- Topic: Best watch for golf (2026 guide)
- Best for: GPS yardages, hazard views, scoring, shot tracking
- Watch types: Golf GPS watches and golf smartwatches
- Skill level: Beginner to low handicap
- Updated: 2026
The best watch for golf gives fast yardages, clear hazard views, and a simple way to keep score. It should be easy to read in bright sun and last a full round without battery stress.
In this 2026 list, you’ll see watches that fit different budgets and playing styles. Some focus on simple GPS distances. Others add shot tracking, map views, and club suggestions.
| Golf Watch | Best For | Key Feature | Battery (GPS) | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Approach S70 | All-around play | AMOLED display + course maps | Up to ~20 hrs | $600–$700 |
| Garmin Approach S62 | Serious golfers | Virtual caddie + hazard views | Up to ~20 hrs | $450–$550 |
| Garmin Approach S42 | Style + golf basics | Light feel + quick yardages | Up to ~15 hrs | $250–$350 |
| Garmin Approach S12 | Low-cost GPS | Simple distances + long battery | Up to ~30 hrs | $150–$200 |
| Bushnell iON Elite | Slope-adjusted yardages | Slope distances + touchscreen | Up to ~12+ hrs | $180–$250 |
| Shot Scope V5 | Shot tracking value | Auto shot tracking + stats | Up to ~12+ hrs | $200–$280 |
| SkyCaddie LX5 | Map detail | Large screen + strong visuals | Up to ~10 hrs | $250–$350 |
Best Golf Watch Overall in 2026
Garmin Approach S70
The Garmin Approach S70 is a strong pick for most golfers who want a clean screen and quick numbers. The display stays easy to read in sunlight, which matters on long rounds. Course views and hazards show up fast, so you spend less time tapping and more time hitting.
It fits players who want a golf-first watch that still feels good off the course. If you track your setup changes, pairing your watch data with a consistent driver choice can help. See the best driver for mid handicapper for a driver shortlist that matches steady progress.
Best Watch for Golf With Caddie-Style Tools
Garmin Approach S62
The S62 works well for golfers who want help with club choice and hole planning. It shows hazards, layups, and green distances in a clear way. The caddie-style suggestions can be useful when you are between clubs.
This watch makes sense if you play often and want more than front-middle-back numbers. It can also push you to pick safer targets, since it makes hazards easier to spot.
Best Slim Golf Watch for Everyday Wear
Garmin Approach S42
The S42 suits golfers who want a lighter watch that still covers the basics. You get quick distances, simple scoring, and course support without a bulky look. It’s a good fit for casual rounds and travel golf.
It also works for players who do not want a lot of screens during a round. You can glance at yardage, pick a club, and move on.
Best Budget Golf GPS Watch
Garmin Approach S12
If you want basic GPS at a low price, the S12 is a safe choice. The screen is simple, and the numbers stay clear. Battery life is one of the big wins here, so it works well for weekend golf trips.
This watch fits golfers who want the core job done: distances and scoring. If your next step is lowering scores, tightening your short game matters too. A watch helps with distances, then your wedge work finishes the job. See the best wedge for chipping for wedge picks that suit tighter lies and bump-and-runs.
Best Golf Watch for Slope Yardages
Bushnell iON Elite
The Bushnell iON Elite is a good fit if you like slope-adjusted yardages on your wrist. The touchscreen feels modern, and the layout is easy to learn. It’s a nice middle ground between basic GPS and high-priced watches.
Use slope as a guide, not a rule. Wind, lie, and contact still decide the shot. The watch just gives you a cleaner starting point.
Best Watch for Golf Shot Tracking Value
Shot Scope V5
The Shot Scope V5 stands out for golfers who want shot tracking without paying top-tier prices. It records shots and builds round stats, so you can see patterns over time. That makes practice feel more focused.
It’s a good pick for players who want to learn where strokes are lost. If you want better results faster, combine tracking with better ball choice. See the best golf balls for beginners for balls that help with feel and straight flight.
How to Choose the Best Watch for Golf
Look at GPS speed, screen clarity, and battery life first. If you walk 18 holes, comfort matters too. If you ride, screen size can matter more than weight.
Next, decide if you want shot tracking. If you like stats, pick a watch that logs shots and rounds. If you want simple yardages, basic GPS models are often enough.
FAQs
Garmin Approach S70 is a strong all-around pick for most golfers who want clear maps, fast yardages, and an easy screen.
A watch gives quick GPS distances. A rangefinder gives exact laser distance to a target. Many golfers use both.
Yes. Many budget models give solid yardages. You may lose map detail and extra tools, not core GPS accuracy.
Shot tracking is useful if you want to spot patterns in misses and distances. If you only want yardages, you can skip it.
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