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10 Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Approach® S50, Advanced Golf GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, On-Course Features, Wrist-Based Heart Rate, Cream Gold Aluminum Bezel with Ivory ComfortFit Nylon Band

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,227
Course Maps
Display Quality

Most important from
430 reviews

Course Maps
Users appreciate the ability to review their rounds hole-by-hole with course maps, club selections, and yardage numbers.
Display Quality
A larger face diameter with the option for larger fonts would be beneficial for visually challenged users.

The Garmin Approach® S50 Golf GPS Smartwatch offers several appealing features for golf enthusiasts. It boasts a stunning 1.2” AMOLED color display that makes viewing the 43,000+ preloaded courses visually engaging and easy to navigate. The GPS accuracy is reliable, providing distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, and includes hazard views to help you manage bunkers and water hazards effectively. The Playslike Distance feature is particularly useful for adjusting yardages based on elevation changes, ensuring more accurate shot planning. Additionally, the watch can be paired with optional club trackers for in-depth shot-tracking capabilities, which could significantly benefit those looking to improve their game performance.

The ComfortFit nylon strap ensures the watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear both on and off the course. The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for extended use without frequent recharging. Smart features such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, Garmin Pay contactless payments, and music downloads from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer add value for users who want a more comprehensive health and lifestyle device.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The watch's durability and water resistance may not be as robust as some users might hope for rigorous outdoor use. The user interface, while generally intuitive, may have a learning curve for those new to smartwatches or Garmin devices. Nevertheless, the Garmin Approach® S50 is a strong contender for golfers seeking a feature-rich and comfortable GPS smartwatch.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,227
Course Maps
Display Quality

Most important from
430 reviews

Course Maps
Users appreciate the ability to review their rounds hole-by-hole with course maps, club selections, and yardage numbers.
Display Quality
A larger face diameter with the option for larger fonts would be beneficial for visually challenged users.
#2

Garmin fēnix® 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Pebble Gray Band

Rating
9.7
Display Quality
Battery Life
Smart Features

Most important from
1958 reviews

Display Quality
The bright, sharp AMOLED screen greatly improves visibility and is much easier to read compared to previous models and competitors.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, effortlessly lasting several days even with always-on display and frequent workouts.
Smart Features
The watch strikes a perfect balance between smart features and rugged functionality, avoiding the feeling of carrying a mini-phone on the wrist.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is exceptional, with a robust titanium build that feels sturdy yet comfortable for all-day wear.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The interface has improved with the ability to program workouts ahead of time, making training sessions smoother and more organized.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch that offers many features valuable to golfers who also want a versatile, rugged smartwatch. Its 1.4-inch bright AMOLED display with a tough sapphire lens provides excellent visibility and scratch resistance, ideal for outdoor play. The multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology ensures very accurate positioning, useful for tracking your location on golf courses or during any outdoor activity. Battery life is remarkable, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours with GPS active, so frequent recharging during extended outings is unnecessary.

Primarily designed for multisport use rather than exclusively for golf, it includes rich sports apps and navigation tools such as dynamic round-trip routing that can add variety to your golf rounds or training sessions. The watch also offers smart features including phone call handling, voice commands, and health monitoring—covering heart rate, sleep, and oxygen levels—that help you track your fitness and recovery.

Durability is a major strength, with a titanium bezel, water resistance rated to 40 meters, and metal buttons that effectively handle moisture and pressure, making it suitable even for diving and tough weather conditions. The user interface runs on Garmin’s OS, which is responsive and relatively easy to use, although the many features might feel overwhelming if you prefer a simple golf watch. While it may lack some specialized golf course maps or club tracking features found in Garmin’s golf-specific models, the fēnix 8 delivers a robust all-around experience for players who value detailed health stats, multisport tracking, and a premium build.

Rating
9.7
Display Quality
Battery Life
Smart Features

Most important from
1958 reviews

Display Quality
The bright, sharp AMOLED screen greatly improves visibility and is much easier to read compared to previous models and competitors.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, effortlessly lasting several days even with always-on display and frequent workouts.
Smart Features
The watch strikes a perfect balance between smart features and rugged functionality, avoiding the feeling of carrying a mini-phone on the wrist.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is exceptional, with a robust titanium build that feels sturdy yet comfortable for all-day wear.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The interface has improved with the ability to program workouts ahead of time, making training sessions smoother and more organized.
#3

Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch | AMOLED Display | Shot Execution/Putt Alignment | Golfing System with Approach CT10 Starter Kit, Club Tracking System (3 Sensors) and Signature Stand Power Bundle

Rating
9.1
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
105 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Highly accurate GPS tracking and detailed course maps enhance strategic play and club selection.
Course Maps
Highly accurate GPS tracking and detailed course maps enhance strategic play and club selection.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with extended GPS use during long rounds.
Display Quality
The watch offers a bright, easy-to-navigate display that makes reading course details effortless and planning shots straightforward.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durable design withstands typical golf course conditions while remaining waterproof for regular use.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The interface is intuitive with a minimal learning curve, making it accessible for golfers who want advanced features without complexity.

The Garmin Approach S70 Golf Smartwatch is a solid choice for golfers looking to enhance their game with advanced GPS and tracking features. It offers highly accurate GPS positioning paired with over 43,000 full-color CourseView maps that display hazards, fairways, and greens in vivid detail on its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen. This makes it easy to plan shots and understand the course layout without squinting or straining. The watch’s battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 days, so it can handle multiple rounds or extended use without frequent recharging.

The included CT10 Starter Kit with three sensors automatically tracks your shots and club usage, providing detailed stats like distance and accuracy, which is great for players who want to analyze and improve their performance. The PlaysLike Distance feature is another plus, adjusting distances based on slope and weather conditions for smarter club selection. In terms of durability, the watch is waterproof and built to withstand typical golf course conditions. The user interface combines touchscreen and buttons, making navigation intuitive even for users who aren't tech experts.

Some might find the bundle's cost a bit high, and the complexity of features may require some initial time to fully understand. While the watch is waterproof, it’s not intended for heavy water activities beyond normal golfing conditions. If you want a golf GPS watch that delivers detailed course info, smart tracking, and reliable battery life in a sleek package, the Garmin Approach S70 bundle is well worth considering.

Rating
9.1
GPS Accuracy
Course Maps
Battery Life

Most important from
105 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Highly accurate GPS tracking and detailed course maps enhance strategic play and club selection.
Course Maps
Highly accurate GPS tracking and detailed course maps enhance strategic play and club selection.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with extended GPS use during long rounds.
Display Quality
The watch offers a bright, easy-to-navigate display that makes reading course details effortless and planning shots straightforward.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durable design withstands typical golf course conditions while remaining waterproof for regular use.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The interface is intuitive with a minimal learning curve, making it accessible for golfers who want advanced features without complexity.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Gps Golf Watches

Choosing the right Garmin GPS golf watch can significantly enhance your golfing experience by providing accurate data and useful features. When selecting a golf watch, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for providing precise distance measurements to the green, hazards, and other key points on the course. High accuracy ensures you can trust the data to make better decisions during your game. GPS accuracy can vary, with some watches offering advanced multi-band GPS for better precision. If you play on courses with challenging terrain or in areas with poor satellite reception, opt for a watch with higher GPS accuracy.
Course MapsCourse maps are preloaded maps of golf courses that the watch can use to provide detailed information about each hole. The more courses a watch has preloaded, the more versatile it is. Some watches offer updates and the ability to download new courses. If you frequently play on different courses or travel for golf, choose a watch with a large database of course maps and easy update options.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long rounds or multi-day golf trips. Battery life can range from a few hours in GPS mode to several weeks in smartwatch mode. If you often play long rounds or multiple rounds in a day, look for a watch with extended battery life in GPS mode.
Display QualityDisplay quality affects how easily you can read the watch in different lighting conditions. A high-resolution, sunlight-readable display ensures you can see the information clearly even on bright days. Displays can range from basic monochrome to high-resolution color screens. If you play in varying light conditions, prioritize a watch with a high-quality, easily readable display.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, fitness tracking, and connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features can enhance the overall functionality of the watch beyond just golf. If you want a watch that doubles as a fitness tracker or can keep you connected with notifications, look for models with comprehensive smart features.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance ensure the watch can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and exposure to the elements. Water resistance is particularly important if you play in wet conditions or want to use the watch for other activities like swimming. Watches can range from splash-proof to fully waterproof. If you play in diverse weather conditions or want a multi-sport watch, choose one with higher durability and water resistance.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how quickly and easily you can access the watch's features. A simple, intuitive interface can make a big difference, especially during a game. Some watches offer touchscreen controls, while others use buttons. If you prefer quick and easy access to information, look for a watch with a user-friendly interface that suits your preference for touch or button controls.

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