Which Garmin Golf Watch Should You Buy?

So, you’re in the market for a Garmin golf watch. First of all, congratulations. If you’ve made it to that point in your decision-making process, you’ve cleared the most important hurdle.

Garmin makes what are unquestionably the very best golf watches. So if you’ve narrowed it down to that brand, you’re definitely on the right track.

The only problem is that Garmin makes a lot of different golf GPS watch versions. Which means, it’s not exactly simple to know which is the right Garmin golf watch to get.

And to confuse matters even further, some of Garmin’s fitness watches also include golf features. But they aren’t marketed as golf watches, so they might not jump out as obvious options if you’re looking for something to use out on the course.

In other words, it’s exciting to shop for a Garmin golf watch. You know you’re going to end up with something really good. It’s just that it can be a bit of a pain to figure out which one to buy.

Until now…

Keep reading as we cut through the confusion to help you find the best Garmin watch for golf.

Watch a Garmin fenix 8 Review from a Golfer's Perspective

First the Answers, Then the Questions: Your Garmin Golf Watch Choices

No need for any suspense. Let’s just get right to it and tell you which Garmin golf watch candidates should have your attention. After that, we’ll talk through which ones fit best for which specific use cases.

Kind of like getting the answers to the test before you even know the questions.

Drum roll, please. And the Garmin golf watch short list is:

• Garmin fenix 8
• Garmin Approach S70
• Garmin Approach S62
• Garmin Approach S42
• Garmin Approach S12
• Garmin MARQ (Gen 2)

Just six options? How hard can this test be? Well, you might be surprised. See, each of these Garmin watches do some things the same but many other things quite differently. Features vary considerably. Not to mention, price and aesthetics.

Make no mistake: Each of these Garmin watches is the right answer for somebody. Now, let’s find out which one will ace your test.

Are You Serious About Game Improvement? Buy the Garmin S70 Golf Watch

Here’s the truth: If I could recommend only one golf watch, it would be the Garmin S70 golf watch. That’s because, pound-for-pound, it’s the best overall. It includes Garmin’s most advanced golf-specific features and enough high-level fitness and lifestyle features to make it a very interesting option even off the golf course.

But it’s certainly not for everybody. The Approach S70 is best suited for avid golfers seeking a high-end GPS watch that enhances both their game and daily life.

It’s ideal for players who value in-depth course data, such as full-color maps, plays-like distances that consider weather and elevation, and an advanced virtual caddie that provides personalized club recommendations based on individual performance.

The S70’s comprehensive golf features make it a great fit for low- to mid-handicap golfers aiming to improve their strategy and shot accuracy.

Additionally, its robust health tracking, including heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring, makes it appealing to those who want to stay fit both on and off the course.

With its sleek design and AMOLED display, the S70 is also suitable for those who appreciate a stylish Garmin smartwatch that can be worn in any setting, from the course to formal occasions.

However, its premium price tag, starting at $649.99, may not be ideal for casual golfers looking for just basic GPS functionality.

Are You a Golfer and a Runner? Buy the Garmin fenix 8

OK, here’s something wild: Garmin’s latest and greatest watch, the fenix 8, is designed as a high-end multisport watch. But golf is a sport, right? Right! And the fenix 8 gives you everything the Garmin Approach S70 can do (which is the same thing as saying everything any golf watch can do) PLUS an insane amount of additional fitness and lifestyle features.

The fenix 8 is perfect for athletes who demand top-tier performance across various activities. It caters to endurance athletes, adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts who benefit from advanced navigation, training features, and health metrics.

With its rugged design, including options for a titanium bezel and a sapphire, scratch-resistant glass watch face, the fenix 8 is built for extreme environments, making it ideal for trail runners, triathletes, scuba divers, backcountry explorers, and yes, golfers!

The fenix 8 also offers features like adaptive round-trip routing and ski/snowboard difficulty tracking, enhancing outdoor navigation and sport-specific training.

So, yes, the fenix 8 is the ultimate Garmin watch for running and golf, but it’s actually suitable for a lot more than that.

Are You a Casual to Intermediate Level Golfer? Buy the Garmin S42 Golf Watch 

The Garmin S42 golf watch may not have all of the most advanced features of the highest-end Garmin watches. Things like a virtual caddie, wind speed and direction, a heart rate monitor, and sleep and stress tracking are not included with the S42.

But not every golfer needs all of those features. The S42 stands in as the perfect middle ground between a basic golf watch and a really top-tier Garmin golf GPS watch. And, at $299.99, that’s exactly how it’s priced.

And don’t worry, it’s still a Garmin watch. Which means it does plenty! Features include:

• 1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands
• Battery life: Up to 15 hours in GPS mode, and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode
• More than 42,000 CourseView maps preloaded from around the world
• Green View feature allows manual pin positioning; quickly reference distances to the front, middle, and back of the green as well as hazards and doglegs
• The AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking) and pairs with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately) for more automatic game tracking capabilities
• Offers smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone) and estimated activity-tracking features such as steps, sleep, and built-in sports profiles
• Pair with the Garmin Golf app (when downloaded on a compatible smartphone) for live scoring, automatic scorecard uploads and to review all your stats in one place

Do You Just Need the Golf Watch Basics? Buy the Garmin Approach S12

There’s something to be said for an affordable, durable, reliable golf watch that doesn’t try to do too much. And that’s exactly what the Garmin S12 golf watch is.

Listen, if you’re a beginner golfer, or even an advanced player who maybe plays the same golf course all the time and doesn’t need all of the super-advanced details that are going to tell you every single variable imaginable, you probably don’t need anything more than the S12.

And it’s not like it’s not awesome. It’s just not insane, over-the-top, crazy awesome.

It’s also only $199.99. Which is nice.

With the S12, you get:

• Front/Middle/Back Yardages on more than 42,000 courses from around the world
• Scorekeeping feature right on the watch
• Ability to track how far you hit each club with compatible Approach C10 club tracking sensors

Do you need more than that?

Do You Want Most of the Garmin Golf Watch Features but at a Discount? Buy the Garmin Approach S62

All the way into 2023, the Garmin Approach S62 was the best golf watch that money could buy. Only when it was usurped by the S70 did it take a backseat.

That means that the S62 is still an incredible golf GPS watch. And at $499.99, it’s $200 less than a top-end 47mm S70.

Here are a few of the notable differences between the S70 and the Garmin S62 golf watch:

1. AMOLED Display: The S70 features a stunning AMOLED display, offering sharper, more vibrant visuals compared to the S62’s standard display.
2. Virtual Caddie Differences: Both watches have a virtual caddie, but the S70’s is more advanced, providing additional insights such as wind, weather, and shot dispersion data to offer more tailored club recommendations.
3. Enhanced Customization: The S70 offers more options to customize the watch face and data metrics displayed on the home screen, taking advantage of the AMOLED display.

While the S70 is undeniably better than the S62, it’s not like the S62 isn’t still a killer golf watch. Just the virtual caddie functionality alone makes this watch well worth the price.

If you’re stuck on deciding between a middle-of-the-road golf watch and a top-end golf watch, I think you’d be thrilled with the Garmin Approach S62.

Is Golf Watch Fashion a Major Consideration? Buy the Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) 

If you’re the type of golfer who wants to exude classiness, the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) was designed especially for you. This is a drop-dead gorgeous golf watch. In fact, it’s a stunningly beautiful Garmin watch even if you never used it to play golf.

It’s also completely loaded! This is like buying a high-end luxury car and then also getting the highest trim level available.

Yes, it’s got a virtual caddie. Yes, it’s got both a touchscreen and buttons. Yes, it’s got an AMOLED display. Yes, it’s got a French Jacquard-Weave nylon strap. Ok, this could go on for a while. Let’s face it: The answers to all the questions with the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) are YES!

This is where performance meets style. Even if your game doesn’t look the greatest, with the MARQ Golfer on your wrist, at least you will.

Why Buy Your Garmin Golf Watch From PlayBetter?

Yeah, you could buy any of these Garmin watches from a number of different places. The question is, why would you need or even want to look further than PlayBetter.com?

PlayBetter offers free two-day shipping. They’ve got a no-hassle, no-questions-asked return policy. They have passionate golfers on staff, available to answer your questions. And they are a team of hardworking, dedicated, really friendly people who are committed to making your experience a great one.

Now be honest: Do you think you’re going to find that just anywhere nowadays?

But regardless of where you choose to shop, you should now at least know which is the best Garmin golf watch for your game, your style, and your life off the course. Enjoy!

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.