Best Golf Watches 2024

Technology plays a big part in golf nowadays, whether it's portable launch monitors or GPS devices and rangefinders, the modern golfer now has access to things they couldn't have dreamed of at one time. 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 go searching for the yellow 150 yard marker and then estimate what club to hit. Golfers now can immediately get access to the front, middle and back of the green just by glancing at their wrist. Golf watches offer all sorts of other useful features too, but their main function is to allow the golfer to know what club they need to hit to find the green. 

Golfers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to golf watches. 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. Not all golf watches are created equal and 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. Either way, 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 features that aren't just golf related.

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 is the successor to the highly popular S62. It embodies Garmin’s commitment to producing high-quality smart watches that can deliver data to allow you to improve your game. It has an increased screen size, longer battery life and a brighter display than the S62 along with improved graphics. Its crammed with useful features which make it our top pick. 

Design: The S70 features a sleek ceramic bezel and is one of the nicest looking smart watches we’ve tested. It is a versatile watch that will help you track your steps as well as your shots, and we also think it looks great when worn in social or work settings too. It doesn't stand out as a golf watch so you can wear it anywhere. 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 it has more features than any of the other, less expensive watches in the range. While it might seem expensive we would argue that you get an awful lot for your money. When you arrive at the course the watch 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. Where it excels from the competition is that when paired with the free smartphone app it also provides accurate weather updates and 'plays like' distances that factor in the wind and elevation. So you may have 150 yards to the green but into a strong headwind, the 'plays like' number will reflect that and your actual number might be 165, allowing you to club accordingly.

The S70 will also work as your personal caddie, offering up club recommendations based on your swing data and keeping your score for you. 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 the vast array of features on this watch might initially seem overwhelming, Garmin have built the S70 with usability in mind. You probably won't use all of the apps and features available but whatever you do decide you want will be straightforward to use. Something that really impressed us in testing was the battery life. The S70 will hold a charge for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, while in GPS mode you will get 20 hours or so, meaning you can play several full rounds before needing to charge again (charging is done via a USB-C cable), so it's perfect for holiday golf. The S70 is also water resistant, so if you do get caught in a downpour (which you will see coming thanks to the watches weather forecasting skills!) you need not worry about the watch being damaged. The hefty price point may be off putting but 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 represents a significant upgrade on the Bushnell ION Edge watch. We love the visuals and we think this will be highly popular with the golfer who is looking for a feature-packed wearable to use both on and off the course. 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 it delivers. In terms of golf performance though it delivers what it sets out to achieve. There is plenty functionality to help golfers shoot lower scores and enjoy their time on the course, while the accompanying app separates it from the competition thanks to its performance and functionality.

Design: The Ion Elite has a much brighter display and more premium look compared to its predecessor thanks to a vibrant touch screen and metallic bezel. We especially loved the white strap that it came with as it was tacky and comfortable, which ensured it held the watch in position nicely. We also think it will compliment any outfit well. The watch is water-resistant to an IP67 rating, which is one of the highest levels of protection out there, which is certainly something to consider if you often play in wet conditions. 

Features: This is an out-and-out golf watch that packs in a ton of on course features. Upon arrival at the course it will quickly locate where you are and then deliver accurate maps to the front, middle and back of each green. You then have icons in the four corners that when pressed open up access to other functions and display modes like hole maps, hazards/lay ups, green view and scoring. In testing we enjoyed the hole-maps which 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, while the slope functionality was a real highlight for us as it delivers yardages that factor in the terrain.

Performance: We found it difficult to find fault with this watch. If we are being ultra critical then perhaps It can be a little laggy at times when loading different applications and features, but overall it was fast and delivered accurate distances. The visual display is excellent and it also comes with 12+ hours of battery life, which means you can squeeze in two or possibly even three rounds of golf from a single charge. If you pair it up with the free Bushnell Golf app then you will have access to a raft of new features, including hole flyovers and more in-depth performance analysis  as well as 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 for green reading

What you need to know: Voice Caddie specialise in producing some of the best rangefinders and best launch monitors in the game and much of their experience designing that technology has been implemented in the making of this excellent golf watch. This watch is a gadget-lover’s dream, packed with the kind of bells and whistles that make it 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. In testing of the T9 we found the highlight to be its ability to deliver accurate yardages in combination with V-Algorithm 3.0 (Voice Caddie’s slope calculation software) which factors in slope. Golfers are also provided with undulating green maps which can be very handy on approach shots when you want to leave yourself a certain type of putt. 

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

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. Of course this is not allowed in competitions so the option is there to be able to turn that off by enabling or disabling tournament mode. You can use full-color hole maps to strategize how to play 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 which is a really cool function that you won't find on most watches (even on some of the more expensive ones). The T9 also comes with a Practice Tempo Mode that you can use to 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: This is a responsive, comprehensive golf watch that delivers a detailed summary of your game when used with the MyVoiceCaddie application. We found the performance on offer to be outstanding and the thing we loved most was how responsive and clear the screen was. It is a reflective LCD optimized screen that is designed specifically for use in strong sunlight and in our testing we were impressed by just how clear and bright the screen was when showing course maps  in any weather conditions. If we have one criticism it would be that we were a little disappointed by the automatic shot tracking functionality, which did require us to enter each shot on the watch. Some other watches do this automatically.

• Read our full Voice Caddie T9 Golf GPS Watch Review

Best budget

What you need to know:  Not everyone wants the fancy bells and whistles that many of the best golf watches offer and for some golfers simplicity is often the number one consideration. 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: We thought the G5 had a minimalistic feel to it even though the screen size is generous. Perhaps this is because of how lightweight the straps and case are. The outer ring of the display is slightly raised which should reduce the risk of scratches while also adding to the aesthetic, and we also feel that the sporty look should appeal to a variety of tastes.

Features: Once we selected the course, the front, middle and back distances to the hole were quickly displayed clearly on the main screen along with other useful information, such as time, the hole number and its par as well as your current score and battery level. One click will get you access to hazard information and the G5 provides distances to both reach and carry the hazard, as well as other useful distances to lay ups and doglegs. You also get shot distance measurement and a digital scorecard to keep track of your round. 

Performance: We were very impressed with the overall performance of the G5. It's full of useful features and because the G5 is incredibly lightweight, compact and sporty, we didn’t really notice it on our wrists when out on the course or at home. This is an ideal choice for those wanting a simple experience without breaking the bank as this budget-friendly watch offers good value.

• Read our full Shot Scope G5 GPS Watch Review

Best features

What you need to know: Since the launch of the Approach S1 in 2010 Garmin has been producing fabulous golf GPS watches. Ten years after the S1 came the S62, which was Garmin's flagship offering in the golf watch category until the S70 was introduced to succeed it. The S62 is a cutting-edge wearable, providing golfers with a whole raft of 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. 

Design: It comes with a notched ceramic bezel that offers a sporty yet elegant look  and despite it being a few years old now, for us the S62 is still one of the best looking golf watches on the market. We thoroughly enjoyed testing this watch and felt comfortable wearing it both on and off the course. The large color touchscreen display of the S62 makes it very easy to use in tandem with the action buttons on either side. It's a very straightforward user experience. You also have the option to customize this watch to match your style with one of the colorful QuickFit accessory bands and another cool feature is the ability to upload your own photos to use as a screensaver or watchface.

Features: TEven before we mention the smartwatch features and health and fitness options, this watch is positively rammed with functionality, making it one for the gadget lover who wants to access lots of information and assess their play in more detail post round. On the course 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. 

The S62 has a Virtual Caddie tool that does require a bit of input at the start (you need to play five rounds for the watch to collect enough data on how far you hit each club), but after that it will recommend a club to use based on your tendencies. Automatic shot tracking is extremely handy, particularly when your drive has missed the fairway and you need to narrow down the search area, as the watch will tell you exactly how far you have travelled since your last shot. Another cool feature is that if you pair the watch with the free Garmin app on your phone you can receive real-time updates on the wind conditions. This is a feature we’ve not seen on too many other watches.

Away from the course, you can 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. 

Performance: This watch was expensive on its release but it was certainly worth the money. With the introduction of the S70 as Garmin's flagship offering, 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, the functionality you get for your money is probably unmatched currently. The S62 is seamless to use on course thanks to its easy-to-navigate display which allows the golfer to get distance readings quickly. In testing those yardages stacked up well against our rangefinder as well as other leading GPS devices. One feature we particularly loved was 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 accuracy

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

Design: In testing the main stand out feature for us was the touchscreen. It's nice and bright, crystal clear and very easy to read in different conditions. While it looks a little on the large side, in our experience it is lightweight enough not to impede the swing and we feel that the styling (and fitness features) makes this watch suitable to wear away from the course. Overall we think the design is very appealing although it is perhaps a tad clunky on the wrist. 

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 which makes it ideal 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, hazards, the hole-map and also distances to hazards. In our testing we felt it was the accuracy of this watch that set it apart from the competition. The hole graphics were truly stunning and show every detail of what lay ahead. Another cool feature is that the LX5 recommends the optimum driving position based on feedback from the SkyCaddie mappers who have actually walked the holes, which is almost like having your caddie out there with course knowledge.

The display also 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 enjoyed testing this watch. It's simple to use and will appeal to a broad range of golfers. From the basic, main Big Numbers screen you simply swipe in different directions to access the other features if you want to use them. If you don't, the big numbers is all you need. We found that moving the crosshair could be a little fiddly, but the generous screen size does help to negate this and after a while you will get 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. The accuracy of this watch is also second-to-none. 

• Read our full Sky Caddie LX5 GPS Watch Review

Best color choice

What you need to know: Although the Garmin Approach S12 is the brand’s entry level GPS watch, don't let that put you off. This watch does exactly what it is supposed to and it does it extremely well. It's a watch that is easy to use and provides accurate distance information throughout the round. It doesn't have any of the bells and whistles of the more high end watches in the Approach family but not all golfers are looking for those. If you want a bread and butter golf watch to give you accurate distances and very little else, this is as good as it gets.

Design: As you might expect from the price point, the design is fairly basic. 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 disregard the plain look and view it purely from a golf watch perspective rather than a fashion accessory, then there is a lot to like about this watch. We loved how lightweight and sleek the strap was and we barely noticed that 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: While it is fairly basic there are still plenty of useful golf features on the S12. Primarily you have the standard front, middle and back yardages and for the most part this was all we needed. It also provides distances for layup areas and hazards too, which is always handy, while you can also manually move the pin position to get a more precise number when hitting into the greens. A feature which  will appeal to a lot of golfers is the Big Numbers mode, which can be accessed via the settings. This changes the display to make the key information a little bigger and easy to see. Combined with the simplicity of use we feel that this makes the S12 an ideal choice for the older golfer who doesn't want to be overwhelmed with technology.

Performance: It does what it's supposed to. When we arrived at the golf course and switched the watch on, it quickly located where we were and displayed the correct yardages to the first green. While the lack of a touch screen makes it more of a faff to use than the more expensive models, you have to expect that given the difference in price. In order to scroll through the different yardage information on each hole you need to press the buttons on the side of the watch. It's simple enough but if you are used to using touchscreen then you will probably find this a bit fiddly. Conversely, 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. 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 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

Best mid-price

What you need to know: Another offering from Garmin that sits in between the entry level S12 and the premium S62. The S42 is an excellent watch in the mid-price bracket as it has a number of the features you will find on premium watches but at a significantly lower price. 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: While not a premium offering, aesthetically the S42 is a sleek and stylish enough watch that can be worn in social settings. It is crammed with lots of golf and non-golf related features but the most important design feature for us in 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: You get the basic yardages to the front, middle and back of each green plus maps containing more than 43,000 preloaded courses worldwide. If you want, there is also the option to pair with the Approach CT10 club sensors (purchased seperately) for automatic club tracking. When the watch is 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 plots your way round the course. After your round you can 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 was easy to get going. 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 superbly for us out on the golf course and while is certainly lacks some of the fancy features of the more expensive models, overall we would say that the S42 gives great bang for your buck in the mid-price sector.

• Read our full Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch Review

Best simplicity

What you need to know: GolfBuddy provides a wide range of great value GPS watches and the Aim W12 gives you a lot for the price tag of $250. You can wear this on the course as well as away from it and the range of features available will help in a number of ways. There are plenty of golf features as well as several fitness features including a handy step counter. While it can be worn away from the course it's important to point out that it has been designed to look like a golf watch.

Design: While it looks like a traditional golf watch, visually the Aim W12 is a decent improvement over the Aim W11 from 2021. We think it is slicker and a bit more streamlined thanks to the flatter button in the corner. Furthermore, it comes with a premium leather strap (you also get an extra silicon one in the box) and both are IPX7 waterproof, meaning there's no need to worry if you're caught in a downpour.

Features: You certainly get a lot of features for your money with the W12. It has a color touch screen, a 2D flyover of the hole, front middle and back yardages, a green undulation map and also the ability to measure shots as well as providing distances to hazards. Where we felt this watch really stood out in testing though is the slope functionality which provides an accurate distance after taking into account the changes in elevation. This is especially useful when playing hilly courses where it can be difficult to just distances skewed by elevation. 

Performance: Our user experience with the Aim W12 was near faultless. Despite taking a little longer than some other watches to locate the course, once it did we found that it was simple, quick and easy to figure out how to access the different screens. The touch screen was very responsive but it should be pointed out that the battery life in golf mode has come down from 13 hours on the Aim W11 to 10 hours here. This means you will only get two full rounds from a full charge rather than three, but overall we feel that the 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

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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