The 15 Best Watches For Golf

Distance measuring devices have helped golfers receive accurate yardages and speed up play. However, not everyone appreciates carrying a laser rangefinder. Alternatively, you can opt for a wearable device for extra comfort and convenience. 

In this post, I reveal the best golf watches for 2024 to measure the length to the green, hazards, and doglegs around the golf course. Every option on the list is equipped with hole layouts on a minimum of 35,000 golf clubs globally. Plus, they act as digital scorecards, fitness trackers, and smartwatches.

Garmin, the behemoth of the GPS world, features prominently on this list for its range of premium quality devices. We have a guide dedicated to the brand that gives you a broader base of the best Garmin watches for golf.

The 3 Best Watches for Golf in 2024

Best Overall Best Budget Most Accurate
Garmin Approach S62 TecTecTec ULT-G Shot Scope V3
Pros
  • Preloaded with 41,000 golf courses
  • 1.3” color screen offers a clear display
  • Suggests clubs for each shot
  • Entry-level price tag
  • Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses
  • Accurate measurements to the nearest yard
  • Accurately measures to the nearest 0.32 yards
  • Tracks the distance of previous shots
  • The battery lasts up to 10 hours
Cons
  • Priced at a premium
  • The broader face compared to the S60 may deter some golfers, but it works for me.
  • No green view
  • No digital scorecard features
  • It does not display an entire hole map
  • It offers fewer courses than its competitors
Price Score 77.8 95.5 87.7
Accuracy  91.4 94.1 96.9
Features 94.8 77.0 84.3
Battery Life 97.0 81.6 81.8
Rating 4.5 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars

Why You Should Trust Us

Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the reviews in this article. Our team has over 100 years of golf experience, has spent thousands of hours reviewing golf equipment, and has hand-picked these watches. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best Watch For Golf

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  
OUR RATING: 4.5/5gstblcr-table__image Garmin Approach S62
  • Preloaded with 41,000 golf courses
  • Suggests clubs for each shot
  • 1.3” color screen offers a clear display
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OUR RATING: 4/5gstblcr-table__image TecTecTec ULT-G
  • Entry-level price tag
  • Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses
  • Accurate measurements to the nearest yard
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OUR RATING: 4/5gstblcr-table__image Shot Scope V3
  • Accurately measures to the nearest 0.32 yards
  • Tracks the distance of previous shots
  • The battery lasts up to 10 hours
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OUR RATING: 4/5gstblcr-table__image Garmin Approach S42
  • Preloaded with 42,000 golf courses
  • Manual pin selector
  • 15 hours of battery life
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Golf Buddy Aim W11
  • IPX7 waterproof protection
  • Slope-adjusted distances
  • Manual pin placement
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Edition
  • Preloaded with 40,000 golf courses
  • High-quality display
  • Increased battery life
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Golf Buddy Voice 2
  • Simple distance measurements
  • Preloaded with 40,000 golf courses
  • Affordable price tag
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image SkyCaddie LX5C
  • Detailed hole maps
  • Features distance information on 35,000 golf courses
  • It lasts for 2 rounds without a charge
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image BUSHNELL GOLF iON Edge
  • Moveable pin placement
  • Preloaded with data from 38,000 golf courses
  • Highly accurate measurements
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Garmin Approach S12
  • Extended battery life
  • PLoaded with data for 42,000 golf courses
  • Sunlight-readable display
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Voice Caddie T9
  • Functions on 42,000 golf courses
  • Detailed green undulation feature
  • Customizable pin placement
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Garmin Approach S60
  • Features swing tempo training
  • Operates on 40,000 golf courses
  • Waterproof
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Shot Scope G3
  • The automatic shot-tracking feature
  • Provides measurements on 36,000 golf courses
  • 10 hours of battery life
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Garmin Approach S10
  • Comfortable silicone band
  • Preloaded with data on 41,000 golf courses
  • The display is easy to read in bright light
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OUR RATING: 3.5/5gstblcr-table__image Izzo Golf Swami
  • Automatically detects the golf course and hole you are on
  • Digital scoring function
  • Preloaded with hole data from 38,000 golf courses
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

The 15 Best Golf GPS Watches In 2024

1. Garmin Approach S62  – Overall Best Golf GPS Watch 2024 Vintage 

Pros
  • Preloaded with 41,000 golf courses
  • 1.3” color screen offers a clear display
  • Suggests clubs for each shot
  • Pairs with the Garmin Golf app for advanced shot metrics
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • Priced at a premium
  • The sizeable face compared to the S60 may deter some golfers, but it works for me.
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 41,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 3 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.3”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: 20 hours

The best golf watches are preloaded with thousands of golf courses, feature enhanced graphics, and deliver accurate measurements. I found the premium quality Garmin S62 possessed these features and offered club selection tips based on past results. Plus, it exhibited a superior battery life.

Garmin preloaded over 41,000 golf courses onto the device for distance measurements on most layouts on earth. The golf watch provided distance measurements to the front, middle, and back. It also offered layup measurements for hazards and doglegs.

I enjoyed the manual pin positioning, which gave me a clearer idea of the yardage to the pin position when I planned to attack the flag. Although the accuracy was slightly off compared to a laser rangefinder, it provides sufficient intel for the average golfer.

In addition, the PinPointer feature proved handy when I had a blind shot, as it guided me to the flag for greater accuracy. Finally, the Virtual Caddie feature is a neat inclusion as it suggests clubs and the desired target line for your shot.

Rating: 4.5

2. TecTecTec ULT-G – Best Budget Watch For Golf Distance

Pros
  • Entry-level price tag
  • Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses
  • Accurate measurements to the nearest yard
  • It runs for approximately 2.5 rounds between charges
  • Measures to the green, hazards, and doglegs
Cons
  • No green view
  • No digital scorecard features
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 38,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
  • Screen Size: 2.4”
  • Screen Display: Black and White
  • Battery Life: 10 hours 

You need not spend a fortune on a golf watch to enjoy the simple pleasures of accurate distance measurements. The TecTecTec ULT-G forgoes the fluff and focuses on the cold data to guide you to the pin and keep you clear of the hazards with standard yardage readings.

The black and white screen will win no beauty pageant, but the French manufacturer keeps the display clean and simple. I found it easy to find the back, middle, and front of the green distances, as also doglegs and water hazards.

Despite its entry-level price, TecTecTec equipped the ULT-G with auto-course recognition using a satellite connection. The device rapidly sets you up for a round on over 38,000 golf courses and gives accurate results to the nearest yard.

I appreciated the durability of the design and thought it performed well in the rain and shed dust to prevent damage. Finally, the watch provided ample battery life between charges, exceeding 10 hours.

Rating: 4

3. Shot Scope V3 – Most Accurate Watch For Golf Distance

shot-scope-v3-gps-watch-gps-range-finders

Pros
  • Accurately measures to the nearest 0.32 yards
  • Tracks the distance of previous shots
  • The battery lasts up to 10 hours
  • Enables you to track multiple metrics
  • Preloaded with hole layouts from 35,000 golf courses
Cons
  • It does not display an entire hole map
  • It offers fewer courses than its competitors
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 35,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 0.30 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.3”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: 10 hours 

Mid to low-handicap golfers demand precise yardage readings for optimal club selection and greater distance control. After conducting the best golf watches 2024 edition, the Shot Scope V3 came out with the best accuracy, nailing an average of 0.32 yards off the mark.

The Shot Scope presents a different display with icons representing the hazard or green instead of a full-hole map. However, it provides the typical measurements to distinct points on the green and hazards or doglegs to help you improve your club selection.

Next, the tracking tags boosted the performance of the V3 tenfold because they helped the watch track the distance of each shot. You install the corresponding tag into the hole at the top of your grip to start generating data. The information is stored on the V3 app for you to analyze over 100 metrics post-round.

Like most of the best golf watches, this model is preloaded with 35,000 golf courses to give you a reading on the majority of links around.

Rating: 4

4. Garmin Approach S42 – Most Preloaded Golf Courses

garmin-approach-s42-watch-gps-range-finders

Pros
  • Preloaded with 42,000 golf courses
  • Manual pin selector
  • 15 hours of battery life
  • Permits push notifications for emails and text messages
  • Superior display
Cons
  • It performs erratically in the rain
  • I found it displayed measurements of hazards on parallel fairways
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 42,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 3 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.2”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: 15 hours 

The downside of a GPS device compared to a rangefinder is that your gold course must be preloaded to receive distance measurements. Unless you go for a watch with over 42,000 golf courses, like the Garmin Approach S42, which functions on most registered clubs.

I even used this in Argentina at a few private and local golf courses, and it was ready for the occasion. Besides its golf course portfolio, I enjoyed the enlarged green view, which allowed me to manually move the pin for a more accurate reading for that round.

Garmin crafted an impressive color touch screen for S42, which offers a bright display in all light, making it easy to see distance measurements. In addition, the battery lasted an impressive 15 hours without a charge,  equivalent to just over 3 rounds of golf.

Finally, the Approach S42 is compatible with the CT10 Club Tracking system to gauge the distance of each shot. While they are a worthwhile investment, they are not included with this golf watch.

 Rating: 4

5. Golf Buddy Aim W11 – Best Golf GPS Watch For Wet Weather

Pros
  • IPX7 waterproof protection
  • Slope-adjusted distances
  • Manual pin placement
  • Detailed view of the hole from tee to green
  • Loaded with 40,000 golf courses
Cons
  • The green undulation feature does not work on several courses outside the USA.
  • A limited number of golf courses are mapped for elevation changes
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 40,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.3”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: 13 hours 

Previously, rain would wreak havoc with a golf watch, as the drops impacted the screen display, and when I covered it up, the GPS went haywire. Thanks to its IPX7 waterproof protection, the Golf Buddy Aim W11 is our best golf watch for wet weather conditions.

Adding to its ability to shine in the rain, the Aim W11 delivers accurate distance readings thanks to its Slope-Adjusted mode. I noticed it factored in declining or inclining gradients to provide plays-like measurements on the golf course.

Golf Buddy preloaded data from 40,000 courses globally to offer regular free updates as they add to their portfolio. I received yardage to the layup areas and the front, middle, and back of the green. Plus, I appreciated the Manual Pin Placement feature, which helped me reposition the pin for precise readings for that round.

I felt this device offered one of the most detailed green maps, as it offered insight into the undulation of the golf course. As you expect from a premium watch, it also provides a digital scorecard feature. It runs for 13 hours before it needs a charge.

Rating: 4

Don’t need all these features? Check out the GolfBuddy Aim W10 GPS Golf Watch and get a 25% discount.

6. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Edition – Best Golf Watch For Style

Pros
  • Fashionable look
  • Preloaded with 40,000 golf courses
  • High-quality display
  • The Smart caddie feature guides the average golfer through each hole
  • Increased battery life
Cons
  • Priced at a premium
  • You must own a Samsung mobile phone or tablet to analyze past performances
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 40,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.4”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: 30 hours

Trendy golfers often demand a watch with style and premium features to exude luxury on the golf course and in a casual setting. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Edition delivers both these features and sports a two-tone white and black band with a stylish black face.

I find the design is neutral and pairs well with most colors to blend in on the golf course, but it also matches a pair of jeans and a t-shirt for a casual night on the town. At first glance, it looks like a standard watch face, which changes to a clear, colorful hole map at the click of a button.

The Smart Caddie feature provided superb guidance during the hole by showing me the direction to the pin and hazards to watch for. Those demanding better analysis can pair their watch with a Galaxy smartphone that is Android 8.0 or later to view their past statistics.

Samsung did well to preload the Galaxy Watch 5 Golf Edition with over 40,000 golf courses to cover your measuring needs on most layouts. Lastly, the fashionable Samsung watch provides sensational battery life, running for up to 30 hours between each charge.

Rating: 4

7. Golf Buddy Voice 2 – Best Golf Watch Rangefinder

Pros
  • Simple distance measurements
  • Affordable price tag
  • Voice output
  • Translated into 8 languages
  • Preloaded with 40,000 golf courses
Cons
  • Limited features
  • The accompanying watch strap may prove too loose for thinner wrists
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 40,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 0.50 yards
  • Screen Size: 1”
  • Screen Display: Black and white
  • Battery Life: 20 hours

A golf watch rangefinder is not a rangefinder in the true sense. However, it at least provides the standard measurements necessary. The Golf Buddy Voice 2 is a hassle-free device that provides yardage readings and a view of the green.

There are no premium features such as the Smart Caddie technology or a digital scorecard. You only find yardage readings on your screen to hazards and the green’s front, middle, and back. However, unlike its competitors, the device calls out the distance to you to save you from looking at the screen.

In addition, Golf Buddy went above and beyond for their customers and translated the voice output into 8 languages. Besides its linguistic abilities, this golf watch rangefinder is preloaded with 40,000 golf courses worldwide.

In my experience, the Golf Buddy Voice 2 is a versatile product as you can clip off the face and wear it on your cap, belt, or wrist. Finally, it produces incredible battery life, surviving for as long as 20 hours without a charge.

If a laser rangefinder is a more attractive option for your needs, I recommend reading our review on the top 5 golf rangefinders with slope mode.

Rating: 4

8. SkyCaddie LX5C – Best Smart Golf Watch Graphics

Pros
  • Incredible graphics
  • Detailed hole maps
  • Features distance information on 35,000 golf courses
  • It lasts for 2 rounds without a charge
  • Includes a fitness tracker 
Cons
  • Premium price tag
  • Despite its water resistance, it cannot be exposed to heavy rain
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 35,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 0.50 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.39”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: +/- 10 hours

High-quality graphics are a game changer for golf watches as it enhances your experience, ease of reading, and map displays. The SkyCaddie LX5C offered a crystal clear display and a detailed hole map. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the IntelliGreen imagery for an expansive view of the dancefloor.

SkyCaddie engineers built a 1.39” color touch screen that is interactive, crystal clear, and visible in the brightest sunlight. I also appreciated the rapid response system that provides measurement in an instant and speeds up play.

Besides the graphics, these golf watches for men and women possess distance data for over 35,000 golf courses. It provides yardage to various points on the green, as well as to lay up points along the hole, and will last for 2 rounds without a charge.

In addition, I liked that SkyCaddie added a fitness tracker feature to record steps and your heart rate on and off the golf course. Finally, it also helped that the premium quality LX5C could withstand and function in light rain.

Rating: 3.5

9. Bushnell ION Edge – Best Golf GPS Watch With Moveable Pin Placement

Pros
  • Moveable pin placement
  • Preloaded with data from 38,000 golf courses
  • Highly accurate measurements
  • Digital scoring functionality
  • Affordable price tag
Cons
  • The smaller screen size makes it challenging for some to read the font
  • It is unable to receive email or text message notifications
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 38,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 0.40 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.08”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: +/- 15 hours

Golf watches with moveable pin placement functionality make it easier to get an accurate read-to-flag position for that round. It enhances the precision of your read for optimal club selection and distance control. In my experience, the Bushnell ION Edge thrives in this department.

The ION Edge is not as technologically advanced as the Bushnells laser rangefinder. However, it is reliable, accurate, and interactive. The GreenView features Dynamic Mapping, which enables you to adjust the pin placement for updated measurements.

Bushnell set up the ION Edge with information on 38,000 courses to function on most registered golf courses worldwide. I noticed that it provided yardages to 6 water hazards or bunkers per hole to help you make better-informed layup decisions.

In addition, this golf GPS watch is equipped with digital scoring capabilities to track your strokes on every hole. Lastly, the Bushnell ION edge functions efficiently for 15 hours without needing a charge. In golf terms, that is equivalent to three rounds of 18 holes.

Rating: 3.5

10. Garmin Approach S12 – Longest Golf Watch Battery Life

Pros
  • Extended battery life 
  • Loaded with data for 42,000 golf courses
  • Sunlight-readable display
  • Digital scoring function
  • Pairs with the Garmin Golf app for green contour insight
Cons
  • The CT10 club tracking sensors are sold separately and are expensive
  • The reduced screen size may prove difficult for some golfers to read.
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 42,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 – 2 yards
  • Screen Size: 0.9”
  • Screen Display: Black and white
  • Battery Life: +/- 30 hours

With all the features offered on the best golf watches, it can cause your battery to drain rapidly and require frequent charging. However, Garmin overcame this challenge with the Approach S12 ensuring up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.

While its extended battery life initially garnered my attention, I found it offered a host of premium features that mid-handicappers will welcome. The Approach S12 carries hole data for 42,000 golf courses and gives readings to hazards, doglegs, and the dancefloor’s front, middle, and back.

I found the measurements easy to identify in bright light owing to the sunlight-readable display. Although it lacks a color screen, the information is exhibited in a clear, concise manner to speed up play.

Garmin also equipped the Approach S12 with scoring capabilities to track your strokes without a paper scorecard. If your budget permits, you may consider throwing in the CT10 tracking sensors to record the distance of each shot. 

Rating: 3.5

11. Voice Caddie T9 – Best Golf GPS Watch For Green Data

Pros
  • Detailed green undulation feature
  • Customizable pin placement
  • Provides plays-like distance measurements
  • Functions on 42,000 golf courses
Cons
  • Expensive price tag
  • Limited battery life compared to its peers
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 42,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 – 2 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.2”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: +/- 8

Hitting an approach shot into a green with limited information on the undulation can cause your ball to finish well off the mark. Fortunately, Voice Caddie has solved this issue with their Green Undulation View, which shows you how the green slopes to help you make better club selections.

The Green Undulation View highlights the low and high points of the green to assist with reading the break of your putt. This prevents you from sending your ball in the opposite than intended direction and notching up three putts.

In addition, I liked the Customizable Pin Placement feature, which allowed me to adjust it to the position for that day for a precise read. The accuracy of the measurements was further enhanced by the V-Algorithm 3.0 produced automatic slope calculations for plays-like distance. 

Voice Caddie added hole layouts for 42,000 golf courses to give you yardage to water hazards, bunkers, doglegs, and the green. Finally, it features a battery life of approximately 8 hours when running in golf mode.

Rating: 3.5

12. Garmin Approach S60 – Best Smart Golf Watch For Game Improvement

garmin-approach-s60

Pros
  • Features swing tempo training
  • Operates on 40,000 golf courses
  • Waterproof
  • Generates PlaysLike distance
  • High-resolution color screen
Cons
  • Still expensive for a golf watch
  • Ill-suited to non-tech-savvy golfers
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 40,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 1 – 2 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.2”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: +/- 10

So far, the items on our best golf watch 2024 list have focused purely on GPS functionality. However, golf watches like the Garmin Approach S60 are also designed to help you analyze and improve your game.

The S60 syncs with the Garmin Connect to give insight into your swing tempo and training tips to optimize it. Plus, the device registers historic shot distances for each club to understand your abilities from different lengths.

Added to the game improvement features of the S60, the watch possesses functions like distance measurements, hole maps, and pin-pointing from blind positions. Garmin preloaded their golf watch with data for 40,000 course layouts.

Finally, the golf glove-friendly screen is accessible to read in the brightest light. It delivers PlaysLike distance for relatively accurate measurements. Finally, I found the battery lasted comfortably for 10 hours without requiring a charge.

Rating: 3.5

13. Shot Scope G3 – Best GPS Watch For Golf Shot Tracking

shot-scope-g3

Pros
  • The automatic shot-tracking feature
  • Provides measurements on 36,000 golf courses
  • Easy to use 
  • 10 hours of battery life
  • Easily readable in daylight
Cons
  • It does not show detailed hole maps
  • Functions on fewer golf courses than its peers
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 36,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 3 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.34”
  • Screen Display: Color
  • Battery Life: +/- 10

Distance tracking of previous shots gives you a clear picture of how far you hit each club for a better-informed decision moving forward. However, many manufacturers require you to purchase club tracking sensors, which are pricey. Except for Shot Scope, they include the feature in the final product.

I enjoyed analyzing my yardages to give me a clearer idea of my capabilities with each club, leading to superior distance control. Besides its shot-tracking antics, the G3 contains input on 36,000 golf courses to deliver measurements to hazards and the front, middle, and back of the green.

Shot Scope added a daylight readable screen that uses symbols to identify the green and hazards instead of a complete hole map. I find it simplifies the usability and makes it suitable for seniors.

The Shot Scope G3 lacks PlaysLike distance capabilities, meaning the watch is legal for use in tournaments as per USGA rule 4.3a. Finally, I managed to secure a solid 10 hours of battery life between charges which is enough for 2.5 rounds of golf.

Rating: 3.5

14. Garmin Approach S10 – Most Comfortable Distance Watch For Golf

garmin-Approach-s10

Pros
  • Comfortable silicone band
  • Preloaded with data on 41,000 golf courses
  • The display is easy to read in bright light
  • Digital scorecard
  • Affordable
Cons
  • No hole maps as seen on other devices
  • The font on the smaller screen may prove challenging for some golfers to read
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 41,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 2 yards
  • Screen Size: 0.9”
  • Screen Display: Black and white
  • Battery Life: +/- 12

Wearable technology must be lightweight, comfortable, and look stylish. In my experience, the Garmin Approach S10 ticks these boxes with a fashionable, light silicone band that ensures total comfort during your round.

Apart from comfortable wear, the S10 features a high-resolution screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight. Although the black and white screen does not offer complete hole maps, it provides detailed insight into the yardages to the green, hazards, and doglegs.

Garmin loaded hole layouts for 41,000 golf courses which cover your local golf course and others you play while on vacation. Additionally, the device is set up for digital scoring, past shot measurements, and a tracker for distance walked during the round.

As always, I appreciated the Green View function, which enabled me to manually place the pin on the green for precision on approach. Finally, I enjoyed roughly 12 hours between charges which were enough for 2 rounds of golf.

Rating: 3

15. Izzo Golf Swami – Best Top Golf Watch For Automatic Hole Detection

izzo-golf-swami

Pros
  • Automatically detects the golf course and hole you are on
  • Digital scoring function
  • Preloaded with hole data from 38,000 golf courses
  • Water-resistant
  • 10 hours of battery life
Cons
  • Not the most accurate golf GPS watch
  • It does not display complete hole maps
Specs
  • Preloaded Golf Courses: 38,000
  • Accuracy: +/- 4 yards
  • Screen Size: 1.75”
  • Screen Display: Black and white
  • Battery Life: +/- 10

Manually switching to the next hole can slow you and your group down as you tinker with the settings. Fortunately, Izzo eradicates this hassle by providing automatic hole detection for rapid measurements and seamless transition between holes.

Besides the hole detection function, the Swami golf watch automatically determines which course you are playing using GPS. The model functions on 38,000 golf courses and offers measurements to bunkers, water hazards, doglegs, and various points on the green.

Next, I enjoyed the digital scorecard function as it alleviated the hassle of carrying a pencil and scorecard in my pocket. Plus, the watch measured the length of each shot to help me analyze the distances for each golf club in my bag.

Although the Izzo Golf Swami watches are water resistant, I would not recommend using them in torrential rain as that will be their undoing. Lastly, this golf watch performed optimally for 10 hours before needing a charge.

Rating: 3

What To Consider When Purchasing A GPS Golf Watch

Distance Measurement

Although all golf watches offer distance-measuring capabilities, they vary in what they calculate and their accuracy. For example, some golf watches only offer yardage to the dancefloor’s front, middle, and back. However, advanced options enable manual pin placement to set the distance to the flag position for that round.

Ultimately, I recommend searching for a device that enables repositioning the pin manually, as it helps you make accurate club selections.

Accuracy

The accuracy of a golf watch ranges from 0.30 yards off the mark to 5 yards off the actual distance. While marginal discrepancies are acceptable for mid and high-handicap golfers, I suggest low handicappers stick to watches with optimal accuracy.

Getting your distance wrong by a couple of yards can mean the difference between a makeable birdie putt and a long-range lag. 

Preloaded Golf Courses

Golf GPS watch manufacturers preload their devices with hole layouts for thousands of golf courses worldwide. Even devices with fewer options still function at over 35,000 golf courses worldwide. 

Conversely, the top end operates on over 42,000 tracks globally, like the Garmin Approach S42. In my experience, Garmin devices offer the broadest range of golf course data. It has worked for me in Africa, South America, Australasia, and Asia, outside the United States.

Hole Maps

As you will see in our golf GPS watch reviews below, not all devices display hole maps for a clear picture of the layout. Entry-level models typically reveal distances to the green and hazards without the assistance of a map.

If you only require distance measurements, you can save a few dollars on a standard black-and-white device. However, golfers who prefer the intricate details of each hole should save up for a color screen device with detailed hole maps.

Digital Scorecard

A digital scorecard saves you the hassle of taking out your pencil and card on every hole to record your strokes. With this feature, you punch your score into your wearable results to save time and energy on the links.

FAQ

Should I Use A Gps Watch Or A Laser Rangefinder?

In my experience, one is better off using a laser rangefinder, as they provide highly accurate readings from tee to green. On the other hand, if you seek a multi-purpose device that offers distance measurements, digital scoring, and shot tracking, a GPS watch is a better option.

Is A Fitbit Good For Golfers?

Fitbit is not ideal for golfers because it only tracks your steps, heart rate, sleep, weight, and calorie intake. There are golf watches like the SkyCaddie LX5C, which perform the functions of a Fitbit and offer distance measurements, digital scoring, and high-definition graphics.

Overall, it makes no sense for a golfer to acquire a Fitbit for golf when you could own a multi-purpose watch that covers all bases.

Can Smart Watches Be Used For Golf?

Yes, you can use your Samsung or Apple watch for golf, as there are several applications purposed to feature on your device. My top smartwatch applications for golf include Smart Caddie from Golfbuddy and Hole 19.

Smartwatch golf apps enable you to track scores and receive distance measurements on thousands of golf courses globally.

Conclusion

Our golf watch reviews revealed that Garmin is the undisputed heavyweight in this sector, with one-third of their devices making our top 15. Their watches function on over 40,000 golf courses worldwide, possess exceptional battery life and provide accurate measurements.

A golf watch is more than just a fashion accessory. It guides you around the golf course, speeds up play, and helps you make better-informed club selection decisions. While I found their measurements are not as precise as a laser rangefinder, their secondary features equip you with everything you need for a round of golf.

Our 2024 best watch for golf list led to stiff competition in the individual categories, and the ultimate winners deserve their place at the table. However, despite their performances, none could compete with the Garmin Approach S62.

The premium quality golf GPS watch provided an impressive 20 hours of battery life between charges and registered distances on 41,000 golf courses. It is absolutely a wearable device that deserves a closer look.

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Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn

  • Best score: 70
  • Favorite club: Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
  • Favorite ball: Srixon Q-Star Tour
  • Favorite food at the turn: Pepper steak pie with curry gravy

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