-premium territory.

✅ Buy it if you want accurate golf features, great battery life, and full lifestyle functionality in a lightweight package.
❌ Skip it if you're a casual player or not ready to invest in subscription upgrades.

Garmin Approach S12 - Best Value Golf Smartwatch for Beginners

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Easy to Use: The Approach S12's design is very straightforward, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels, especially beginners.
2. Large Number Mode: Offers an easy-to-read large number mode, ideal for users with poor vision.
3. Great Value: As Garmin's most affordable golf smartwatch, it offers reliable GPS accuracy and long battery life, covering essential golf needs.
4. Reliable GPS Accuracy: Equipped with Garmin's proprietary GPS technology, it accurately displays course data, enhancing the gaming experience.
5. Long Battery Life: In GPS mode, the watch lasts up to 30 hours, making it perfect for multi-round golf sessions.

Reasons to Avoid

1. Not as Stylish as S42: Compared to other Garmin golf watches, the Approach S12 has a simpler design and lacks a color screen.
2. No Heart Rate Monitor: This model does not include a heart rate monitor, so it cannot provide comprehensive health tracking data.
3. Basic Features: Lacks advanced features like a color display or smart health monitoring, making it more suitable for users focusing on basic golf functionalities.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S12 is a golf smartwatch designed for golf enthusiasts, featuring over 42,000 CourseView maps of global golf courses. It offers powerful GPS functionality, providing clear distances to the front, center, and back of greens, helping players plan each shot more effectively. Additionally, the watch supports digital scorecards, allowing you to record scores directly on the watch and upload them to the Garmin Golf app to participate in global leaderboards.

Beyond essential golf features, the S12 boasts a sunlight-readable display, ensuring you can clearly see the information under direct sunlight on the golf course. The battery lasts up to 30 hours in GPS mode, ideal for extended rounds. Its lightweight design and excellent durability make it an ideal choice for users on a budget who still need core golf functionalities.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S12 is a high-value golf smartwatch with GPS accuracy, long battery life, and preloaded global golf course maps.

While it lacks some advanced features like heart rate monitoring or a color screen, it remains an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious golf enthusiasts looking for essential golfing functions.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Ultimate Golf Companion

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. All-in-One Sports Modes: Supports golf, hiking, running, swimming, and more—ideal for users with varied fitness routines.
2. Impressive Battery Life: Offers up to 35 days in smart mode and up to 60 hours in GPS mode—perfect for extended outdoor adventures.
3. Solar Charging Capability: The solar display extends battery life in sunlight, reducing charging frequency.
4. High Durability: Built for harsh outdoor conditions, making it a reliable companion for extreme sports.
5. High-Resolution Display: Large 2.0-inch display remains readable even in direct sunlight.

Reasons to Avoid

1. Higher Price Tag: Premium features come at a premium cost, making it better suited for users with a larger budget.
2. Overqualified for Basic Needs: If you're only using it for golf, the extensive features may be more than necessary.

Watch Overview

The Garmin Fenix 8 is a top-tier smartwatch engineered for outdoor and high-performance athletes. It includes specialized golf tools like course mapping and green view analysis, while also offering full support for running, swimming, mountaineering, skiing, and more. Its 2.0-inch solar-powered display remains clear in bright conditions and helps extend the battery life using sunlight. With 32 GB of storage, users can save offline maps, workout data, and other resources for remote training sessions.

Crafted with robust materials, the Fenix 8 withstands shocks, water, dust, and temperature extremes. Whether you're navigating a remote trail or focusing on precision at the golf course, the Fenix 8 delivers detailed tracking and reliable data performance.

Conclusion

The Garmin Fenix 8 is a powerhouse smartwatch built for serious outdoor athletes and adventure seekers. It combines durable design, multi-sport functionality, and outstanding battery performance. Though it's a high-end investment, it's well worth it for those who demand versatility and rugged reliability in a single device.

Also Read:

Garmin Fenix 8 review

Garmin Fenix Watch Bands

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Watch Bands

Garmin Fenix 8 47mm Watch Bands

Garmin Approach S44 - A Stylish Pick for Precision Golfers

Specifications

Reasons to Buy

1. Preloaded with over 43,000 golf courses worldwide for accurate course navigation
2. High-resolution AMOLED color touchscreen, easily readable in sunlight
3. Compatible with club tracking sensors for detailed swing analysis
4. Smart notifications keep you connected on the course
5. Extra tools like hazard view, green view, and sunrise/sunset times enhance gameplay
6. Balanced price point with great value for golfers

Reasons to Avoid

1. Primarily designed for golf—lacks comprehensive multisport tracking
2. Slightly large screen may not suit users with smaller wrists
3. No heart rate monitoring or advanced fitness features

Watch Overview

The Garmin Approach S44 is a smart golf watch tailored for golfers who want accurate navigation and useful features in a sleek design. It comes preloaded with detailed data for over 43,000 courses around the globe, offering insights into hole layouts and distance measurements from tee to green.

The 1.2" AMOLED touchscreen provides vibrant visuals and responsive touch, ensuring you can see your stats clearly even under bright sunlight. It offers precise distance readings to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazard views and customizable pin placements. Paired with the Garmin Approach CT1 or CT10 sensors, it supports real-time shot tracking and post-round analysis.

Additional features include Bluetooth smartphone connectivity for calls, messages, and notifications, an integrated scorecard, hazard marking, putt stats, and tee-to-green ratio tracking. With a water resistance of 5 ATM and long-lasting battery life (up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours with GPS), it’s designed for full-round performance.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S44 merges precision golf technology with smart features and a fashionable look. It’s a perfect companion for golf enthusiasts who want performance, convenience, and value—without the hefty price tag of higher-end models.

Conclusion - How to Choose the Right Garmin Golf Watch for You?

When it comes to selecting the right golf watch, understanding your personal needs and playing habits is essential. For beginners or casual golfers, the Approach S50 offers a clean interface and practical features, while the budget-friendly S12 stands out with its simplicity and long battery life. If you want a balance between golf functionality and everyday wearability, S44 and S42 are smart and stylish picks.

Those seeking a more competitive edge without breaking the bank will appreciate the S62, packed with essential golf tools. For advanced players aiming for the best experience, the S70 provides a stunning AMOLED display, slope-adjusted yardages, and intuitive shot recommendations.

If you prioritize both luxury and precision, the MARQ Golfer combines premium materials with pro-level golf features. And for multi-sport enthusiasts who want a top-tier all-in-one device, the Fenix 8 is a powerful and versatile option.

Whether you're just starting out or playing at a high level, the Best Garmin Golf Watches offer something for every golfer. Choose the one that fits your style, needs, and goals—and enjoy a smarter, more confident game on the course.