Best GPS Golf Watch 2025: Top Picks for the Everyday Golfer
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Short Answer
The Garmin Approach S70 leads as the best GPS golf watch for 2025 with accuracy, durability, and value. Other options include Shot Scope X5 for shot tracking, Garmin Fenix 8 for multi-sport, Bushnell ION Elite for budget, and Garmin Approach S12 for ease.
Guessing distances to the green or hazards can challenge golfers.
A GPS golf watch provides exact yardages, improving your club choices and gameplay.
Rangefinders offer a similar way to measure distances but require aiming, unlike the hands-free convenience of a GPS golf watch—check out our best rangefinders post for more.
With so many options available, finding the best golf watch for you can be tough.
This guide reviews our top 5 GPS golf watch picks for 2025 that are accurate, affordable, and durable to help you pick the right one.
Let’s take a look.
Why You Should Get a GPS Golf Watch
When you’re standing on the fairway, unsure if the green is 150 or 175 yards away, a GPS watch gives you the exact distance to the pin, hazards, or green.
Some even track your shots and recommend clubs to improve your game.
For amateur golfers, a good golf watch can make rounds easier and more enjoyable by providing clear, reliable yardage data.
You want one that’s accurate, affordable, and built to last through tough weather or regular play.
That’s why we’ve picked the best GPS golf watches for 2025 to match those needs.
Here’s what they offer.
Top 5 GPS Golf Watches for 2025
Check out our top 5 picks below. We’ll review each in detail next, and this table shows the names, pros, cons, and prices in USD.
| GPS Golf Watch | Pros | Cons | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Approach S70 | Super accurate, durable, bright screen | A bit pricey | $650 |
| Shot Scope X5 | Tracks shots well, good price | Setup takes some effort | $300 |
| Garmin Fenix 8 | Awesome for golf and other sports, long battery | Costs a lot, maybe too many features | $1,000+ |
| Bushnell ION Elite | Cheap, reliable, solid features | Missing some fancy extras | $200 |
| Garmin Approach S12 | Low price, lasts forever on one charge | Simple screen, no auto shot tracking | $200 |
1. Garmin Approach S70: Best Overall
The Garmin Approach S70 stands out as the best GPS golf watch for 2025. It offers accuracy, durability, and a clear screen for amateur golfers.
List Price: Approx. $650
What’s Good: The S70 features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that’s easy to read, even in sunlight. It includes maps for 43,000 golf courses worldwide, so you can play anywhere. It tracks shots, suggests clubs, and monitors heart rate and sleep if you want extra data. Setup is simple with the Garmin app.
Durability: The watch is built to handle regular use on the course.
Battery: Up to 20 hours with GPS, enough for multiple rounds.
Downside: Priced at $650, it’s higher than some options, but it’s a solid GPS golf watch choice for serious golfers.
“The Garmin Approach S70 is an ideal choice for golfers.” – Golf Monthly
2. Shot Scope X5: Best for Shot Tracking
Want to track how well your shots perform? The Shot Scope X5 is a top golf GPS watch option. It’s affordable and offers tools to improve your game.
List Price: Approx. $300
What’s Good: The X5 automatically tracks every shot and provides stats like “strokes gained.” It includes maps for 36,000+ courses and a 1.2-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use.
Price: At $280, it fits most budgets.
Battery: About 10 hours, enough for typical rounds.
Downside: Setting it up may take some effort at first, but it works well afterward.
“You are getting both a watch and shot tracking for one price with no subscription.” – Breaking Eighty
3. Garmin Fenix 8: Best for Multi-Sport Golfers
If you play golf and also run, hike, or swim, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a great GPS golf watch option for 2025. It combines golf and fitness features effectively.
List Price: Approx. $1000+
What’s Good: It offers golf tools like distance adjustments and club suggestions, plus fitness tracking for other sports. It covers 43,000+ courses and has a sleek design.
Battery: Up to 10 days as a smartwatch or 20+ hours with GPS, lasting multiple uses.
Durability: Designed to handle rain, mud, and regular wear.
Downside: At $1,000+, it’s expensive, and it may be more than needed if you only golf.
“The Garmin Fenix 8 Watch is a great product.” – Golfers Authority
4. Bushnell iON Elite: Best Budget Option
Looking to save money? The Bushnell ION Elite is a solid golf GPS watch choice at a low cost.
List Price: Approx. $200
What’s Good: It offers slope adjustments, detailed hole maps, and covers 38,000 courses. Use the Bushnell app for additional features.
Battery: Over 12 hours, enough for a full day of golf.
Price: $200, a budget-friendly option.
Downside: It lacks advanced features like shot tracking but handles the basics well.
“One of the most accurate golf GPS watches we tested.” – MyGolfSpy
5. Garmin Approach S12: Best for Simplicity
New to golf or prefer easy tools? The Garmin Approach S12 is a practical choice for a GPS golf watch in 2025.
List Price: Approx. $200
What’s Good: It includes maps for 42,000 courses and shows distances to greens and hazards. The battery lasts up to 30 hours.
Screen: A 0.9-inch monochrome display, simple but functional.
Price: $250, a good value for the features.
Downside: No shot tracking or colorful screen, but it’s reliable for basic use.
“Great option if you want total course focus as your phone stays on silent in your bag.” – TechRadar
How to Pick the Best GPS Golf Watch for You
With many choices available, how do you select the best GPS golf watch for 2025? Consider these points:
Your Budget: Limited funds? The Bushnell ION Elite ($200) or Garmin Approach S12 ($250) work well. More to spend? The Shot Scope X5 ($280) or Garmin Approach S70 ($650) are good fits.
Features You Want: Interested in stats? Choose the Shot Scope X5 or Garmin Approach S70. Need only distances? The S12 or ION Elite suit you.
Other Activities: If you play sports beyond golf, the Garmin Fenix 8 ($1,000+) is a solid option.
Ease of Use: All these watches are straightforward, with the S70 and S12 being especially easy to handle.
Related Golf Tech
Wondering about other golf tools?
Golf gadgets like swing analyzers or putting aids improve your skills in ways a GPS golf watch doesn’t—they focus on swing technique, not distances.
Check out our best golf gadgets guide for more: Discover The Best In Golf Tech: Golf Gadget Guide (2025)
Launch monitors measure ball speed and spin, giving deeper data than a GPS golf watch’s yardages.
Learn about the best launch monitors here: Portable Launch Monitors: Our Top Picks For 2025
These tech options can team up with your GPS golf watch for a better game!
FAQs About GPS Golf Watches
Here are answers to common questions golfers are asking, based on common searches:
Yes! They provide exact distances, help choose the right club, and some track progress. For golfers, they make playing easier.
Some, like the Garmin Fenix 8, work for multiple sports. Others, like the Garmin Approach S70, focus on golf but track steps or heart rate.
No! Watches like Garmin and Bushnell models offer free updates. Just use the app or website.
Typically within a few yards, reliable enough for your next shot.
Wrap-Up: Your Perfect GPS Golf Watch Awaits
Choosing the best GPS golf watch for 2025 depends on your needs. Need the top option? The Garmin Approach S70 stands out. Want shot tracking? The Shot Scope X5 is a good choice. Interested in other sports? The Garmin Fenix 8 works well. On a budget? The Bushnell ION Elite or Garmin Approach S12 fit nicely.
A golf GPS watch improves your shot accuracy and gameplay, no matter the model.
Ready to try one?
Our Top Pick 🏆
Our favorite is the Garmin Approach S70.
Which watch are you considering? Let’s us know in the comments!
Sources
This post is informed by the following research and reviews:
- Golf Monthly (https://www.golfmonthly.com/best-golf-deals/best-garmin-golf-watches-210849)
- Breaking Eighty (https://breakingeighty.com/shot-scope-x5-gps-watch)
- Golfers Authority (https://shop.golfersauthority.com/blogs/golf/garmin-fenix-8-watch-review)
- MyGolfSpy (https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/golf-gps-units/best-golf-watch-of-2024-our-top-4/)
- TechRadar (https://www.techradar.com/reviews/garmin-approach-s12)
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