Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review

$199.99

Last updated on April 15, 2024 1:12 pm

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There’s no questioning that Garmin is an industry leader when it comes to GPS watches.  For years they’ve set the bar high for what golfers can expect in their golf GPSs. The Approach S12 is no exception.  It’s technological capabilities, ease of use, and accuracy are as good as it gets.  If you’re sick of guessing at yardages, give the Garmin Approach S12 GPS a try.  You won’t be disappointed.  

 

Paul Liberatore Paul Liberatore
March 12, 2024
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You will get: More than 42,000 preloaded courses eliminate the hassle of downloading new ones. Watch has more smart capabilities than other watches. Battery life of up to 30 hours means you don’t have to charge the watch after every round.

Updated March 2024 to update current pricing information.

When it comes to playing your best golf, any of the game’s top players or instructors will tell you it’s all about controlling your distance.  Slightly offline is usually alright, but dialing in the correct yardage really is the key to scoring well.

Fortunately, golfers don’t have to worry about dialing in the right distance any more thanks to GPS watches.

One of the best GPS watches to hit the market in quite some time is the Garmin Approach S12. 

Let’s have a closer look at all this watch’s cool features.

Key Features

  • Watch comes with more than 42,000 preloaded courses.
  • Garmin Golf app allows to track your score and important stats right on your watch.
  • Battery life of up to 30 hours means you can play all day.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch?

The answer to this question is pretty simple.  It’s any golfer that wants accurate yardages to all points of interest out on the course. 

If you’re sick of finding sprinkler heads, pacing off yardages, and guessing at the hole location, the Garmin Approach S12 is for you.

And the watch comes with plenty of added features too.  They not only make it easy to use, but help you improve your game at the same time.

Design and Technology

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to the design and technology packed into the Garmin Approach S12. 

To start, it comes with more than 42,000 courses that are already preloaded.  No having to worry about downloading a new track every time you go play. 

Where to Buy
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Last Amazon price update was: April 15, 2024 12:22 pm
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Its screen is also sunlight readable.  No matter how bright or dark the lighting conditions, you’ll never have any trouble reading the screen on the Approach S12. 

You won’t ever have to worry about this watch running out of juice either.  Its battery lasts up to 30 hours.

And you’ll always have ready access to the most important yardages out on the course.  They include front, middle, and back yardages on every green, and numbers to important points like bunkers, doglegs, and hazards. 

As an improved feature, green contour data lets you see every precise slope on the greens as you play.  No more having to guess which way putts break. 

If you really want to take things to another level, you can pair the Approach S12 with the Approach CT10 club tracking sensors to dial in your yardages.

Specs

The display on the Garmin Approach S12 watch measures 0.9 inches by 0.9 inches and it weighs just 1.2 ounces. 

The display has a resolution of 176 pixels by 176 pixels. 

Additional smart features include Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone compatibility. 

For golfers that keen on fashion, you can even choose from different color quick release watch bands. 

9.4Expert Score
Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review
Garmin Approach S12 Watch

There’s no questioning that Garmin is an industry leader when it comes to GPS watches.  For years they’ve set the bar high for what golfers can expect in their golf GPSs. The Approach S12 is no exception.  It’s technological capabilities, ease of use, and accuracy are as good as it gets.  If you’re sick of guessing at yardages, give the Garmin Approach S12 GPS a try.  You won’t be disappointed.  

 

Innovation
9.4
Performance
9
Design/Sound/Feel
9
Value
10
PROS
  • More than 42,000 preloaded courses eliminate the hassle of downloading new ones.
  • Watch has more smart capabilities than other watches.
  • Battery life of up to 30 hours means you don’t have to charge the watch after every round.
CONS
  • Price point is higher than other GSP watches on the market.
  • Setup can be tricky for golfers that aren’t technologically inclined.
  • Shipping times might vary depending on inventory levels.

Our Experience

I can tell you I’ve tried my share of golf GPS watches over the years, and some are definitely better than others.  The Garmin Approach S12 is one of the more technologically advanced, reliable ones I’ve tried. 

I’m really impressed with its battery life, vibrant display, and quantity of functions that are all easy to use. 

And while a lot of GPSs aren’t nearly as accurate as they claim to be, I’ve found the Approach S12 to be accurate within a single yard.  It’s hard to get much more precise than that. 

Overall, I have nothing but high praise for the Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch. 

Conclusion

There’s no questioning that Garmin is an industry leader when it comes to GPS watches.  For years they’ve set the bar high for what golfers can expect in their golf GPSs.

The Approach S12 is no exception.  It’s technological capabilities, ease of use, and accuracy are as good as it gets. 

If you’re sick of guessing at yardages, give the Garmin Approach S12 GPS a try.  You won’t be disappointed.  

$199.00
April 15, 2024 12:22 pm
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
10 new from $195.95
1 used from $192.99

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Paul Liberatore
Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast both on Apple and Spotify talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review
Garmin Approach S12 GPS Watch Review

$199.99

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