Who doesn’t like playing golf or doesn’t want to give it a try? Golf is a very common game that many people love. Even more, some people would take it up to the next level and invest in some gadgets and gear to leverage their golf play. One of the best investments you can think of is Garmin GPS watches for golf. These watches have different uses, but the most important thing is that they include a GPS to know the yardages when playing on different golf courses.
Aside from that, some watches can track your performance, heartbeats, and other fitness data. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a Garmin GPS watch for golfers, you need to read this review. Here you’ll know the features of each watch and whether it’s suitable for you or not. Also, you’ll get to know the important features you need to look for when buying a golf GPS watch.
Table of contents
- Garmin 010-N1702-00 Refurbished
- Golf Buddy Aim Golf GPS Watch
- Garmin Approach All-in-One Golf Tools Bundle
- Garmin Approach G12
- Garmin Approach S12
- Garmin Approach S42 Womens Golfer’s Bundle
- Garmin Approach S20
- Garmin Approach S42
- Garmin Approach S62
- Garmin Approach S40
- Garmin Approach X40
- Garmin Approach S60
- Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Garmin GPS watches for golf?
- Which is better, GPS golf watches and handheld GPS for golf?
- Are Garmin GPS watches for golf worth it?
- Can I use golf watches for other sports?
Garmin 010-N1702-00 Refurbished
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Have you ever thought of buying a refurbished product from Amazon? Refurbished products and devices are nothing different from the original products as they make sure it’s good quality and can be used for years. Garmin 010-N1702-00 Refurbished is one of those products you can get at a lower price, but you still get amazing features that suit a Garmin product.
Once you use the watch, you’ll notice how readable the screen is. Even in extreme sunlight, you can still see the display perfectly. Moreover, you can buy more than a band or a strap for the watch to exchange between them and get different styles easily. Changing the band is very easy without the need for any tools.
Pros
- The watch has a large readable screen
- It uses quick-fit bands to change your style easily
- The number of preloaded golf courses is large
Cons
- It needs to be recharged frequently
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Golf Buddy Aim Golf GPS Watch
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Although Golf Buddy Aim Golf GPS Watch isn’t a Garmin golf watch, it has pretty much the same features as Garmin watches. It’s also sold at a nearly similar price, so you can get this and enjoy the same gameplay excitement. The watch has a touchscreen with high visibility and low-light mode. It’s also waterproof, so you can enjoy playing in any condition.
Furthermore, it features a Dynamic Shot Distance option, automatic zoom-in and out-of-the-smart hole View, and data storage when paired with a smartphone. These features are considered advanced features when it comes to golf watches. They can really make your life easier and the game more enjoyable.
Pros
- It comes with an additional colored strap
- The screen is water-resistant
- It features GPS and GLONASS satellite reception
Cons
- It doesn’t have the same number of preloaded golf courses as other Garmin watches
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Garmin Approach All-in-One Golf Tools Bundle
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Garmin Approach All-in-One Golf Tools Bundle is an option for those who love to shop in packs. There are different options in this bundle. The first is Garmin Approach GPS watch with a repair kit, whereas the second is the same Garmin watch with a power pack. However, there is no option, including a repair kit and a power pack, so you need to choose which one you need the most.
Now, you might be asking what these extra accessories are used. Simply, the repair kit includes a brush for the watch, a divot repair tool, and a ball picker. You can use them to do minor repairs and maintain your watch. On the other side, the power pack bundle includes a USB cable, a charging adapter, a car adapter, and a power bank. Thus, you can keep your watch charged all the time. The best thing about these bundles is that you’ll pay a little extra amount than you’ll normally pay for the same watch to get such a bundle with very useful accessories.
Pros
- The tools coming in the kits are very useful
- The price is quite affordable
- There are different models of the Garmin watch available in this bundle
Cons
- You can’t buy the repair kit and power pack together
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Garmin Approach G12
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Best for water resistance. With more than 42k preloaded golf courses, it’s hard to play on a golf course in the USA that isn’t listed on this Garmin GPS rangefinder. Garmin Approach G12 isn’t a watch like the other Garmin GPS watches for golf on this list. Yet, it can be treated the same way as it’s too small and rounded like a watch. Also, you can get it with a lanyard to wrap it around your wrist as if it’s a watch.
Moving to the features, this small rangefinder has more than measuring yardages. It can pair with most smartphones to update the info on the preloaded golf courses. Also, you can update your scores on the Garmin golf app to keep a record of your performance. Best of all, this rangefinder has a water-resistant body. Thus, it’s suitable for playing during rainy weather.
Pros
- The price is lower than most watches
- It has a water-resistant body
- The battery life is too long
Cons
- The clip used to attach the rangefinder to anything is very flimsy
Buy on:
Garmin Approach S12
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While it looks like a traditional watch you wear every day, Garmin Approach S12 is a great Garmin GPS watch for golfers, thanks to the more than 42k pre-loaded golf courses. So, finding the perfect golf course is very easy and straightforward. Actually, the whole thing is easy as the watch doesn’t come with too many features leaving you overwhelmed and confused about how to get started.
The watch has a battery that lasts up to 30 hours while active. What you can do with the watch is measure the yardages to the front, back, and middle of the courses. Besides, measuring the distances to the hazards and doglegs. Further, the watch can track your score, but you need to buy an extra accessory piece for the watch to do so. You need to watch this YouTube video review from the Golf Guy Reviews to see how the watch works and all the features in reality.
Pros
- The battery life is relatively long
- You can use the watch easily once you buy it
- The screen is easily viewed in sunlight
Cons
- There are no advanced features like other Garmin watches
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Garmin Approach S42 Womens Golfer’s Bundle
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Garmin Approach S42 Womens Golfer’s Bundle is a very sleek, chic, and elegant watch to consider if you have an open budget. As you can guess, it’s a bundle that consists of several things rather than the watch only. This bundle includes a portable charger and a glass screen protector. You might also get a gift box if you want to gift this watch to your golfer friend.
The S42 model is available for men and women, but this one is exclusively for ladies. The design and colors will completely leverage your style. Whereas the features are exactly what you need for an exciting golf game. Further, the portable charger is very handy in traveling situations. Yet, this watch has a battery with 30 hours of battery life. Don’t forget to check the activity tracker as well in this very elegant GPS golf watch.
Pros
- The bundle includes a portable charger and a screen protector
- The battery life is long
- It has an activity tracker and a smart notification feature
Cons
- It’s slightly expensive
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Garmin Approach S20
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Garmin Approach S20 is a very simple Garmin GPS watch for golfers that buyers would go for it for the easiness of use and wear. The watch looks like any smartwatch you can get. It also has some features of traditional watches, such as the time and date. Yet, the screen size is limited, so these features won’t be shown unless you’re out of golf mode.
In this mode, you can check the yardage very easily and straightforwardly. You don’t have to watch hundreds of tutorials and read manual guides to know how this works. It’s very direct; even beginners will know how to operate it easily. Even more, it’s lightweight, so it won’t annoy you at all while playing.
Pros
- The device is very easy to operate
- It’s very lightweight
- The accuracy of the device is good
Cons
- It doesn’t show the time and date when in golf mode
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Garmin Approach S42
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Whether you love digital or analog watches, Garmin Approach S42 offers the two options in the same device. You can switch between the golf mode and the smartwatch mode to get a wearable watch on golf courses and in social settings as well. The battery life is certainly longer when the watch isn’t on the GPS or golf mode, so we recommend you switch it to the smartwatch mode directly after playing to save the battery life.
With each mode, you have access to data such as yardages, AutoShot round analyzer, and other stats to improve the gameplay. Also, you can use it for fitness purposes as it’s a smartwatch as well. Being a sportsman, you might be interested in these GPS watches for hiking, so check them out too.
Pros
- It has two modes, a smartwatch mode, and a golf mode
- You can access several features and data using the watch
- It can provide notifications when adjusted to do so and paired with a smartphone
Cons
- It isn’t the easiest to deal with
Buy on:
Garmin Approach S62
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One of the best Garmin GPS for golfers is the Garmin Approach S62 which looks like the previous round model from Garmin, yet has more features. The watch is preloaded with over 41k courses all over the world. This is usually the number of golf courses you’ll find loaded on most Garmin GPS watches. Also, it can be switched to a smartwatch when you aren’t playing. But these aren’t the main features of the watch.
The watch comes with a Virtual Caddie that lets you shoot in the right direction based on the watch’s suggestions. These suggestions come from various data such as the typical distance you usually hit, the wind movement, and its speed as well. Also, there is a pinpointer feature to know where the pin is and a PlaysLike Distance feature to ease playing on uphills and downhills. This watch is actually packed with features that justify its price a little bit.
Pros
- The watch includes many advanced features
- It can be converted into a smartwatch when needed
- The battery life is relatively good
Cons
- It’s very expensive compared to other Garmin watches
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Garmin Approach S40
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Best functions. We can’t say that Garmin Approach S40 is a Garmin GPS watch for golfers only. Actually, it’s both a golf watch and a smartwatch at the same time. Besides having the main functions and features of a golf watch, the Garmin GPS watch has other features such as counting the steps and sleeping times, and even more, it has multisport profiles. So, it’s really a recommended watch for use on different occasions and for different purposes.
For golf, the watch has a lightweight and compact design, so it won’t annoy you at all while playing. Also, it can connect to other smart devices using Bluetooth to get access to other features. You can even pair it with an Approach CT10 to get more golf features. Do read this detailed review from Out of Bounds Golf to get a comprehensive review of the watch.
Pros
- It comes with advanced features similar to those found in smartwatches
- The design is very compact and lightweight
- It connects to other devices via Bluetooth
Cons
- It might be a bit difficult to use at first
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Garmin Approach X40
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Best for sleek design. Looking for something with a sleek design that doesn’t look bulky on your wrist but still does the job of a golf watch? Garmin Approach X40 is definitely the best option to go for. This Garmin GPS watch for golfers has a small, slim screen to show you the golf course data you need. You can still get access to other features, but you need to check the manual to know how this watch works.
Further, the watch comes with a SIM holder to get connected to the internet for accessing more features. You can use any SIM card with the watch, and you’ll also get a SIM removal tool with the watch. The battery life is relatively good, and it charges quickly. Plus, you’ll get a charger along with the watch.
Pros
- The watch is very slim and easy to wear
- It can work with SIM cards
- Although the screen is small, you have access to many features
Cons
- You might not be able to get it operated from the first time
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Garmin Approach S60
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The Garmin Approach S60 is the Garmin GPS watch for golfers. They’ll buy to get a hell of features in the same watch. It isn’t only about the golf mode and measuring yardage; the watch also has many other things to do. You can actually use it instead of buying kayak GPS watches or special watches for doing other outdoor activities.
Some of these features include using a pedometer, alarm, setting a timer, stopwatch, and many other similar options. you can tell it has many features from the instruction manual it comes with. If this watch had a longer battery life, it would have been on top of our list as it’s a good investment.
Pros
- The screen size is large for easier usability
- You’ll have a lot of features to explore
- However, this watch is easy to use
Cons
- The battery life isn’t very long
Buy on:
Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10
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Best value for money. Although Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10 isn’t the newest model from Garmin, it has been the best seller for a long time, and many golfers go for this watch. The first reason might be its affordable price compared to other Garmin golf watches. Yet, it’s packed with features you might not find in other pricey watches. For example, you can keep track of your scores, distance, and time played, in addition to the main features of providing yardages.
Apart from that, the watch looks so sleek and modern on your wrist. It’s actually similar to Apple smartwatches in style. It also looks like Garmin watches that people use in their normal outings and workouts rather than golf-playing. Not to forget that the screen is very readable with high resolution for your eyes’ comfort. For more info about the watch, check out this YouTube video.
Pros
- It comes with different features rather than providing yardage
- The style and design are very modern
- The price is quite affordable for the features
- It’s a high-quality watch with a high-resolution screen
Cons
- The battery life isn’t the longest
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Our Verdict!
Most Garmin products are perfect, yet some stand out for some features rather than others. Here are the top four Garmin watches you get to play golf conveniently.
- Best value for money: Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10
- Best for sleek design: Garmin Approach X40
- Best functions: Garmin Approach S40
- Best for water resistance: Garmin Approach G12
How To Choose The Best Garmin GPS watches for golf?
Garmin watches are high-quality watches, and they’re very excellent when it comes to golf playing. However, there are different models and series, so you need to know what to look for when choosing a Garmin watch to prevent any confusion. Check out below the main criteria of a perfect golf watch to check before buying.
Features and modes
Some Garmin watches come with very basic features, such as measuring the yardages in three directions, and that’s it. These watches are usually cheaper, so if it’s the only thing you need, you can invest in one of these watches. On the other side, there are other watches with advanced features, such as providing more details about the terrain, recording the score, and tracking your performance in a specific period of time. Also, some watches have larger screens for a better display. Thus, check all the features and decide on what you need first. And don’t forget that everything comes with a budget, of course.
Golf courses
Since the idea of a Garmin GPS watch for golfers is to show the golf course using GPS, these courses are preloaded on the watch. Not all Garmin watches have the same number of golf courses, so you have to know first the number of golf courses preloaded on the watch. If you usually play on the same courses, there is no need for a watch with thousands of preloaded golf courses because this comes with a price. However, if you’re a traveler and you’ll take the watch everywhere, make sure it has all the golf courses you might play on
Battery
Another important feature is the battery. Most watches need recharging using a USB, but they don’t have the same charging and recharging time. Hence, check the battery life of the watch you intend to buy. Also, check whether it has a USB port for recharging. You might play on a golf course that has no ports or electric sources nearby, and here, you’ll appreciate having a watch with a power pack bundle.
Which is better, GPS golf watches and handheld GPS for golf?
It all depends on what is more convenient for you. Do you want something wearable all the time, or do you prefer large screens and more detailed information? Both can do the same thing, but they vary in some features, so it’s your choice.
Are Garmin GPS watches for golf worth it?
Definitely yes. Although they might be more expensive than other brands in the market, Garmin is a leading brand name with guaranteed quality and after-sales service. So, don’t hesitate to choose a Garmin GPS watch for golfers.
Can I use golf watches for other sports?
It depends on the watch you have. Some watches have other features, such as measuring heart rates, stress levels, oxygen levels, and counting your steps. So, you can use such watches for any other activity.