Golf tech’s come a long way. Wrist GPS units are now must-haves, whether you’re grinding on the tour or just hacking around weekends. No more guessing yardages or straining to see markers. Modern Garmin golf watch models pack precise GPS, full-course maps, and swing metrics right on your wrist – tools that’ll sharpen your game without overcomplicating things.
Picking the right one? It’s not straightforward. With so many options out there – each flaunting different specs and prices – you’ve got to zero in on what actually works for your play style. Below, we’ll break down Garmin watch comparison for golfers, cutting through the noise to highlight models that’ll help lower scores without emptying your wallet.
Quick Picks: Top Garmin Watches at a Glance
Before we dive into detailed reviews, here’s a quick snapshot of our top recommendations:
• Best Overall: Garmin Approach S62 – Premium features with exceptional battery life
• Most Advanced: Garmin Approach S70 – Newest model with cutting-edge tech
• Best Multi-Sport: Garmin Forerunner 965 – Ideal for golfers who enjoy other activities
• Best for Women: Garmin Lily 2 Active – Stylish design with essential golf features
• Best Battery Life: Garmin Enduro 3 – Marathon sessions without recharging
• Most Rugged: Garmin Instinct 3 – Tactical-inspired design for outdoor enthusiasts
Each watch has its strengths. Your optimal choice? It depends on what you prioritize – whether that’s purely golf-focused features, battery endurance, or versatility across multiple activities.
The Best Garmin Watches of 2025: Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin Approach S62 – Best Garmin Golf Watch
The Approach S62 remains the gold standard in the golf watch Garmin category for good reason. It strikes that perfect balance – comprehensive features without overwhelming complexity. And isn’t that what we all want?
Key Features:
• Preloaded with 41,000+ golf courses worldwide
• Virtual Caddie suggests clubs based on typical distance
• Wind speed and direction indicators
• 1.3-inch color touchscreen (readable in bright sunlight)
• PlaysLike Distance feature accounts for elevation changes
• Hazard view for quick reference on course obstacles
• Shot tracking with automatic club detection
Battery life is impressive – up to 14 days in smartwatch mode or a solid 20 hours with GPS active. Perfect for weekend tournaments or golfing getaways. The scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable silicone straps offer both durability and style.
While not the newest model in Garmin’s lineup, the S62’s proven track record and slightly lower price point (compared to the S70) make it our top overall recommendation for serious golfers seeking value.
2. Garmin Forerunner 965 – Best Garmin Triathlon Watch
For the multisport enthusiast who prioritizes golf but refuses to be defined by a single activity, the Forerunner 965 offers unparalleled versatility. This Garmin triathlon watch excels across running, cycling, swimming, and yes – golf.
Key Features:
• Multi-Band GPS for ultra-precise distance tracking
• Bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen
• Advanced training metrics for multiple sports
• Golf features include distances, hazards, and scorekeeping
• Preloaded with thousands of courses
• Training readiness score helps optimize workout scheduling
• 31 hours of GPS battery life
The Forerunner 965 doesn’t match the golf-specific capabilities of the Approach series, but it offers more than enough for casual to intermediate players. Where it truly shines is its adaptability – transition seamlessly from morning run to afternoon golf without changing devices.
Its stunning AMOLED display makes reading course details effortless, even in bright sunlight. And unlike some specialized golf watches, the Forerunner 965 doesn’t scream “sports watch” when you’re off the course. It’s sophisticated enough for daily wear.
3. Garmin Lily 2 Active – Best Garmin Watch for Women
Finding the right golf watch for smaller wrists can be challenging. Enter the Lily 2 Active – the most stylish and compact option in Garmin’s lineup. It’s the perfect best Garmin watch for women who want functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Key Features:
• Elegant, jewelry-inspired design
• Compact 38mm case size ideal for smaller wrists
• Tracks basic golf metrics including distances
• Onboard GPS for accurate yardages
• Two physical buttons for easy operation while wearing gloves
• Impressive 9-day battery life
• Available in multiple stylish color options
The Lily 2 Active stands out as a Garmin watch women would actually want to wear both on and off the course. Its simplified interface displays essential information clearly without overwhelming details – perfect for players who want fundamentals without complexity.
The Garmin womens watch market has historically been underserved, but the Lily 2 Active proves that functionality and fashion can coexist. It transitions seamlessly from morning tee time to evening dinner plans without looking out of place.
4. Garmin Enduro 3 – Best Garmin Watch for Hiking
For the adventurous golfer who enjoys backcountry courses and outdoor exploration, the Enduro 3 offers unmatched battery life and rugged durability. This best Garmin watch for hiking combines essential golf features with wilderness-ready capabilities.
Key Features:
• Incredible battery life – up to 90 days with solar charging
• Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal for maximum durability
• Preloaded golf courses with essential distance features
• Built-in flashlight for early morning or twilight rounds
• Multi-Band GPS for pinpoint accuracy even under tree cover
• Lightweight despite its larger size (63g) • Solar charging extends battery during outdoor activities
The Enduro 3 isn’t primarily a golf watch, but it handles course navigation admirably while excelling in extreme conditions. Think desert courses in scorching heat or mountain links with unpredictable weather. When durability matters as much as accuracy, the Enduro 3 delivers both.
Trail maps and navigation features also make it perfect for remote courses or walking unfamiliar layouts. The Enduro 3 serves as both a reliable golf companion and an outdoor survival tool – versatility that justifies its premium price point.
5. Garmin Instinct 3 – Best for Battery Life and Tactical Use
The Instinct 3 brings military-inspired durability to the golf course. This Garmin tactical watch combines extreme toughness with essential golf features in a package that can withstand whatever punishment your game dishes out.
Key Features:
• Available in two sizes (45mm and 50mm)
• Fiber-reinforced polymer case resists scratches and impacts
• Water-resistant to 100 meters
• Basic golf course information and distances
• Up to 40+ days of battery life (50mm Solar model)
• Monochrome display maximizes battery efficiency
• Multiple color options including tactical-inspired designs
The Instinct 3 won’t win beauty contests, but its utilitarian design serves a purpose. Five buttons provide reliable navigation without touchscreen complications – perfect for those wearing golf gloves or playing in wet conditions. Its contrasting display remains readable in the brightest sunshine.
While golf isn’t its primary focus, the Instinct 3 handles basic course navigation and distance tracking competently. It’s ideal for golfers who value reliability and endurance over specialized features. Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, especially when you’re focused on your game rather than your technology.
6. Garmin Approach S70 – Premium Golf Watch Garmin
The newest flagship in Garmin’s golf lineup, the Approach S70 represents the pinnacle of wrist-based golf technology. This premium Garmin golf watch integrates everything the company has learned into one advanced package.
Key Features:
• Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen with exceptional clarity
• Advanced course mapping with green contours
• Virtual putting coach for improved performance on the greens
• Wind direction and speed indicators
• Auto shot detection with comprehensive analytics
• PlaysLike Distance with slope considerations
• Expanded course coverage including international destinations
Battery life is impressive despite the power-hungry display – up to 16 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours of continuous GPS use. That’s plenty for tournament weekends or golf vacations without constantly hunting for outlets.
The Virtual Putting Coach feature stands out as particularly innovative, analyzing your putting stats to identify patterns and improvement opportunities. It’s like having a putting instructor on your wrist, offering data-driven insights instead of vague advice.
Is it worth the premium price? For dedicated golfers seeking every possible advantage, absolutely. The S70 represents the cutting edge of golf wearable technology, with features that genuinely impact performance rather than just looking impressive.
Garmin Watch Comparison: Which One Fits You?
Choosing between multiple excellent options requires understanding what matters most for your game. This Garmin watch comparison breaks down the key decision factors:
For the Dedicated Golfer: Approach S62 or S70 – Both offer comprehensive golf features, with the S70 providing the latest advancements and the S62 offering better value.
For the Multi-Sport Athlete: Forerunner 965 – Excels across activities while providing solid golf functionality, also being Garmin watch womens’ best choice.
For Style-Conscious Players: Lily 2 Active – Combines essential golf features with a design that works beyond the course.
For Extreme Conditions: Enduro 3 or Instinct 3 – Unmatched durability and battery life for challenging environments.
Battery life considerations vary dramatically between models – from the marathon-running Enduro 3 (potentially months between charges) to the feature-packed but more power-hungry Approach S70 (requiring weekly charging with heavy use).
Screen technology also drives many differences. AMOLED displays offer vibrant colors and better visibility in varied lighting but consume more power. Memory-in-pixel (MIP) screens provide exceptional outdoor readability and battery efficiency but lack the visual punch of AMOLED.
Customize Your Garmin: Watch Faces and Chargers
Your Garmin experience extends beyond the default settings. Personalization options allow you to make your device truly yours, starting with Garmin watch faces. The Connect IQ store offers hundreds of options ranging from minimalist designs to data-packed displays showing everything from weather to your current handicap.
For golf specifically, several best Garmin watch faces provide at-a-glance information relevant to players:
• Course Caddie – Shows distances, current score, and hole information
• Golf Pro – Customizable data fields prioritizing golf metrics
• Approach – Mimics the look of traditional Garmin golf devices
Battery management becomes crucial for tournament days or golf trips. The standard Garmin watch charger uses a proprietary clip design that secures to contact points on the watch.
How to Choose the Best Garmin Watch for You
Selecting your ideal Garmin companion involves balancing several key factors:
Budget Considerations:
• Entry-Level ($150-250): Basic golf features, fewer advanced analytics
• Mid-Range ($250-450): Comprehensive golf capabilities, better displays
• Premium ($450+): Cutting-edge technology, maximum features, premium materials
Playing Frequency: Casual players (monthly rounds) might be satisfied with basic distance features found in multi-sport watches. Serious golfers playing weekly benefit from dedicated models with advanced analytics and course mapping.
Physical Factors: Wrist size matters significantly. Larger watches like the Approach S70 or Enduro 3 can overwhelm smaller wrists, while compact options like the Lily 2 Active might feel insufficient for those accustomed to larger displays. The Garmin watch for women options typically feature smaller case sizes, but many female golfers prefer standard models for their larger displays.
Feature Priorities:
• Course Mapping: Essential for unfamiliar courses
• Virtual Caddie: Valuable for improving club selection
• Shot Tracking: Useful for identifying pattern-based improvement opportunities
• Battery Life: Critical for tournament play or multi-round days
• Multi-Sport Capability: Important for athletic versatility
When compared to competing brands, Garmin typically offers superior golf-specific features and battery life. The Garmin vs Samsung watch comparison highlights Garmin’s specialized nature versus Samsung’s more general smartwatch approach. While Samsung offers excellent health tracking and smartphone integration, Garmin’s dedicated golf features remain unmatched, particularly in course mapping and game analytics.
FAQ
What’s the best Garmin watch for hiking?
For hikers wanting best watches, Enduro 3 takes the lead. Battery life hits 90 days with solar charging, so you can tackle long trips without constant recharging. Multi-band GPS keeps you on track accurately, even under dense trees or in tricky spots. Rugged build handles rough trails, and solar power adds convenience for extended adventures. Bonus: golfers hitting trails between rounds get course maps alongside outdoor navigation tools.
Prefer something cheaper? Instinct 3 Solar covers basics well – solid battery, GPS, and durability – without breaking the bank. If advanced mapping and golf tools are priorities, Fenix 8 steps up with detailed topo maps and swing analytics. Both hold their own, but Enduro 3 balances endurance and smarts better for most hikers.
How do I choose a Garmin watch charger?
Selecting the appropriate watch charger requires consideration of several factors:
- Compatibility: Garmin uses different charging interfaces across their watch lineup. Newer models typically use a clip-style charger that attaches to contact points on the watch back.
- Charging speed: Official Garmin chargers typically provide optimal charging rates. Third-party options may charge more slowly or inconsistently.
- Portability: Consider a compact charging solution for travel. Several companies offer multi-device chargers that handle your watch, phone, and other electronics simultaneously.
- Backup options: USB power banks compatible with your Garmin charger provide emergency power during extended trips away from outlets.
Always verify compatibility before purchasing, as using incompatible chargers may damage your device or provide insufficient power. When possible, opt for official Garmin charging accessories to ensure proper voltage and connection security.
How does Garmin vs Samsung watch stack up?
The watch comparison reveals distinct philosophies toward wearable technology:
Garmin Strengths:
• Superior battery life (days or weeks vs. hours for Samsung)
• More accurate GPS tracking and mapping
• Specialized sports features, particularly for golf
• Better outdoor visibility
• More durable construction for active use
Samsung Strengths:
• More responsive touchscreens
• Better smartphone integration (especially with Android)
• More robust app ecosystem
• Superior call and text functionality
• Generally more stylish designs for everyday wear
The decision ultimately depends on your primary use case. If golf and outdoor activities drive your purchase, Garmin provides specialized tools that Samsung can’t match. If you want a true smartwatch that also offers basic fitness and golf tracking, Samsung might better suit your needs.
