Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch Review: The Ultimate On-Course Caddie for Your Wrist?

There’s a moment every golfer knows well. You’re standing in the middle of the fairway, 160 yards out according to the sprinkler head, but there’s a deep bunker guarding the front right of the green. The pin is tucked just behind it. Is it really 160 yards to the flag, or is it 150 to carry the sand and 165 to the back? This guesswork, this constant dance of doubt, can be the difference between a birdie opportunity and a frustrating double bogey. For years, I relied on course markers and a well-trained eye, but the margin for error was always there. That’s the problem the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch promises to solve: to replace doubt with data, and uncertainty with confidence. It’s not just about getting a number; it’s about getting the *right* number, instantly, and understanding the entire hole in a way that was once reserved for professional caddies with detailed yardage books.

What to Consider Before Buying a GPS Golf Watch

A GPS Golf Watch is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for any golfer looking to improve their course management and make more intelligent club selections. The primary benefit is having precise, at-a-glance yardages to the front, middle, and back of every green, as well as distances to hazards like bunkers, water, and doglegs. This instant access to critical information removes the need to pace off distances or search for often unreliable markers, speeding up play and, more importantly, allowing you to swing with conviction. Beyond simple distances, premium models like this one offer full-colour course maps, shot tracking, and performance analysis that can reveal weaknesses in your game and guide your practice sessions. It transforms your round from a series of disconnected shots into a data-rich experience you can learn from.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a dedicated golfer, from the mid-handicapper to the scratch player, who appreciates technology and is keen to leverage data to lower their scores. If you find yourself frequently second-guessing your club choice or want a detailed breakdown of your performance after a round, a high-end GPS watch is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer a more traditional, minimalist approach to the game. If you find technology on the course distracting or simply want a device that does one thing—measure distance to the pin—a more basic laser rangefinder might be a better fit. For the casual golfer who plays only a few times a year, the investment in a feature-rich watch may be overkill compared to a more budget-friendly option like the Garmin Approach S10.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Display Size & Readability: The screen is your window to the course. Look for a display that is large enough to show key information clearly without being cumbersome on your wrist. Critically, it must be sunlight-readable. The Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch boasts a 1.2-inch colour touchscreen that we found to be exceptionally clear and bright, even in the harshest midday sun, making it easy to read yardages and navigate maps with a quick glance.
• GPS Accuracy & Course Coverage: The core function of the watch depends on its GPS performance. It should acquire a satellite signal quickly and provide yardages that are consistently accurate to within a few yards. Check the number of preloaded courses; with over 40,000 worldwide, the S60 ensures your home course and any you might travel to are likely already loaded and ready to play.
• Materials & Durability: A golf watch is exposed to the elements, so robust construction is non-negotiable. The S60 features a durable polymer or ceramic bezel and a comfortable silicone band, designed to withstand sweat, rain, and the occasional knock. The QuickFit bands are a fantastic feature, allowing you to swap from a sporty silicone band on the course to a more stylish leather one for the clubhouse in seconds, without any tools.
• Software & Battery Life: The user interface should be intuitive and responsive. How easy is it to start a round, enter a score, or access advanced features? Equally important is battery life. The S60 is rated for up to 10 hours in Golf/GPS mode, which we found is more than enough for a standard 18-hole round, even with heavy use of its features. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 10 days, making it a reliable daily companion.

Choosing the right GPS device is about understanding the landscape of available technology. Just as a golfer needs precision on the course, other professionals rely on navigation for their livelihood.

Unboxing the Garmin Approach S60: First Impressions and Core Features

From the moment you open the box, the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch conveys a sense of premium quality. Unlike some clunky, purely functional sports watches, the S60 has a sleek, sophisticated design that wouldn’t look out of place in a business meeting. Our test unit, the black model with a silicone band, felt both lightweight and substantial. The 1.2-inch colour touchscreen is the star of the show—it’s bright, vibrant, and immediately responsive to the touch. The ceramic bezel adds a touch of class and scratch resistance that sets it apart from lower-end models.

Setup was refreshingly simple. After a quick charge using the included proprietary clip-on cable, the watch powered on and guided us through the initial pairing process with the Garmin Connect app on a smartphone. This was a “plug and play” experience, as one user aptly described it, taking no more than five minutes to get fully synced and operational without even glancing at the manual. The QuickFit band system is another highlight; the ability to swap bands effortlessly is a fantastic touch for those who want the watch to transition from a sports tool to a daily fashion accessory. It’s clear from the outset that this isn’t just a golf gadget; it’s a fully-fledged smartwatch built around an exceptional golf experience, a point you can explore further by checking out its full specifications and design options.

On the Course and Beyond: A Deep Dive into the S60’s Performance

A golf watch can have all the bells and whistles in the world, but it all comes down to one question: does it perform when you’re standing over the ball? We put the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch through its paces over several rounds on different courses to see if its real-world performance lives up to its premium billing. We analysed everything from its core GPS accuracy and on-screen mapping to its ambitious shot-tracking features and its life off the course as a daily driver. The results were, for the most part, incredibly impressive, though not without a few quirks that potential buyers should be aware of.

Flawless On-Course Navigation and Yardage Accuracy

This is where the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch truly excels and justifies its position as a market leader. Stepping onto the first tee, the watch acquired a GPS signal and identified the correct course in under 30 seconds. Throughout the round, the yardages were exceptionally reliable. We cross-referenced them with course markers and a high-end laser rangefinder, and the S60 was consistently within 2-3 yards, an impressive level of precision. The main screen provides clear, large numbers for the front, middle, and back of the green, which is all many golfers need. But the magic happens when you dive deeper.

A simple tap on the screen brings up the full-colour CourseView map. This is a game-changer. You can see the entire hole layout, including the shape of the green, the location of bunkers, and the edges of water hazards. The touch-targeting feature is brilliant; by tapping anywhere on the map, you get an instant yardage to that point and the distance remaining to the hole from there. This is invaluable for planning layups on par 5s or navigating doglegs. We found ourselves using this on nearly every tee shot to determine the exact distance needed to carry a fairway bunker or to stop short of trouble. As one user noted, the “yardages for anywhere on the golf course are spot on and easy to identify,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. The clarity and intuitive nature of the mapping is a feature that truly sets it apart.

AutoShot Tracking and Post-Round Analysis: A Data Goldmine?

One of the most enticing features of the S60 is its AutoShot game tracking, which promises to automatically detect and record the location and distance of your shots (excluding putts and chips). When it works seamlessly, it’s a revelation. After your round, you sync the watch with the Garmin Connect app, and you’re presented with a satellite overview of the course with your shots overlaid on each hole. This allows you to analyse your tendencies—do you miss fairways left? Are your iron shots consistently short? It can even track your average distance with each club if you input your club selection after each shot.

However, this is also the area where we encountered some inconsistencies, reflecting the mixed feedback from some users. While the watch successfully detected most full swings off the tee and from the fairway, it occasionally missed shots or required manual correction in the app post-round. We spoke with users who, like us, initially struggled to find the post-round analysis maps, highlighting that there is a learning curve. One user lamented, “I have turned on Auto shot… But I just can’t seem to find the map tracking feature.” It requires a bit of patience and familiarity with the Garmin Connect platform. Once you get the hang of it, the insights are powerful, but it’s not the completely foolproof, automated system some might expect. It’s a fantastic tool for the data-hungry golfer willing to engage with the software, but don’t expect perfect, effortless tracking every single time.

Battery Life and Charging: The Achilles’ Heel?

The battery life of any GPS device is a critical performance metric, and for a golf watch, the benchmark is simple: can it comfortably last a full 18-hole round? For the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch, the answer is a resounding yes. In our testing, we started a round with a 100% charge and finished approximately 4.5 hours later with just over 55% battery remaining. This was with consistent use of the screen, GPS, and score-keeping features. This real-world result aligns perfectly with user reports, one of whom noted they finished a round at 58% after using “every feature including auto shot tracker and scoring,” while another finished a 5-hour round with 45% left. This is plenty of juice for 18 holes.

The issue arises for the marathon golfer. Based on our drain rate, playing a second 18-hole round on the same charge would be a risky proposition. Several users confirmed you can’t reliably get 36 holes out of it, with one stating it “does not give for playing two rounds in a row without charging.” Furthermore, we did encounter the “fussy” charging port mentioned in user feedback. The clip-on charger needs to be seated just right to make a solid connection. We also saw several reports of units developing charging problems or screen pixelation issues over time, which suggests some quality control variability. While our test unit performed well, it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable seller to ensure you’re covered if any such issues arise. The overall battery performance is solid for its primary purpose, but it’s a key limitation to consider before you buy.

Beyond the Fairway: A Truly Versatile Smartwatch

What elevates the S60 from a simple golf gadget to a true lifestyle device is its functionality off the course. Many golf watches are single-purpose tools you take off as soon as you get to the 19th hole. The S60, however, is designed to be worn 24/7. We found ourselves wearing it daily, a sentiment echoed by a user who “purchased the watch for golf and running” but has “found myself wearing it day to day.” The watch face is fully customisable through the Garmin Connect IQ store, allowing you to choose from thousands of designs, from classic analogue looks to data-rich digital dashboards.

The smartwatch notifications are seamless. Receiving texts, call alerts, and calendar reminders directly on your wrist is incredibly convenient, both on and off the course. Beyond golf, the watch comes preloaded with activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and even more niche sports like paddleboarding and rowing. It tracks your daily steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns, providing a holistic view of your health and activity levels. This multi-sport capability makes the investment far more justifiable, as you’re getting a top-tier golf watch and a very capable fitness smartwatch in one sleek package. It truly is a device that supports an active lifestyle, far beyond the confines of the golf course.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we delved into a broad spectrum of user experiences to ensure a balanced perspective. The overwhelming sentiment for the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch is positive, particularly regarding its core golfing functions. One happy user, whose husband is a “golf addict,” raved about its features, noting he “keeps discovering new features that seriously are awesome,” such as tracking average shot length per club. Another simply stated, “the golf functions are flawless.”

However, common threads also emerged on the negative side. Battery life is the most frequent complaint, with one user bluntly stating, “Really good golf watch but the battery life shucks.” This confirms our assessment that while it’s excellent for 18 holes, it’s not a 36-hole device. The other significant area of concern revolves around hardware reliability and software quirks. We saw several reports of screen pixelation, where “the pixelation of the screen was somewhat jumbled,” and charging issues where the “charge port is fussy.” A number of users also expressed frustration with the learning curve for advanced features, particularly the AutoShot analysis, reinforcing that it requires some patience to master. These issues seem to affect a minority of users but are important considerations.

How Does the Garmin Approach S60 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch is a premium product, and its price reflects its extensive feature set. For those considering it, it’s wise to look at other options to see if a different device might better suit your specific needs, whether that’s a simpler golf tool, a more general fitness tracker, or a dedicated running watch. The competition within Garmin’s own ecosystem provides excellent points of comparison.

1. Garmin Vivosmart 4 Activity Tracker

The Vivosmart 4 is not a golf watch; it’s a sleek and slender fitness tracker. This is the choice for someone who prioritises all-day health monitoring, sleep tracking, and a discreet form factor above all else. It tracks steps, heart rate, stress, and even blood oxygen saturation with its Pulse Ox sensor. While it offers basic smartwatch features like notifications, it completely lacks the on-course GPS, course mapping, and golf-specific metrics of the S60. If your primary goal is general wellness and you only play golf occasionally, the Vivosmart 4 is a great, affordable option. If golf is your main reason for buying, the S60 is in a different league entirely.

2. Garmin Approach S10 GPS Golf Watch

The Approach S10 is the S60’s younger, more focused sibling. It’s designed to do one thing and do it well: provide accurate yardages on the golf course. It gives you distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to hazards. That’s it. There’s no colour screen, no touch controls, no CourseView mapping, no swing analysis, and no smartwatch features. For the golfer who finds technology distracting and simply wants the essential numbers on their wrist, the S10 is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice. The S60 is for the player who wants not just the numbers, but the full strategic overview and post-game data analysis. It’s a classic case of simplicity versus comprehensive functionality.

3. Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS Running Watch Black Large

The Forerunner 45 is a stellar entry-level GPS watch for runners. It excels at tracking pace, distance, time, and heart rate, and even offers features like Garmin Coach training plans. While it uses GPS, its software is entirely tailored for running, not golf. It won’t have the 40,000+ preloaded golf courses, it can’t show you the layout of a hole, and it won’t track your score or shots. Someone might consider this if their primary sport is running and they only golf sporadically, but for a dedicated golfer, it’s the wrong tool for the job. The Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch shares its GPS heritage but applies it with a singular focus on improving your experience on the links.

Final Verdict: Is the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch the Right Caddie for Your Wrist?

After extensive testing on the course and wearing it as a daily smartwatch, our verdict is clear: the Garmin Approach S60 GPS Golf Watch is a phenomenal piece of technology that can genuinely help you play smarter, more confident golf. Its large, bright touchscreen, hyper-accurate GPS, and detailed CourseView mapping are best-in-class, providing a strategic advantage that was once unimaginable from a wearable device. It successfully bridges the gap between a high-performance sports tool and a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch, making it a device you’ll want to wear both on and off the course.

It’s not without its flaws. The battery life, while more than adequate for a standard round, will leave 36-hole marathoners wanting more, and the learning curve for its most advanced analytical features is steeper than some might like. However, for the dedicated, tech-savvy golfer who wants deep insights into their game and a versatile watch for everyday life, the S60 is an outstanding investment. It provides the data you need to eliminate guesswork and the confidence to execute your best shots. If you’re ready to take your course management to the next level, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Garmin Approach S60 today.