
I’ve tested golf watches that cost up to $1,800, so when I strapped on the entry-level Garmin Approach S12, it’s safe to say I had low expectations. But after using the watch for more than a dozen rounds, I’ve come to believe it holds an important spot in Garmin’s golf watch line-up.
The best golf watches can be pricey, and especially for new or casual players, the upfront cost of the game tends to add up. So for the $199 Garmin Approach S12 to pack many of the key game features found in the brand’s higher-tier devices — including 43,000 preloaded courses, shot-distance measurements and compatibility with Garmin’s other golf accessories — its value is hard to beat.