Golf requires topnotch knowledge about distance, speed, and the course itself. For golfers to handle all of these, they use the best golf watch for the money. Unlike typical smartwatches, those made for golfers have course mapping, swing distance gauge, and other features that let them amp up the game.
| GOLF WATCH | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Garmin Approach S62 GPS Golf Watch |  | Check Price |
 | Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch | | Check Price |
 | Bushnell Neo Ion GPS Golf Watch |  | Check Price |
Overall, golf watches work as a smartwatch, time watch, health watch, and sports watch in one. It’s a very versatile device that will revolutionize your golf matches.
If you’re a beginner looking for a golf watch to use, I reviewed three of my favorite picks here. The market is saturated with many golf watches, but I assure you that these three options won’t disappoint. I’ve come up with these picks after trying 15+ golf watches over the years.
Do I need a golf watch?
If you’re just golfing for fun once or twice a year, a golf watch is a bit of an overkill. However, professional and serious players can make use of these devices. The following are some of the ways a player will benefit from a golf watch:
- It helps with hazard distances. One of the most important uses of GPS golf watches is it lets you know the positions of the hazards. This is very helpful when you’re playing in an unfamiliar course. While lasers are cheaper, it can only detect hazards that are elevated from the ground.
- It’s a map on your wrist. A GPS golf watch can be preloaded with up to 60,000 maps all over the world. This includes major golf courses and upgradeable to add more areas.
- It provides game statistics. The world of sports revolves around statistics. A golf watch will easily show your statistics on the game. It tells you the distance, shot performance, number of par, proximity to the hole, tour level, and a lot more.
- It serves as a virtual caddie. A golf watch can show you the wind speed, wind direction, and other factors that may affect your shot.
Best Golf Watch For The Money – Top 3 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Garmin Approach S62 GPS Golf Watch
Product Name: Garmin Approach S62 GPS Golf Watch
Product Description: If you're looking for the best golf watch for the money, you should definitely consider the Garmin Approach S62 GPS. It's impressive with its 1.3" touchscreen display and a ceramic bezel, and switchable QuickFit bands. The star of this golf watch is its Virtual Caddie. It suggests wind direction and speed, distance, and more so you'll know where to aim. It's also preloaded with more than 41,000 CourseView maps, available in full color. Moreover, the S62 is also programmed with Hazard View, so you'll easily see the hazards on the map. You can scroll through it smoothly. This is paired with a sensor that tracks all your shots automatically. This works on any club so you can keep score on the fly. You can track distances, strokes, locations, and club type on this watch. This data can be used to assess your match performance.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Distance
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Mapping
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Game Statistics
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
You’ll also receive 4 CT10 automatic club tracking sensors, which are trackers you’ll install on your club. The moment you grab the club with the sensor from the bag, the watch will start tracking. With this large sensor set, you can track all your clubs!
You only have to screw the sensor through the hole at the end of your club’s grip. After that, you can connect the clubs you want to monitor by pairing it with the watch and selecting the right club type. It’s pretty nifty and intuitive, even for first-time users.
If money isn’t an issue, I’ll surely splurge my heart out with the Garmin Approach S62. It’s a powerhouse golf watch that’s made with every golfer’s needs.
Pros
Paired with 14 sensors you can attach to the golf clubs
41,000+ preloaded maps
Very intuitive and easy to use
Cons
The phone app can make use of improvements
RUNNERS-UP
Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch
If you’re looking for a cheaper Garmin golf watch, you shouldn’t miss the S60. Although it’s the predecessor of the newer S62, it’s still packed with stunning features.
To start, this is equipped with a 1.2″ sunlight-readable touchscreen display. It’s only a few millimeters smaller than the S62, so it’s not really noticeable.
Moreover, this is preloaded with 40,000 CourseView maps from all over the world. It also uses GPS technology to show accurate distances. The screen is easily readable under direct sunlight, and it’s equipped with a ceramic bezel with scratch protection.
Aside from that, this watch will show you hazards and doglegs as well as the full-course map. And for a battery life of 10 hours in golf mode, this is already a champ. You can also use it in watch mode, which can last for 10 days per charge.
Another thing that I like about the S60 is the QuickFit band that you can change without the tools needed. It also has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, which is above standard for golf watches.
Other features of the S60 include Touch Targeting, auto measure shot, pin positioning on Green View, yardages, and PlaysLike Distance. There are more features that will level up your golf game.
And like the S62, you can also pair this with C10 club sensors. However, you have to purchase it separately since there’s no set included in the package.
Bushnell Neo Ion GPS Golf Watch
For those on a budget, the Bushnell Neon Ion can be a great choice. It’s preloaded with 35,000+ course maps on 30 countries. For me, this is already an excellent deal, especially if you’re not traveling for golf.
Moreover, this golf watch has automatic course recognition as well as auto hole distances. It will show you the front, back, and center yardage with ease. Also, it has an auto shot distance calculator, so you’ll know how far you hit the ball once you reach it.
While the display isn’t colored, it does the job of basic statistics. It has four preloaded hazard distances on each hole, so you can choose the right club for each shot.
Overall, you can play up to three golf rounds with this watch per charge. If you run out of battery power, you can recharge your watch using Bushnell’s unique charge clip. For every 2.5-hour charging time, you’ll get 16 hours of runtime.
Aside from being a golf watch, Neo Ion can be used as a basic fitness watch. It has a pedometer, odometer, and stopwatch that you can use on exercise routines.
This is legal for tournament play, so it’s really a good option if you’re planning to play professionally. Also, this is covered by a one-year limited warranty to protect your purchase. There are no membership or downloads needed, so this is ready straight from the box.
How to choose the best golf watch for the money
If you want to find the best golf watch, you must consider these aspects first:
✔️Intuitive display
The first thing you should check is how easy it is to read the display. While tons of features are great to have, it will be useless if you can’t read the watch under direct sunlight.
Also, the controls should be easy to use. I always prefer touchscreen displays since it allows you to adjust things on the fly. But if you’re on a budget, those equipped with crowns will also work.
✔️Distance calculation
Golf watches are widely used for their ability to calculate distance. It can usually detect front, back, and side distances, which help you prepare for the next shot. This allows the watch to function as a virtual caddie.
It’s also a big advantage if your watch can detect hazards and doglegs. In golf, doglegs are holes that aren’t straight. It can be tricky to approach if you don’t have a guide device.
✔️Loaded golf courses
One of the most important features of golf watches is their preloaded course maps. This is the feature that makes the watch work for your game. Without it, the watch can’t track distance.
The Garmin S62 has 40,000+ course maps on its memory. This is a massive option, especially for those who are traveling to play golf.
✔️Green mapping
Green mapping is the feature that lets you see the real shape of the green. It lets you prepare your aim, especially if you’re located from a distance. For beginner golfers, this feature also gives an idea about how wide the green is and how deep it could be.
✔️Location pinning
Location pinning allows you to select a location on the green, and the watch will calculate the distance. This lets you prepare for your next shot, so the ball is more likely to land on an ideal spot. Most of the time, golf watches can give you front, back, and middle distances for this feature.
✔️Battery life
Aside from the functionalities of the golf watch, it’s also important that it has decent battery life. You wouldn’t want to run out of battery in the middle of a heated game. The battery life of at least 10 hours in golf mode is already a champ.
✔️Club sensors
This feature is commonly found on Garmin Approach Golf Watches. It’s a separate device that you can screw at the tip of your club’s grip. You will then connect it to the Garmin watch. Once connected, the watch will automatically detect and monitor the club performance the moment you grab it from the bag.
✔️Material and size
It’s also important to consider the material of the watch. It should be durable to last for years. A glass face is a standard together with a ceramic bezel. As for the band, rubber is the common material since it’s lighter and easier on the skin in any weather.
Aside from that, you should consider the size of the watch. A 1.3″ is usually good enough for most users. It will be easy to read and won’t be bulky on the wrist. However, if you’re a shorter and slimmer golfer, a smaller watch might be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are golf watches worth it?
A: Golf watches are worth it if you’re regularly playing golf. It could be a match with your pals or a tournament – golf watches will give an added advantage. It’s an excellent tool to monitor your game statistics and measure distance without guesswork.
Q: Is Apple Watch good for golfers?
A: To be fair, Apple Watches are very versatile. It also has golf features. However, it takes a lot of fiddling to set the device. Also, it’s not compatible with special club sensors. If you really want a golf watch that will work for you, I suggest that you consider the three options I reviewed above.
Q: Is a golf watch better than a rangefinder?
A: Rangefinders offer a more comprehensive analysis of your shot. However, it can be bulky and a chore to carry around. On the other hand, golf watches offer a more portable option. It can also calculate distances together with a slew of other useful features.
Q: Are golf watches legal to use on golf matches?
A: Yes, it’s legal to use golf watches on golf matches. However, there are some restricted features like wind information, slope, plays like, and course swing metrics. Some tournaments may have specific restrictions, which you should check before entering the golf course.
Final words
The best golf watch for the money will level up your game through its advanced features. You can now track distance, assess wind conditions, and plan your shot better. Just make sure that you get the watch with the features that suit your need and budget.
What do you think of the golf watches I reviewed here? Let me know below!
