Sometimes the best technology is the kind that stays out of your way.

The Garmin Approach S12 is built for golfers who simply want to know one thing: how far is it? No distractions. No complicated menus. Just clear yardages, long battery life, and a watch that works every time you step on the course.

With 43,000+ courses preloaded worldwide, the S12 instantly shows the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, along with hazards and layups. The display is designed to be readable even in bright sunlight, so you can glance down and know your number in seconds.

It’s also tournament legal, lightweight, and incredibly easy to use. Many golfers actually prefer the S12 because it strips golf tech down to what matters most.

If you want simple, reliable distance information without the complexity of a full smartwatch, this is one of the best tools you can carry on the course.

Key Features

43,000+ Preloaded Courses
Play almost anywhere in the world. Course maps are already loaded and can update wirelessly.
Front, Middle & Back Yardages
Know your exact distance to the green so you can choose the right club with confidence.
Hazard & Layup Distances
See distances to bunkers, water hazards, and doglegs to help plan smarter shots.
Sunlight-Readable Display
The high-contrast screen is easy to read even on the brightest days.
Long Battery Life
Up to 30 hours in GPS mode so it easily lasts multiple rounds between charges.
Digital Scorecard
Track your score directly on the watch and sync it with the Garmin Golf™ app.
Shot Distance Measurement
Measure the exact distance of any shot to better understand your game.
CT10 Club Tracking Compatible
Pair with optional Garmin CT10 sensors for automatic club tracking and deeper performance data.
Lightweight & Comfortable
At just 34 grams, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it.

Why The Golfather Recommends It

One thing we notice at the course is how many golfers prefer wearing their yardage instead of carrying it. The Garmin Approach S12 is perfect for that.

It’s a straightforward golf watch that gives you the distances you need without distractions — just front, middle, and back yardages right on your wrist.

For golfers who want quick information without extra technology getting in the way, the S12 quietly does its job round after round.

And during a round of golf, quiet reliability is usually a good thing.

The Golfather’s Take

Most golfers don’t need complicated technology to enjoy the game. They just want to know how far it is and get on with the shot.

A watch like the S12 makes that easy. Glance at your wrist, pick a club, and swing.

And if the ball still ends up somewhere unexpected… well, at least we know the yardage wasn’t the problem.

The Golfather

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