It wasn’t all that long ago that golfers headed out with nothing more than a scorecard, a pencil and the trusty yardage markers to guide them, plus maybe a swing thought ringing in their ears from their last lesson with the local pro. Time waits for no golfer though and the rise of technology has completely transformed the game, giving today’s players access to a host of devices that can improve their swing and sharpen their course management. While the best launch monitors help golfers fine-tune their distances and identify flaws in their technique, GPS devices have arguably made the biggest impact on the way we play.
GPS removes the guesswork from distances, meaning the best golf watches deliver precise yardages at a glance. Whether you need to know how far it is to the front, middle or back of the green, the data is right there on your wrist. This makes club selection easier than ever, no matter your level of experience.
And that’s just the start. Modern golf watches come packed with an impressive range of features designed to improve course management. As a general rule of thumb; the more expensive the watch, the wider the range of features. Depending on the model, you might get wind speed and direction, green mapping, and even putting analytics, which is perfect if your short game needs a bit of polish. Others watches things simpler, offering just the essentials. So there’s a watch out there for every type of golfer and every budget.
Not all golfers want the same thing though, some want much more than just the yardage number so the range of options can be overwhelming. We’ve broken this guide into categories to show what each model does best. We’ve tested them all thoroughly and while every watch has its strengths, some will naturally suit different players and preferences.
One final thing to point out is that most golf watches double up as excellent everyday smartwatches too. That makes them great value if you’re also tracking your fitness goals or taking part in other GPS-based sports like cycling. But if golf is your sole focus, you might also want to take a look at our guide to the best rangefinders for pinpoint accuracy when you want exact yardages to your target.
Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 15 years and as the Deputy Editor oversees all equipment testing. One of his areas of expertise is distance measuring devices and specifically GPS watches. As such, he knows what makes the perfect golf watch - performance, features, versatility, battery life, looks and value for money. Joel has personally used most of the watches in this guide.
The Quick List
With its stunning display, exceptional detail, and extensive range of functions, the Approach S70 stands out as the most feature-packed golf watch to date.
The slope-adjusted distances and movable pin make the Ion Elite nearly as precise as a laser rangefinder. Overall it’s an extremely practical and intuitive watch to use.
The predecessor to the S70, the Approach S62 remains one of the best golf watches available, ideal for tech-savvy golfers who want a feature-rich device with comprehensive shot tracking all in one place.
The LX5 provides precise distances and crystal-clear hole maps, giving you a detailed view of what lies ahead, potentially saving you a few shots along the way.
The Shot Scope G6 offers excellent value for money, with detailed hole maps and hazard information that genuinely improve decision-making. Its straightforward, user-friendly design makes it a pleasure to use on the course.
A premium, feature-rich GPS watch that truly has it all. If you’re looking for one of the brightest and most advanced models available, in our view this is among the best on the market.
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The S42 is perfectly suited for use both on and off the course, offering a sleek design packed with practical, easy-to-use features that appeal to golfers of all skill levels.
The Aim W12 is a user-friendly, feature-rich golf watch that helps you navigate the course with confidence, even offering guidance on club selection as you play.
This feature-packed, sleek wearable offers all the information you need on the course in a package that provides plenty of off-course versatility.
Best Golf Watches 2025
Top pick
Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch worn on the golf course
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a smart watch that oozes style: The Approach S70 exudes class and style with its sleek design and large display, while the range of interchangeable strap options lets golfers mix and match to suit any outfit.
✅ You want versatility from your watch: The S70 is unmatched as a golf watch, yet versatile enough to serve as a reliable everyday smartwatch. It enables users to send emails and messages, check the weather, and access a range of free apps to monitor fitness and wellbeing.
✅ You want a functional smart watch: The Approach S70 is packed with functionality, offering more features than most golfers will ever need, both on and off the course.
NO IF:
❌ You want something a little more simple: With such a wide range of features, the S70 may feel a bit overwhelming for less tech-savvy golfers. Those with simpler needs might find many of its functions unnecessary, making a more affordable watch a better fit.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The S70 succeeded the excellent Approach S62 as Garmin’s flagship golf watch, keeping everything that made its predecessor great while adding refinements to make it even better. Garmin continues its reputation for producing innovative and stylish smartwatches and the S70 is no exception. It’s a favourite among tech-savvy golfers and those seeking a sleek, feature-packed GPS watch. Despite its extensive range of functions and apps, it remains easy to operate and if you can use a smartphone, you’ll have no trouble navigating the S70. Overall, it’s one of the most user-friendly devices in its class.
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What you need to know: Garmin’s reputation for excellence in the smartwatch market shines through here, delivering the high level of quality we’ve come to expect from the brand. As the successor to the S62, the S70 raises the bar with more features, an improved display, enhanced graphics and better battery life. Altogether, these upgrades make it our top pick in this guide.
Design: The AMOLED touchscreen display is one of the brightest we tested, making it a standout feature of the S70. The ceramic bezel and sleek overall design add to its appeal, making it perfect for golfers who want a watch that performs brilliantly and looks great both on and off the course.
Features: The number of features in a golf watch often reflects its price and that’s certainly true of the S70. It’s packed with advanced technology, which comes at a premium, but if you’re looking for detail and depth, it delivers in abundance. Like all Garmin Approach models, it includes over 43,000 preloaded courses and automatically transitions between holes, providing precise distances not just to the pin but also to bunkers and water hazards. When paired with the smartphone app it even factors in elevation and wind, creating the feeling of having a tour caddie on your wrist, giving you club recommendations based on your data. Beyond golf, the S70 doubles as a full-featured smartwatch, offering health and fitness tracking as well as on-the-go access to messages and emails.
Performance: A wide range of features doesn’t always guarantee smooth performance but the S70 impresses with its intuitive interface and clear graphics, making every function easy to use and highly effective. While you’re unlikely to use every feature in a single round, its user-friendly design ensures it suits both tech enthusiasts and those new to golf watches. Battery life is excellent, lasting several rounds before needing a recharge via USB-C, with Garmin claiming up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours with GPS. These figures proved accurate in our testing. And with water resistance built in, the S70 is more than capable of handling the unpredictable conditions golfers often face.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch Review
Best accompanying app
Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch being worn on the golf course
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a watch that is easy to use: This watch is effortless to use and delivers excellent visuals, making it a perfect choice for golfers who want advanced features without the hassle of complicated tech.
✅ You want a smart watch with plenty of features: The ION Elite is ideal for tech-loving golfers, offering a wealth of features while remaining straightforward and easy to use.
✅ You want a smart watch with a big screen: No one really enjoys squinting at small graphics, so the large, clear display is a fantastic feature, particularly for golfers who find smaller screens harder to read.
NO IF:
❌ You want a watch that is easy to charge: The connection on the charging system of this watch is a bit flimsy so you will need to be careful when charging.
❌ You want something that is compact: Some golfers might feel that this watch comes up a little chunky on the wrist, but that's a matter of personal preference.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Golfers will appreciate this versatile watch for its blend of style and functionality, offering excellent value for money. It looks superb on the wrist, with the stainless steel bezel adding a premium touch. While the 2021 ION Edge was capable but simple, this model represents a major upgrade, clearly designed with gadget-loving golfers in mind. Overall, it upholds Bushnell’s strong reputation for creating some of the finest golf tech on the market.
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What you need to know: This watch is built for dedicated golfers rather than those seeking a smartwatch for everyday wear. It’s packed with golf-specific features but offers less in the way of lifestyle or fitness functions. Paired with its excellent companion app, it delivers strong performance from tee to green, with plenty of functionality and crisp, easy-to-read visuals. For those familiar with the ION Edge, the ION Elite is a significant step up.
Design: Part of that upgrade lies in the display as the ION Elite offers a brighter, higher-quality screen that pairs beautifully with its premium metallic bezel. The white strap, while a divisive choice much like the white golf belt, proved comfortable and versatile, complementing a range of golf outfits. Its impressive IP67 rating also offers reassurance for golfers who don’t shy away from playing in less-than-perfect weather.
Features: This golf-focused watch is packed with practical features. In testing, it provided accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, along with extra data accessible via on-screen icons - including green views, hole maps, lay-up distances, and scoring. The detailed maps were a standout, giving a clear view of each hole and helping to plan shots more strategically from tee to green. The slope feature was equally valuable, offering adjusted yardages that inspired confidence on undulating courses. We also appreciated the scoring screen, which tracks fairways and greens hit, providing useful insights into areas of your game that could use improvement.
Performance: When it comes to performance the ION Elite certainly stands out, delivering accurate distances quickly and consistently. The Bushnell Golf app complements it perfectly, packed with well-integrated features that will satisfy even the most data-driven golfers. We particularly liked the detailed performance analysis, which presents stats and scores in a clear, easy-to-navigate format. Battery life is solid too, lasting around two rounds before needing a recharge.
- Read our full Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Review
Best features
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ A watch needs to be easy to use: We found the S62 to offer a very straightforward user experience, especially on the course, despite being packed with a wide range of features.
✅ You want off-course versatility: Although it’s been surpassed by its successor (the S70) this watch remains one of the most comprehensive golf smartwatches available. It offers a wealth of fitness and lifestyle features to help you stay healthy and organized, and with its flagship status now passed on it’s available at a much more attractive price than when it first launched.
✅ You want a stylish smart watch: The S62 is one of the most stylish golf smartwatches on the market, featuring a premium bezel that gives it a refined look, making it suitable for any social occasion.
NO IF:
❌ You want a watch with a bright screen: The S62’s display is perfectly good but as an older model its graphics don’t quite stand out as sharply as some of the newer watches on this list. The course maps are sufficiently detailed, though not as vivid or dynamic as those found on more recent models.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Garmin continues to lead the way in golf technology, renowned for its feature-packed products across watches, rangefinders and even portable launch monitors. The Approach S62 remains one of the very best, even if the superb new S70 has taken some of the spotlight. It features a comfortable, interchangeable silicone strap that enhances its premium look, while its extensive range of apps ensures excellent performance both on and off the course. Aside from the S70, few watches can rival the S62’s impressive golf functionality.
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What you need to know: Although the S62 has been overtaken by Garmin’s flagship S70, it still impresses with the vast array of features it brings to the table. Together, they enhance not only your club selection but also your overall course strategy, helping you make smarter decisions throughout the round. After just a few rounds the Virtual Caddie feature uses your real data to offer tailored club recommendations, and like all Garmin Approach models, it comes preloaded with over 42,000 courses worldwide.
Design: Even though it’s now several years old, the S62 still looks thoroughly modern and in our view, remains one of the most stylish golf watches available. It’s comfortable, relatively lightweight and boasts a sleek notched ceramic bezel alongside a large, easy-to-use colour touchscreen. The addition of action buttons on either side further enhances its excellent functionality.
Features: The S62 is the ultimate feature-packed sports watch, perfect for golfers who love having all the information at their fingertips. It provides satellite views of each hole, and the touchscreen lets you move the pin to plan your approach. This is ideal for assessing hazards like bunkers and water so you can choose the right club with confidence, especially on unfamiliar courses.
The Virtual Caddie uses your past data to recommend clubs, while automatic shot tracking and the ‘PlaysLike’ feature (which factors in wind and slope) further enhance your decision-making. We also found the Pin Pointer compass particularly handy for blind shots. Beyond golf, the S62 doubles as a versatile sports and fitness tracker, supporting activities like running and cycling, with added conveniences such as email and text notifications and Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
Performance: The S62 delivers fast, accurate information in an intuitive, easy-to-use design. With its extensive range of features, it’s perfect for golfers seeking not just a high-performing golf watch but also a capable smartwatch for everyday use. And with the launch of the S70, the S62 has become one of the best value golf watches on the market, thanks to pretty significant price drops from a host of retailers.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch Review
Best accuracy
The Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch with a detailed golf hole map
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a watch that works on and off the course: The LX5 is a versatile watch packed with useful features, making it a great companion both on and off the course.
✅ You want a more accessible GPS: It's based on the SX400 and SX550, only in a more accessible package
NO IF:
❌ You want a more stylish watch: The watch is fairly basic and there are certainly more stylish options available, but with five different watch faces to choose from there’s a good chance one will suit your taste.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Although the LX5 doesn’t offer shot tracking, accurate distances and crystal-clear hole maps can still help you save a few shots by revealing hazards ahead. It may appear slightly bulky at first glance, but it’s surprisingly lightweight and comfortable and it doesn’t interfere with your swing.
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What you need to know: If you’re familiar with SkyCaddie’s SX400 and SX550 handheld GPS units, the LX5 can be seen as their wearable counterpart. Like those devices it boasts a bright HD colour touchscreen, comes preloaded with 35,000 courses and offers an extensive range of features designed for both on and off-course use.
Design: Although the touchscreen is certainly on the larger side, the watch itself is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear, both on the course and day to day. The display is a real highlight as its clear, bright and wonderfully user-friendly.
Features: There are simply too many features to list but what stood out most was the impressive accuracy with which they’re delivered. The beautifully detailed hole graphics provided a clear view that genuinely enhanced our on-course strategy, even offering recommendations like the optimal driving position, which is data gathered from mappers who have physically walked the holes. This makes it feel like having a local caddie on your wrist.
The screen’s clarity also makes essential yardages to the front, middle and back of the green easy to read, while a quick swipe opens up an array of in-depth data, from scores to maps and more. We were particularly impressed by the multiple yardage arcs overlaid on fairways and greens, which made club selection noticeably easier.
Performance: Despite its wealth of features, we found the LX5 easy to navigate, making it a great option for a wide range of golfers. The main “big numbers” screen will suit those who prefer quick, easy-to-read distances, while data-driven players can swipe through to access detailed stats and analysis.
The large screen makes this simple and after a round or two we felt completely comfortable using the crosshair function. However you use it, the LX5 proves to be highly accurate. Battery life is solid too and we comfortably managed two full rounds before needing to recharge.
- Read our full Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch Review
Best budget
The Shot Scope G5 GPS Watch being tested on the golf course
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want features without the premium price: The G6 offers an impressive range of features while maintaining a lower price point than many other watches on this list.
✅ You want simplicity: This watch is easy to navigate around, both on the course or for off course activities.
NO IF:
❌ You want a touch screen: Whilst navigation with the buttons is simple, those wanting a touch screen should look elsewhere.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The G6’s value and intuitive navigation make it appealing to a broad range of golfers, and there’s plenty to admire about it. The graphic enhancements over the G5 are immediately noticeable, and its strong feature set makes it a highly competitive option at its attractive price point.
What you need to know: The Shot Scope G6 is a great example of a watch that embraces simplicity and for many golfers, that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Setup is quick and straightforward and even without a touchscreen, navigation is effortless. It also doesn’t skimp on features, which adds to its excellent overall value.
Design: The G6 features a generously sized screen that’s clear and easy to read, while remaining lightweight and surprisingly sleek. It can be worn comfortably on either wrist and comes with two interchangeable straps, available in a choice of 12 colors. The straps are made from a soft, flexible material that genuinely enhances comfort throughout your round.
Features: As mentioned, the G6 offers an impressive set of features for its price point. You get colour hole maps, distances to hazards, doglegs and lay-up points, along with a built-in scorecard. We particularly liked how the reach and carry distances were clearly presented, making it easy to identify which hazards the numbers referred to when cross-referenced with the maps. While the hole maps are a little basic, they still provide enough detail to plan your shots effectively, especially on blind holes or unfamiliar courses. The ability to adjust the pin position for more precise yardages is another great touch for those aiming straight at the flag. You can also enter your score for each hole, though it’s worth noting that the G6 doesn’t include shot-tracking functionality.
Performance: Considering its affordability, the G6’s performance is impressive. While it’s not the most advanced watch on the market it delivers all the essential numbers golfers need, plus a few thoughtful extras. We also appreciated its lightweight, sporty design, which feels barely noticeable on the wrist. Altogether, it’s an easy pick as our top choice for the best budget golf watch.
- Read our full Shot Scope G6 GPS Watch Review
Best for green reading
Golf Monthly testing the Voice Caddie T11 Pro Golf GPS Watch on the course
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a features-laden watch: The sheer amount of features on offer make this ideally suited to those who want detailed data from tee to green..
✅ You want a watch that factors in slope gradients: Most watches do not factor in slope when providing distances, but this one does.
✅ You want a responsive touchscreen: When things like water and sweat come into play on the golf course, having a responsive screen is a real bonus
NO IF:
❌ You want a watch without a big price tag: All this tech comes at price and not best suited to those shopping on a budget.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Voice Caddie T11 Pro GPS is a feature-rich golf watch offering everything from full-hole mapping to heat-mapped greens and more. Its touchscreen is bright, responsive and easy to use, while the solid build quality makes it equally suitable as an everyday smartwatch.
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What you need to know: The T11 Pro GPS is so feature-packed it might even risk distracting you on the course. Alongside essentials like yardages and wind direction, it includes a host of extras from automatic slope calculation and putt tracking to detailed green undulation data, earning it our pick as the best watch for green reading. All this technology is housed in a premium-looking design with a bright, responsive touchscreen, though unsurprisingly it comes with a fairly hefty price tag.
Design: The T11 Pro features a high-quality casing and an exceptionally clear OLED touchscreen that really sets it apart from many of its rivals. The display’s sharpness makes the graphics easy to interpret and the touchscreen itself is highly responsive. It also functions well as an everyday smartwatch, though its slightly larger size may not suit everyone’s preference.
Features: As mentioned, the T11 Pro offers so many features that it’s impossible to cover them all in a single review. Among the highlights is the full-hole mapping (an invaluable tool for tackling new courses) presented with razor-sharp graphics that clearly outline each hole, its hazards and the green. We especially liked being able to tap specific points for yardages, along with the inclusion of wind speed and direction, driver distance arcs, and pin arcs that show 50 and 100-yard circles, much of which updates automatically without slowing down play.
Once on the green, additional tools like Smart Approach View impressed us with colour gradients that indicate slope and rotation to match your position, while Smart Putt View analyses slope and break to help with green reading. Altogether it’s a data-rich, feature-heavy watch that will most appeal to golfers who love digging into detailed performance information.
Performance: The sheer amount of data delivered automatically makes this feature-rich watch far more user-friendly than it might initially seem. We found its readings to be highly accurate, with standout features like full-hole mapping presented seamlessly, which is a testament to how well the watch automates complex information. Whether you need this level of detail comes down to personal preference. For some it may be a bit much, but overall it’s a surprisingly hands-off experience. For golfers who want extra guidance on the greens, it could prove to be an exceptionally useful tool.
- Read our full Voice Caddie T11 Pro Golf GPS Watch Review
Best mid-price
Using button functionality on the Garmin Approach S42 watch
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You’re looking for an all-round health and fitness device: This watch performs brilliantly on the course but also offers plenty of functionality beyond golf, making it a versatile companion for a range of other activities.
✅ You don’t want a watch with a large face: This watch strikes the perfect balance in size. It's not too big or bulky, making it comfortably proportioned for the range of features it provides.
✅ You’re looking for a sleek golf watch: A sleek design and visually impressive finish make the S42 a watch that golfers will love wearing both on and off the course.
NO IF:
❌ You’re looking to get up and running straight away: It may take some golfers a little time to get fully up to speed with it, given the wide range of functions the watch has to offer.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We highly recommend the Garmin Approach S42 to anyone seeking a watch in the mid-price range. It offers a host of practical, easy-to-use features that cater to golfers of all abilities, all wrapped up in a sleek and stylish design that makes it perfect for both on- and off-course wear.
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What you need to know: One of the strengths of Garmin’s extensive lineup is that there’s a model to suit almost every golfer. The S42 sits comfortably in the middle of the range, with a price to match. It’s an excellent choice for players who want many of the premium features found on the higher-end S62 and S70 models without the hefty price tag and it still comes loaded with 42,000 courses to explore.
Design: The S42 boasts a sleek design that makes it just as comfortable to wear off the course as on it. During testing, we barely noticed it on our wrist. Despite its more affordable price point, it still features an impressively clear 1.2-inch colour display that enhances both its golf and everyday smartwatch functions.
Features: In addition to providing basic yardages to the front, middle and back of each green, the S42 can be paired with the Garmin Golf app to unlock a range of extra features. One standout is the AutoShot round analyzer which allows you to review your scoring and performance stats after your round, helping you identify both strengths and areas for improvement. If you’re looking for fully automatic shot tracking you’ll need to upgrade to the S62 or S70, or alternatively pair the S42 with Garmin’s Approach CT10 club sensors.
Performance: Like most Garmin watches we’ve tested, the S42 excels in both usability and functionality. On the course it proved easy to operate and impressively accurate. While it doesn’t offer all the advanced features of the higher-end models, it handles the essentials (plus a bit more) exceptionally well, making it our top pick among the mid-range options.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review
Best simplicity
The GolfBuddy Aim W12 Golf GPS Watch showing off its vibrant and large touch screen
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a watch that is designed for golf: This is an excellent watch for playing new courses, thanks to its slope functionality and clear, easy-to-access yardage information.
✅ You want a watch that offers incredible usability: The W12 provides a near faultless user experience.
NO IF:
❌ You want a watch with a longer battery life: The W12 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, which is sufficient for two full rounds, though there are several other watches on the market that can last considerably longer.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This user-friendly, feature-rich golf watch helps you plan your way around the course and choose the right club for every shot. The slope feature is especially useful for golfers who regularly play on hilly terrain, though it’s worth noting it isn’t allowed in competitive play. Overall the Aim W12 is a cutting-edge device that offers far more than just standard front, middle and back yardages.
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What you need to know: The Aim W12 from GolfBuddy is a straightforward, great-value golf watch that offers a solid range of core features without a hefty price tag. In addition to its golf functions, you also get fitness tracking capabilities, making it something of an all-rounder. However, its primary focus remains on performance out on the course, which is reflected in its practical, golf-oriented design.
Design: From our experience with the Aim W12, it’s a solid upgrade over the 2021 Aim W11. It looks and feels better on the wrist, featuring a slimmer, more refined design and a clear, well-sized colour display. We also appreciated the inclusion of two straps (one leather and one silicone), both of which come with an IPX7 waterproof rating.
Features: While the W12’s design prioritises delivering the essential numbers clearly and simply, it still packs in some impressive features for its price. The bright, clear touchscreen enhances the experience of using tools like the 2D hole flyover and green undulation map.
During testing we particularly enjoyed the slope functionality, which provided accurate, elevation-adjusted yardages. This is an invaluable asset when playing on hilly courses.
Performance: While the W12 took slightly longer than some other watches to locate the course, it performed flawlessly otherwise. Navigating between features was quick and straightforward thanks to a responsive touchscreen. Battery life in golf mode has decreased from 13 hours on the Aim W11 to 10 hours on the W12, but that still allowed us to complete two full rounds before recharging. Overall, it’s an impressive and well-priced watch that offers excellent value for money.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W12 GPS Watch Review
Most premium model
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a watch that screams 'premium': Crafted from ultra-premium materials, this watch exudes quality and is sure to turn heads both on and off the course.
✅ You want a watch that you can also use for practice: The Huawei Watch Ultimate is packed with features for on-course performance, while also offering several useful tools for practice sessions on the driving range.
NO IF:
❌ You want a watch just for golf: This is a watch that performs well on the course but it's main attraction is the premium build and versatility. If you want a watch just for golf, there are much cheaper options out there.
THE BOTTOM LINE
All in all this watch is one that looks great and has some really impressive features that have the potential to really help golfers get better. The punchy price point sees the Huawei Watch Ultimate enter the market as one of the more expensive golf watches, but its versatility, premium design and useful functionality go a long way towards justifying it for those with deep pockets.
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What you need to know: The Huawei Watch Ultimate is crafted from premium materials, featuring a zirconium-based liquid-metal case and a dual-colour nano-ceramic bezel, giving it the look and feel of a true high-end smartwatch as well as a capable golf device. On the course it performs impressively and its dedicated practice features make it equally useful on the driving range. Beyond golf it functions seamlessly as an everyday smartwatch, versatile enough for a wide range of activities.
Design: It boasts a zirconium-based liquid metal case that’s both lighter and stronger than stainless steel, complemented by a dual-colour nano-ceramic bezel that gives it a truly premium feel. Its 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display, protected by sapphire glass, offers excellent clarity and durability, while the choice of silicone, woven or titanium straps makes it versatile enough for any occasion. The green colorway adds a subtle nod to the course, striking a perfect balance between rugged performance and refined, high-end design.
Features: The watch includes a dedicated golf-mode with access to over 15,000 global courses, offering yardages to the front/middle/back of the green, “plays-like” distance accounting for slope, green-contour mapping and an AI caddie to support smarter on-course decisions. Beyond golf, it supports a full spectrum of outdoor and fitness functions including dual-band GNSS positioning, hiking/expedition mode, dive support up to 100 m water resistance, golf range-mode feedback for swings and multimodal health tracking. Battery life is also strong, with typical usage lasting up to 8 days and lighter use stretching to around 14 days, combined with fast wireless charging for convenience between rounds or days off-course.
Performance: The Huawei Watch Ultimate Green Edition performs impressively on the course thanks to its responsive 1.5-inch touchscreen and intuitive golf-specific watch faces that make tracking scores and stats effortless. The GPS accuracy and distance readings are quick and reliable, helping golfers make smarter decisions hole by hole. In our testing we found it especially useful for keeping pace and improving course management, while still offering the battery life and versatility needed for off-course use too.
- Read our full Huawei Watch Ultimate Green Edition Review
Specifications table
Model | Courses preloaded | Battery | Weight | Straps |
Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch | 43,000 | 20 hours in GPS mode | 56g | One |
Bushnell ION Elite Golf GPS Watch | 38,000 | 12+ hours | 38g | Two |
Shot Scope G6 GPS Watch | 36,000 | GPS Mode: 2+ rounds of golf / Watch Mode: 4 days | 42g | Two |
Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch | 41,000 | 20 hours | 61g | Two |
Voice Caddie T11 Pro Golf GPS Watch | 40,000+ | 10 days Golf Mode/27 holes | 48g | Two |
Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch | 35,000 | Up to two rounds | 65.2g | One |
Garmin Approach S42 | 42,000 | 15 hours | 43g | Three |
GolfBuddy AIM W12 Golf GPS Watch | 40,000 | 10 hours | 50g | Two |
Huawei Watch Ultimate Green Edition | 15,000 | 8 days (standard use) | 76g | Three |
How we test golf watches
Our testing procedure for golf watches is every bit as thorough as it is for any other product we review. Each watch is used over multiple rounds and in a variety of conditions, giving us a far more accurate impression than a single round ever could. This approach allows us to assess performance across different weather scenarios and measure overall accuracy, often by comparing readings against some of the best laser rangefinders available. Testing over several rounds also helps us evaluate how each watch performs in specific situations, such as elevated tee shots or blind approach shots.
Not every watch can handle those scenarios but some of the more premium models have features that will direct you to the green even when you can’t see it. Many models have slope functionality too, while some even give you data on how strong the wind is and what direction it is blowing from. They will even factor this in to the final yardage number they give you. Only by testing over multiple rounds can we get the full experience and then pass that on to you the reader, to help you make an informed decision before you buy.
We also test watches off the golf course when they’re designed for everyday wear, as this helps us assess their versatility and the quality of their non-golf features. This thorough approach allows us to provide impartial, well-informed advice to help you make confident buying decisions. It’s also worth noting that no manufacturer or brand can buy a positive review as our testing team forms its opinions entirely on the product’s performance and overall quality.
Glossary
If you are not too familiar with golf GPS technology then a lot of the terminology above can be confusing, so we've compiled this helpful glossary to explain some of the terms and features described above.
GPS (Global Positioning System) - Satellite-based system that determines precise location and distances.
Action Buttons - Physical buttons used for navigation either instead of, or alongside, a touchscreen.
GPS Mode / Golf Mode - High-power mode used during play for accurate distance tracking. Drains the battery much more quickly than standard use.
Companion App - The mobile app (eg Garmin Golf or Bushnell Golf) for syncing and analysis post round.
Slope - Adjusts yardages up or down to account for elevation changes between you and the target.
Virtual Caddie - Suggests club selection based on previous shot data and conditions.
PlaysLike Distance - A feature that factors in slope (and on some devices also wind) to give a “true” yardage.
Course Mapping / Hole Maps - Displays overhead layouts of each hole with yardages.
Green Contour Mapping - Shows slope and breaks on greens.
Pin Placement / Moveable Pin - Allows manual adjustment of the pin position on the screen for more accurate yardages.
PinPointer / Compass - Indicates the direction of the green on blind shots.
Score Tracking / Digital Scorecard - Lets you enter and store scores directly on the watch.
Shot Tracking - Automatically records shot distances and locations for post-round analysis.
Club Tracking Sensors - External devices (like Garmin CT10s) that are attached to the grip to record club-by-club data.
Auto Course Recognition - Detects which course you’re playing.
Auto Hole Recognition - Detects when you’ve moved to the next hole automatically.
Flyover / 3D View - Visual representation of a hole from above.
Bezel - The outer ring surrounding the watch face, often ceramic, metal or plastic.
AMOLED / LCD / OLED Display - Types of screen technology which affect brightness and clarity.
Fitness Tracking - Monitors heart rate, steps, calories etc.
Contactless Payments / Garmin Pay - Allows payments directly from the watch.
How To Choose The Right Golf GPS Watch
Features
Not all GPS golf watches are the same. Some focus on the essentials, giving you yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, while others provide a wealth of additional data. It’s worth considering what you actually need as the price gap between entry-level and premium models can be significant. If you want extra course insights, you’ll likely have to pay for them.
Likewise, some models include lifestyle and fitness tracking features, so decide whether you want a watch purely for golf or one that can double as an everyday all-rounder.
Your routine
While we always encourage golfers to keep up the pace, the reality is that some play faster than others and it is often due to their pre-shot routine. So, which type are you? Do you like to analyse every detail before pulling the trigger, taking a careful, numbers-driven approach to each shot? Or are you more of a see-it-and-hit-it golfer who prefers to get a yardage and swing away? Whatever your style, certain watches will complement your routine better than others, so keep that in mind when narrowing down your options.
Versatility
Many brands now offer models designed for both on and off course use, thanks to their versatile features and stylish designs. If that’s something you value then several of the watches mentioned above will fit the bill. Health and wellness tracking along with smartwatch functions like message and email notifications, are becoming increasingly popular. So instead of buying separate devices for golf and everyday use you might prefer to combine the best of both worlds with one of the higher-end golf watches.
Golf course
It makes good sense to choose a golf watch that suits the types of courses you play most often. GPS watches are particularly useful on layouts with plenty of doglegs, blind tee shots or approaches and noticeable changes in elevation. If you regularly play at a variety of clubs you’ll also benefit from the additional course information a GPS watch provides compared to a laser rangefinder, which is generally better for courses where everything is visible from the tee. It’s also worth checking how many preloaded courses come with each watch before making your choice, as you'll want to ensure your home course is on there!
Battery power
Unlike laser rangefinders that rely on disposable batteries, GPS watches need regular recharging, typically via a USB cable. If you play frequently it’s worth paying close attention to battery life and remembering that performance can vary significantly between smartwatch and GPS modes, as each consumes power at a very different rate.
Budget
Last but not least, there’s your budget. If you want all the bells and whistles you’ll have to be prepared to pay for them, unless of course you happen to catch a great deal during something like Black Friday. That said, there are plenty of more affordable options available and if you’re mainly after the essentials you’ll likely find a watch that’s both capable and pleasantly budget-friendly.
FAQs
Should I use a GPS watch or a laser rangefinder?
First, consider whether a GPS watch is really the best fit for you. If simplicity and convenience are priorities then a watch will provide exactly that, but some golfers may still prefer the pinpoint flag accuracy that a laser rangefinder offers. For those drawn to larger handheld GPS devices the main advantage lies in their bigger screens which display far more detail, and the touchscreen controls will feel instantly familiar to anyone used to using a modern smartphone.
Which is the best golf watch to buy?
This is dependent on what you are looking for. If you value color hole maps, then the SkyCaddie LX5 impresses in this area. The Shot Scope V3 offers shot tracking as well as GPS information while both Bushnell and Garmin provide options that offer simplicity, although Garmin do also have some featured-packed models too.
Is a Garmin golf watch worth it?
Yes - Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to golf watches and it has multiple models and varying price points to suit the level of features you are after, starting from the entry level Approach S12 to the feature-packed Approach S62 and the elegant, premium MARQ Golfer.
Is a Fitbit good for golfers?
While Fitbits aren’t specifically designed for golfers and don’t include built-in GPS features for on-course use, they can still be useful for tracking fitness during a round. By marking your activity as golf you can monitor your steps, calories burned and general activity throughout the game. That said, it’s possible to download third-party apps that add GPS functionality to certain Fitbit models, although we haven’t yet tested their accuracy.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best golf watches and for more gear content, like the best golf simulator or best golf GPS apps, check out the Golf Monthly website. We also recommend checking out our guides on the best golf GPS devices, best golf launch monitors, and the best golf watches for ladies should you be looking to expand your arsenal of golf gadgets.
