best golf gps watches

Best Golf GPS Watches: Top Picks for Every Golfer in 2025

Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by many around the world. It combines skill, precision, and a love for the outdoors. As technology advances, golfers can now take advantage of gadgets that enhance their game. Golf GPS watches are among these advancements, helping players track their performance and navigate the course more effectively.

These watches provide important information like distance to the hole and course layout. They often include features like shot tracking, scorekeeping, and even fitness tracking. A good golf GPS watch can be a handy tool for golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right one is key to getting the most out of your game.

When shopping for a golf GPS watch, consider factors like battery life, accuracy, and ease of use. It’s also important to look at additional features, such as smartphone compatibility or weather resistance. Finding a watch that fits your needs will make your time on the course more enjoyable. I spent hours researching and testing various golf GPS watches to find the ones that stand out and offer the best value.

Best Golf GPS Watches

I love using golf GPS watches to improve my game. They help me track my distance and make better club choices on the course. Here is my list of the best golf GPS watches available right now.

Garmin Approach S12

I highly recommend the Garmin Approach S12 for anyone looking for a reliable golf GPS watch.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear all day.
• Long-lasting battery that can handle multiple rounds.
• Accurate yardage measurements for better shots.

Cons

• Takes time to connect to satellites.
• Limited smartwatch features.
• Requires a smartphone to access some apps.

I recently got my hands on the Garmin Approach S12, and it has quickly become an essential part of my golf game. The watch is so light that I often forget I’m wearing it. It provides important yardage information, letting me know exact distances to the front, back, and middle of the greens. This feature really helps me plan my shots better.

The battery life is impressive. I can easily play four or five rounds on a single charge. I appreciate this because I don’t have to worry about my watch dying mid-round. Setting up for a game has been easy, although I did notice it takes a couple of minutes to connect to satellites. It’s best to start the GPS search as soon as you get to the course.

I also enjoy keeping score directly on the watch. After I finish my rounds, I can upload my scores to the Garmin Golf app. This lets me see how I stack up against friends and the leaderboards. The wide selection of preloaded courses is a big plus too, with over 42,000 options available globally. Overall, the Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golfers who want a simple, effective GPS watch without too many distractions.

Garmin Approach S42

I think the Garmin Approach S42 is a solid choice if you want a reliable golf GPS watch with plenty of features.

Pros

• Easy-to-read color touchscreen
• Over 42,000 preloaded golf courses
• Smart notifications keep you connected

Cons

• Initial setup requires an open area for satellite detection
• Charging issues reported by some users
• Strap may be short for larger wrists

I’ve had the chance to use the Garmin Approach S42 during my rounds, and it really impressed me with its easy-to-read display. The color touchscreen is bright and clear, making it simple to check distances while I play. I love that it has over 42,000 golf courses preloaded, so I can use it almost anywhere without much fuss.

The Green View feature is awesome, allowing me to position the pin manually. This helps me get exact distances to different parts of the green. I also appreciate the AutoShot feature, which tracks my shot distances automatically. It’s nice to see those stats afterward.

There are a couple of downsides I’ve noticed though. Setting it up for the first time can be tricky if you’re in a wooded area. You really need a clear view of the sky to connect to the satellites. A few users have mentioned issues with the watch not charging as well. Lastly, the strap might feel a bit short if you have larger wrists. Overall, it’s a useful watch for anyone serious about their golf game.

TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch

I think the TecTecTec ULT-G is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use golf GPS watch.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear during rounds
• Quick access to preloaded worldwide golf courses
• Good battery life for multiple rounds

Cons

• Screen resolution is lower than some competitors
• The wristband can feel a bit stiff
• Charging connection may be tricky to align

After using the TecTecTec ULT-G for a few rounds, I appreciate how light and comfortable it feels on my wrist. The watch lets me track distances effortlessly, and having so many golf courses preloaded is a major plus. It’s particularly useful when I’m playing at a new course, as it quickly recognizes the layout without any fuss.

The battery life impressed me, lasting a few rounds before needing a charge. I also found the display easy to read, even in bright sunlight. Despite some comments about distance accuracy, I found it reliable for my needs.

On the downside, the screen resolution isn’t as high as some other models I’ve noticed. The wristband did seem a little stiff at first, but it softened up after a few uses. Connecting the charger can also be a bit finicky, which takes some getting used to. Overall, this watch has given me what I need to enhance my golf game without breaking the bank.

Voice Caddie A2 GPS Watch

This watch is a great choice for golfers who want helpful features without the high price tag.

Pros

• Offers detailed green contour data for better putting strategies.
• The touchscreen is vibrant and shows the entire course layout clearly.
• Customizable pin placement helps with precise approach shots.

Cons

• It can take some time to connect to satellites.
• The small screen may be hard to read for some users.
• Battery life could be better for long rounds of golf.

I’ve been using the Voice Caddie A2 for a few weeks and it has become an essential part of my game. The green undulation feature really helps me understand the slopes on the green, making putting much easier. I appreciate the vibrant color touchscreen that displays the entire course layout, allowing me to plan each shot with confidence.

Customizing the pin placement is a huge plus. It allows me to adapt my strategy based on the hole’s location, which is especially useful when the conditions change. The automatic slope feature has also been a game changer in my club selection, ensuring I make smarter choices on the course.

There are some downsides. It sometimes takes a while to connect to the satellite, and I found the screen a bit small when trying to view the green detail from a distance. Battery life could also be better, as I prefer to have enough power even on longer golfing days. Despite these minor issues, this watch delivers on its promises and has helped me improve my game significantly.

Garmin Approach S12

I believe the Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice for golfers seeking a reliable GPS watch.

Pros

• Easy to read display, even in sunlight
• Long battery life, enough for several rounds
• Simple to use with many preloaded courses

Cons

• Takes a minute or so to connect for the first time
• Some features require extra sensors
• Initial setup instructions could be clearer

I’ve had the chance to use the Garmin Approach S12 during several rounds of golf. First off, the design is great. The display is bright and easy to see, even on sunny days. I really appreciate how I can quickly get yardages to the green, hazards, and doglegs. It makes planning my shots much simpler.

The battery life stands out too. I’ve gone through multiple rounds without worrying about recharging. It can hold up for about 15 hours in GPS mode, which is more than enough for typical weekend play. Plus, the watch feels comfortable and fits well on my wrist.

Setting it up was pretty straightforward, although the first time it took a moment to get a signal. It connects easily after that. I do wish some features, like automatic club tracking, didn’t require extra sensors. Overall, this watch has enhanced my golf game, providing the useful data I need without being overly complicated.

Buying Guide

When choosing a golf GPS watch, I look for several key features. Here are the main things that matter:

• Accuracy: I want a watch that gives me reliable distance measurements. This helps me make better club choices.

• Battery Life: It’s important that the watch lasts through multiple rounds. I prefer a watch that can last at least 10 hours.

• Course Coverage: I need a watch that has a good number of preloaded golf courses. This ensures I can use it wherever I play.

• Display: A clear and easy-to-read screen is crucial, especially in bright sunlight. I prefer color displays over black and white.

• GPS Features: I look for options like shot tracking, hazard alerts, and green overlays. These features enhance my gameplay.

Here is a quick checklist to consider:

Budget also plays a role. I consider how much I’m willing to spend.

It’s nice to compare models to find the best fit for my needs. Each feature can greatly improve my golf experience, making the game more enjoyable.