The Garmin Approach S62 isn't just any golf watch - it's a premium GPS powerhouse that's crushing it in every department. Its crisp 1.3-inch touchscreen, ceramic bezel, and Gorilla Glass protection mean it'll handle whatever you throw at it during your rounds. You'll get detailed maps for over 43,000 courses, plus there's a smart virtual caddie to help with your game, and the battery won't quit on you - lasting up to 20 hours with GPS running. It's not just about golf either. You can track your fitness, monitor your heart rate, check your sleep, and get all your phone notifications right on your wrist. Sure, $499.99 isn't cheap, but if you're serious about golf and want something that works both on and off the course, you'll love what the S62 brings to the table.
Key Features
Premium golf watch with a 1.3-inch touchscreen display, ceramic bezel, and Gorilla Glass protection for enhanced durability.
Exceptional battery life offering 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, surpassing previous models.
Features detailed maps of 43,000+ golf courses, virtual caddie suggestions, and comprehensive shot analysis for improved gameplay.
Includes health monitoring capabilities like heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and Body Battery feature for overall wellness tracking.
Priced at $499.99 with smart connectivity features, weather updates, and seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app.
Design and Build Quality
The Garmin Approach S62 stands out with its premium ceramic bezel and 1.3-inch color touchscreen display that's built to impress. You'll notice flowing shifts and angled cuts that give this golf watch its sporty look, while the ceramic bezel adds both toughness and a premium feel. At just 61g, it won't get in the way of your swing.
The display really shines with its smart design choices. Thanks to transflective MIP technology, you'll have no trouble reading the screen even in bright sunlight, and it's 17% bigger than older models. With Corning Gorilla Glass protection and 5 ATM water resistance, this watch can handle any weather on the course. The quick-release strap system lets you easily switch between different colored bands to match your outfit, while the 18-hole bezel markers work perfectly with the interface. Whether you're checking your swing stats or looking at distances, the black-and-white screen with orange highlights keeps everything easy to read.
Battery Performance on Course
The S62's battery life is raising the bar for premium golf watches, giving you up to 20 hours of GPS tracking and 14 days in smartwatch mode.
While it can't match the incredible battery life of Garmin's Forerunner 945 or fenix 6 series, you'll still get plenty of power for a weekend golf trip without needing your charger. The S62's battery easily beats its older sibling, the S60, which only lasted 10 hours with GPS tracking. There's just one minor annoyance - you'll need to use Garmin's special charging cable since it won't work with regular USB-C cables. But don't let that bother you too much. With enough juice to handle multiple rounds on a single charge and reliable performance over time, the S62's battery life will easily keep up with your regular golfing schedule.
Golf-Specific Features and Functions
You'll love how the Garmin Approach S62 acts as your digital caddie on the course. It's packed with golf-specific features, including detailed maps of more than 43,000 golf courses, complete with hazard info and exact layup distances. The smart Green View feature lets you move the pin to its actual location, while the plays-like distance feature helps you factor in those pesky elevation changes and wind conditions that can make or break your shot. With a display that's 17% bigger than the previous model, you'll find it easier to read course details on the go. Need to check distances to bunkers or water hazards? The hazard view feature's got you covered for better shot planning.
What's really cool is the virtual caddie feature that helps you pick the right club. It learns from your playing style and suggests the best club for each shot. You won't miss logging any drives thanks to AutoShot tracking and the optional CT10 sensors, and you'll build up a detailed picture of your game over time. After your round, the watch digs deep into your performance, tracking everything from greens in regulation to your driving patterns (even the ones you'd rather forget). And if you're wondering how you stack up against other players, the strokes gained analysis compares your game to other Garmin users, showing you exactly what you need to work on.
GPS Accuracy and Navigation
The S62's GPS is incredibly precise, matching what you'd get from laser rangefinders and cart systems. You'll see your yardages update in real-time throughout your round, showing exact distances to the front, middle, and back of greens. Since it's got courses already loaded, there's no need to download anything before you play. Plus, the Hazard View shows you exactly what obstacles lie ahead - it's like having a knowledgeable caddie right on your wrist.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Approach S62 isn't just a golf watch - it's a complete health and fitness companion. It's loaded with monitoring features that track your heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and blood oxygen. The clever "Body Battery" feature keeps tabs on your energy throughout the day, helping you figure out when to get active or take it easy.
You'll love how flexible this watch is for fitness tracking. It counts your steps, watches your calorie burn, and tracks everything from runs and bike rides to swimming sessions. Whether you're working out at the gym or enjoying time on the water, the S62 captures all the details you need in the Garmin app.
What really stands out is how the watch uses your data to give you personalized fitness tips. It'll share insights about your progress and even guide you through breathing exercises when you need to unwind. Plus, the S62 works perfectly with other Garmin features - you can track your water intake and access tons of fitness content right from your wrist.
Smart Connectivity Options
Through the Garmin Connect app, you'll access a thorough suite of features that seamlessly blend golf functionality with everyday smartwatch convenience. You'll receive notifications for calls, texts, and other alerts right on your watch face, keeping you connected even during those vital moments on the course.
The watch's integration capabilities extend well beyond basic notifications. You can control your music playback without reaching for your phone, check weather updates before teeing off, and customize your watch face to display the information that matters most to you. If you've misplaced your phone in the clubhouse, the Find My Phone feature will help you locate it, while the reverse function helps track down your watch if it goes missing. The Connect IQ platform lets you expand your S62's capabilities with additional apps, widgets, and data fields. What's particularly convenient is that your activities automatically sync to your Garmin Connect account, creating a detailed digital record of your golfing expedition without any extra effort on your part.
Value and Market Position
The Garmin Approach S62's $499.99 price tag puts it in the premium golf watch category, and value is key when you're spending this much. While it's $200 more than the S42, you'll get a powerhouse of features that make it worth the investment, especially if you're committed to improving your game. The S62 stands out as a premium choice for tech-loving golfers who want cutting-edge features.
What makes the S62 really shine is that it does so much more than just golf. You're not just buying a golf watch - you're getting a full-featured fitness tracker that monitors your heart rate, tracks your sleep, and handles multiple sports. Sure, it isn't cheap, particularly compared to the S60 or Voice Caddie T9, but the S62's mix of golf features and everyday smartwatch abilities makes it worth the money for golfers who want the best tech they can wear.
Garmin Approach S62 Watch
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Watch Face Be Customized With Different Designs and Layouts?
You'll find extensive customization options for your watch face. You can choose from several preloaded designs, download additional faces from the Connect IQ store, or create your own using the "Face It" feature with personal photos. Many watch faces let you adjust data fields and layouts, showing everything from time and date to weather and battery life. Third-party options offer even more creative designs and customization possibilities.
Is the Garmin Approach S62 Water-Resistant Enough for Swimming Laps?
Yes, you can confidently swim laps with your Approach S62! With its 5 ATM water resistance rating, the watch can handle depths up to 50 meters, making it perfect for pool swimming. It's equipped with dedicated pool swim tracking features that'll monitor your lengths, stroke count, and even calculate your Swolf efficiency scores. While it's great for swimming and showering, just remember it's not designed for deep diving activities.
Does the Watch Work With Both Ios and Android Phones?
Yes, you'll find the S62 works seamlessly with both iOS and Android phones through the Garmin Golf app, which is available on both platforms. You'll get identical functionality regardless of your phone's operating system, including automatic scorecard syncing, wind data integration, and access to advanced features with a Garmin Golf membership. If you're using an iPhone, just make sure it's running iOS 16.0 or later for ideal compatibility.
Can the Watch Store Music for Offline Listening During Activities?
No, you can't store music directly on the Approach S62 for offline listening during your activities. While the watch does offer basic music controls when connected to your phone, allowing you to play, pause, and skip tracks through apps like Spotify, it doesn't have internal storage for music files. If you're looking for offline music capabilities, you'll want to contemplate other Garmin models like the Forerunner series.
Are Firmware Updates Automatic or Do They Require Manual Installation?
You'll get updates automatically when you sync your watch through the Garmin Golf app or Garmin Express software. If you prefer hands-on control, you can manually install updates by connecting your watch to your computer via USB and using Garmin Express to check for and install the latest firmware versions.
Conclusion
The Garmin Approach S62 isn't just your average golf companion - it's a powerhouse that's worth every penny, even with its higher price tag. You'll get tons of great golf features, killer battery life, and solid fitness tracking that works just as well off the course as it does on it. Sure, it'll cost you more than some other watches out there, but it's a solid investment if you're serious about improving your game and staying active.
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 talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
