Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch Review: Your Caddie, Coach, and Companion on the Wrist

I remember it vividly. Standing on the 17th tee of a course I’d never played before, a sharp dogleg right with a carry over a menacing cluster of bunkers. My rangefinder gave me a number to the sand, but what about the carry? What about the wind that had just picked up? I took my best guess, pulled a 3-wood, and watched my ball sail perfectly… straight into the face of the farthest bunker. It was a round-killer, a moment of frustration born not from a bad swing, but from incomplete information. This is a story familiar to almost every golfer. We spend hours honing our swing, but on the course, success is often dictated by strategy and data. Relying on guesswork for club selection and hazard avoidance is a surefire way to add strokes to your score. A dedicated golf GPS device promises to replace that uncertainty with confidence, giving you the critical data you need to execute the right shot at the right time.

What to Consider Before Buying a Golf GPS Watch

A Golf GPS Watch is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for transforming how you manage your way around the course. Its primary benefit is providing instant, accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to hazards like bunkers and water. This eliminates the need to search for sprinkler heads or pace off yardages, speeding up play and allowing you to focus entirely on your shot. Advanced models like the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch take this a step further, offering full-colour hole maps, slope-adjusted distances, and even A.I.-powered club suggestions. It’s an investment in your game, designed to lower scores by improving course management and decision-making.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a serious golfer, from mid-handicapper to scratch player, who is dedicated to improving and understands the value of data-driven strategy. If you frequently play new courses or want to analyse your performance post-round, this device is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for the extremely casual golfer who only plays a few times a year and isn’t focused on scoring. Likewise, players who prefer an uncluttered, traditional experience might find a feature-rich watch distracting. For them, a simple, handheld GPS unit or a laser rangefinder might be a better, more focused alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Display & Readability: The screen is your primary interface on the course. You need a display that is large, clear, and easily readable in direct, bright sunlight. A full-colour touchscreen, like the one on the Garmin Approach S62, provides a much richer experience with detailed maps, while a simpler monochrome display might offer longer battery life.
• Accuracy & Course Coverage: The core function is distance measurement, so GPS accuracy is paramount. Look for devices that lock onto satellites quickly and provide consistent numbers. Equally important is the preloaded course library. Ensure the watch covers the courses you play regularly and offers free, easy updates for new ones, as Garmin does with its 41,000+ worldwide maps.
• Features & Smart Capabilities: Do you want just the basics, or a full suite of tools? Features like slope compensation (“PlaysLike Distance”), blind shot assistance (“PinPointer”), and virtual caddies can have a real impact on your game but often come at a premium. Also, consider its capabilities off the course. Many modern golf watches double as full-featured smartwatches with fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone notifications.
• Battery Life & Durability: A watch is useless if it dies mid-round. Check the battery life specifically for GPS mode, as this is the most demanding function. A good benchmark is at least 18-20 hours, enough for 3-4 rounds on a single charge. The watch also needs to be durable enough to withstand the elements, with a scratch-resistant face and a comfortable, secure strap.

Understanding these elements will help you choose a device that not only fits your wrist but also perfectly complements your game and lifestyle.

While the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Premium Feel From Box to Fairway

Unboxing the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch is an experience in itself. It immediately feels like a premium piece of technology, not just a plastic sports gadget. The weight is substantial yet balanced, and the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel gives it the look and feel of a high-end timepiece you’d be happy to wear to dinner after your round. Compared to its predecessor, the S60, the 1.3-inch color touchscreen is noticeably larger and more vibrant, making hole maps and data points pop with clarity. Setup was straightforward, involving a quick charge with the included proprietary cable and pairing with the Garmin Golf app on my smartphone. Within minutes, it was downloading my local courses and syncing my settings. The QuickFit bands are a brilliant touch, allowing for easy customization without needing any tools. My initial impression, before even stepping on a tee box, was that this was a device built with both performance and style in mind, a true flagship product that justifies its positioning. For anyone curious about its premium build, you can see its full feature set and detailed specifications online.

Deep Dive: How the Garmin Approach S62 Performs in the Real World

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true test of a golf watch is how it performs over 18 holes, under pressure, and in varying conditions. We spent several weeks and multiple rounds putting the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch through its paces, and its performance was nothing short of exceptional. It’s more than just a yardage device; it’s a comprehensive course management system that actively helps you think your way around the golf course.

On-Course Performance: More Than Just a Yardage Finder

The moment you initiate a round, the S62 shines. It acquires a GPS signal within seconds and automatically identifies the course you’re on. The hole maps are the star of the show. They are crisp, detailed, and easily navigable with a simple touch and drag. Getting distances to any point—a bunker lip, the edge of a water hazard, or the perfect layup spot—is intuitive. This was confirmed by one user who praised its “very clear picture of the course and hazards.” We found the GPS distances to the front, middle, and back of the green to be consistently accurate, matching up with laser rangefinders to within a yard or two on almost every occasion. This reliability is the foundation upon which all other features are built.

Where the S62 truly separates itself from lesser models are the “PlaysLike Distance” and “PinPointer” features. PlaysLike accounts for elevation changes, displaying what a shot will actually play, not just its flat distance—a crucial piece of information on hilly courses. For tournament play, this can be easily disabled to remain compliant. The PinPointer feature was a lifesaver on blind shots. It provides a simple directional arrow pointing straight to the middle of the green, giving you the confidence to commit to your swing when you can’t see the flag. Together, these features provide a level of on-course intelligence that feels like having a seasoned pro walking the fairway with you.

The Virtual Caddie: Your Personal Strategy Coach

The headline feature of the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch is undoubtedly the Virtual Caddie. After playing five rounds to allow the watch to learn your typical hitting distances for each club (synced via the Garmin Golf app), this feature comes alive. Before each shot, the watch analyses the hole, factors in your personal data, and accounts for real-time wind speed and direction. It then suggests a specific club and even shows a recommended aim point on the map. We were initially sceptical, wondering if an algorithm could truly replace human intuition. However, we were consistently impressed. On a long par-4 playing into a stiff breeze, it suggested taking one extra club, a decision I might have debated but ultimately proved correct. As one happy owner noted, it’s a tool that enriches your game and “interacts with the strategy of play.” It doesn’t just give you a number; it makes you a smarter golfer. It forces you to consider variables you might otherwise ignore, and over time, it genuinely helps improve your course management. It’s a feature that truly sets it apart and can be a deciding factor for those looking to invest in their game. You can explore the Virtual Caddie functionality in more detail here.

Beyond the Fairway: A Premium Smartwatch for Everyday Life

Many golf watches feel out of place anywhere but the golf course. The S62 is not one of them. Its premium design, customisable watch faces, and comfortable strap make it an excellent daily-wear smartwatch. This dual-purpose functionality is a major selling point and helps justify the price. We found ourselves relying on its smart notifications for texts and calls, using Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and diving deep into the health monitoring features. The watch tracks heart rate, steps, sleep quality, and even blood oxygen saturation with its Pulse Ox sensor. The “Body Battery” feature, which estimates your energy reserves throughout the day, became a fascinating and surprisingly useful metric for planning workouts and rest days. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one stating it “far surpassed my expectations” for its everyday uses, from sleep tracking to heart rate monitoring. This versatility makes the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch a device you’ll want to wear 24/7, not just for your weekend four-ball.

Battery Life and Usability: Built for the Long Haul

Garmin claims up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, and our testing found these figures to be very realistic. We easily played three full 18-hole rounds, each taking around 4.5 hours, and still had plenty of charge left. In standard smartwatch mode, with continuous heart rate monitoring enabled, we went well over a week before needing to plug it in. This is phenomenal performance that removes any “battery anxiety.” As one user noted, “Without GPS Nutzung hält der Akku locker über eine Woche” (Without GPS use, the battery easily lasts over a week). The screen’s performance in bright sunlight is another critical win. It remains perfectly legible, with crisp colours and sharp text, eliminating any need to squint or shield the display with your hand. The combination of a responsive touchscreen and three physical buttons for navigation creates a user interface that is both intuitive and reliable, even when wearing a glove. It’s clear that every aspect of the user experience has been meticulously thought through.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch is overwhelmingly positive. A common refrain, perfectly summarized by one user, is, “If you can afford it, buy it… you won’t be disappointed.” Many praise it as an excellent, accurate, and dependable golf tool that is worth every penny. Another owner highlighted its value beyond the course, saying, “Not only for its usefulness on the golf course, but for its everyday uses as well.” The phenomenal battery life is another frequently mentioned highlight, with users consistently impressed by how long it lasts between charges, especially compared to other smartwatches.

However, the experience isn’t flawless for everyone. A few users reported significant frustration during the initial setup, with one calling it “Impossible to set it up!!!” due to a lack of support. Another pointed out a rare but frustrating issue where the watch gets confused by adjacent courses and can change the hole number mid-round. Perhaps the most critical issue highlighted by several meticulous buyers is the risk of receiving an “ASIA” or “APAC” model when purchasing in the US or Europe. These models function correctly but are often months behind on critical firmware and software updates, a major drawback for a premium tech product. It’s a crucial point of awareness for any potential buyer to ensure they receive the correct regional version for timely support.

How Does the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch Compare to the Alternatives?

While the S62 is a class-leader in the golf-specific category, it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market of wrist-mounted GPS devices and accessories. Depending on your primary needs—be it customization, multi-sport versatility, or off-grid safety—other options might be worth considering.

1. ISABAKE 26mm QuickFit Watch Strap for Garmin Fenix

This product isn’t a direct competitor but rather a powerful accessory that highlights a key strength of the Garmin ecosystem: customization. The ISABAKE strap is designed for Garmin watches that use the 26mm QuickFit system, which the Approach S62 also supports (though it uses the 22mm standard). This points to the ability to easily swap bands on the S62 to suit any occasion, from a sporty silicone for the course to a leather or metal band for a formal event. While the SUUNTO and inReach Mini are focused on their specific functions, the S62, much like other high-end Garmin watches, is also a style accessory. If personalization and making your tech fit your lifestyle are important to you, the ecosystem of accessories like this makes the Garmin a more versatile choice.

2. SUUNTO Vertical Solar GPS Sports Watch

The SUUNTO Vertical is a formidable opponent in the general GPS sports watch category, aimed at endurance athletes, hikers, and mountaineers. Its key advantages are incredible battery life (up to 60 days, enhanced by solar charging) and advanced offline mapping capabilities, making it ideal for multi-day treks in remote areas. However, for a golfer, it falls short. It lacks the specialized, nuanced features that make the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch so powerful on the course. The SUUNTO won’t give you a Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike distances, or detailed Green Views with pin placement. If you are an ultra-marathoner who plays golf occasionally, the SUUNTO might be the better all-rounder. But for anyone who prioritizes their golf game, the S62’s focused feature set is vastly superior.

3. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator Orange

This device serves a completely different, and potentially life-saving, purpose. The inReach Mini 2 is not a watch but a compact satellite communicator. It’s designed for people who venture far beyond the reach of mobile phone signals. Its purpose is safety and communication, allowing for two-way messaging, location sharing, and triggering an SOS to a 24/7 global emergency response centre. There is virtually no overlap in function with the Approach S62. You would choose the inReach Mini 2 for off-grid hiking, sailing, or backcountry expeditions where safety is the number one priority. The S62 is a performance enhancement tool for an activity that takes place on well-mapped, on-grid locations. The choice here is not about features, but about the fundamental nature of your activity.

Final Verdict: Is the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is resounding: the Garmin Approach S62 Golf GPS Watch is, for the serious golfer, the finest wrist-mounted GPS device on the market today. It masterfully blends cutting-edge golf technology like the Virtual Caddie and PlaysLike distances with the functionality of a premium, everyday smartwatch. The hardware is beautiful and durable, the screen is a joy to use, and the battery life is simply outstanding. While the price tag is undeniably high, it’s a clear case of getting what you pay for. It is an investment in your game, providing data and insights that can genuinely help you lower your scores and think more strategically on the course.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to any dedicated golfer who wants the absolute best combination of on-course performance and off-course style and utility. If you’re ready to eliminate guesswork and arm yourself with a powerful caddie and coach right on your wrist, this is the watch to get. To make the best decision for your game, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Garmin Approach S62 today.