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Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch Review: Accurate Yardages and Long Battery?

Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch (44 mm), Sunlight Readable Display, Preloaded with 42,000+ courses, up to 30 hours battery life in GPS mode, Slate Grey
4.6
[Sunlight-Readable Round Display]  High-resolution round design is readable in sunlight for clear on-course visibility.
[42,000+ Preloaded Courses]  Includes over 42,000 global golf courses ready to play.
[Precise Yardage Measurements]  Provides distances to front, middle, back of greens plus hazards and doglegs.
[On-Watch Scoring & Leaderboards]  Record scores on watch and upload to Garmin Golf app for weekly leaderboards.
[Automatic Club & Shot Tracking]  Tracks score and shot distances with compatible Approach CT10 sensors (sold separately).
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Golfers get clear yardages and simple on-watch scoring with the Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch, built for bright-course visibility and reliable course data. Confident club choices and quicker rounds reduce on-course stress. Is the combination of preloaded courses, accurate distances and long GPS battery life the right companion for regular players?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Display Readability: High-resolution, sunlight-readable round display for easy viewing on the course
  • Best for: Golfers who want straightforward yardages, on-watch scoring and easy course navigation
  • Not ideal for: Players who require built-in swing sensors or advanced shot analysis without accessories

Sunlight-readable round watch preloads over 42,000 golf courses worldwide. Yardages include front, back and middle of the green, plus hazards and doglegs.


Confident Club Selection – thanks to yardages to front, back and middle of the green

Preloaded course maps supply measured distances to the front, back and centre of the green, and to hazards and doglegs on each hole. Course data is stored on the watch, so distances display quickly during play.

Clear yardages help select the right club for each shot, reducing guesswork and improving course management. Faster decisions should speed up rounds and reduce wasted strokes.

Visible in Bright Conditions – with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display

A specially designed, high-resolution display is optimised for sunlight readability and a round watch face keeps data visible from different angles. Contrast and sizing prioritise numbers most golfers need at a glance.

Numbers remain legible in bright sunshine, so squinting and wrist adjustments become less frequent. Quick glances at the watch get the information required without slowing play.

Play More Rounds Between Charges – thanks to up to 30 hours battery life in GPS mode

Battery performance is rated for up to 30 hours when using GPS, enabling multiple rounds before recharge. Power profile focuses on GPS efficiency to extend on-course runtime.

Long GPS battery life supports several rounds on a single charge, useful for back-to-back tee times or weekend play. Less frequent charging keeps the watch ready when needed.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch
  1. Fast course loading - Loads courses quickly so you can start rounds without delay
  2. On-watch scoring - Upload scores to the Garmin Golf app for weekly leaderboards
  3. Approach CT10 compatibility - Automatic club distance tracking when paired with optional sensors
  4. Round watch design - Comfortable fit for all-day wear on and off the course
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Display: High-resolution, sunlight-readable round display
  • Processor: Not specified
  • RAM: Not specified
  • Storage: Not specified
  • Camera(s): Not applicable
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are courses already included on the watch?

A: Yes, more than 42,000 golf courses are preloaded worldwide, ready to use without extra fees.

Q: How long does the battery last when using GPS?

A: Battery life runs up to 30 hours in GPS mode, suitable for multiple rounds between charges.

Q: Can the watch automatically track how far I hit each club?

A: Automatic tracking of shot distances requires compatible Approach CT10 club sensors, which are sold separately; the watch can upload data to the Garmin Golf app.

🏆 Our Verdict

The Garmin Approach S12 GPS Golf Watch is well suited to golfers who want simple, dependable yardages, easy scoring and strong daylight visibility. The combination of a sunlight-readable display, extensive preloaded course library and long GPS battery life makes course management straightforward. Although cost will be a consideration for some, reliable data and fewer interruptions on the course deliver lasting value.