Best Golf GPS Watch

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Golf GPS watches have become indispensable for golfers aiming to improve their game, offering precise distance measurements to greens, hazards, and other course features to help with smarter club selections and strategy. These watches are often more convenient than rangefinders or smartphone apps, as they sit comfortably on your wrist, providing quick access to yardages without interrupting your play. Many models also track stats like scores, putts, and fairways hit, allowing you to analyze your performance over time. When choosing a golf GPS watch, important factors include accuracy, battery life, and ease of use, along with screen size and readability in sunlight. Some models even offer advanced features like swing analysis or heart rate monitoring. We tested numerous golf GPS watches to find the best options for various needs and budgets.

  • TecTecTec ULT-G Golf Watch

    10

    We recommend the TecTecTec ULT-G for golfers seeking an affordable, reliable GPS watch with essential features.

    10

    We recommend the TecTecTec ULT-G for golfers seeking an affordable, reliable GPS watch with essential features.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with quick course recognition
    • Accurate distances to greens and hazards
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Stiff wristband may be uncomfortable
    • Charging cable can be finicky
    • Limited advanced features

    The TecTecTec ULT-G impressed us with its quick startup and course recognition. We found it took just a few minutes to locate our course and start providing distances. The 2.4-inch LCD display was easy to read in bright sunlight, showing clear yardages to the front, middle, and back of greens.

    During our rounds, we liked how the ULT-G gave us distances to hazards and let us measure our shots. This helped us pick the right clubs and improve our course management. The watch felt light on our wrist at just 3.84 ounces, though the band was a bit stiff at first.

    Battery life was a strong point. We played two full rounds and still had plenty of charge left. The charging process was sometimes tricky, as we had to position the cable just right. While it lacks some fancy features of pricier models, we think the ULT-G offers great value for golfers who want simple, reliable distance information on the course.

  • Garmin Approach S12 Golf Watch

    9.7

    We think the Garmin Approach S12 is a great choice for golfers wanting a simple, accurate GPS watch at a good price.

    9.7

    We think the Garmin Approach S12 is a great choice for golfers wanting a simple, accurate GPS watch at a good price.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with clear display
    • Long battery life
    • Preloaded with 42,000+ courses

    Cons

    • Basic features compared to pricier models
    • No touchscreen
    • Can’t measure shots or track fitness stats

    The Garmin Approach S12 is a no-fuss GPS golf watch that gives you the key info you need on the course. We found it super easy to use right out of the box. The screen is bright and readable even in sunny conditions.

    Battery life is impressive. We played multiple rounds without needing to recharge. The watch comes preloaded with over 42,000 courses worldwide, so chances are your local course is already in there.

    While using it, we got accurate yardages to the front, middle and back of greens. It also shows distances to hazards and doglegs. The score tracking feature worked well and synced to our phones after rounds.

    We like that it’s not overly complicated. There’s no touchscreen or extra bells and whistles. It focuses on the basics and does them well. For golfers who just want quick, reliable yardages without fuss, this watch delivers.

  • Garmin Approach S12 Golf Watch

    9.5

    We recommend the Garmin Approach S12 for golfers seeking a simple, reliable GPS watch with essential features at a reasonable price.

    9.5

    We recommend the Garmin Approach S12 for golfers seeking a simple, reliable GPS watch with essential features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with clear yardage readings
    • Long battery life for multiple rounds
    • Preloaded with 42,000+ courses worldwide

    Cons

    • Basic features compared to pricier models
    • Small screen may be hard to read for some
    • Lacks advanced metrics like shot tracking

    The Garmin Approach S12 is a great choice for golfers who want a no-fuss GPS watch. We found it quick to set up and start using on the course. The watch turns on when you’re ready to tee off, which we liked.

    During our rounds, the S12 gave us accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of greens. It also showed hazards and doglegs. This info helped us pick the right clubs and avoid trouble spots. The screen was clear in bright sunlight, though some of us with older eyes wished it was a bit bigger.

    We played several 18-hole rounds on a single charge. The long battery life meant we didn’t have to worry about the watch dying mid-round. After our games, we easily uploaded our scores to the Garmin Golf app. It was fun to see how we stacked up on the weekly leaderboards.

  • Garmin Approach S42 Golf Watch

    9.4

    We think the Garmin Approach S42 is a top-notch golf GPS watch that balances features and usability for most golfers.

    9.4

    We think the Garmin Approach S42 is a top-notch golf GPS watch that balances features and usability for most golfers.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-read color touchscreen
    • Long battery life
    • Packed with helpful golf features

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to basic models
    • Club tracking sensors sold separately
    • Club tracking sensors sold separately

    The Garmin Approach S42 surprised us with its sleek design and user-friendly interface. We found the 1.2-inch color touchscreen clear and responsive, even in bright sunlight on the course. The watch felt light on our wrist, and we barely noticed it during our swings.

    We loved how quick and easy it was to get distances to the green. The Green View feature let us move the pin for more precise yardages. It was a breeze to spot hazards and doglegs too. The watch comes loaded with over 42,000 courses worldwide, so we never had trouble finding our local links.

    Battery life impressed us. We got through three full rounds before needing a charge. The smartwatch features were a nice bonus. We got notifications from our phone and tracked our steps off the course. While it took some time to learn all the functions, we think most golfers will find the Approach S42 a valuable tool for improving their game.

  • Garmin Approach S12 Golf Watch

    9.3

    We think the Garmin Approach S12 is a great choice for golfers who want a simple, reliable GPS watch without breaking the bank.

    9.3

    We think the Garmin Approach S12 is a great choice for golfers who want a simple, reliable GPS watch without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Easy to read display
    • Long battery life
    • Preloaded with 42,000+ courses

    Cons

    • Basic features only
    • No touchscreen
    • Bulky design

    We tested the Garmin Approach S12 on the golf course and found it to be a solid performer. The watch turned on quickly when we started our round, and the GPS locked on fast. We liked how easy it was to see yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green.

    The S12’s battery life impressed us. We played three 18-hole rounds before needing to recharge. This is a big plus for golfers who play often or forget to charge their devices.

    We found the buttons easy to use, even with gloves on. The score tracking feature worked well, and we enjoyed uploading our scores to the Garmin Golf app to compare with friends. While the S12 lacks some fancier features of pricier models, we think it hits the sweet spot of function and value for most casual golfers.

  • Garmin Approach S62 Golf Watch

    9.1

    We think the Garmin Approach S62 is a top-notch golf GPS watch that’s worth the investment for serious golfers looking to improve their game.

    9.1

    We think the Garmin Approach S62 is a top-notch golf GPS watch that’s worth the investment for serious golfers looking to improve their game.

    Pros

    • Large, easy-to-read color touchscreen
    • Long battery life
    • Virtual Caddie feature

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to basic GPS watches
    • Learning curve for advanced features
    • Bulky size may not suit all wrists

    We’ve spent a lot of time on the course with the Garmin Approach S62, and it’s quickly become our go-to golf companion. The 1.3-inch color touchscreen is a joy to use, even in bright sunlight. We found it much easier to read distances and navigate menus compared to smaller watches we’ve tried.

    The battery life is impressive. We played two full rounds without needing to recharge. In smartwatch mode, it lasted nearly two weeks. This is a huge plus for golfers who don’t want to worry about their watch dying mid-round.

    We really like the Virtual Caddie feature. It suggested clubs based on our typical distances and factored in wind conditions. While it took some getting used to, we found its advice helpful for choosing the right club. The watch also shows hazards and lets us move the pin position on the green view, which came in handy on unfamiliar courses.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Golf Edition

    9

    We think the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Golf Edition is a great choice for golf enthusiasts looking for a smartwatch with specialized features.

    9

    We think the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Golf Edition is a great choice for golf enthusiasts looking for a smartwatch with specialized features.

    Pros

    • Exclusive golf-themed design
    • Smart caddie features
    • Advanced sleep and health tracking

    Cons

    • Limited compatibility with non-Samsung phones
    • Shorter battery life than some competitors
    • Pricey for casual golfers

    The Galaxy Watch 5 Golf Edition caught our eye with its stylish green accents and two-tone band. We found it comfortable to wear during a full round of golf. The watch face was easy to read in bright sunlight, which is a big plus on the course.

    We were impressed by the smart caddie features. The pin direction guide helped us line up our shots better. The voice guide was handy for getting quick distance info without having to look at the watch. These tools made a real difference in our game.

    Off the course, we liked the advanced sleep tracking and body composition analysis. The watch gave us useful insights into our overall health. The auto workout tracking was spot-on for activities like running and swimming. We did notice the battery drained faster with GPS use, so we had to charge it more often than we’d like.

  • Blue Tees Player+ GPS Speaker

    8.7

    We think the Blue Tees Player+ GPS Speaker is a great choice for golfers who want a versatile device that combines GPS functionality with high-quality audio.

    8.7

    We think the Blue Tees Player+ GPS Speaker is a great choice for golfers who want a versatile device that combines GPS functionality with high-quality audio.

    Pros

    • Touch screen display for easy use
    • Accurate GPS with hazard information
    • Doubles as a power bank

    Cons

    • Requires a subscription for full GPS features
    • Larger size than some may prefer
    • Magnetic attachment could be stronger

    When we tried out the Blue Tees Player+ GPS Speaker, we were impressed by its clear touch screen. It made finding distances and course info a breeze. The device gave us front, center, and back yardages to greens. It also showed hazards, which helped us plan our shots better.

    The sound quality surprised us. It pumped out clear audio with good bass. We liked being able to hear our music while still getting GPS info. The battery lasted through multiple rounds, which was great. We didn’t have to worry about it dying mid-game.

    One thing to note is that you need a subscription to use all the GPS features. This might not be ideal for everyone. The speaker is also a bit bulky. It stuck to our cart with its magnet, but we wished the magnet was stronger. Despite these small issues, we found the Blue Tees Player+ to be a solid choice for tech-savvy golfers who want GPS and tunes in one package.

  • Garmin G12 Golf GPS

    8.7

    We think the Garmin G12 is a top choice for golfers who want accurate distances without a wrist-worn device.

    8.7

    We think the Garmin G12 is a top choice for golfers who want accurate distances without a wrist-worn device.

    Pros

    • Compact and easy to clip on
    • Clear, large number display
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Requires manual hole changes
    • Small screen size
    • Limited features compared to watches

    The Garmin G12 has become our go-to golf GPS for its simplicity and accuracy. We found its clip-on design super handy – it’s easy to attach to a golf bag or pocket. The big numbers mode is a game-changer, showing yardages clearly even in bright sunlight.

    We were impressed by the G12’s battery life. It lasted through multiple rounds on a single charge. The device comes loaded with over 42,000 courses, and we had no trouble finding our local spots.

    One thing to note – you’ll need to change holes manually. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it takes some getting used to. The screen is small, which keeps the device compact but limits the info shown at once. If you’re after advanced features like swing tracking, you might want to look at Garmin’s watch options instead.

  • GolfBuddy Voice 2S+

    8.6

    We think the GolfBuddy Voice 2S+ is a great choice for golfers who want a simple, accurate GPS device with audio feedback.

    8.6

    We think the GolfBuddy Voice 2S+ is a great choice for golfers who want a simple, accurate GPS device with audio feedback.

    Pros

    • Easy one-button operation
    • Long battery life
    • Compact and versatile design

    Cons

    • Small screen size
    • Limited features compared to watches
    • May be tricky to set up initially

    The GolfBuddy Voice 2S+ has been our go-to GPS device on the course lately. It’s super easy to use – just press a button, and it tells us the distance to the green. We love how we can clip it to our hat or belt and forget about it until we need it.

    Battery life is a big plus. We’ve played multiple rounds without needing to recharge. The device is tiny and lightweight, which is nice when we’re already lugging clubs around. It’s also tough enough to handle a bit of rain.

    We found the voice feature really handy. It lets us know distances without having to look at a screen. The display is small, but it shows front, middle, and back green distances at once. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch, it does the main job well – helping us pick the right club.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a golf GPS watch, we recommend focusing on a few key features.

Accuracy

Look for watches with high-precision GPS chips. The best models are accurate within 1-3 yards.

Battery Life

We suggest choosing a watch that lasts at least 10-12 hours in GPS mode. This ensures it won’t die mid-round.

Display

A bright, easy-to-read screen is crucial. Color displays are nice but not essential.

Course Library

Pick a watch preloaded with 30,000+ courses or more. Free lifetime updates are a big plus.

Ease of Use

Simple menus and large buttons make the watch easier to operate while playing.

Extra Features

Some handy extras to consider:

  • Shot tracking
  • Hazard information
  • Score keeping
  • Smartphone notifications

Durability

Golf watches should be water-resistant and have scratch-resistant screens.

Size and Comfort

We recommend trying on watches if possible. Lighter models are more comfortable for all-day wear.

Price

Quality golf GPS watches typically range from $150-$500. Pricier models often have more advanced features.