Best Golf Watches 2024

Technology plays a big part in golf nowadays and the modern golfer has access to things that golfers of the past could not have even dreamed of. Whether it's portable launch monitors or GPS devices and rangefinders, today's golfer has a wealth of tech to help them get around the course and hone their skills. One of the biggest game changers has been the GPS golf watch which has really transformed the on course experience.

No longer do golfers have to rely on the eye test or go searching for the yellow 150 yard marker and then make an uneducated guess as to how far they have to the pin. Golfers now just glance at their wrist and immediately know how far they have to the front, middle and back of the green. That is the most basic feature that every golf watch offers, but the more expensive watches offer all sorts of other useful features too. Their main function is to allow the golfer to know what club they need to hit to find the green, but depending on how much you want to spend you can have access to whole lot more.

Golfers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to golf watches a the market is stacked with high quality offerings. Not only do tech giants like Garmin produce an array of different models, but a number of other manufacturers now create excellent golf watches that cater to all golfing needs. When it comes to judging the best ones, we feel it is important to remember that not all golf watches are created equal but neither are all golfers. The tech-savvy golfer may want all the bells and whistles, while others might have simpler needs and just require the basics. The best for one is not the best for the other, but whatever your requirements we've got you covered.

In this guide we have sorted the best watches and the category they fall into based on our extensive testing of many of the products on the market currently. For those who are unsure what the difference is between golf watches and the best rangefinders and GPS, a golf watch can perform on the course as well as off it, providing plenty of smart features that aren't just golf related. In terms of the on course differences, the main one is that a rangefinder will give you an exact number whereas a watch provides front, middle and back yardages so it's less precise. A watch can give you those numbers even on blind shots though, whereas with a rangefinder you need to be able to see your target.

Joel Tadman

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

Best Golf Watches 2024

Top pick

What you need to know: The Approach S70 embodies Garmin’s commitment to producing high-quality smart watches that can deliver data to allow you to improve your game and is the successor to the highly popular S62. It has longer battery life, an increased screen size plus a brighter display with improved graphics. The sheer volume of useful features make the S70 our top pick.

Design: With its sleek ceramic bezel the S70 is one of the nicest looking smart watches we’ve tested. It is a versatile watch that can track your steps as well as your shots, and it looks great on the wrist when worn in social or work settings too. Because it doesn't scream out "golf watch" you can wear it anywhere which gives you more value for your money. It’s lightweight and the large ‘superbright’ AMOLED touchscreen display features bright, eye-catching colors which make it easy to read and use.

Features: As with all Garmin Approach watches, the S70 is preloaded with more than 43,000 courses, but when it comes to features it has considerably more than the other, less expensive watches in the Approach range. It may seem expensive, and it is, but we would argue that you do get an awful lot for your money as this watch does it all. Upon arrival at the course it automatically downloads up-to-date maps and will display them on its new look colorful face. As you play the watch will automatically flick between holes, delivering instant and accurate distances to bunkers, trees, hazards and, of course, the hole. One of the reasons this is the best is that when you pair it with the free smartphone app the S70 provides accurate weather updates and 'plays like' distances that factor in the wind and elevation. So you may have 120 yards to the green but into a strong headwind and uphill. So in reality it isn't a 120 yard shot at all. The 'plays like' number will reflect that and your actual number might actually be 145, allowing you to club accordingly.

A "virtual caddie" feature will offer up club recommendations based on your swing data, while we love the auto shot tracker and pinpointer features. Away from the course it's a fully functioning smartwatch that allows you to monitor emails, messages and keep track of your health and well-being, making it one of the most versatile golf watches in the game.

Performance: While initially the vast array of features on this watch might feel a little overwhelming, don't be put off by that as Garmin have built the S70 with usability in mind. Most golfers probably won't use all of the on course apps and features available, let alone the off course ones, but whatever you decide to use will be straightforward enough to figure out even for those aren't especially tech savvy. In testing we were really impressed with the battery life, as the S70 holds a charge for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, and 20 hours or so in GPS mode. This means you can play several full rounds before needing to charge again (charging is done via a USB-C cable), making the S70 perfect for holiday golf. It's also water resistant, so if you do get caught in a downpour (which you ought to see coming thanks to the watches weather forecasting skills!) you need not worry about the watch being damaged. Do not let the hefty price point put you off as this is one of the best Garmin golf watches on the market and in our view it's worth every penny.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch Review

Best accompanying app

What you need to know: This is a significant upgrade on the Bushnell ION Edge watch. It is primarily a GPS Golf watch and boasts many of the same features you’ll find on other top models on this list, but it is somewhat lacking in terms of the fitness and lifestyle features so if that is important to you then this may not be the watch for you. In terms of golf performance though it certainly delivers. There is plenty of functionality to help golfers enjoy their time on the course, while the accompanying app offers exceptional performance and functionality. We love the visuals and we believe this is a great choice for the golfer who is looking for a feature-packed wearable to use both on and off the course.

Design: The Ion Elite has a much more premium look and brighter display compared to its predecessor due to a vibrant touch screen and premium metallic bezel. We love the white strap that it came with as it was tacky and comfortable, holding the watch in position nicely and complimenting any outfit. The watch is water-resistant to an IP67 rating (one of the highest levels of protection there is), so that is definitely something to consider if you play in the rain often.

Features: On the course this watch packs in a ton of features. When you arrive at the course it will quickly locate where you are and then deliver accurate distances to the front, middle and back of each green. Pressing various icons in the four corners opens up access to other functions and display modes such as hole maps, hazards/lay ups, green view and scoring. In testing we found the hole-maps delivered an excellent view over the course to really help plan your strategy for each hole as you stand on the tee. The scoring screen logs what you scored on each hole but also helps you to keep track of the fairways you hit and missed, which is important when it comes to self assessment and looking at areas for improvement. Finally, the slope functionality was a particular highlight for us as it delivers yardages that factor in the terrain, which is vital if you play on hilly courses.

Performance: It is difficult to find fault with this watch's performance on the course. Perhaps it can be a little laggy at times when loading different applications and features, but not enough to hinder performance. Overall it was fast and delivered accurate distances, which is what you need. The display is excellent and it boasts 12+ hours of battery life, so you can squeeze in two or possibly even three rounds of golf from a single charge. By pairing with the free Bushnell Golf app you will have access to a raft of new features, including hole flyovers and more in-depth performance analysis, including being able to see all of your swing stats, data and scores laid out in an easy-to-navigate display.

• Read our full Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Review

Best budget

What you need to know: For some golfers simplicity is often the number one consideration as not everyone wants the fancy bells and whistles that many of the best golf watches offer. For the price point, not many offer a more intuitive experience than the Shot Scope G5 and that is why it is our top budget pick on this list.

Design: The G5 has a minimalistic feel to it even though the screen size is generous. Perhaps this is because of how lightweight the straps and case are. We like the design though, particularly the outer ring of the display which is slightly raised to reduce the risk of scratches while also adding to the aesthetic. The sporty look should appeal to a variety of tastes.

Features: Once we arrived at the course and the watch located it, the front, middle and back distances to the hole were quickly displayed clearly on the main screen along with other useful information, such as the hole number and par as well as your current score, the time and battery level. One click then provides access to hazard information and the G5 provides distances to both reach and carry the hazard, as well as other useful distances to specific lay ups and doglegs. You also get shot distance measurement (which is very useful) and a digital scorecard to keep track of your round.

Performance: Pound for pound we were very impressed with the overall performance of the G5. There are lots of useful features which we enjoyed, and due to how incredibly lightweight, compact and sporty the G5 is, we barely noticed it on our wrist. This is an ideal choice for the golfer who wants a simple experience without breaking the bank.

• Read our full Shot Scope G5 GPS Watch Review

Best features

What you need to know: Garmin has been producing fabulous golf GPS watches since the launch of the Approach S1 in 2010 . Ten years after the S1 came the S62, which was Garmin's flagship offering in the golf watch category until it was succeeded by the S70. Despite being almost five years old the S62 is still a cutting-edge wearable that can compete with anything on this list. It provides golfers with a whole host of useful features to help with on course strategy, decision-making and club selection. The S62 comes with over 42,000 preloaded courses and has a Virtual Caddie feature that kicks into life after you have played five rounds while wearing the watch, and can then recommend club selects based on your own history of shots.

Design: The S62 has a notched ceramic bezel that provides a sporty yet elegant look. Even though it isn't the newest watch on this list, for us the S62 is still one of the best looking golf watches on the market. We really enjoyed putting this watch to the test and felt comfortable wearing it both on and off the course. The large color touchscreen display in tandem with the action buttons on either side make it very easy to use and overall it's a very straightforward user experience. You also have the option to customize this watch by purchasing extra QuickFit accessory bands, whileanother cool feature we enjoyed is the ability to upload your own photos to use as a screensaver or watchface.

Features: This watch is positively rammed with functionality and features, making it one for the gadget lover who wants to access lots of information and assess their play in more detail post round. It is a fully functioning smart watch that allows you to easily keep tabs on things outside of golf such as email, text and social media notifications, while you can also use Garmin Pay to make contactless payments. If you’re into staying fit, the S62 comes with plenty of preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling and swimming as well as various other health and wellness apps.

It's on the course where this watch really excels though. Once you have selected the course you are playing, you can pull up a satellite view of the hole you’re on and move the pointer around with your finger to help you plan out your route to the pin. This is especially handy when trying to figure out how far it is to carry a specific hazard, or even to see if it is range. You have access to all sorts of handy numbers for hazards, layups etc while the display will also show where on the fairway your drive is likely to end up based on your usual driver distance.

The S62 has a Virtual Caddie tool that will kick in once you have played five rounda with the watch and it has been able to collect enough data on how far you hit each club. After that it will recommend a club to use based on your tendencies. Automatic shot tracking is a great feature, particularly when your drive has missed the fairway and you need to narrow down the search area as a glance at the watch will tell you exactly how far you have travelled since your last shot. Perhaps the coolest feature we tested is the 'plays like' feature, which allows you to receive real-time updates on the wind conditions as well as slope, making club selection much easier.

Performance: This watch was expensive on its release but in our view it was worth every penny as it was the best on the market. The introduction of the S70 means the S62 is now available for significantly less than before, so much so that it is without doubt one of the best value golf watches on the market right now. In fact, we would argue that the functionality you get for your money is probably unmatched. The S62 is easy to use and has far too many features for us to list here, but one we have to mention is Pin Pointer, which is a compass that points to the green and is very useful on blind shots when the green is not in view.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch Review

Best for green reading

What you need to know: Voice Caddie is a brand best known for producing some of the best rangefinders and best launch monitors in the game, so it stands to reason that they would put that experience to good use in branching out into watches. The T9 watch is a gadget-lover’s dream and is one of the most technologically advanced products on this list. As the latest edition to the T-series line-up, the T9 offers a technological and visual upgrade on the excellent T8 smart golf watch which was a favorite of ours. When testing the T9 the highlight for us was its ability to deliver accurate yardages in combination with V-Algorithm 3.0 (Voice Caddie’s slope calculation software) to factor in slope. Another cool feature is the undulating green maps which can be very handy on approach shots when you want to leave yourself a certain type of putt.

Design: In terms of the visuals, we love the minimal, modern and sleek look of this watch. The shiny silver bezel adds to the off-course versatility and you can easily wear this watch away from the course in most social situations. The T9 is bright and readable in all light conditions, even in bright sunlight, thanks to its full color reflective LCD Touch screen.

Features: The watch will deliver yardages to the green on the main screen, but it also factors in slope to provide the most accurate information possible. This is not permitted in competition play but it is easily turned off by enabling tournament mode. You can use full-color hole maps to plot your strategy in playing a particular hole by zooming in and out on the maps to locate how far you are from key hazards and lay up spots etc, while the watch will also deliver heat maps of the greens. This is a brilliant function that is not available on most watches, even the more expensive ones. Another handy function is Practice Tempo Mode that will monitor how fast you are swinging, while there is also a shot and putt tracking feature which will help you keep a record of each shot you hit during your round.

Performance: We found the performance on offer to be outstanding with the highlight being how responsive and clear the screen was. It is a reflective LCD optimized screen that is designed specifically for use in strong sunlight and we were blown away by just how clear and bright the screen was when showing course maps regardless of the weather conditions. All in all this is a responsive, comprehensive golf watch that when used with the MyVoiceCaddie application delivers a detailed summary of your game. If we have one criticism it would be that we were a little disappointed by the automatic shot tracking functionality, which requires the user to manually enter each shot on the watch. Some other watches do this automatically, and having to do it manually is inconvenient and it is very easy to forget to do it.

• Read our full Voice Caddie T9 Golf GPS Watch Review

Best accuracy

What you need to know: Essentially the LX5 is a shrunken down version of the impressive handheld SkyCaddie SX400 and SX550. What this means is that a tremendous amount of functionality has been crammed into this wearable device which boasts a HD color touchscreen and can also be used for off-course activities too. The LX5 is preloaded with 35,000 golf courses so it will quickly bring up the course details.

Design: The thing that stood out the most for us in testing was the touchscreen, which is nice and bright, crystal clear and very easy to read in various conditions and lighting. While it might look a little on the large side compared to some other watches on this list, we found that is was lightweight enough not to impede the swing. We feel that the styling (and fitness features) makes this watch suitable to wear away from the course and despite it being a tad clunky looking on the wrist we think overall the design is very appealing.

Features: The LX5 is packed with features for both on and off the golf course. The 'Big Numbers' screen displays front, middle and back yardages in a large font is very handy for the golfer who doesn't have the greatest eyesight, while a swipe of the finger takes you off that screen and gives you access to scores, the hole-map as well as distances to hazards. The accuracy of this watch in testing set it apart from the competition, but the hole graphics are truly stunning too and show every detail of the hole which makes coming up with a strategy much easier. The LX5 even recommends the optimum driving position based on feedback from the SkyCaddie mappers who have actually walked the holes, so that almost feels like having a caddie out there alongside you with course knowledge.

Something else we liked is that the display shows the exact green shape as well as yardages from their approach angle, with multiple yardage arcs overlaid on fairway landing areas and greens to help with club selection. Off course smartwatch functions include a Step Counter, Heart Rate Monitor as well as five watch faces to choose from.

Performance: We had a lot of fun testing this watch. It's simple to use and we think it will appeal to a broad range of golfers with varying degrees of tech savvy. For the golfer who just needs simple distances, the basic, main Big Numbers screen is perfect. If you then want more information you simply swipe in different directions to access the other features if you want to use them, but you don't need to if you prefer the simple approach. Moving the crosshair can be a little fiddly, but the generous screen size does help to negate this and we found that after a while we got used to it. The battery life comfortably lasts two rounds which is ideal when you're out all day and playing 36 holes without the opportunity to recharge, while we would say that the accuracy of this watch is second-to-none.

• Read our full Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch Review

Best mid-price

What you need to know: The Garmin Approach S42 is an excellent watch in the mid-price bracket. It sits in between the entry level S12 and the more premium S62 & S70. The S42 is a good option for the golfer that wants some of the cool features you will find on premium watches but who is on a lower budget. The set-up is easy, all you have to do is download the Garmin app and pair the watch with your phone, allowing you to then access the wealth of benefits on offer, such as shot tracking, maps of over 43,000 course as well as a number of other features.

Design: It may not be a premium offering, but aesthetically the S42 is sleek and stylish enough that we think it can still be worn in numerous social settings. It is crammed with lots of golf and non-golf related features but our main takeaway from testing was that we barely noticed it on our wrist as we swung the golf club. In addition, the 1.2-inch color screen is extremely clear which adds to the ease of use.

Features: As with all Garmin golf watches, you get the basic yardages to the front, middle and back of each green in addition to maps of more than 43,000 preloaded courses worldwide. While automatic shot tracking is not a feature of the S42, it is possible if you pair it with the Approach CT10 club sensors (purchased separately). Additionally, when used in conjunction with the Garmin Golf app, golfers can take advantage of the AutoShot round analyzer which is a cool feature that records shot distances and allows you to examine your scores and scrutinise various performance stats to help you identify potential areas of improvement.

Performance: The S42 is a user friendly watch that we found to be very easy to get up and running with. Once we had downloaded the Garmin app and paired it with an iPhone, the watch allowed us to see the benefits of the shot tracking. In testing it performed very well for us out on the golf course and although it obviously lacks some of the fancy features of the more expensive Garmin models, nevertheless we would certainly say that the S42 delivers significant bang for your buck in the mid-price sector.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review

Best color choice

What you need to know: The Garmin Approach S12 is the brand’s entry level GPS watch and lacks the functionality of other watches in the Approach range. Don't let that put you off though, as this watch does exactly what it is supposed to and it does it extremely well. For the golfer who doesn't want anything too complex or fancy, this is ideal. For the older golfer who might not be too tech savvy, the S12 offers the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to use and provides accurate distance information and yardages to the front, middle and back of every green. If you want a bread and butter golf watch to give you accurate distances and very little else at a great price, this is as good as it gets.

Design: As you might expect from the price point, the design is fairly basic and this will not be mistaken for anything other than a golf watch, so you probably won't want to wear it when you leave the course. The black and white screen is slightly smaller than the more expensive Garmin options but the simplicity will appeal to golfers who just want something basic to wear on the golf course and then take it off afterwards. If you view this as a golf watch rather than a fashion accessory, there is a lot to like about it. It is lightweight and we love how sleek the strap is. We barely even noticed we were wearing it on the course, it is certainly not intrusive during the swing and you can get six different colors of strap too to match different outfits.

Features: It may be fairly basic but the S12 is not completely lacking in features. Of course you have the standard front, middle and back yardages and for the most part this was all we needed, but it also provides distances for layup areas and hazards too. You can also manually move the pin position on the screen by toggling the button to get a more precise number when hitting into the greens. Big Numbers mode will appeal to older golfers who may struggle a little to read smaller graphics. This feature combined with the overall simplicity of use makes the S12 an ideal choice for the older golfer who doesn't want to be overwhelmed with technology.

Performance: It's not fancy but it does what it's supposed to. When we arrived at the golf course and switched the watch on, it very quickly located where we were and displayed the correct yardages to the first green. It was actually considerably quicker in doing this than some of the more expensive watches on this list. The lack of a touch screen makes it more of a faff to use than the more expensive models, but that is to be expected given the price. To scroll through the different information on each hole you need to press the buttons on the side of the watch, which is simple enough but will seem fiddly to someone who is used to a touchscreen. However, if this is your first golf watch or you aren't used to touch screens then you won't know what you are missing and there's no problem. Again, it's ideal for older golfers who can sometimes find technology quite daunting. Ultimately it's a great watch that does the basics well and comes in at a good price.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S12 Review

Best simplicity

What you need to know: GolfBuddy is a brand that provides a wide range of great value GPS watches and the Aim W12 certainly brings a lot to the table for a price tag of $250. The range of features available will help in a number of ways while you can wear this on the course as well as away from it. There are ample golf features as well as several fitness functions including a handy step counter. While it can be worn away from the course it has been designed to look like a golf watch so keep that in mind.

Design: While it looks like a traditional golf watch, visually the Aim W12 is a decent improvement over the Aim W11 from 2021. In our opinion it is a bit more streamlined and has a slicker appearance thanks to the flatter button in the corner. Additionally, it comes with a premium leather strap as well as an extra silicon one and both are IPX7 waterproof, so there's no need to worry if you're caught in a downpour.

Features: You get plenty of features for your money with the W12. It has a color touch screen showing a 2D flyover of the hole, front middle and back yardages plus a green undulation map. It can also measure shots as well as providing distances to hazards. It was the slope functionality that really stood out for us in testing though. It provides an accurate distance after taking into account the changes in elevation and this is a vital function to have when playing hilly courses that are difficult to judge distances when they are skewed by elevation.

Performance: We enjoyed a near faultess user experience with the Aim W12. It did take a little longer than some other watches to locate the course, but once it did we found it to be simple to use. It's quick and easy to figure out how to access the different screens and the touch screen is very responsive. It would be remiss not to point out though that the battery life in golf mode has come down from 13 hours on the Aim W11 to 10 hours here. In other words you will only get two full rounds from a full charge rather than three, which isn't ideal. Nevertheless, our overall view is that the seamless user experience goes a long way to justifying the modest price tag.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W12 GPS Watch Review

Best for style

What you need to know: Voice Caddie has really established itself as a strong brand in the GPS and rangefinder markets, with the SL2 Active Hybrid rangefinder crowned the best golf rangefinder a few years ago. The A2 Golf GPS watch lives up to that standard and is a product that seriously impressed us on the course. It offers comfort and style and is packed with features to give you one of the best GPS golf watches on the market.

Design: It's a midern, stylish design that us also fully waterproof. In testing, we noticed straight away that it is very lightweight, and we really liked that the flexible strap features a significant amount of buckle holes that allow for a secure yet comfortable fit. It's easy to forget you are even wearing it.

The screen graphics are somewhat basic but the layout is clear enough and navigation is easily achieved with a combination of the color touch screen and four corner buttons. You have the choice to use either depending on your preference and we thought was a really nice touch. For example, the right hand buttons double as up and down functions on certain menus, but if you prefer you can also swipe the screen up or down to achieve the same thing.

Features: There are a lot of features on offer but one of the best ones is the slope-adjusted distances (or the Tournament mode that disables them). Mostly though it’s the touch screen itself that we were most impressed with. We found it to be very responsive and it becomes brighter when you lift it up to look at it. This is a clever feature that saves significantly on battery life.

The information on the screen is displayed in an easy-to-digest format. Like many on the list, you get the front, middle and back yardages, but you also get the time, hole and par, yards or metres, battery life and current score. It will also tell you the number of steps you’ve taken which is always a handy feature, and if you swipe to the side you can access the full color hole-maps.

Performance: Overall, the performance of the A2 is solid enough although we did find the automatic course detection to be somewhat inconsistent. Sometimes it took less than 10 seconds, other times it took over a minute. With most watches you can avoid this issue by loading up the course with plenty of time to spare before teeing off, but the A2 requires you to be near the first tee. That isn't ideal and it's an even bigger issue if you’re playing in a shotgun start. It's worth keeping that in mind, but all in all this is a golf watch that is both insightful and intuitive, providing the golfer with the essential information needed plus a whole lot more besides, all presented in a clear fashion that is simple to navigate.

• Read our full Voice Caddie A2 Golf Watch Review

Best shot-tracking

What you need to know: Shot Scope's niche has always been that they make compelling products for golfers looking to combine the best in shot tracking with GPS information. The new V5 looks to build on the impressive Shot Scope V3, while it also uses the X5 as design inspiration. We were so enamored with the number of features on offer (as well as the looks) that we gave this product a spot in our Editor's Choice.

Design: The V5 is certainly sleeker and offers a lot more off-course appeal than the fairly plain V3, but thankfully it has not sacrificed any of the excellent shot tracking capability that Shot Scope is known for. In our experience, the information you get from Shot Scope is second to none thanks to new and improved lightweight, second-generation tracking tags which screw easily into the tops of your clubs. It isn't a straightforward process however, and the V5 must be worn on your lead arm. Furthermore, it needs to be within 10cm of the tags in order to pick up shots and we found that it did occasionally miss some. It did not miss enough for it to be a big problem though and overall it's an impressive bit of kit.

Features: Before you begin your round you have the option of selecting GPS or GPS+ Track depending on whether you are using the tags or not. The home screen displays front, middle and back distances, plus the current score and hole number. There is also a lock function, which we would recommend turning off before play.

Other features include a map of the green and the ability to see the distances to reach and carry hazards, while we really liked the option of moving the pin to different spots for a more accurate yardage by swiping left or right. Shot distance measurement is useful, while there is also information on doglegs and lay up distances plus the ability to add penalty shots to your scorecard. The sensors allow you to track shots and also give you free access to over 100 performance statistics which includes Strokes Gained.

Performance: The performance in our testing was very impressive. The V5 takes around 20 seconds to locate the course once you arrive which is pretty good and compares well with most on this list. One noticeable improvement for our tester was the V5's button navigation which was a lot less fiddly than the X5's touchscreen navigation. The user experience wasn’t perfect but overall we found the V5 to be an enjoyable product to use and we certainly feel it can help the user improve decision-making and club selection. The price also makes it an appealing model to consider.

• Read our full Shot Scope V5 Golf GPS Watch Review

Specifications table

How we test golf watches

At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around golf watches. This involves using different models out on the course, over a number of rounds and importantly in different conditions too because this gives us an idea on how particular models deal with sunlight, rain and wind.

Watches usually get a thorough testing as our entire team are regular golfers. To get a better feel for the watches we often test them side by side against other similar products to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. By doing this we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. We also look to use watches off the golf course too if they have been designed as such, because this gives us an idea on versatility and the kind of non-golf functionality on offer.

The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is.

How To Choose The Right Golf GPS Watch

Features

If you have decided you want a GPS watch, now you need to think about what features are important to you. If you’re looking for your standard front, middle and back GPS yardages then a budget watch will do the trick, however there are some incredible watches out there that offer much more.

Alternatively, there are watches which can go into much greater detail when providing yardages, course detail, hazard information and so on. Obviously there are models with larger screens too which can be a particularly useful feature. Some also can help you record your score, track your shots, and many also have fitness features for off the golf course as well.

Your routine

It is important to think about what you do during your routine on the golf course. Are you a fast player who just needs a quick glance at numbers on a screen, or are you more of a deliberate player that wants as much detail as possible before committing to a shot? There are models that fit into different routines and styles so be aware of how you play the game. Ultimately a glance at a watch is much quicker than taking a device out of its case or dragging pointers on the screen, so weigh up if extra detail or less disruption is most important to you. For some golfers less is more, and a simple distance to the middle of the green is all that is required. Others will want to know distances to water hazards and bunkers, to account for every eventuality. This plays a part in the watch you should choose.

Versatility

Many brands make models that can be used on and off the golf course because of the range of features, and overall styling. If that is important to you, then several models above will cater to this need. Health and wellness features are increasingly popular, as are smartwatches for checking messages, emails etc. Rather than buy a watch specifically for that as well as one for golf, perhaps you want to combine the best of both worlds with one of the higher end golf watches.

Golf course

Next it is worth considering what type of golf course you play on regularly. We have found that courses with lots of doglegs and blind tee shots require the in-depth GPS information of a watch, whereas courses that are more out in front of you are perhaps more suited to the simplicity of a laser. Additionally if you play at other clubs in matches or socially, then you may want the extra information a GPS offers over a laser. Additionally be aware of how many golf courses are preloaded onto different watches as well.

Battery power

Laser rangefinders run on powerful batteries that are easily replaced every six months to a year, while GPS devices normally need charging regularly via a USB, so consider if you have the discipline to keep it topped up ready for your next round. If you tend to play 36 holes in a day that will also need to be factored in to your choice as you will need something with a longer battery life.

Budget

Finally we should mention budget. If you want a simple model then there are budget-friendly options. However if you want to spend more you can with Garmin and TAG Heuer in particular offering ultra-premium models.

FAQs

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.

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