Golfers are increasingly turning to technology to get better information on the course, and one of the most popular options is the Garmin GPS golf watch, which combines golf tracking with everyday smartwatch features.
At Golf 360 you can explore our range of Garmin GPS golf watches, alongside rangefinders and launch monitors. Here is why one might be worth adding to your bag.
1. Course insight on your wrist
Garmin watches come preloaded with thousands of international and New Zealand course maps, giving you instant access to hole layouts, hazards and yardages.
- Virtual Caddie, on supported premium models such as the S70 and S72, offers club recommendations. Enhanced PlaysLike Distance provides adjusted distances; connected wind information requires a compatible paired smartphone.
- Green View on supported models lets you position the pin manually for approach planning. Green contour data is a separate membership feature, with availability depending on course coverage.
- Hazard View highlights bunkers, water and doglegs so you can plan the hole before you tee off.
2. Performance tracking
Garmin watches are designed not just to guide your round but to help you understand it afterwards.
- AutoShot Round Analyser automatically records shot distances and pairs with club tracking sensors.
- S72 swing metrics include hand speed, backswing length and wrist rotation, with a dedicated driving range activity for practice. These are swing insights, rather than launch-monitor measurements of ball flight.
- Health monitoring covers heart rate, sleep, stress and respiration.
Knowing your real distances is one of the fastest ways to improve your scoring, which I have written about in how far you should hit each golf club.
3. Everyday smartwatch functionality
Off the course, these work as proper daily wearables. You get calls, texts and app alerts on your wrist, music control, real-time weather and storm alerts, and your calendar and reminders.
For a lot of golfers this is what tips the decision, because the watch earns its keep on the six days a week you are not playing.
4. Comfort, battery life and durability
Comfort, water resistance and battery life vary by model. The S72 uses a ComfortFit fabric band and is listed at 41 g for 43 mm and 48 g for 47 mm. GPS battery life is up to 15 hours and 20 hours respectively, with actual life depending on settings and use.
What the new Garmin Approach S72 adds
The Garmin Approach S72 is Garmin's newest premium golf watch, priced at NZ$1,599 including GST in 43 mm and 47 mm sizes.
It adds swing metrics, a dedicated driving range activity and golf biometric data to the premium mapping and Virtual Caddie features familiar from the S70. Sapphire crystal, a titanium bezel and a ComfortFit fabric band are part of the new design.
- 43 mm: 1.3-inch AMOLED display; up to 15 hours in GPS mode and 10 days in smartwatch mode.
- 47 mm: 1.4-inch AMOLED display; up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 16 days in smartwatch mode.
- Green reading, green contour data, aerial imagery and putting analysis require a separate active Garmin Golf membership.
I would consider it if you want practice feedback as well as course information. An S70 owner who mainly uses yardages does not automatically need to upgrade, and the equivalent battery-life figures are unchanged.
The 47 mm Garmin Approach S72 has arrived at Golf 360. The smaller 43 mm model is expected soon. Check the S72 product listing for current size and colour availability before ordering.
A smarter way to play
A Garmin GPS golf watch is more than a rangefinder on your wrist. It is a performance tracker, a caddie and a smartwatch in one, and for golfers who want distances without reaching for a device, it is hard to beat.
You can compare the current models in best golf GPS watches in NZ, and if you would rather have precise pin numbers, have a look at our rangefinders as well.
FAQs
Is a Garmin golf watch worth it?
For golfers who want quick distances without reaching for a device, yes. Garmin watches double as everyday smartwatches, adding real value on and off the course.
Do golf GPS watches need a subscription?
Garmin golf watches come with thousands of preloaded courses and generally do not require a paid subscription for core distance features. On the S72, green contour data, green reading, aerial imagery and putting analysis require a separate active Garmin Golf membership. Check course coverage for the features you want.
GPS watch or rangefinder, which should I get?
A GPS watch is fast and hands-free for general distances, while a rangefinder gives precise pin numbers. It comes down to how much precision you want versus convenience.
Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
