Best Golf Watches 2026 - Our favorite models on the market, tested and reviewed
A golf watch can save you ample shots when out on the golf course. Here, we take a look at the best ones on the market
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. 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, one of which is the emergence of the best golf watches and similar GPS devices. 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.
The Quick List
The AMOLED display on the S70 is one of the best we've ever used, giving exceptional detail to each map and yardage you view, whilst wind speed data and club recommendations make this feel like a caddy on your wrist.
Thanks to slope-adjusted yardages and a custom movable pin, the Ion Elite from Bushnell delivers accuracy that matches most laser rangefinders in a more practical, user-friendly package.
The S50 offered plenty of on-course metrics and precise yardages, alongside a wealth of health data for your time off the course. It ticks a lot of boxes for players who value both low scores and peak physical fitness.
The LX5 felt like having a professional caddie's yardage book on your arm thanks to the impressively-detailed hole maps that show you exactly what's ahead, even on blind shots.
The G6 is our recommend pick for golfers who want hole mapping at a reasonable price. By adding aerial hole views to its already excellent hazard tracking, its a device that genuinely helps you plot your way around 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 S44 is essentially the S50 but with fewer health features, meaning it comes in at a slightly lower price. Nevertheless, it's still a very well-rounded device that looks great on your wrist, allowing you to wear it on and off the course with ease.
For golfers who want a high-tech edge without a complicated setup, the W12 delivers pro-level guidance and clear, detailed maps in a stylish, easy-to-use package.
Best Golf Watches 2026
Top pick
Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch worn on the golf course
The S70 carries on the success of 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. New features include an improved display, enhanced graphics and better battery life. After testing these new upgrades, it wasn't a difficult choice to choose it as our top pick.
The AMOLED touchscreen display is one of the brightest we've ever 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. This is a watch packed with advanced technology, which does comes at a premium, but if you’re looking for detail and depth, it delivers in abundance.
Like the best Garmin golf watches, 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 doubled up as a full-featured smartwatch, offering health and fitness tracking as well as on-the-go access to messages and emails. A wide range of features doesn’t always guarantee smooth performance but we found the S70 impresses with its intuitive interface and clear graphics, making every function easy to use and highly effective.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S70 Golf Watch Review
Best accompanying app
Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch being worn on the golf course
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. 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.
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. Its impressive IP67 rating also offers reassurance for golfers who don’t shy away from playing in less-than-perfect weather.
In testing, we found 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.
- Read our full Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Review
Best for golf and health
One of the most complete watches we've ever tested.
'How can Garmin make their watches better?' we asked ourselves ahead of the release of the S50. The answer was making this not only a golf watch, but a fully functional fitness watch too.
Beginning with golf functionalities, 43,000 courses are at your disposal on the crisp 1.2-inch color AMOLED screen, giving you all the information you need in relation to yardages to hazards and the front, middle and back of each green. It's also great how lightweight this watch is - we barely noticed wearing it as we swung the club. Add to that the fabric strap and it's the best watch-wearing experience I've had bar none. Unlike many silicone straps, which have specific holes to fit around your wrist, this fabric strap uses a small Velcro closure that means to can fit it to any size you like.
The S70 is easily one of the best health watches we’ve tested. It comes fully loaded with modern tracking tech, including a Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen and HRV monitoring to help you understand your heart health and recovery. It’s the perfect all-in-one tool for golfers who want a high-performance smartwatch that keeps a constant eye on their wellbeing.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S50 Golf Watch Review
Best accuracy
The Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch with a detailed golf hole map
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.
The highlight of our testing was how clear, bright and wonderfully user-friendly this watch is. 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. 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.
The LX5 strikes a great balance between a deep feature set and an intuitive interface, meaning it remains accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Its battery life is a notable strength, comfortably lasting through 36 holes on a single charge. While the overall aesthetic is a bit more utilitarian than some of the sleeker models on the market, the ability to choose from five different watch faces offers enough customization to help most players find a look they enjoy.
- Read our full Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch Review
Best budget
The Shot Scope G5 GPS Watch being tested on the golf course
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.
The G6 houses a large, crystal-clear display within a surprisingly slim and lightweight frame. It offers superb value for money, providing a robust suite of features including color hole maps, a digital scorecard, and precise distances to hazards, doglegs, and layup markers. We were particularly impressed by the intuitive presentation of reach and carry data, which makes it easy to match yardages to specific obstacles on the map. Although the hole graphics are somewhat simplified, they remain highly functional for strategizing on unfamiliar courses or navigating tricky blind shots.
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. 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
The T11 Pro GPS is so feature-packed it might even risk distracting you on the course. Although we didn't find it distracting during our testing, we're very used to testing watches with this amount of detail and I can think of a few people I know who might feel overwhelmed by the amount of detail, particularly some older golfers I know. Nevertheless, if you're after a info-packed watch, this could be the one for you.
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.
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
The Approach S44 is essentially the S50-Lite. It's easy to wear and has functionalities that allow it to be usefully worn but on and off the course.
It’s an incredibly good-looking watch that skips the fancy packaging to deliver pure product quality. The design is simple but sharp, making it one of the few golf watches you'll actually want to wear as your daily timepiece. After our review in April, we found ourselves keeping it on 24/7. This wasn't just because of the crisp AMOLED screen, but because it’s the most comfortable and stylish mid-range watch Garmin has released to date.
If you're looking for the 'S50 experience' on a budget, the Approach S44 is a great alternative, especially for those who don't invest too much time into following their fitness trends and want their watch to be golf-first. It offers the same crisp, sunlight-readable screen as its more expensive sibling, delivering the exceptional yardage accuracy and features in plentiful supply. We particularly appreciated the smart scoring reminder; the watch gives a gentle buzz as you leave the green, making sure you never forget a hole - we've experienced this feature on other watches but none have been as consistent with this feature as both the S44 and S50 which gives you this vibration essentially immediately after you leave the green, an accuracy I've yet to be seen matched by rival devices. As mentioned, It skips the high-end wellness sensors found in the S50, but it still covers all the fitness basics like tracking your steps, cycling, and swimming with ease. It’s a dedicated golf tool that still works as a solid daily fitness tracker.
- Read our full Garmin Approach S44 Golf Watch Review
Best simplicity
The GolfBuddy Aim W12 Golf GPS Watch showing off its vibrant and large touch screen
The Aim W12 from GolfBuddy is a straightforward, value for money golf watch that offers a solid range of core features without a hefty price tag. 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.
The GolfBuddy Aim W12 is designed to present yardages in the most simple form possible, yet it doesn't skimp on technical sophistication for its price bracket. The vibrant touchscreen makes features like the 2D hole flyovers and green undulation maps easy to view, providing a high-quality user experience. A standout feature is the slope-adjusted distances.
While we noticed that the initial GPS connection to the course takes a bit longer than some of the other watches in this guide and others we have tested, the watch performs without a hitch once you're playing, aided by a highly responsive interface. Even though battery life has decreased from 13 hours on the previous W11 model to 10 hours here, it still comfortably covers 36 holes on a single charge.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W12 GPS Watch 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 S50 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 S44 | 42,000 | 15 hours | 43g | Three |
GolfBuddy AIM W12 Golf GPS Watch | 40,000 | 10 hours | 50g | Two |
How we test golf watches
With over 12 years experience as a caddy at his home course at Royal County Down, Conor is best placed to head up the Golf Monthly reviews for rangefinders, golf watches and GPS devices. Having played the game since the age of four, golf has always been a constant in his life, whether for work or pleasure. Although Conor leads golf watch reviews, testing is conducted by himself and other highly knowledgable members of the Golf Monthly team like Deputy Editor Joel Tadman and Kick Point Podcast host Dan Parker.
Our testing procedure for golf watches is every bit as thorough as it is for any other product we review. Testing watches is unique because testing begins the moment the sample arrives on our doorstep. Due to the fact so many watches now have health and lifestyle features, the moment we receive a watch we put it on our wrist, and the testing begins. From then, the watch is used in everyday life, whether it has health features or not, to see how it feels on our wrist and throughout our working days.
It is then onto the golf course for some rigorous testing. The first thing we do is check how accurate yardages are by measuring them against sprinkler heads that display the yardage to the front of the green, giving us an idea of how dialed in the GPS numbers the watch is feeding us are. 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.
Our reviews are strictly impartial and performance-based, so you can trust that our advice is focused solely on helping you find the right gear for your game - its what has helped us build a level of trust amongst our readership for over a decade and that will not change.
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
Choosing the right golf watch is far from a one-size-fits-all process (pardon the pun). For the golfer who only needs quick yardages, a budget-friendly entry-level model is a smart way to save some cash. However, if you’re after the full caddie experience like detailed maps, wind calculations, and club advice, you must be ready to invest in a premium unit. It’s also worth considering whether you want a single-purpose tool for the links or a versatile smartwatch that tracks your gym sessions and sleep.
Your routine
The right golf watch shouldn't feel like an extension of your pre-shot routine, but rather something to compliment it without proving a distraction. If you’re the type of player who meticulously weighs every variable, you’ll likely gravitate toward high-data systems that factor in wind, slope, and club recommendations. On the other hand, if you prefer to just see it and hit it, a streamlined device that delivers instant yardages is a much better fit. Just be sure you're not holding up play behind you!
Versatility
I'm happy to report that the era of having to choose between a dedicated golf watch and a daily smartwatch is officially over. Nowadays, the industry’s top brands have perfected hybrid models that transition seamlessly from your everyday life and activities to the golf course without compromising on style or functionality. For those who want their yardages paired with real-time emails, text notifications, and professional-grade fitness insights, investing in a premium model is a game-changer.
Battery power
Unlike laser rangefinders, which can often run for months on a single power source, GPS watches require a more disciplined charging routine - worth noting if you aren't the most stringent about keeping your tech devices charged and ready to go.
If you’re a frequent golfer, battery specs should be at the top of your checklist. To avoid the frustration of a dead watch on the first tee, look for a model with enough stamina to handle at least two or three rounds before it needs to see a cable.
Budget
Decide on your budget before you start shopping. If you want a watch that does it all, be prepared to pay for those premium features. If you don’t need the extra bells and whistles, the market is full of budget-friendly models that nail the basics perfectly - our guide to the best value golf watches can help you there. Unless you catch a holiday deal, remember that you generally get what you pay for: more money buys you better screens and deeper analytics.
FAQs
Should I use a GPS watch or a laser rangefinder?
It’s vital to weigh your personal on-course priorities before pulling the trigger on a GPS watch. For the golfer who values a seamless experience in which they can simply glance down at their watch and get a number, the convenience of a watch is hard to top. However, rangefinders are slightly more accurate due to them not relying on GPS technology from space. If you need EXACT yardages, I'd go for a rangefinder, but you can also get watches like you get from Garmin that can co-exist and link with your rangefinder for the ultimate experience.
Which is the best golf watch to buy?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific priorities. If you value high-resolution color hole maps, the SkyCaddie LX5 is a standout in that category. For those who want a dual-purpose tool that combines GPS data with integrated performance tracking, the Shot Scope G6 remains a top pick. Meanwhile, if you prefer a no-fuss approach, both Bushnell and Garmin offer excellent, user-friendly models that focus on simplicity, though Garmin also provides a range of high-end, feature-packed alternatives for those who want a deeper dive into their data.
Is a Garmin golf watch worth it?
Garmin remains a powerhouse in the golf watch market, offering a tiered lineup that ensures there is a model for every budget and technical requirement.
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.