A good golf watch can track your distance from the green, follow your shots, give you golf analytics, and be a perfect companion on the course. In this guide, I’ll go over the best golf watches that you can buy today.
For each watch, I’ll show you:
- Key features why the watch makes our list
- Extra features like swing tracking and automatic score tracking
- How to buy each GPS golf watch
At the bottom of this guide, we’ll teach you about some golf watch GPS features that you may not have thought of before.
If this guide helps you buy a new golf watch, comment down below and let us know what you went with.
Let’s go!
The Best Golf Watches
- Garmin S42 (Best Overall Golf Watch)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (Best Smart Watch)
- Garmin S12 (Best Basic Watch)
- Golf Buddy Aim W11 (Most Accurate Watch)
- Garmin S62 (Best for Swing Tracking)
- SkyCaddie LX5 (Best Display)
- Shot Scope V3 (Best for Analytics)
- Voice Caddie T9 (Best Premium)
- Shot Scope G3 (Lightweight Golf Watch)
- Bushnell iON Edge (Best Battery Life)
- TecTecTec ULT-G (2nd Budget Option)
Reviews of the Best Golf Watches
Garmin S42
Best Overall Golf Watch
The Garmin S42 is the perfect wrist watch for both beginner and professional golfers. Garmin is the number one golf watch brand and for good reason. The S42 sits in the middle of its product line, offering better features and a larger display than the S12 but a better price point than the S62.
The biggest improvement from the S12 to the S42 is the full color touchscreen display. If you are looking to give your opponents a run for their money, then give this wrist watch a serious consideration.
The Garmin S42 is equipped with sensors that can help improve your accuracy. The watch features full fitness data, steps, and elevation info. The sensors can also measure shot distances and record them for post-game analysis through the Garmin Golf app.
If you desire accurate approach shots, the Garmin S42 can help you manually adjust to today’s pin position. Pair the watch with Garmin Approach CT10 for even more precise automatic game tracking. The CT10 inserts into the butt of your club and gives you swing speed and angle analytics.
Sync the watch with your smartphone to make calls, send text messages, and receive important notifications. You’ll also be able to track your golf handicap and review details about your play.
Price
The Garmin S42 costs $249
Key Features
- Extremely lightweight and stylish.
- Has a 1.2” color touchscreen display
- Comes preloaded with more than 42,,000 courses from around the world
- This watch can track everyday activities such as steps and sleep.
- 1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands
- Battery life: up to 15 hours in GPS mode, and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode
- Green View feature allows manual pin positioning; 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 distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking) and pairs with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately) for more automatic game tracking capabilities
- Offers smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone) and estimated activity-tracking features such as steps, sleep and built-in sports profiles
Apple Watch Series 7
Best Smart Watch
The Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t just a golf watch, but it does a fine job as a golf accessory for all golfers. In addition to golf, you get a ton of other fitness and Apple-related features. Plus, it’s not even the most expensive watch on this list.
The Apple Series 7 has a 45mm display and is built with a ton of internal sensors and features. It has a heart rate monitor, fitness trackers, and other additional features worth buying. The Apple Watch contains a full watch app store that contains thousands of wrist-based apps for you to check out.
Some of those apps offer complete golf course GPS trackers and data analysis. Apps like Hole19 can be downloaded for free and turn your Apple Watch into a fully functioning golf GPS watch. This solution works just as well as a dedicated golf watch because Apple’s GPS is top-notch.
The only downside is that most good golf GPS apps for the Apple Watch require a payment or subscription plan to get full access.
Price
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $329.
Key Features
- High quality GPS sensors
- Full color display
- Thousands of golf and non-golf apps to browse through and check out
- Allows you to pick your own GPS app of choice
![Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DaN6wJtvL._SL160_.jpg?w=892&ssl=1)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 7 — The most advanced Apple Watch features powerful health innovations like sensors and apps to measure your blood oxygen and take an ECG. The larger, Always-On Retina display makes it easier to use and read. The most durable Apple Watch. Charges faster so you can get going quicker.
- EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in a range of sizes and materials, with dozens of bands to choose from. Change up your look by switching your band or by customizing your watch face in millions of ways.
- INCREDIBLE DURABILITY — Built to be tough. It’s more crack resistant, it’s dust resistant, and it’s swimproof.
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, make a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, or call for help with Emergency SOS. Series 7 (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- MOST ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Keep an eye on your blood oxygen with a revolutionary sensor and app. Take an ECG anytime. Get irregular heart rhythm notifications. Track your sleep. Use fall detection as a safety feature that can call for help if you need it.
Garmin S12
Best Basic Garmin Golf Watch
The Garmin S12 is one of the best golf watches at a reasonable price to help you stay focused on the game and course. Garmin is the top brand for golf watches today and the S12 is the introductory model.
The Garmin S10 is designed to automatically choose a suitable golf course for you from the over 41,000 preloaded courses with free lifetime updates. It also provides yardages, doglegs, and hazards at the back, middle, and front of the green.
As soon as you complete a hole, Garmin S12 will automatically transit to the next hole and track your movement from the green to the next tee box.
At the end of your round, Garmin S10 will provide you with a summary of your round, total distance played, total score and time played. It also displays sunset and sunrise times; plus, the current time and date.
Another great feature of this watch is that it is water-rated to 50 meters. Additionally, you can use the Garmin Golf app to participate in the weekly tournaments and leaderboards.
The S12 doesn’t have a full color display like other Garmin golf watches, but it provides accurate yardage, shot tracking, and other based features.
Price
The retail price of Garmin S12 is $199.
Key Features
- Lightweight, comfortable and comes with a high resolution.
- Has a sunlight-readable display.
- Can keep track your score, total time and total distance played.
- Comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts 30 hours on the course
- New round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display
- Battery life: up to 30 hours in GPS Mode
- More than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world
- Keep score right on the watch and upload directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards
- Automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club with compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately)
Golf Buddy Aim W11
Most Accurate Golf Watch
The Golf Budy Aim W11 is a GPS watch that most professional golfers wear to their golf courses. It has a 1.3” TFT-LCD color touch screen that helps you calculate distance to the front, back, and center of the green. It also helps you calculate distances to targets and hazards. It provides accurate distance measurements from anywhere within the green.
The Golf Budy Aim W11 watch automatically recognizes the exact hole you are playing and comes equipped with a digital scorecard, a manual pin placement, as well as a rechargable lithium-ion battery that can serve you for up to 13 hours on the green.
With the zoom-in and zoom-out function, you will get a better view around the green, see your distance from the pin, as well as any hazard on the course. It has an IPX7 Waterproof rating; meaning, you can wear it in any weather condition. So, if you are looking for a GPS golf watch that will help you plan your next shot, Golf Budy Aim W11 has got you covered.
Price
The current price of Golf Budy Aim W11 is $200.
Key Features
- Pair with an iPhone or smartphone to check and store data on your smartphone.
- It provides high differences of information on golf courses.
- This watch has an IPX7 Waterproof rating.
- Its satellite reception provides accurate distance information
- Golf Buddy 2021 New Golf GPS Watch! New features - Dynamic Shot Distance, more speedy touchscreen, low-light mode and on-screen mode without having to turn your arm on.
- Automatic Zoom-In/Out smart hole View. GPS and GLONASS satellite reception provides one-touch quick start function and accurate distance information. High visibility 1.3" IPS TFT LCD color touch screen Application. Waterproof level IPX7", you can use it without worrying about raining. Ultra-light "1.94oz" that won't get in the way of swing and golf play. Additional 3 colors Straps are provided free of charge.
- Green Undulation displays the slopes of the green through different colors. dark blue being the lowest point and bright red being the highest. The industry-changing addition of Green Undulation makes the Aim W11 the must-have device you need on the course. *Available at select courses.
- The strongest battery capacity of the class equipment "600 mA" can be played continuously with 45 holes on a single charge (up to 10 hours in golf mode, and 1 week in daily life). Provides high differences of information on golf courses (height difference settings can be set on the golf course), not only in U.S. but also for 40,000 golf courses in 170 countries worldwide.
- Pair with an iPhone or smartphone to check and store data on your smartphone. Height difference setting can be set when you arrive to the golf course and the W11 recognizes the golf course. The low light retention mode allows for improved battery retention, and the screen automatically turns on and off.
Garmin S62
Best for Swing Tracking
The Garmin S62 is a stylist golf watch that you can wear to look good on and off the course. It gives you all the accurate information you need for a successful round, displayed on a large, 1.3-inch touchscreen. You can change your style without tools to align with your activity using the QuickFit band.
You can also sync this watch to your smartphone to receive incoming calls, emails, texts, and other notifications. There are even more ways to connect, including using the Garmin Golf app to participate in weekly tournaments in any of the over 40,000 preloaded courses with your friends or family members.
Use the Garmin S62 watch to know your precise location and PlaysLike distance on the course. This can help you understand blind shots better and be an advantage on new courses. The included Virtual Caddie factors in wind speed and direction for you automatically. This watch also has a pinpointer that will tell you the direction of the pin when you have a blind spot.
Pair this watch with the Garmin TruSwing golf swing analyzer to get swing speed and club path angles. You can improve the consistency of each swing when you know exactly what your swing is doing and how the swing impacts ball flight.
Price
The cost price of the Garmin S62 watch is $499.
Key Features
- The battery life can serve up to 20 hours in golf mode.
- This eye-catchy watch comes with over 42,000 courses preloaded.
- It has a large 1.3″ sunlight-readable color touchscreen display
- It is waterproofed for playing in any condition.
- Large 1. 3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands
- Battery life: up to 20 hours in GPS mode, 14 days in smartwatch mode
- Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map
- Hazard View allows you to quickly scroll through each hazard on the map
- PlaysLike Distance feature accounts for uphill and downhill shots
SkyCaddie LX5
Best Display
The SkyCaddie LX5 is one of the simplest GPS watches on the market. It also has a larger display with a touch screen, measuring about 1.39 inches. The handsome looks and modern touch make SkyCaddie LX5 versatile both on and off the course. With the water-resistant display, you can see information on the screen in direct sunlight.
On select courses, this watch can display major tiers, mounds, false fronts, and contours. This add-on will help you turn every shot into a scoring opportunity or hit more greens.
One thing I love about this watch is that you can customize its face to show analog or digital options. Plus, the casing is rugged and water-resistant, so the LX5 us good in wet conditions.
SkyCaddie’s golf watch GPS information is normally a subscription plan in order to access. When you buy the watch though, you get 3 years worth of access included.
Price
The SkyCaddie LX5 is $300.
Key Features
- Comes preloaded with over 35,000 golf courses.
- This golf watch has one of the largest color touchscreens on the market.
- Provides the exact shape of the green rotated, distances to back and front.
- The battery can serve you up to two rounds.
- Included is a 3 Year Prepaid Worldwide Membership to over 35,000 ground verified course maps
- Golf's largest brightest color touchscreen 1.39" Full HD graphics for stunning hole and green images
- Zoom in and pan for extra detail, slide the cursor for precision targeting to hazards or layups
- IntelliGreen provides exact shape of the green rotated, distances to front, back, move cursor to pin
- WiFi enabled, scoring, stats, target list, battery up to two rounds, heart rate, step counter
Shot Scope V3
Best For Analytics
The Shot Scope V3 is an advanced golf course wrist watch that can improve your playing experience and help you stay on top of your game. It comes with 16 tracking tags that can track your total time played, total distance covered, and overall score.
The tracking feature can also help you track your distance from the green side and automatically recognize your club.
Overall, Shot Scope gives useful golf stats including short game data, approaches, tee shots, putting, full round/season, and scoring. The accompanied app shows you powerful analytics about your round that you can use to improve your golf game.
Shot Scope provides back, middle, and front green distances and bunker information during your round. The battery on the watch lasts for up to 10 hours of play or more than 2 rounds of golf.
When you download the Shot Scope app, you will get firmware updates and free course updates.
Price
The Shot Scope V3 costs $219.
Key Features
- GPS distances to the front and back of hazards,
- Quality display that looks good under direct sunlight.
- Preloaded with over 36,000 courses worldwide.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED; Shows distances to the front, back and middle of the green. Accurate to within plus or minus one yard. Distances to all hazards are included. Measure the distance of your shots. Automatic hole progression while you golf.
- PERFORMANCE TRACKING; Use V3 to track your golf, see every shot on every hole you play. Use Strokes Gained data and our handicap benchmarking to provide insights into how to save shots the next time you play. V3 is proven to lower handicaps and is much more than just a GPS watch.
- EASY-TO-USE; Simple to set up. Designed by golfers for golfers. The daylight readable screen shows colour only when required to enhance the experience. Navigate easily through features. Shot Scope also has a UK support team so any questions will be quickly answered.
- RELIABLE; Durable design. Water and dust resistant. Battery will easily last 2 rounds of golf. Fast charging from 0% in a couple of hours. One-year warranty and free course updates.
- AFFORDABLE; No subscription and the opportunity to be part of the Shot Scope community receiving special deals on golf equipment and free e-books on how to improve your golf. Try it no risk for 30 days, and if you don’t LOVE IT you will get your money back!
Voice Caddie T9
Best Premium Golf Watch
The Voice Caddie T9 is an ultra-premium GPS watch for golfers. This easy-to-use watch comes equipped with a color touchscreen display where you can read your distance from the green side and hole.
It can connect with your club to track your in-game performance. It gives yardages to the back, center, and front of the green and offers advanced features like active green data, a resource center that shows the total distance and time you have played.
With the zoom-in and zoom-out function, you will get a better view around the green, see your distance from the pin, as well as any hazard on the course.
Voice Caddie comes with an interesting swing tempo mode. It can track your swing speed and give you tips to improve your game. There is also an automatic scoring option, where the watch will track all of your swings and putters on your behalf.
The T9 is an underrated watch that doesn’t have the name power of Garmin, but still offers good features. It has over 40,000 preloaded courses and comes with free lifetime updates.
Price
The Voice Caddie T9 costs $350.
Key Features
- Lets you track each golf shot and putt.
- Automatically calculates the slope of the green.
- Can keep track of your score, total time and total distance played.
- Comes with a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 12 hours.
- Color Touch Screen, Course Layouts with Bunker and Hazard Information, Green View with Zoom
- Green Undulation View Shows High and Low Points in the Green, Customizable Pin Placement, Putt View with Directional Arrow Showing Break Direction
- V-Algorithm (Automatic Slope Calculation) with Tournament Mode
- Swing Tempo Mode
- Shot and Putt Tracking (Auto Scorecard)
Shot Scope G3
Lightweight Golf Watch
The Shot Scope G3 is a good budget watch for beginner golfers who don’t want to spend a lot of money. The G3 features a color touchscreen measuring around 3.5cm.
The Shot Scope G3 watch provides you the aerial view of the hole. It has a moveable pointer that tells you the exact distance to your chosen spot. You can zoom in on the green or use the moveable pointer to pin a more precise distance.
There are over 36,000 courses preloaded into the watch for you to pick from and track GPS distances.
This watch is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. You will enjoy the ease of use and functionality on offer. So, add Shot Scope G3 on your list of best golf watches to purchase when you hit the market.
Price
The retail price of the G3 watch is $129.99
Key Features
- Large colour touch screen brings out the finest details
- Hole maps are ground verified on foot
- 10+ hours battery in golf mode
- The distances are calibrated in meters and yards.
- Lightweight GPS watch: Slim and stylish the lightweight G3 can be worn on the course for highly accurate GPS distances, and off the course as an everyday watch.
- F / M / B green & hazard distances: G3 has you covered everywhere on the course. Shot Scope’s dynamic yardages provide highly accurate distances, specific to your exact angle of approach.
- 36,000+ preinstalled courses: All courses are preloaded for ease and come with free edits and updates. Play anywhere in the world at no additional cost.
- Measures the last shooting distance: Discover how far your last shot has traveled on the course at the press of a button. Perfect to see how far a good drive has traveled or learn the impact the weather conditions have on your golf shot that day.
- Daylight readable color display: The technology behind the screen of G3 means it is clearly visible, even in the brightest and sunniest environment.
Bushnell Golf iON Edge
Best Battery Life
The Bushnell iON Edge is a powerful GPS watch for golfers with distances to the green side available in meters or yards. Bushnell iON Edge provides distances to the back and front of hazards, giving you an opportunity to set up a strategy for the hole.
This 1.3” LCD color touch screen watch comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses worldwide. The color screen and easy to navigate buttons make this watch user-friendly while golfing. Weight-wise, it is one of the lightest GPS watches on the market.
The iON Edge offers one of the best batteries in a gold watch, lasting you up to 4 rounds per charge. It saves power with a simpler display and lower brightness.
With the PinCollect feature, you can input the pin position to provide enhanced approach and short game statistics with the touch of a button. This watch will serve you in any weather condition.
Price
The Bushnell iON Edge golf watch is $120.
Key Features
- The compact, streamlined design is very comfortable.
- Combines GPS distances with performance tracking.
- Daylight readable color display.
- 10+ hours battery in golf mode.
- Touchscreen and GreenView with Movable Pin Placement
- Front/Center/Back Distances
- Dynamic Green Mapping
- 6 Hazards Per Hole
- 15+ Hours of Battery Life
TecTecTec ULT-G
2nd Budget Option
The TecTecTec ULT-G is another budget option for simpler golfers who don’t need all the bells and whistles. The ULT-G doesn’t have a color display, but does it’s job to show you your distances on each hole.
The TecTec Tec gives you access to over 38,000 courses worldwide. It can measure accurate distances to improve your game in real-time. If you want to know the exact distance to the back, middle, or front of the green, TecTecTec ULT-G has got you covered.
This watch is fast to set up, durable, and easy to use. To get started, you need to connect the watch to your golf course by pressing the satellite button. It has automatic course recognition that works generally okay.
You can select a course without having to connect to an app or preload software. Once you connect your course with the watch, you will be able to transit from hole to hole with ease. TecTecTec ULT-G is perfect for courses with blind tee shots and doglegs. It is also a perfect watch when your rangefinder is not enough.
Price
The cost price of this watch currently stands at $99.99
Key Features
- It comes with Bluetooth connectivity for easy connection to your smartphone.
- Measures distances to the front, back, and middle of the green.
- The battery power can take you through 2.5 rounds before the next charge.
- 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: The ULT-G Golf GPS watch includes sophisticated features that will make your works easier. A lot of useful features to take your game to the next level. It features Bluetooth connectivity to connect the watch to your smartphone for free course updates. There are no unusual features that can drain your mobile's battery too fast.
- 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄: Learning to use the ULT-G watch is very simple. There are only four buttons to navigate the screen. Once the initial set-up is complete, with the touch of a button, the device will automatically connect to the satellite and begin displaying course information.
- 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃: Measures distances to the front, back, and middle of the green. Figure out the distance of your shots. Automatic hole progression while you play golf. Access information about over 38,000 courses around the world. There is a clock to tell the time.
- 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄: Comes in a durable design. Water and dust resistance will assist you in hostile weather. Battery power to take you through 2.5 rounds before needing to be recharged. One-year warranty (online registration required), lifetime software support, and high-class customer service.
- 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄: We are providing you a money-back guarantee. Purchase it, and there is no risk for 30 days. If you don't love it, you will get your money back. The cost of the ULT-G watch is the only price you'll have to pay—no subscription fees for continued service or updates.
What is a Golf GPS Watch?
A golf GPS watch is a great way to track your progress during your round. These devices are designed to help golfers improve their games and become better players. They come equipped with features such as distance measuring tools, shot tracking, and other useful information.
Golf watches are usually worn around the wrist and connected to your phone via Bluetooth technology. You can then use these gadgets to view detailed stats about your game and keep track of your progress throughout the day.
There are many different types of golf watches available today. Some are simple and basic while others offer advanced functionality. We’ve put together a list of our top picks above so that you can find the right device for you.
Video Overview
Garmin is a top rated golf watch brand and we’ve featured them heavily above. If you want to know more about the features of a good golf watch, this video review below does a really good job going into detail about some of the features!
12 Key Features to Look For in Golf GPS Watches
Accuracy
You should look for accuracy first. A good GPS watch will give you accurate readings within 3 feet or 1 yard of distance. Legitimate brands like Garmin, Apple, and Bushnell have accurate GPS tracking with high accuracy.
Course Recognition
You should look for the ability to track shots at your local courses because if the watch doesn’t, it will be useless! Most golf watches nowadays have every public course loaded on to it, so this is a non-factor. If you live in a reclusive area, you might just want to double check.
Touchscreen
Most golf watches nowadays have touchscreen technology so that you can dynamically zoom, select, and access different menus on your watch. If you need to spend a few extra dollars for a touchscreen screen, go for it.
Display Size
You should look for a large display size so that you can see more information on one screen. However, you don’t want a watch that is too bulky on your wrist because it could interfere with your swing. Look for a big display and a small bezel on the watch.
Battery Life
You should look for long battery life on any GPS golf watch you buy. At the very least, it should comfortably last for a full round of golf. Most watches today last for multiple rounds without charging.
Price
For each of the golf watches listed above, we tell you the price it costs. Use this information along with details about the display and other features to buy the watch that makes sense for you.
Waterproof
You should look for a golf watch that is waterproof. You probably won’t be looking to play in the rain, but waterproof can protect your from sweat and other moisture as well.
Design
You should look for a golf watch with a sleek design. Pick one that fits comfortable on your wrist and doesn’t interfere with your swing. Some watches move sensors and features in to the watch band to help increase the functionality of it.
Phone Compatibility
You should look for a golf watch that is compatible with your smart phone (Android or iOS). The phone companion app is important to view analytics and other information about your round.
Durability
You should look for a golf GPS watch with durability. It will get banged around in your golf bag when you aren’t wearing it and will need to withstand some vibration and shock each time you swing your club.
User Interface
You should look for a golf GPS watch with a friendly user interface. With more features and analytics than old golf watches from 5 years ago, an easy interface is critical.
Extra Features
Take note of extra features and tracking that the watch offers, such as:
- Wind direction
- Distances to hazards
- Step counter and other fitness features
- Club tracking sensors
All golf GPS watches show you distances to greens. These extra features can help sway you in different direction and help you decide which watch to buy.
Conclusion
Golf GPS watches are becoming increasingly popular. They offer many benefits for all kinds of golfers, including:
- Accurate distance calculations to greens and hazards.
- Tracking for every golf course in the world
- Analytics about your shooting
If you’re interested in buying a new golf watch, consider all of the factors we went through above before making your decision. My personal favorite golf watch is the Garmin S42, which sits at the right price point and offers a ton of nice features.
If you disagree, comment down below and let us know which of our best golf watches you prefer.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API