Garmin golf tech blends precision GPS, Virtual Caddie, and smart shot tracking to help golfers play smarter. Discover why the Approach series is trusted by beginners and pros alike for accuracy, performance insights, and on-course confidence.
Image courtesy of Garmin
In a game where precision matters as much as power, technology is quickly becoming every golfer’s best companion. Among the brands transforming how golfers play, Garmin stands out—blending cutting-edge GPS accuracy, smart analytics, and stylish wearables into one seamless golfing experience. Whether you're a beginner looking for yardage help or a seasoned player analyzing your swing, Garmin has a solution to elevate your game.
Garmin is a global technology company known for its expertise in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and innovative consumer electronics, particularly in the fields of navigation, fitness, aviation, marine, and outdoor recreation.
Garmin Ltd. Founded: 1989. Founders: Gary Burrell and Min Kao. Headquarters: Olathe, Kansas, USA (incorporated in Switzerland)/ Ticker Symbol: GRMN (NASDAQ). Employees: ~19,000+ (as of 2024)
Fitness: Smartwatches (e.g., Forerunner, Venu, Fenix, Instinct). Activity trackers. Health metrics (heart rate, sleep, stress, pulse ox). Popular with athletes and runners
Outdoor: GPS handhelds. Wearables for hiking, trekking, and hunting. Satellite communicators (e.g., inReach)
Aviation: Avionics systems for private and commercial aircraft. Flight instruments, autopilots, and cockpit displays
Marine: Fishfinders, chartplotters, autopilots, radar systems. Integrated navigation and control for boats and yachts
Automotive: Originally famous for vehicle GPS units (e.g., nüvi series). Now also includes dash cams and OEM solutions for car manufacturers
Key Products: Fenix Series – Premium multisport GPS smartwatches. Forerunner Series – GPS watches for runners and triathletes. Venu Series – AMOLED display smartwatches with fitness features. inReach Mini/Explorer – Satellite communication tools for remote environments. Garmin Drive – Vehicle GPS systems. Garmin Pilot – Aviation navigation software. Panoptix LiveScope – Real-time sonar for fishing and marine navigation
Innovation Highlights: One of the first companies to commercialize GPS in the consumer market. Integrated solar charging in smartwatches. Advanced biometric sensors and sports performance analytics. Highly regarded for battery life, rugged design, and outdoor capabilities.
Garmin holds a strong market share in wearables (especially in sports-focused smartwatches). Key competitors include: Apple (Apple Watch). Fitbit (Google). Suunto, Polar (fitness tech). TomTom, Magellan (navigation, now declining). Bose, Sony (indirectly, in audio features for fitness). Reliable GPS accuracy. Rugged and long-lasting battery life. Offline maps and tracking. Strong focus on health and fitness features. Useful in areas with no mobile signal (e.g., inReach)
Garmin’s appeal lies in its balance of simplicity and sophistication: accurate enough for professionals, yet intuitive for weekend golfers.
Golfers like Garmin because it offers a powerful combination of GPS precision, course-specific features, and wearable convenience—all tailored to improving on-course performance. Here's a breakdown of why Garmin is a favorite among golfers:
Accurate GPS Yardages
Garmin golf watches and handheld devices provide precise distances to: The front, center, and back of the green. Hazards like bunkers and water. Doglegs and layup zones. Helps players choose the right club and plan shots more strategically.
Preloaded Golf Courses: Over 43,000+ golf courses worldwide are preloaded into Garmin devices. Automatically recognizes the course and hole you're on. No need for Wi-Fi or mobile signal during play.
Smart Golf Watches (Popular Models): Approach S12 / S42 / S62 / S70: Lightweight and easy to use. Touchscreen interface (S42/S62/S70). Sleek enough to wear off the course. S62 & S70 include: Virtual Caddie – suggests clubs based on your distance and wind. PlaysLike Distance – adjusts yardages based on slope/elevation. Green View – allows manual pin positioning for more accurate shots.
Shot Tracking and Stats: Automatically records shot distances and clubs used. Pairs with Garmin Golf App for: Scorekeeping. Analyzing strokes gained. Reviewing round history. Some models work with CT10 sensors (club tracking sensors) for detailed shot data.
Stylish & Functional Design: Many golfers prefer Garmin over bulkier rangefinders or phones. Watches are comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant. Some models (S70) even feature AMOLED displays and fitness tracking.
Tournament Legal: Garmin golf watches can be used in most amateur and professional tournaments if slope and wind features are disabled. Devices are USGA-compliant when set to standard mode.
Battery Life: Garmin golf watches can last up to 15+ hours in GPS mode (Approach S70) and weeks in smartwatch mode. Perfect for long rounds and golf trips.
Garmin Golf App Community: Leaderboards and live scoring with friends. Stats tracking over time (putts, fairways hit, GIR, etc.) Allows golfers to track progress and trends across rounds.
Premium Features for Advanced Players: Wind speed/direction (in premium models). Club suggestions based on historical performance. Swing tempo and shot dispersion analysis (with external sensors)
The Technology Behind the Advantage
Garmin brings golf into the smart era with these standout technologies: Multi-GNSS GPS – Ensures ultra-accurate yardages even in tree-lined or hilly terrain. Virtual Caddie – Recommends clubs based on your performance, wind conditions, and lie. PlaysLike Distance – Adjusts for slope and elevation automatically. Shot Tracking – Watches and sensors track each swing and distance, eliminating guesswork. Green View – Displays true shape of greens with manual pin placement for precise approach shots.
Garmin has invested in designing golf wearables that suit all golfers, regardless of gender. Models like the Approach S42 come in smaller sizes and stylish tones like Rose Gold and Light Sand—offering comfort, elegance, and full features in one package. For those who want a daily smartwatch with golf support, the Garmin Venu 3S and Lily blend fashion and performance effortlessly.
These are Garmin's most popular golf products. Here's what golfers typically go for:
Garmin Approach S70 (Premium Tier). Best for: Serious golfers, competitive players, tech-savvy users. Price: ~$649 USD. Key Features: AMOLED display (bright, high-contrast) Virtual caddie with wind + slope adjustment. Green contour data (with subscription). Fitness tracking + multisport functionality. Why golfers love it: Combines high-end golf tools and smartwatch features in a sleek design.
Garmin Approach S62 (High-end). Best for: Advanced and mid-handicap golfers. Price: ~$499 USD. Key Features: Large color touchscreen. PlaysLike Distance (slope adjustment). Virtual Caddie. 41,000+ preloaded courses. Why golfers love it: Balance of features, price, and rugged design.
Garmin Approach S42 (Mid-range). Best for: Casual to intermediate golfers. Price: ~$299 USD. Key Features: Touchscreen display. Green View with manual pin positioning. Activity tracking. Why golfers love it: Stylish, good balance of form and function.
Garmin Approach S12 (Budget-friendly). Best for: Beginners or those who want simple yardages. Price: ~$199 USD. Key Features: No touchscreen (button-controlled). Long battery (30 hours in GPS mode). Clean display with distances and scorekeeping. Why golfers love it: Affordable, ultra-light, and reliable.
Garmin Approach G80 (All-in-one GPS + Launch Monitor). Best for: Practice + course use. Price: ~$499 USD. Features: GPS yardages. Launch monitor with club speed, ball speed, swing tempo. Touchscreen. Dual function as rangefinder and practice tool.
Garmin Approach G30. Compact handheld GPS unit. Touchscreen with full-color maps. Portable alternative to watch. Around ~$249 USD
Garmin Approach Z82. Best for: Traditional golfers who prefer laser targeting. Price: ~$599 USD. Features: Combines laser + GPS yardages. Displays distances + hazards in viewfinder. Image stabilization + wind data. Best of both laser and GPS tech.
Garmin Approach CT10 Club Tracking Sensors. Price: ~$79 for 3-pack / ~$299 for 14-pack. Tracks each club automatically. Integrates with S42/S62/S70 watches. Analyzes distances, accuracy, and tendencies.
After each round, golfers can dive into the Garmin Golf app, which syncs with your device to offer: Interactive scorecards. Strokes gained analytics. Round history and trends. Weekly leaderboards. Optional green contour subscriptions for competitive edge
Garmin’s golf products are considered top-tier in terms of technology, especially among GPS-enabled devices and golf wearables. They stand out for precision, advanced sensors, integration with analytics, and AI-powered features. Here's a breakdown of the technology that makes Garmin golf gear a standout in the market:
Advanced GPS Accuracy: Garmin uses multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) to improve signal strength, especially useful in tree-lined or remote courses. Yardage is typically accurate within 1-3 yards, and distances are dynamically updated based on your location and lie.
Virtual Caddie (AI-Based): Found in S62, S70, and higher-end models. Uses your past shot data, wind speed, elevation, and hole layout to recommend: The best club. Aim direction. PlaysLike Distance (adjusted yardage for uphill/downhill shots)
PlaysLike Distance (Elevation-Aware Yardages): Adjusts GPS yardages based on slope/elevation changes. Similar to slope-enabled laser rangefinders, but automatic and faster.
Green View + Pin Positioning: Zooms in on the green with a customizable pin position. Helps with more precise approach shots and better putting strategy.
Shot Detection & Auto Shot Tracking: Watches like the S62/S70 can detect shots and track distance automatically. When paired with Garmin CT10 sensors, it knows which club you’re using and how far you hit it. Great for post-round analysis and club distance calibration.
Garmin Golf App Integration: Automatically syncs rounds to the Garmin Golf mobile app. Provides: Live scoring. Shot-by-shot replay. Strokes gained metrics. Leaderboards and tournaments with friends
Wind & Weather Awareness: Premium models (e.g., S70) pull in real-time wind direction and speed (with smartphone connection). Adjusts Virtual Caddie advice accordingly.
Artificial Intelligence Features: Learns your game over time: your tendencies, club distances, and playing style. AI-driven analytics improve with more rounds and data (especially with CT10 club sensors).
AMOLED Display (S70): Crystal-clear visibility even in direct sunlight. Responsive touch, ideal for quick navigation mid-round
Long Battery Life: S12: up to 30 hours in GPS mode. S62: up to 20 hours in GPS mode. S70: up to 20+ hours in GPS, multi-week smartwatch use. This beats most smartwatch competitors like Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Garmin Golf Tech Strengths. Most complete golf tech ecosystem (watch + app + sensors + stats). Top-tier GPS and shot tracking. AI-powered shot planning (Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike Distance). Excellent battery and rugged durability. One-time device cost – no mandatory subscription (optional for green contours)
Whether you’re walking a local course or teeing off at a championship-level club, Garmin takes the mental load off. With its real-time data and subtle wrist-based delivery, players can focus more on strategy and rhythm, and less on guesswork.
Many users report that Garmin helps them play faster, score better, and learn their game deeper—all without carrying extra devices.
Garmin holds a leading position in the golf technology market, especially in the GPS golf watch and wearable shot-tracking categories. Compared to its competitors—like Bushnell, Arccos, Shot Scope, and app-based solutions on Apple Watch—Garmin stands out for offering a fully integrated, hardware-first ecosystem that doesn’t rely on phones during play.
#1 in GPS Golf Watches. Garmin dominates the category with the Approach S series, regularly ranked best by golfers and reviewers.
Top 3 in Golf Shot Tracking. Competes with Arccos and Shot Scope but offers a more integrated hardware + software experience.
Growing Popularity Among Pros & Amateurs. Preferred by mid-to-low handicappers, casual golfers, and even some touring pros (as a practice tool).
Respected for Reliability & Durability. Rugged outdoor build, long battery life, and accurate performance.
Garmin is the most balanced and feature-rich golf tech brand available. It may not be the cheapest, but it provides the best overall value for golfers who want a phone-free, data-driven, and performance-focused golf experience.
Garmin is no longer just a GPS company—it’s a trusted golf partner. From precise yardages to intelligent swing tracking, Garmin empowers golfers to play their best by making technology feel invisible yet indispensable. Whether you're chasing a lower handicap or simply enjoying a weekend round, Garmin makes every shot count.
The top best-selling Garmin products for golf are primarily from its Approach series, which includes GPS watches, handhelds, and accessories. These models are consistently among the most popular due to their blend of performance, price, and advanced features.
Here’s a ranked list of Garmin’s best-selling golf products based on global reviews, retail data (Amazon, Garmin.com, Golf Galaxy), and popularity in 2024–2025:
Category: Premium GPS Golf Watch. Price: ~$499 USD. Best mix of price, features, and sleek smartwatch style. Includes Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike Distance, full-color maps. Usable on and off the course. Top pick for serious golfers and mid-to-low handicappers.
Garmin Approach S12
Category: Entry-Level GPS Golf Watch. Price: ~$199 USD. Simple, affordable, accurate. No touchscreen, ultra-long battery (30 hours in GPS mode). Clean black-and-white display with essential yardages. Perfect for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Garmin Approach S70
Category: Flagship AMOLED GPS Watch (Golf + Fitness). Price: ~$649 USD. AMOLED screen, Virtual Caddie, wind data, green contours (w/ sub). Premium feel, multi-sport and health tracking.Most advanced Garmin golf watch to date. Best for tech-savvy golfers, high-end buyers, and Garmin loyalists.
Garmin Approach G80
Category: Handheld GPS + Launch Monitor. Price: ~$499 USD. Dual-use: GPS navigation and practice tool. Built-in radar measures swing tempo, ball speed, and carry distance. Large screen and easy use for practice sessions. Ideal for golfers who want a practice + on-course tool.
Garmin Approach CT10 Club Tracking Sensors
Category: Accessory for shot tracking. Price: ~$79 (3-pack), ~$299 (14-pack). Works seamlessly with Approach watches. Tracks real club distances, usage, and shot patterns. Automatically logs every shot with no manual input. Great for golfers focused on data and game improvement.
Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder
Category: Laser Rangefinder with GPS Overlay. Price: ~$599 USD. Combines laser accuracy with GPS map overlay. Displays hole layout, wind speed/direction in viewfinder. One of the most advanced rangefinders on the market. Ideal for players who prefer lasers but want extra data.
Garmin Golf App (with Approach devices)
Category: Companion Mobile App (Free + Premium). Free with any Garmin golf device. Live scoring, leaderboards, performance analytics. Green contour data available (with premium subscription). Adds long-term value and community for Garmin users.
Garmin offers several golf products tailored for women, focusing on lighter designs, smaller wrist sizes, stylish colors, and wellness features alongside core golf functionality. While most Garmin golf watches are unisex, certain models are especially popular with female golfers for their comfort, appearance, and versatility.
Garmin Approach S42
Best All-Around GPS Golf Watch for Women. Price: ~$299 USD. Display: 1.2" color touchscreen. Weight: 43g (light and sleek). Design: Available in stylish colors like Rose Gold/Light Sand and White/Silver. Features: Yardages to front, back, center of green. Green View with manual pin placement. Scorekeeping + shot distance tracking. Activity tracking: steps, calories, sleep. Smartphone notifications. Why women love it: Slim, fashionable design, light on the wrist, and doubles as an everyday smartwatch.
Garmin Approach S12
Budget-Friendly GPS Watch – Lightweight and Easy. Price: ~$199 USD. Display: High-contrast screen (not touchscreen). Weight: 34.1g – one of the lightest watches. Battery: Up to 30 hours in GPS mode. Features: Preloaded with 43,000+ courses. Distance to hazards, greens. Simple, clean interface. Available in white for a clean, sporty look. Why women like it: Compact, no fuss, and extremely light—great for new or casual golfers.
Garmin Lily (with Golf App Integration)
Fashion-First Smartwatch (For off-course wear + health). Price: ~$199 USD. Not golf-dedicated, but connects to Garmin Golf App. Design: Feminine, patterned lens, small 34mm case. Features: Fitness tracking: heart rate, sleep, stress. Stylish enough for formal or casual wear. Can sync scorecard data via phone. Ideal for golfers who want one fashionable device for life + golf. Why women like it: Perfect for daily wear, and still connects to golf metrics via smartphone.
Garmin Venu 3S / Venu 2S
Premium Fitness + Golf Watch for Women. Price: ~$449 (Venu 3S). Display: AMOLED touchscreen. Size: 41mm case (Venu 3S) – perfect for smaller wrists. Features: Supports golf mode (yardage, scorecard, shot tracking). Extensive health and wellness tracking. Animated workouts, heart rate, pulse ox, sleep, stress. Stylish colors like Dust Rose, Mist Gray, Soft Gold. Why women choose this: A true multisport and health watch with built-in golf functions.
Optional Add-On for Enhanced Performance
Garmin Approach CT10 Sensors (Optional Accessory). Small, lightweight sensors that screw into the end of your clubs. Automatically track shots and club distances. Sync with Approach S42 or higher. Great for golfers looking to improve without manual input.
Recent Developments (2024–2025): Growing focus on health tech – ECG, skin temperature sensors, and blood pressure monitoring. Expansion into military and tactical wearables. Integration with Strava, Spotify, and other fitness apps. Greater push toward eco-friendly, solar-powered wearables. Rising popularity among adventure travelers and endurance athletes. Modern golf is about more than muscle—it's about making smarter decisions. Garmin’s golf products, especially from the Approach series, provide instant access to course data, wind-adjusted distances, and club recommendations based on real-time and historical performance.
