But for someone who has never bought a GPS for this purpose before, choosing the right one can be a bit complicated. lan

Garmin’s Approach G80 GPS launch monitor is one of the more powerful monitors currently available.

In comparison to other models, the G80 scored highly for accuracy, course selection, battery life, and overall quality.

However, the more features a product has, the more expensive it becomes, which is true for Garmin’s Approach G80 as well.

While this may put some people off, after reading this review and seeing everything that the GPS has to offer, you may change your mind. Let’s do this!

Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS

Our Pick

Garmin Approach G80

$409.02

Why buy a golf handheld and a golf radar separately when it’s so easy to get both in a single convenient unit? Approach G80 is the first all-in-one premium GPS golf handheld with integrated launch monitor. Garmin radar technology makes it easy to track club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance.

Pros:

• Accurate
• Good build quality
• User Friendly

Cons:

• High price
• Both a GPS and a launch monitor

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 11:48 pm GMT

This is Garmin’s flagship golf GPS, and it’s rather remarkable in that it includes a launch monitor.

This is a wonderful GPS for anyone who wants to keep track of their swing numbers at the range and course information when out on the golf course.

While there are several GPS gadgets and launch monitors on the market, hybrids are uncommon.

Previously, a GPS for the course and a launch monitor for the range was required, which are two separate devices.

A GPS device will effectively tell you how far each shot traveled and how close you are to key sections of the course. This is crucial for shortening your distances and lowering your score.

A launch monitor is a piece of equipment that collects information about your swing, including swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, and a few other characteristics.

Launch Monitor

A golf launch monitor is a device that measures many aspects of your swing. It will inform you of the distance traveled by each club and will also make range practice much more fun.

Although it will not be 100% accurate, it will provide you with an indication of where your game stands.

Here are the things that the launch monitor will track for you:

Swing Tempo

Swing tempo refers to the duration of your entire swing. It will essentially inform you of the smoothness of your swing, which is really important to know.

Accelerating your tempo is a highly effective strategy for increasing your consistency. Your backswing, as a general rule, should be three times as long as your downswing.

Clubhead Speed

Clubhead speed is the rate at which your club is swung. Increased velocity equates to increased distance (generally).

Knowing your clubhead speed can assist you in determining the appropriate shafts to use and the appropriate golf ball to play. All of these things are crucial in elevating your game.

Distance

Distance is how far down the fairway the ball is hit. Obviously, the further, the better.

Smash Factor

The smash factor relates to the amount of energy your club transfers to the ball. Your smash factor dictates the amount of energy sent towards the ball.

The more energy the greater the range. With a smash factor of 1.5, a 100 mph swing results in a 150 mph ball speed. Your driver will have the highest smash factor.

Ball Speed

The term “ball speed” refers to the rate at which the golf ball comes off the club. Increased speed results in increased distance.

While the majority of it is dependent on the club and ball you choose, it is still a helpful statistic to know.

GPS

A golf GPS will show you the distance between various points on the course.

If you have always struggled with distance control then knowing the right yardage to the targets will help you improve your game.

It is also a big help knowing how far you hit each club. Over 41,000 courses from across the world are preloaded on the Garmin G80, so you should hopefully find your local course on there.

If you are a bit nervous about buying this product without knowing if it has your course on it, then you can check the Garmin website.

On there, you will be able to search up your local course and it will verify that it is on the GPS.

Additionally, it will identify your location in relation to the 100- and 150-yard marks. Developing proficiency in these two strokes is one of the most effective techniques for increasing your score.

All that is left is for you to choose the suitable club to get you to the 100 or 150-yard marker.

Here are some of the best features of the golf GPS:

Stat Tracking

Stat tracking is a wonderful tool since it offers a birds-eye view of your game. It will display information such as putts per round, regulation greens/fairways, and a few more things.

Pinpointer

When shooting blind, the pinpointer aids in establishing the green’s position. You may be ahead of a cluster of trees, or you may be firing over a hill and so unable to see the flag. This is pretty big benefit of this device

Playslike

Playslike will account for elevation and calculate the right yardage for you.

If you strike downward from 150 yards out, the distance may appear to be 140 yards. This is possibly one of the most usefual traits fo the whole device.

Touch Targeting

Touch targeting may be used to calculate the distance to any place on the course. To obtain your distance, all you have to do is touch a specific location.

Other GPS features

Apart from these excellent features, there are several more packed into the GPS side of this device:

• Course preview
• View of the green
• Yardage to front, middle, and back of the green
• Stat tracking
• Yardage to doglegs & layups
• Scorecard
• Shot distance

Practice Mode

The G80’s practise mode is an intriguing feature that you will probably appreciate since it makes practising more entertaining.

This feature will boost the challenge and enjoyment of the game. It will give you yardage to hit and a gauge of how near you came. Additionally, it will tell how far to the left or right of the target you were.

You can shoot simulated rounds against a human opponent at the range. This adds some diversity to your swing and applies some pressure to it. It’s a lot more fun than hitting ball after ball.

Specs

Here are the most important specs of the Garmin G80:

• Courses – 41,000+
• Size – 59 x 144 x 16mm
• Water resistant – yes
• Touchscreen – yes
• Battery – 15 hours in GPS mode
• Screen size – 3.5 inch
• Weight – 199 grams
• Launch monitor – yes
• Preloaded – yes
• Touch targeting – yes
• Distance To Front, Middle, Back – yes
• Playslike – yes
• Distance To Hazards/Doglegs/Layup – yes
• Manual Pin Placement – yes
• Shot distance – yes 
• Auto shot – yes
• Score card – yes 
• Stat tracking – yes

Pros:

• Accurate – though the distance on both the GPS and launch monitor may be out by a few years, it is still farly accurate for a GPS device 
• Good build quality – when taking a device such as this out onto the course, you want to make sure that it is durable and waterproof as you never know what could happen. The Garmin 80 is a pretty sturdy device
• User Friendly – if you have never used a GPS device for golf before, then you will appreciate just how easy to use the GArmin 80 is

Cons:

• High price – though it is it packed full of features and is made to be sturdy and durable, there are palnety of other GPS devices on the market that do pretty much the same thing as the Garmin 80
• Both a GPS and a launch monitor – While this can also be considered a pro of this device as having both is very useful, if you just want a GPS devioce then thisi may not be for you. Also getting a simple GPS device will be much cheaper than this product

Frequently Asked Questions about the Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS

The post Review of Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS appeared first on Golftlink.

Using the best handheld golf GPS is another thing that can help. It is easier to accurately track distance and location with a high-quality GPS.

It also speeds up the game by allowing you to quickly assess distance. Plus, you’ll be able to see the hole better and know your lengths. Not to mention, it even allows for fitness tracking while playing. 

While some people prefer a GPS in the form of a smartwatch, others prefer one with a handheld design. Then read on to learn about some of our recommendations for the best golf GPS handheld units.

Our Pick

Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10, Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Black

$143.51

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/04/2024 11:21 pm GMT

Our Pick

Bushnell Wingman GPS Bluetooth Speaker

$169.99

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 01:03 pm GMT

Our Pick

TecTecTec ULT-G

$99.99

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT

Best Lightweight: Garmin Approach S10

Best Lightweight

Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10, Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Black

$143.51

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use Approach S10 golf watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. 

Pros:

• Display is intuitive and easy to read in sunlight
• Simple & Stylish
• Lightweight and comfortable on the wrist

Cons:

• You may find it a little slow

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/04/2024 11:21 pm GMT

The fact that it is manufactured by Garmin alone is a compelling reason to choose this product in your search for golf yardage devices.

This is a great option for those who value simplicity. Despite its minimal design, it is elegant. It has a lot of features, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

One of the things we like most is the ability to access more than 41,000 courses around the world. When compared to most of the alternatives at its price point, this is a pretty extensive coverage.

The rechargeable battery is another notable feature of this product. When it’s full, it can last up to 12 hours.

We also commend the display of this golf GPS watch. It’s small, but it conveys everything you need to know. Even better, it is sunlight-readable. It shows clear data even when you’re in the sun.

The product’s functionality is also impressive. It tracks the most important information you need to keep track of about your game. You’ll be able to see how you did in your most recent games by looking at the total time and distance.

We also like how you can connect it to a program called Garmin Express and the Garmin Golf app. With this, you’ll be able to evaluate your previous games.

Best for Audio: Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker

Our Pick

Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker

$149.99

Unleash your inner DJ on the course with Wingman. This product combines high quality audio with the ability to receive audible GPS distances, conveniently mounts to your cart bar via BITE magnetic technology.

The Wingman features outstanding sound quality. Just connect to your music source, and the Bushnell Golf App.

Pros:

• Audibly reads out distances to the front center and back of the green
• Press one button to receive instant accurate measurements
• Listen to music while out on the course
• Magnetic Bite mount for attaching to your golf cart

Cons:

• Can’t provide measurements to hazards or doglegs
• Distances may not be as accurate as other GPSs

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:58 pm GMT

This product has a unique design in comparison to most handheld golf GPS devices. The manufacturer claims that it is the first of its kind. It’s a speaker, so you can speak to your game.

The product also connects to a handy app that will provide you with more information about your game. You can hear distance instead of looking at a screen to track your yardage with its audible notifications.

The built-in magnetic bar is another feature we love about its design. This makes it easy to place the device in your golf cart. It is also well-loved for its battery.

The battery will typically last for up to two hours. This is equivalent to 36 holes or two rounds of golf.

This golf yardage GPS’s multipurpose design is also worth mentioning. You can connect it to a compatible device and listen to music.

Best of all, it can be used as a charging device. You can connect it to a device that it supports and charge it through the USB port.

However, it does not have a built-in screen, which can limit the information it provides to the user.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Wingman

Best for a Budget: TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch

Best for a Budget

TecTecTec ULT-G

$99.99

The ULT-G GPS Golf Watch by TecTecTec! - Access more than 38,000 courses worldwide by satellite and measure precise distances instantly to improve your game fast. Know the exact distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as dog legs and hazards, to speed up play. The TecTecTec ULT-G is fast to set-up, easy to use, and durable.

Pros:

• A great choice if you are on a budget
• Water resistant and dust resistant
• No risk guarantee included

Cons:

• No auto power down button

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT

The price is one of the first things people consider when comparing golf GPScomparisons.

If you’re on a budget, this is an excellent option. It may not be as feature-packed as its higher-end counterparts, but it is more than adequate for most beginners.

This watch is perfect for determining distance on the front, middle, and back of the green. Furthermore, it has a plus/minus one-yard accuracy, which shows how reliable it is.

It also features automatic hole progression, allowing you to access more than 38,000 courses around the world.

Another reason we included this product in our golf GPS devices review is its ease of use. It’s for novices who despise complications.

It is almost ready to use right out of the box, so you don’t have to deal with complicated setup. The screen has just four buttons, making navigation a breeze. 

The watch also has automatic satellite connectivity, so it can instantly recognise the golf course where you are. Buy this product and you’ll have peace of mind.

The manufacturer is also offering a money-back guarantee on top of being affordable. This means that if you are not satisfied in any way, they must be informed within 30 days. You will receive a full refund!

Pros and Cons of TecTecTec ULT-G

Best for Voice Commands: GolfBuddy Voice 2

Our Pick

Golf Buddy Voice 2 Talking GPS Rangefinder

$99.99

The second generation to the best selling Voice, the Voice 2 comes with an increased battery life, shows the Front/Center/Back of the green, and is water resistant.

Applications: Check distance information simultaneously on the audio and screen / easy to use talking Golf GPS / Provide a green view(Right & Left) / Can be played without the way by hanging it on a hat or belt / Adjustable audio guide volume (0 - 5).

Features: Accurate QZSS GPS reception / Convenient voice guidance / Displays the distance from the current position to the front, middle, and back of the green at once; Shot distance measurement function.

Features: Over 40,000 courses in 170 countries around the world and free updates via USB sync.

Pros:

• It’s very reasonably priced
• Audio readouts of yardages
• Choose male or female voice
• Convenient clip on the back

Cons:

• Poor after-sales support
• Display is basic and not in color
• No slope or elevation compensation
• Relatively short product lifespan

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 07:47 am GMT

If you are looking for the perfect golf companion, look no further. This sleek handheld rangefinder is probably what you need.

While it is small, it has a lot of features that you will love. The best part is that it’s affordable. It shows that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get excellent quality.

The voice feature is one of the reasons to choose this product. You won’t just see information on the screen. Instead, you’ll hear it in real time. Even better, the voice command is available in 11 different languages.

Another feature highlighted in many golf GPSrangefinders reviews about this product is the course coverage. It is preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses.

You can also update it using the USB Sync feature. We anticipate that more golf courses will be added to the system over time.

Another well-loved feature of this product is its versatility. It can be used as a clip-on golf GPS. You can also wear it as a wristband.

Others prefer to attach it to a retractable carabiner clip. Please note, however, that the accessories are sold separately.

This product has a 14-hour battery life, according to the manufacturer. However, as most users have pointed out, this may not be the case.

People have complained that the battery life could be longer, according to us.

Pros and Cons of GolfBuddy Voice 2

Best for Accuracy: Garmin Approach S10

Our Pick

Garmin Approach S10

$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:

• 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
• Accurate yardages using GPS
• Golf statistics tracking
• 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
• Available in a choice of 3 colors
• Relatively affordable price tag
• No pesky smart notifications

Cons:

• Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
• No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

This is the same product as the first one reviewed in this list of the best golf GPS devices.

However, colour is the primary distinction. It’s granite blue, unlike the first, which was black. Other than the colour, the features and performance are identical.

The product’s accuracy is one of its most important selling points. This is comparable to many of the more expensive options on the market.

Nonetheless, because it is manufactured by Garmin, we expect the accuracy to be second to none, even if it is advertised as an entry-level model.

It is also worth noting that it is light and comfortable.

Compactness is a plus since it’s a watch. Wearing something heavy and bulky is uncomfortable. This can have a negative impact on your overall golf course performance, in addition to being annoying. 

Like other Garmin GPSwatches, you can track a lot of information about your game, making it crucial in your game improvement. Even better, you can upload this data online and compare it to that of your friends.

Finally, we love the battery, which is another feature that Garmin is known for. It will last up to 12 hours under normal use and when the battery is fully charged.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S10

Most Stylish: Garmin Approach S40

Our Pick

Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:

• Responsive touchscreen
• Waterproof
• Fitness tracking included
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not very user-friendly
• No heart rate monitor
• Quite expensive

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

This model is hard to beat if you’re looking for a top-rated golf GPS. It is made by a reputable company, which is already a compelling reason to choose it over many others.

It’s also stylish, so you can make a fashion statement with it.

This isn’t one of those GPS devices that was made just for use on golf courses. This will also work as a fitness tracker, so it will keep track of your daily activities. Many things can be tracked, from your steps to your sleep.

You can also create multiple sports profiles, making it a great investment for active people.

The 1.2-inch colour display is another attractive feature of this product. It has touchscreen functionality, which makes it user-friendly.

The watch’s face is designed without buttons, giving it a sleek look. 

We also like how the screen is sunlight-readable. It has a wide range of advanced features that any golfer will appreciate.

Green View is a prime example of this. This will give you a more accurate picture of the green’s shape wherever you are on the golf course.

Garmin is also known for its long battery life. The battery can last up to 15 hours when used in GPS mode. The battery, on the other hand, will last up to ten hours when used in smartwatch mode.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S40

Best for Tracking: Garmin Approach G10

Our Pick

Garmin Approach G10

Compact clip-on device fits anywhere.

Preloaded with more than 40,000 golf courses around the world.

Displays distances to the front, back and middle of the green, plus hazards.

Green View display shows shape of the green with manual pin placements.

Digital scorecard lets you easily keep track of your score throughout each round.

Pros:

• Four modes for measuring distances to the green, obstacles, layup distances and more
• Can measure your shots to keep track of how far you are hitting the ball
• Comes preloaded with 40,000 courses from around the world
• Mode 4 gives you an aerial view of the green that you can manually place pins onto

Cons:

• Small and may be easy to lose
• Needs to be charged with the USB cable it comes with

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Garmini is one of the most recommended brands if you look online for GPS reviews.

This model, unsurprisingly, makes our list. It’s small and light, while also allowing you to clip it almost anywhere you want. You can even use it as a golf hat clip.

You can quickly identify hazards and course targets with this device. This is critical for golf course familiarisation. Even if you’re new to the area, you’ll get to know it better.

Over 40,000 golf courses are pre-installed around the world. Garmin’s database is constantly being updated, so we can expect more additions in the future.

The digital scorecard is another interesting feature. This makes it easy to record your previous performances. You can see how you’re getting better and determine what needs to be done if you want to improve in the sport.

The screen of this product is one thing we would like to see improved. It has a simple design in black and white. Given its price, we would have preferred a colour screen.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G10

Best for Real Time Adjustments: Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors

Our Pick

Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors, AI Powered GPS Rangefinder

$179.99 $139.48

Winner of four-straight Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Awards for “Best Game Analyzer, ” Arccos Caddie is golf’s first and only fully-automatic performance tracking system. It features 14 sensors, one for every club in your bag.

Access to the award winning Arccos Caddie app, golf’s Smartest Caddie.

Automatic shot tracking, hands-free fully automatic data capture.

A. I. Powered GPS Rangefinder, first-ever rangefinder that adjusts in real-time for wind (including gusts), elevation, temperature, humidity and altitude providing the most precise yardage in the game the Arccos Caddie Number.

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 08:17 am GMT

While it is a little pricey, some people will pay for its functionality. This is one of the most advanced on our list.

It is different from the majority of golf course GPS units. It’s actually 14 sensors, rather than a handheld device.

The sensors will be attached to the golf clubs in your bag, and they will automatically monitor performance to provide you with valuable insights into your game.

Because the sensors are powered by artificial intelligence, they are remarkable. It is more advanced than the other top-rated GPSdevices we recommend in this guide.

They work as if they have their own minds, providing information that you won’t find anywhere else. It automatically tracks your shots once you attach the sensors. This will allow you to make better decisions and improve your game.

The Smart Distance is another interesting feature. The latter will tell you how far you should be hitting your clubs.

The sensors’ tour-level analytics are also appealing to us. This makes users feel like they’re working with a mentor who can identify their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a must-have for your game improvement.

Pros and Cons of Arccos Caddie

Best Virtual Caddie: Garmin Approach S62

Our Pick

Garmin Approach S62

$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.

Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:

• Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
• Provides slope adjusted distances
• Tells you the wind speed and direction
• The large display makes this watch easier to use

Cons:

• Tracking system sold separately

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

Garmin is a name you’ll often see when searching for the best handheld GPS devices. It’s no wonder that this watch is a great buy.

It’s ideal for experienced golfers who want a sophisticated GPS. This GPS watch is a combination of form and function. We love how stylish it is. It has a custom face, so you can change the design to suit your tastes. 

The watch’s appearance can also be changed using downloadable widgets. You can even change the bands.

The large screen is also worth mentioning. It is large enough to use, at 1.3 inches. The touchscreen display is also a plus.

In terms of functionality, this option for the most accurate golf GPS has a lot to offer. It can act as a virtual caddie. From wind speed to wind direction, you can gain valuable insights that will help you improve every shot.

Plus, this device is preloaded with over 41,000 golf courses. You can play in a variety of locations around the world and take advantage of its advanced features.

Its price would be the only drawback. It is one of the most expensive items on this list. Nonetheless, with all of the features and benefits mentioned above, we believe it is worth the investment.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S62

Best Touchscreen: Garmin Approach S60

Our Pick

Garmin Approach S60

$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
• Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
• It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
• Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
• Not a budget golf GPS watch

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Garmin is the only company you can trust in your search for the best golf tracking devices. This is one of their best models to date.

While it is quite expensive, the cost is justified. You’ll have a myriad of reasons to love this product, from its design to its functions.

Battery life is one of the things we love most about it when we look at its features. It can last up to ten hours when you’re golfing when it’s full.

If you use it solely as a regular watch, the battery will last for more than ten days. It has smartphone connectivity, which is one way to get the most out of the product.

You can connect it to the Garmin Golf app, which will allow you to compare your scores to other players.

More than 40,000 golf courses around the world can be accessed through the app. A swing analyser is included in this GPS unit to help you improve your performance.

As you get better at the sport, you’ll learn more about the things that need improvement, from your swing speed to club path angles.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S60

Most Economical: Bushnell Phantom 2

Our Pick

BUSHNELL GOLF Phantom 2

$129.99

Enjoy the ease and convenience of getting GPS-provided distances around the course with the Phantom 2. It features large, easy-to-read front, center and back distances, an integrated BITE magnetic mount and GreenView with movable pin placement.

Pros:

• Easy to use with a large display for easy read-outs
• Provides up to 6 distances for hazards and layup arcs
• Magnetic Bite mount for attaching the GPS to your golf cart

Cons:

• This unit isn’t very durable and should be handled with care

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 11:52 am GMT

This is another option to consider as you search for a cheap golf GPS handheld device. While it is economical, it has a number of impressive features that will make it comparable to many of its higher-end alternatives. Y

ou can update the courses wirelessly because of its Bluetooth connectivity. This is necessary so that you can have access to the most recent global maps available in the system.

It comes preloaded with maps of more than 36,000 golf courses in over 30 countries.

The Bushnell mobile app is also available to you. With this, you can access advanced features like 3D flyovers and hole layouts with distances from your smartphone.

You’ll gain a better understanding of your game while also getting insights that will help you improve it.

A plus is the large and easy-to-read display. While the screen isn’t coloured, it’s big enough to be able to quickly see the information displayed by the device.

For easy monitoring, the screen displays the front, back, and centre distances.

Finally, this GPS unit also features BITE Magnetic Mount Technology. Because the GPS is equipped with a magnet, it’s easy to mount it on any metal surface.

If you want to attach it to your bag or belt, there is also a handy clip holder.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Phantom 2

Best Battery Life: Garmin Approach G30

Our Pick

Garmin Approach G30, Handheld Golf GPS with 2.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display

$226.91

Small but Powerful Handheld Golf GPS

• Sleek, compact handheld golf GPS with 2.3-inch color touchscreen display
• High-sensitivity GPS acquires satellites quickly to show distance to greens, hazards and doglegs
• Preloaded with more than 40,000 courses worldwide
• Full-color course mapping with Touch Targeting feature
• Green View allows you to place the pin in the correct location for the day, which improves distance accuracy

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life
• Sleek and compact
• Keeps digital records for scorecard

Cons:

• Can be slow

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 08:38 pm GMT

This is another product that deserves your attention when it comes to the best golf distance measuring devices. A good reason to include the manufacturer on your list is its reputation. 

We love the 2.3-inch touchscreen and colour display, which is larger than what you’ll find in most of the products we’re reviewing in this guide.

The best golf GPS device must help you improve your game. This model will do so by assisting you in tracking your play.

It has a digital scorecard feature that you can use to analyse your game and identify ways in which you can improve. Along with your round, you can save the scores of up to four golfers. 

Green View is another feature that you will love in this product. You can then place the pin in the desired location. This is critical for boosting distance accuracy.

This model, like other Garmin golf devices, has an impressive battery life. You can get up to 15 hours of battery on each charge, which is one of the best you’ll find.

Finally, while you can continue to play with this GPS, you can also stay up to date. You can get smart notifications so you can quickly respond to an urgent call, text, or email.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G30

Best for Distance Calculation: Izzo Swami 6000

Our Pick

Izzo Swami 6000 Golf GPS

$149.99 $112.00

Have confidence in your game when you bring the Swami 6000 to the course! This Swami Golf GPS was engineered to display everything you need to know to advance your game with every swing. With 4 different modes, you'll always know distances to the front, center and back of green, as well as distances to hazards. Plus, keep track of your score and use shot distance to know your yardage.

Pros:

• Measures accurate distances to the front and back of the green, as well as hazards
• Full color display
• Magnetic strip for attaching to your cart
• Automatic course detection

Cons:

• You will have to manually select the tee you are standing at as well as the hole number you are on

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 10:21 am GMT

This is another product that’s worth your attention if you’re looking for the best handheld GPS. More than 38,000 golf courses are accessible worldwide with this device. The list is constantly being updated.

Another reason why this device is a great golf GPSequipment is its accuracy. It’s amazing how this device can track a variety of things with precision, from distances to hazards.

It’s not surprising that it’s one of the most popular golf measuring devices, given its intelligent functionality.

It has a large and bright two-inch display, making it easy to see any information that the unit would like to convey to its user. 

Touchscreen functionality would be the most important improvement we’d like to see, as it would put this product in line with more expensive alternatives on the market. Water resistance is another good feature of this product.

There’s no need to be concerned about it getting wet even in the rain.

Even more impressive is the battery. When fully charged, the lithium-ion battery can provide up to 167 hours of continuous power.

Another feature we like about this product is the integrated magnet. It allows for flexible positioning because it can be quickly attached to any metal surface, especially in a golf cart.

Pros and Cons of Izzo Swami 6000

Best for Auto Pairing: Garmin Approach CT10

Our Pick

Garmin Approach CT10, Full Set, Automatic Club Tracking System, 14 Sensors, White

$247.10

Pair with compatible Garmin golf watches for automatic game tracking so you can focus on your game — knowing the sensor is tracking every stat. Those stats for each club with a sensor installed show up on your Garmin golf watch after pulling the club from the bag. See how far you typically hit that club, and view stats for accuracy to the fairway or green.

Approach CT10 club trackers are available in a full set to track all 14 clubs in your bag.

This set lets you know how far you consistently hit each club and also which club you hit for every shot during every round from tee to green, including your putts.

Pros:

• Easy connection to clubs
• Intelligent golf insights to help your game
• Auto pairing to compatible devices

Cons:

• Sensors only

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 09:38 pm GMT

This is not your typical Garmin handheld golf GPS. Instead, it is sold as a set of 14 sensors, so there is one for every golf club in your bag.

The sensors will monitor your performance and send data to a compatible device. It supports automatic pairing, so you can quickly and easily connect it to your Garmin Smartwatch.

It can also be connected to a smartphone, allowing you to take advantage of all of the sensors’ capabilities.

It will provide more information about how you are doing once it is connected to the Garmin Golf app.

You can analyse a variety of things that are critical to your game, from your shots to your strokes. It’s easier to assess your strengths and weaknesses when you know these little details.

After the sensor is installed, it will collect relevant data from the golf club. It will display your stats and scores, which will be a great way to keep track of your game.

It can be used as a digital scorecard. The sensors’ wide compatibility is also a plus. 

To find out which watches are compatible with the unit, visit Garmin’s website. We can confidently state that it is compatible with the majority of its most popular models.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach CT10

Best for App Access: Bushnell Neo Ion 2

Our Pick

Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch

Sleek, comfortable design with reversible band and wireless course updates via Bluetooth.

Preloaded with 36,000+ courses in more than 30 countries.

Long battery life – play 3 full rounds before charging.

Pros:

• Free course updates via the app
• Reversible wristband
• App support for even more accurate information about your course
• Shot calculator function for measuring the length of your drives

Cons:

• Charger can break easily

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Two of the best features you can expect from this product are its sleekness and comfort.

Many online golf GPS reviews praise the product’s design. It is unlike other watches that are bulky and heavy. Furthermore, it has reversible bands, making it more than just a GPS watch.

The battery life is another good reason to buy this golf GPS tracker. According to the manufacturer, a full battery can last for three rounds of golf.

While the display isn’t coloured, we love how it’s big enough to see all of the information you need to know. It conveniently displays the distances from front, back, and centre.

A shot distance calculator is also displayed on the screen, so you can get the most out of each stroke. This is a great way to improve your game, especially if you’re a novice.

This GPS device can be used to access more than 36,000 golf courses in 30 countries.

It also allows for wireless course updates, which means you can access the most recent versions of the courses in the system. 

Finally, it is useful beyond the golf course. It’s also a great fitness tracker, such as to count your steps. This is a good investment for tracking your physical activity.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Neo Ion 2

Best for Dual Functionality: Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser

Our Pick

Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder

See distance like never before with the Bushnell Hybrid. Bushnell Golf has been one of the leading innovator in Golf Measuring Devices for over 20 years and is now bringing Laser and GPS technologies together like never before with the Hybrid.

Over 99% of PGA Tour players choose to use a Bushnell Laser Rangefinder due to their unrivaled precision. Bushnell has now combined this unrivaled laser precision with GPS-provided 'Front' and 'Back' distances in the LCD to further remove the guesswork from your game. You now have every number you need to approach all of your shots with the utmost confidence.

Pros:

• Dual functionality of rangefinder and GPA
• Dual battery source
• Easy to use GPS readouts

Cons:

• Quite large

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

This is one option that should be on your list if you’re looking for the best handheld rangefinder with GPS functionality.

It has an integrated laser, which improves the accuracy of the information. This is a great way to improve your precision. It’s no wonder that even experienced golfers are using this product.

The PinSeeker with JOLT technology is another notable feature of this product. It has short vibrations, which will indicate that the flag is locked. This will eliminate guesswork and doubts, allowing you to be more confident with each stroke.

The screen is conveniently located on the side. Even though it’s not colour, it’s big enough to see the necessary information.

Because of its dual battery source, it is also unique. This will reduce the chance of running out of battery in the middle of a game.

The laser function is powered by a CR2 battery, while the GPS function is powered by a USBrechargeable battery.

Some people do not like the product’s bulkiness. This is justified because it combines the functions of two products into one handheld unit.

The size should not be a concern because it has an ergonomic grip. Furthermore, it is not slippery, making it easy to hold.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser

Best Image Stabilization: Garmin Approach Z82

Our Pick

Garmin Approach Z82, Golf GPS Laser Range Finder, Accuracy Within 10” of The Flag, 2-D Course Overlays

$569.90

Set your sights on something greater with the Approach Z82 laser range finder with GPS. The flag finder locks in with vibrational feedback, and image stabilization makes it easier to find and range the flag, giving you precise distances within 10” of the pin. See full-color 2-D CourseView mapping and Green View overlay on more than 41,000 courses worldwide. Quickly scroll through hazards on the course map with hazard view. Approach Z82 displays wind speed and direction so you can take that into account when approaching your shot (when paired with compatible smartphone).

Pros:

• Comfortable grip
• Image stabilisation
• Colour mapping and 2d mapping of of golf courses

Cons:

• On the expensive side

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:26 am GMT

Even experienced golfers will recommend this product as you read online golf GPS rangefinder reviews.

Many people may be put off by the cost of this product, but that should not be the case. It is expensive for a reason: it has advanced features that aren’t available in a standard golf GPS.

The best GPSrangefinder is a combination of form and function. It has a beautiful two-toned body with an ergonomic design.

Despite its bulk, you can hold it comfortably. The rubber body will prevent the unit from sliding.

Because of its precision, this product should be on your list of the best golf GPS rangefinders. Because it has image stabilisation technology, you can quickly measure distances.

A handy vibration feedback will let you know when the flag has been locked in. It is one of the most comprehensive products in this guide, with over 41,000 golf courses preloaded.

Even better, the list keeps growing, so you can expect more courses to be added.

It also features full-color 2D mapping, which will give you a more accurate representation of the golf course where you are playing.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach Z82

Best Golf GPS Handhelds Buying Guide

Making the right choice for golf GPSdevices isn’t easy, especially with so many options.

Some of the most important considerations are listed below to help you narrow down your choices.

When evaluating your options for a top golf GPS, be sure to look at the features. This will be a reflection of the unit’s overall quality and cost.

The more functions there are, the more expensive it will be. If you’re a beginner, stick to the most basic functions if you want to save money.

Access To Golf Courses

Choose a golf GPS that has access to tens of thousands of golf courses around the world.

This means that wherever you play, it should have preloaded maps. So that you can enjoy the most recent maps, make sure to update software as needed.

Maximum Range

It determines the maximum distance that the unit can track. This is especially important if you’re playing on a large golf course. Most units will have a range of 500 to 1,000 yards. The better, the more yardage.

Score Tracking

This is one of the most important features in a golf GPS, and it’s critical for evaluating your overall performance during a round of golf.

Choose a system that can also measure total time and distance played in addition to score. Better if the device can collect more statistics, which will be useful for game improvement.

App Integration

Many of the best-rated handheld GPSdevices for golf will include an app integration. This means that you can install an app on your smartphone or computer and connect the GPS to it.

This will allow you to evaluate more aspects of your game that are critical. It will be more difficult to make sense of the data that the device collects without an app.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth integration is also a requirement for the GPSdevice in terms of app integration.

This means that you can connect the unit wirelessly to another device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

It will allow you to transfer data, which the system will need to evaluate your performance and provide additional information about your game.

Accuracy

A good golf GPS finder is one that can provide the highest level of accuracy. Otherwise, the device will be ineffective in tagging your game.

We recommend reading reviews and learning from other users’ real-life experiences to learn more about how accurate a golf GPS is. This will make it easier for you to narrow down your list.

Ease Of Use

This is a critical consideration, especially if you’re a beginner.

When learning how to use a golf GPS, the majority of people do not have the luxury of time to deal with difficulties. Find one that is designed with the needs of newbies in mind.

Otherwise, getting the most out of the GPS unit can be a challenge.

Size

For a golf GPS tracker, there is no wrong or right size. It all comes down to personal preferences. Do not feel pressured to make a decision based on what others have to say.

The most important thing is that you are comfortable with the device’s size. Because of its portability, some people may prefer a small handheld device.

It is easier to carry around than other items that are too bulky and heavy because it is light and compact.

Nonetheless, some people would prefer a larger unit. This means that the display will be easier to see and buttons will be more accessible.

Larger GPS devices will typically display more information, making it even more crucial in improving your game.

Display

The best golf GPSunits have a stunning display. Consider the various technical specifications that affect the display of the unit, from size to resolution.

This will make it easier to monitor the information that the device is providing to the user. 

One of the most common issues with cheap handheld golf GPS units is that the display is difficult to see in direct sunlight.

Also, choose one with a non-glare screen. It should, ideally, have a backlight, so you will not have any difficulties seeing the display in different situations.

Battery

Their batteries are a critical component of golf yardage devices. This is what supplies power to the unit, ensuring that it is functional when you need it most.

It’s annoying when the battery runs out while you’re playing a game. Choose a device with a long-lasting battery, which should last at least 10 hours.

In addition to the battery life, you should also consider how long it takes for the device to fully charge.

Water Resistance

You’ll be using golf GPS units outdoors. The weather is usually hard to gauge. You never know if it will rain or pour. For this purpose, water-resistant GPS’S are ideal. Opt for a waterproof case, even if it means paying more. 

This will allow you to use the device even when it rains without worrying. You don’t have to worry about water penetrating the device and destroying its interior components.

Durability

The GPS unit’s durability is also a factor to consider, as it will ensure that you get the most for your money. Even if you drop it on a hard surface, it should not break easily. When evaluating durability, take into account the material used.

Design

Particularly if it’s a watch, a lot of people are concerned about the look of the golf GPS they’re buying.

For one thing you’ll be wearing, it’s good to have a stylish outfit. Find a colour that suits your personality. It will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your game if you feel good wearing or using the device.

The post 17 Best Golf GPS Handhelds appeared first on Golftlink.

In this review, we will be taking a look at the Garmin Approach CT10 golf club tracker.

We will go through what you get with the purchase, what the device actually does, and how well it works when out on the green.

By the end of this review, you should know whether the Garmin CT10 is the right choice for you.

Garmin CT10 Quick Summary

Although the Garmin Approach CT10 is an excellent golf monitoring system, some devices perform better than this on the market right now. For a similar pierce you may find ones that are more accurate or easier to use, though it all depends on what your preferences are. 

Maybe try this one out before you buy it to see if it works for you, or skip it altogether and go for a different option (another popular option is the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors).

What is the Garmin CT10?

The CT10 is a Garmin club tracking system that fits your grips, keeps track of your stats, and collects data.

It features a sensor for each club and records the distance traveled with each club, allowing you to be assured and avoid second-guessing which club to use.

This should significantly improve distance management and the ability to hit more greens.

What Does the CT10 Do?

Understanding the data these devices offer is just as crucial as picking the correct golf ball when it comes to improving your game (especially if you struggle with distance control).

Many golfers, especially beginners,  simply guess which club to use and end up leaving the golf ball well short of the green or smashing it over it.

With this device, you will be able to see how far off the tee, along the fairway, and onto the green, you generally hit each club. After that, you may develop a strategy for enhancing your golf game or pinpoint areas for development.

Following your round, you may evaluate it using the app to determine which areas require the most care.

Additionally, if you possess a Garmin watch, you may connect it to the app in order to get extra stats.

Our Pick: Garmin Approach CT10

Our Pick

Garmin Approach CT10 - Automatic Club Tracking System Bundle with (6 sensors)

The CT10 is a Garmin club tracking system that fits your grips, keeps track of your stats, and collects data. It features a sensor for each club and records the distance traveled with each club, allowing you to be assured and avoid second-guessing which club to use. This should significantly improve distance management and the ability to hit more greens.

Pros:

• Pretty accurate distance date
• Can track your progress
• Very easy to use

Cons:

• May input the wrong data
• May offer the wrong club

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Pros

• Pretty accurate distance date – though sometimes being off by as much as 5 yards, this device is pretty accurate in recording your distances. 5-yard leeway is the standard, so no matter what device you pick you may still get the same results
• Can track your progress – seeing where you went wrong in the past and how you have improved can be useful in improving your overall game
• Very easy to use – even those who have never used a device like this before will be able to get the hang of it very quickly

Cons

• May input the wrong data – sometimes the stats and data that relates to your scores is wrong, though this can be edited after the fact
• May offer the wrong club – based on misinterpreted data, the device may offer you the wrong club to use in a situation

Is the CT10 Accurate?

While many golf devices rely on accuracy to ensure that you make the right shot every time, they are never 100% accurate in their readings.

This can be for several reasons including everything from user error to the weather on the day impacting the systems. 

That is why there is a general rule that any measurement is given a 5 yard leeway on either side of the target, though people tend to buy products that are only off by a yard each way as these are even more accurate. 

While Garmin has been a leader in GPS technology to make their measurements, they still fall short of being 100% accurate in their devices.

For the CT10, you may find that accuracy varies, though it is never out by more than the standard 5 yards either way. 

There is an area that is not as accurate as it could be though, and that is when the device is recording your data. You may find that the device sometimes selects the wrong club for you to use, records shots that you did not actually take, or miss a score.

All of this can be edited though which is a little frustrating but not the end of the world. 

Is the Collected Data Useful?

Understanding the data that these devices provide is critical for progressing to the next level. While this is unlikely to be that helpful if you only play golf a few times a year, it may be beneficial for those who like to spend every weekend on the course and want to practice for tournaments. 

A lot of times, people cannot improve their golf game until they understand distance control. And when you are measuring distance by eye you may be getting very inaccurate results.

That is why the CT10 is such a useful device for beginner golfers who are trying to improve their game. 

Having the data all in one place is also very useful as you can see how you have improved from the start, and how long it has taken you to get the hang of the sport. 

After a few rounds, you’ll be able to examine your stats, which will include the proportion of fairway/green shots and the percentage of left/right shots to see how you can improve.

Is The CT10 Worth It?

Overall, the Garmin CT10 is an excellent golf monitoring system that’s worth buying up if you can get it at a reasonable price. It may be more suited to amateur golfers over pros though due to its slight inaccuracies in the readings.

That is not to say that novice golfers do not need high-quality equipment, just that this device is more suited to people who are trying to get the hang of the sport over those who already are pros. 

There are several other devices on the market that are more accurate than the CT10 though, and they are often around a similar proce.

So if you want something a bit more hi-tech, maybe shop around a bit to see what is out there.

The post Garmin Approach CT10 Club Tracker Review appeared first on Golftlink.

Not only do they require a clear line of sight to get the yardage, but they also require steady hands and rain or mist can affect the laser.

The solution is to invest in a golf GPS watch. It gives you all your yardages, while leaving you completely hands-free. And if you’re also in the market for a fitness tracker, there’s no need to pay twice.

There are some great golf GPS watches around that also double as fitness trackers. You can track your number of steps, your heart rate, your calories burned, and more.

I’ve been checking out some of the best golf GPS watches around that also double as fitness trackers.

After much deliberation, I was able to handpick a shortlist of our top few favorites to review for you. Let’s start with our top pick, the Garmin Approach S60.

Our Top Pick: Garmin Approach S60

Our Top Pick

Garmin Approach S60

$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
• Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
• It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
• Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
• Not a budget golf GPS watch

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S60

I decided to make this my number one pick. I feel it has the most to offer the golf enthusiast without costing quite as much as some of the more expensive high-end models. like the Garmin Approach S62 which also made my shortlist.

When the Garmin Approach S60 became available in 2019, it became a quick hit, legendary even.

It has a large, 1.2 inch diameter, full color high resolution touchscreen display. And it comes preloaded with 40,000 golf course maps from all over the world.

When I tried the watch for myself, I found that I could bring up bird’s eye views of the course I was on, and of each hole. Even under direct sunlight, there was no glare, and I could see the display clearly.

Based on the GPS signal, you get yardages to the front, middle and back of the green and so on, so you will be informed exactly how far you have to hit the golf ball at each turn.

This in turn can also help you to decide which club to use for each shot. And it will also give your yardages to any hazards and doglegs and such as well.

But, the usefulness of the S60 to your golf game does not stop there – not by a long shot (excuse the pun!).

There’s PlaysLike Distance, to automatically adjust yardages to account for uphill and downhill shots (in other words, compensation for slope or elevation – somewhat of a rare feature).

There’s Touch Targeting to give you precise distances to any spot, be it the hole or a hazard. And it has AutoShot to automatically record distances during the game. Super handy for post game analysis.

You can also pair it up with the Garmin Truswing Sensor, via Bluetooth. For the uninitiated, the Garmin Truswing Sensor is an incredibly useful tool for anyone who’s serious about improving their golf game.

The Truswing Sensors attach to your golf clubs to give you super accurate data on the club path, your swing tempo, your swing speed, face to target, the dynamic loft, the shaft angle and more besides.

It can even give you 3D animations of each swing, displayed on your smartphone. Although, technically speaking, this watch doesn’t have heart rate monitoring already built-in, it turns out that you can pair it to a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth.

And this is actually a good thing because you get more accurate readouts if you were to use a heart rate monitor around your chest than any heart rate monitor going on the pulse in your wrist.

That said it is still a decent fitness tracker, and it comes with preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming and more.

It also offers smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

When I tested the watch for myself, I was more than happy with the yardage accuracy, especially when there were slopes involved.

I thought the battery life in GPS mode was quite good, coming in at 10 hours on a full charge, but depending on what time of day your game starts, this could be an issue if you had left it on GPS mode all day long.

Admittedly, this watch does cost considerably more money than the budget golf GPS watches that made my shortlist.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
• Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
• It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
• Can be paired with Garmin Truswing for swing metrics
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
• Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
• Not a budget golf GPS watch

Editors Choice: Garmin Approach S62

Editors Choice

Garmin Approach S62

$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.

Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:

• Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
• Provides slope adjusted distances
• Tells you the wind speed and direction
• The large display makes this watch easier to use

Cons:

• Tracking system sold separately

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S62

The Garmin Approach S62 is an upgraded version of the Approach S62 that I reviewed for you earlier. It has more features than the S60, but I didn’t make it the top pick of the shortlist because of its much higher price tag.

It has a large 1.3 inch, scratch resistant, easy to read full color touchscreen, that’s 18% larger than that of the S60. And it comes preloaded with 41,000 golf course maps worldwide.

My favorite feature was the Virtual Caddie, which suggests which club to use next, based not just on the typical distances you hit but also factoring in the wind speed and direction. 

This was a mind opener and really helped my game.

Key Features

• Green view – allows manual pin positioning 
• Hazard view – self-explanatory
• PlaysLike Distance – slope or elevation compensation
• PinPointer – shows direction of pin when you’re in a blind spot
• Pairing up with the Garmin golf app – for post game analysis & leaderboards etc.

It also offers smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more. And it even allows you to make contactless payments.

When I tested it out, I was impressed not only with the golf features and the display itself, but also with the battery life. It lasted a whopping 20 hours in GPS mode.

You can also use it as a fitness tracker, and use it to count your steps, and track what distance you cover in activities like hiking and running.

Unfortunately, however, it does not feature heart rate monitoring, so it cannot give you a good estimate of calories burned during exercise. Other than that, I guess the only other real drawback to this watch for a golf enthusiast is the scary high price tag.

Pros:

• Very large full color touch screen
• Has a great Virtual Caddie function
• Loads of other great golf features
• Even features slope compensation
• Is also a smartwatch & fitness tracker
• Amazingly long 20-hour battery life

Cons:

• Premium product at a premium price
• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring

Best Value: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

Best Value

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Golf Edition brings smart to your golf game. You can get up-to-date information on over 40,000 golf courses around the world so you can always know accurate yardage to plan your next shot.* A sleek, sporty design is built for style and comfort everywhere from the golf course to the pool to a night out.** Plus, seamless notifications and integration with your favorite apps means you can stay on top of everything without interrupting your round.

Pros:

• 40,000 preloaded golf courses
• Offers color bird’s eye views
• Loads of great golf features
• Also doubles as a smartwatch
• Works great as a fitness tracker

Cons:

• No slope or elevation compensation
• Battery life could be better
• It’s not what I’d call a budget watch, but it’s significantly more affordable than the Garmin Approach S62

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

Now, this is a great watch in all three categories, as a golf GPS watch, as a fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring, and as a smartwatch too.

Let’s start with the golf features. It comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses from around the world, which is about the same number as those offered by Garmin golf GPS watches.

It features full maps that display bunkers, hazards and such, and satellite views of the course, displaying the current location, fairways, greens, and yardages.

There’s also automatic hole recognition, touch targeting to find distances to specific locations, dual arc distancing to and from the hole, automatic shot tracking.

And there’s also a digital scorecard that will keep track of holes played, the par for each hole, and the number of putts, etc.

It’s also a great fitness tracker because it features a sensor to monitor your heart rate right on your wrist, so you don’t need to pair it with a chest monitor.

And measuring your heart rate gives you more accurate estimates of your calories burned, AND it can be used to track your sleep patterns.

It also features a step counter, and features apps for tracking swimming, running, and cycling.

It will also give you how many floors you’ve climbed, or laps around a track or pool, your calories burned per day, and number of repetitions done for any strength training exercise you do.

The smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

And that’s not all. You can also use it to play music and podcasts from Spotify, and even download your favorite music directly to the watch, thanks to the whopping 4 GB of internal storage.

When I took the watch to the course to test it, I accidentally dropped it in a puddle (I wasn’t wearing it at the time), and I found that the watch still continued to work just fine.

I also found that I could see the color display very clearly, even in direct sunlight, with no glare. I have to admit that when I tested out the battery life, I was quite disappointed.

But I guess I was asking a lot of the watch that day because I had both the heart rate monitor on and had the GPS running.

Pros:

• 40,000 preloaded golf courses
• Offers color bird’s eye views
• Loads of great golf features
• Also doubles as a smartwatch
• Works great as a fitness tracker
• You can use it to play music

Cons:

• No slope or elevation compensation
• Battery life could be better
• It’s not what I’d call a budget watch, but it’s significantly more affordable than the Garmin Approach S62
• Be sure to buy the Golf Edition, because the regular version does not have the special golfing features

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S20

Runner Up

Garmin Approach S20

$249.99

Approach S20 is the golfing partner that doubles as your everyday watch. Features more than 40,000 courses plus Garmin AutoShot round analyzer, activity tracking and smart notifications.

Combines elegant watchband design with high-resolution display and activity tracking.

AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records shot distances.

Pros:

• App support with AutoShot Round Analyser for reviewing your performance after every game
• Shows layup distances
• Works as a regular watch and can also be used for email and social media

Cons:

• This watch has difficulty syncing to the course you are on

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:31 am GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S20

The Garmin Approach S20 is the full package. Not only is it an excellent GPS golf watch and fitness tracker, but it’s a smartwatch too.

You can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more. Its performance as a golf GPS watch is exemplary.

Like most other Garmin golf watches, it comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf course maps from all over the world.

Plus, users get unlimited updates of these courses for the whole lifetime of the watch. Based on the GPS signal, you get yardages to the front, middle and back of the green and so on, so you will be informed exactly how far you have to hit the golf ball at each turn.

This in turn can also help you to decide which club to use for each shot. And it will also give your yardages to any hazards and doglegs and such as well.

It also has a Green View feature which shows you the true shape and layout of the green, even if you’re behind it. And you can manually reposition the pin as needed.

But where the S20 really comes into its own is when you pair it up with the Garmin Truswing Sensor.

The S20 is also quite a good fitness tracker. Not only does it count your steps every day, and the distance you cover as you walk, jog or whatever, but it also monitors your heart rate through the pulse on your wrist.

And because of this monitoring, it can give you a far more accurate estimate of your calories burned than it otherwise would have. And it can also be used to monitor your sleep to boot.

I like the aesthetic of this watch, with its black silicone band, and smooth rectangular monochrome display. And I can confirm, because I tested it, you can see the display clearly even under direct sunlight.

When I tested the battery life of the device, I found that it lasted about 15 hours in GPS mode on a full charge.

I also found that the yardages provided matched that on my handheld GPS unit, and I never had a problem with the GPS signal.

I would argue that it’s incredibly competitively priced, given just how much functionality this watch has.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
• It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
• Can be paired with Garmin Truswing for swing metrics
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Fitness tracking includes heart rate monitoring
• Excellent battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• No slope or elevation compensation
• Display is not color but black/white monochrome

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S40

Runner Up

Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:

• Responsive touchscreen
• Waterproof
• Fitness tracking included
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not very user-friendly
• No heart rate monitor
• Quite expensive

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S40

Now, the Garmin Approach S40 is an excellent GPS watch for golf. Not only because it comes preloaded with 41,000 golf course maps from all over the world. There are plenty of other excellent features.

This makes it an excellent gadget for those who like to enter golf tournaments abroad. And where the S40 really stands out against other Garmin GPS fitness tracking watches, is that the display is in full color, and you can bring up a clear bird’s eye view of the area before you start your game and for each shot.

You can manually set the pin position, and the watch will automatically work out the yardages to the front, middle and the back of the green. And it will also work out the yardages to any hazards as well.

You can connect it to the Garmin Golf app, which enables you to view all your stats, both in real time during play, and afterward as well, for some in-depth post-game analysis.

And if you’re feeling really confident, you can compete on leaderboards, too. But where the S40 really comes into its own as a golf GPS watch is how you can pair it up with special sensors over Bluetooth to get advanced swing metrics.

These sensors can be screwed into each grip of all of your clubs, and they will automatically track every stroke, and tell you where and how far you’ve hit each shot. They can even measure your downswing and upswing tempo.

For more information on the Garmin Approach CT10 sensors, just go to our review here on Golftlink. They may be somewhat expensive, but if you have the budget for them, they can really help your game.

It’s also a smartwatch, and you can pair it with your smartphone to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

You can also use it as a fitness tracker, and use it to count your steps, and track what distance you cover in activities like hiking and running.

Unfortunately, however, it does not feature heart rate monitoring, so it cannot give you a good estimate of calories burned during exercise. When I tried it out for myself, I felt it was a really nice change to have a display that’s in full color. And I found that having that bird’s eye view really helped me get a better feel for the game.

The display is also a nice size at 1.2 inch diameter, which I found I could view clearly even under direct sunlight.

When I tested its battery life, I was really impressed to find that it lasted a whopping 15 hours in GPS mode on a full charge. It’s available with different color bands and bezels.

And through Amazon, you can also buy it as a bundle deal with the Garmin Approach CT10 sensors, or with golf balls or golf balls and such.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
• Gives a bird’s eye view of the courses and holes
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Large, easy to read full color touchscreen display
• Excellent battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
• No slope or elevation compensation

Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Runner Up

Garmin Vivoactive 3

$239.99

From playing to paying, vívoactive 3 is the smartwatch for your active life. Make contactless payments with ease, right from your watch, and with more than 15 preloaded sports apps — you can choose how you like to get fit. Built-in GPS lets you record the distance, pace, location and more for your outdoor activities.

Pros:

• Met with excellent customer ratings
• It comes very reasonably priced
• Preloaded with many activity profiles
• Handy range of golfing features
• Tracks heart rate, fitness & stress levels
• Good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• No preloaded golf course maps
• No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
• No advanced swing training metrics
• Doesn’t save locations of hazards
• No slope compensation

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 02:27 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Vivoactive 3

Now, this GPS watch and fitness tracker has simply been flying off the shelves at Amazon, where it’s received well over 10,500 individual customer ratings.

And, better yet, the average customer rating there still comes in at an impressive 4 and a half stars out of 5. It’s very reasonably priced for a branded watch, I have to say. Especially when you consider all the features it has to offer.

It features not just GPS tracking and fitness tracking but it also features smartwatch functionality as well, which means you can get notifications for the likes of calls, text messages, emails and more directly on your wrist when paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.

But when it comes to other features, it’s definitely a fitness tracker first and a golf GPS watch second. I say this because while it has a lot to offer in terms of fitness tracking, it doesn’t actually come with preloaded golf courses already built in. 

But if you don’t tour worldwide anyway, this isn’t such a big deal, and you can just download the courses you want as and when the need arises.

The golfing features include those all important distances to the front, back and middle of the green, as well as hazard, layup and dogleg distances, which can also come in very handy.

And that’s not all. It also covers club tracking, touch targeting, pinpoint blindspot assistance, and shot tracking.It also comes with about 15 other preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, and with activity profiles, including the likes of strength or cardio workouts, water sports, skiing, running, cycling, and more.

And you can customize your workouts, so they’re completely personalized to you.

The fitness tracker functions feature not only the standard step counting, heart rate monitoring and sleep monitoring, but also your fitness level, using VO2 max and fitness age estimates, and see how they change as your fitness improves over time.

It also tracks your heart rate variability, which in turn is used to deduce your stress levels. When I tried this watch out for myself, I was impressed by just how much you can customize it.

There are loads of different watch faces available through the Connect IQ store that can give the watch a whole new look as often as you wish.

And you download thousands of free widgets and apps too, including the likes of Uber and SmartThings. The other thing I like about this watch is that you can even use it for contactless payment with certain banks.

The display is 1.2 inches in diameter, which is all you really need, and it’s very easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

I tested out the battery life in GPS mode, and it lasted about 13 hours in total, which I thought was pretty good. And I can confirm the yardages on the golf course were spot on too – I compared it with a handheld GPS unit.

It’s available in a range of different color options.

Pros:

• Met with excellent customer ratings
• It comes very reasonably priced
• Preloaded with many activity profiles
• Handy range of golfing features
• Tracks heart rate, fitness & stress levels
• Good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• No preloaded golf course maps
• No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
• No advanced swing training metrics
• Doesn’t save locations of hazards
• No slope compensation

Runner Up: Garmin Approach X40

Runner Up

Garmin Approach X40

Slim, lightweight GPS golf band with Elevate wrist heart rate technology and activity tracking

Displays distances to front, back and middle of the Green Plus Hazards. Autoshot tracking measures your shot distances and auto-records detected shots for post-round analysis. Activity tracking shows steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate and activity intensity.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
• Features accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring
• Also an excellent watch for running workouts
• Smart, sleek appearance with easy to read display

Cons:

• No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
• No advanced swing training metrics
• Display is in black and white, not color

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Introduction to Garmin Approach X40

In this model, Garmin has built a GPS watch specifically with golfing in mind. It comes preloaded with their normal offer of 41,000 golf course maps based all over the world.

And in addition to providing yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, it will also give you layup and dogleg distances as well.

You can even use it for automatic shot tracking and club tracking as well.

And when you get back home from your round of golf, you can carry out a post round analysis by syncing your data to your Garmin connect account.

It’s not quite a perfect golf GPS watch, though, as it doesn’t feature slope compensation or advanced swing training metrics, like some of the other golf GPS watches do.It’s also quite a good fitness tracker, too.

It will monitor your heart rate right on your wrist, so you don’t need to shell out for a chest heart monitor. Provided you wear it snug and above the wrist bone, you should get very accurate readings.

The watch also displays your heart rate in beats per minute, and it can give you your seven-day average resting heart rate. It can also bring up a graph of your heart rate over the previous 4-hour period.

The Approach X40 also functions great as a step counter. I know because I have tried it out for myself. And you can have it monitor your sleep for you.

It also works well as a running workout tracker, because it can see your distance covered thanks to the GPS functionality. And because it’s tracking your heart rate at the same time, it can also work out your calories burned as you run.

It’s also a smartwatch, and you can pair it with your smartphone to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

When I tested out the battery life in GPS mode, I wasn’t particularly impressed, it lasted about 5 and half hours, but since then I’ve come to understand that this is because I was testing a renewed, preowned version of the watch and not a brand new one.

And anyway, 5 and a half hours in GPS mode is more than long enough for an entire round of golf.

It’s a great watch for fans of Fitbits, because it has that same, minimalist, streamline aesthetic, it’s pretty similar to the Sense 2 or Versa 4 in this case. The band has a width of 21.1 mm, which is just under an inch, and the display has a long rectangular shape that fits inside this width.

It may not be a full color display, but on the flip side it’s still very easy to read. I tried it out on the golf course, and even found it easy to read under direct sunlight.

I was also impressed at the accuracy of the yardages given (I compared it with a handheld GPS unit).

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
• Features accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring
• Also an excellent watch for running workouts
• Smart, sleek appearance with easy to read display
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications

Cons:

• No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
• No advanced swing training metrics
• Display is in black and white, not color
• No slope or elevation compensation
• Doesn’t come with several preloaded activity profiles, only running

Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker / Heart Rate Monitor Buying Guide

As promised, here’s your buying guide. Let’s walk you through some of the key things to consider when buying a golf GPS watch with heart rate monitoring.

Aesthetic & Display

You’re more likely to enjoy the watch if you like the look of it and it goes well with your outfits. But what’s more important than that is whether you can actually read the watch.

To that end, you need a large display that measures at least an inch in diameter, or an inch diagonally if it’s a square or rectangular display.

You also need the watch to feature bold numbering and lettering, so you can see the yardages etc. at a glance without having to squint.

You will also need to be able to see the display under direct sunlight, without any glare.You may be happy with a purely black and white display, or you may prefer full color maps.

Preloaded Golf Courses

If you like to go touring with your golf, then you need a golf GPS watch that features preloaded golf course maps from all over the world.

Garmin is the key brand here, as you can see, most of their watches comes preloaded with over 40,000 courses.

Smartwatch Functionality

Did you know that you can get golf GPS watches that not only double as fitness trackers but are also smartwatches as well?

This means that they can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and give your notifications directly on your watch for calls, emails, text messages, and even some social media notifications too.

Some people see this as a great feature to have, but others say that they find it a distraction while they’re on the golf course. So each to their own on that.

Fitness Tracking

All of the watches that made my shortlist feature fitness tracking, but only some of them offer heart rate monitoring directly on the wrist.

If this is important to you, be sure to check this feature before you buy.

Battery Life

GPS usage has long been known to put quite a severe strain on GPS devices.

However, the battery life of most GPS watches on the market will last for at least 6 hours on a full charge, which is more than enough for a full round of golf. I made a point of testing the battery life of every watch in the shortlist.

Water Resistance

Many golfers like to continue with their game even in light rain. And why not? Don’t let the weather get in the way of your fun if you can help it.

For this reason, you should check whether the watch you like has water resistance.

Brand

I think brand is important when it comes to high-tech products like GPS watches that double as fitness trackers.

This is why our shortlist includes the likes of GPS tracking specialist Garmin, and cutting edge tech from Samsung.

Value For Money

Now, it’s important to note that I don’t include prices in my text in the reviews. This is because they are subject to change. However, you can click on “Check price” to check prices as you go along.

Be sure to be on the lookout for any great deals on special occasions like Black Friday or Cyber Monday!

The post Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker & Heart Rate Monitor appeared first on Golftlink.

They use satellite imagery to help you map out your current golf course so you can tactfully plan out your distances per shot to help reduce your number of strokes per game.

This is why golf GPS watches have been picked up by so many golfers over the years. They are incredibly popular thanks to their high accuracy and have been helping golfers all around the world improve their scores.

You definitely do not want to end up spending your hard earned money on a golf GPS watch that is inaccurate or the battery dies in an hour.

In this review, we are going to be comparing the Garmin Approach S62 and S60 – two golf GPS watches from a very acclaimed brand.

We are going to go into each one individually before comparing them to see which of the two comes out on top.

Garmin Approach S60

The S60 overview

Garmin Approach S60

$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:

• Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
• 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
• Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
• It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
• Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
• Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
• Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

• Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
• Not a budget golf GPS watch

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Let’s start with the older model – the Garmin Approach S60. First released in 2017, the Garmin Approach S60 is quite a few years old now yet is still beloved by golf enthusiasts everywhere.

The price tag, however, is way more affordable than the Approach S62 – but this is understandable considering that the S60 is 3 years older.

But this difference in price can still be a big contributing factor when it comes to golfers going for the S60 or the newer S62.

Those who golf less or are on a budget might not want to sink so much money into the Approach S62, so they choose to save a bit by picking the S60 instead.

This might also be something for you to consider but if price is really not an issue, you will want to focus on other areas of the watch – like it’s design or features, for example.

Design And Quality

It’s important to note that while most golf GPS watches are not designed to be flash or fancy, the Approach S60 still sports a very sleek and sophisticated overall design.

Although I am sure you don’t expect your golf GPS watch to look like a Rolex, you probably expect it to look nice and be made from some fine materials that make it durable and high quality to justify the price tag.

Well, I am glad to say that the Approach S60 is just that. Available in two colors (black or white), the Approach S60 is a beautiful watch made with either a polymer or ceramic bezel.

It uses sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its lens, meaning that it features native damage resistant technology to make this lens tougher and more scratch resistant. 

This makes the Approach S60 quite durable and sturdy, so you can use it freely knowing that it won’t break easily. The Approach S60 comes with a Quickfit watch band that is easy to fit on and off your watch with just a snap.

Secure yet easy to switch, you can change up your strap’s material from silicone to leather to fit your style and aesthetics.

As for your watch’s display, the Approach S60 features a reasonably good display size with a 1.2 inch screen diameter that includes color display and an easy to use touch screen.

You will also clearly be able to see the map of your golf course thanks to the 240 x 240 pixel screen resolution.

It also gestures a sunlight-visible, transflective memory in pixel (MIP) display type which means that you can still clearly see your watch’s screen even in harsh sunlight.

As for battery life, it is important for you to consider just how long you spend out on the course in a single game.

The last thing you want is your golf GPS watch to die suddenly while out on the green. Luckily, the Approach S60 has a battery life of up to 10 hours in golf mode so you can definitely enjoy a fair amount of time outside playing golf with the aid of your golf GPS watch.

It also has a 10 day battery life if you just use it as a regular watch – just remember to top its battery up before you switch it to golf mode.

So, overall, we are impressed with the Approach S60’s design and quality. It definitely feels like a sturdy golf GPS watch plus you have the ability to swap out the strap or choose a color that best suits your personal taste. 

Also, its design features like its MIP display type and fair sized display screen makes it easy for everyone to use. It weighs in at 1.8 ounces, making it light and comfortable to wear. The Approach S60 is off to a good start!

Golfing Features And Use

When it comes to trying out your Approach S60 out on the golf course, you will be impressed with all the options at your fingertips.

Thanks to Garmin’s years of research, the Approach S60 has access to preloaded maps for more than 41,000 golf courses all around the world.

This means that you have the ability to take and use your Approach S60 at any golf course you like, whether you are at home or on holiday abroad.

It even offers automatic downloads of updates when you sync to Garmin Connect, the company’s own online app that features tools for tracking and analyzing your health and fitness.

So, you are pretty much guaranteed to be able to use the Approach S60 anywhere and be able to use accurate maps at any golf course you play at.

Also, these maps help you get precise distances from every location on the course. It even adjusts yardages to account for slopes and gradients so you can play with the best club even if you are going uphill or downhill.

Not a lot of golf GPS watches in the past accounted for gradients, but now thanks to Garmin’s technological research, its Approach series now includes sensors that take gradients into consideration when calculating distances, helping you to choose the right club to get to where you desire.

So how do you find out the distance to the spot you are aiming for? Just use the touchscreen which features Garmin’s Touch Targeting technology. Touch any point on the map and it will give you a measurement of the distance from your location to your desired pinpoint. 

It really is as simple as that, making this golf GPS watch very easy to use. The Approach S60 also includes a lot of other features that help improve your golfing experience.

You can use your S60 as a digital scorecard and track your statistics such as strokes, putts per round, and even green and fairways hit.

If you choose to sync your Approach S60 to your compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android) then you can even receive incoming calls, texts, and alerts on your Approach S60.

This way, you don’t have to be constantly checking your phone for alerts and you can concentrate purely on your game. Connecting to the Garmin Golf app will also allow you to compete on leaderboard with other Garmin golfers.

This is a great way for you to keep in touch and compete with other likewise golf players on any of the 41,000 courses available on your Approach S60.

Regular Features

Of course, the Approach S60 is more than just a golf GPS watch. It features a watch mode that requires less energy so you can use it just like a regular smart watch without draining its battery.

This means that you can also use your Approach S60 not only as a clock up as a timer, alarm, calendar and stopwatch. It is also able to stay fit and healthy by connecting to the Garmin Connect app, allowing you to monitor your sleep and hydration.

You can also use it for other activities other than golf including running, rowing, swimming and cycling. With a water rating of 5 ATM, this golf GPS watch can also withstand rain or snow, swimming and diving, and even snorkeling.

So, if you are also a sport enthusiast who enjoys water-based activities, you can even wear the Approach S60 as a regular fitness watch and put yourself to the test in the swimming pool.

Garmin Approach S62

The S62 overview

Garmin Approach S62

$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.

Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:

• Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
• Provides slope adjusted distances
• Tells you the wind speed and direction
• The large display makes this watch easier to use

Cons:

• Tracking system sold separately

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

The Garmin Approach S62 is the most recent addition to Garmin’s Approach range of golf GPS watches. It was first released in 2020, making it 3 whole years younger than the Approach S60.

Garmin announced that the Approach S62 was meant to be an improvement of the popular S60 model and advertised it as the upgrade all golfers needed.

This would lead us to expect that the Garmin Approach S62 is better than the S60 in many ways – perhaps it’s more durable, contains more features or has a sleeker design.

However, not all ‘upgrades’ are for the better – and we have been stung by products who fall flat when compared to their predecessors.

So, is the Garmin Approach S62 really the superior model? Let’s take a look at this watch before comparing it to the Approach S60.

Design And Quality

When it comes to appearance and quality, it is easily noticeable that the Approach S62 is one of the best golf GPS watches out there. It features a simple yet sporty design that, it looks and feels like a sturdy fitness watch.

Its bezel material is ceramic and it uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for a scratch resistant and durable lens that is difficult to damage.

This means you can wear your Approach S62 with the confidence knowing that it won’t break or damage easily.

It comes with a flexible silicone wristband that fits comfortably around wrists with a circumference of 125-208mm.

The strap is also Quickfit compatible so you have the ability to swap it out for a different material to suit your own personal style and taste.

Customization does not stop there as you can also choose between two color schemes (white or black) for your Approach S62.

As for display, this golf GPS watch boasts an impressive 1.3 diameter touchscreen with a very clear display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels.

This means that those who hate small and fiddly accessories and gadgets can feel more at ease when using the Approach S62.

It is also very clear to read even in strong sunlight thanks to the MIP technology used in it’s design.

With a strong color display and such a large screen size, it is very easy for everyone to be able to use and enjoy this golf GPS watch.

The Approach S62 also includes a built in lithium ion battery that is rechargeable and can be used for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.

When you are using it out on the greens, it switches to its golf mode and can be used for up to 20 hours – that is plenty of time to fit in more than a few rounds of golf!

So overall, the Approach S62 is a very well designed golf GPS watch. It is also very high in quality and uses materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and silicone to make for a durable watch.

Although it is a little on the heavy side, weighing in at 2.2 ounces, it is still very comfortable to wear. Now – how does it do when it comes to features?

Golfing Features And Use

The whole point of buying a golf GPS watch is to use it to help you improve your game. That is why the features that come with the Approach S62 are so vital and important to consider when looking into buying your very own golf GPS watch.

How does the Approach S62 help improve your golfing experience? Well, first it has access to the 41,000 worldwide golf course maps that are preloaded into the Approach S62 from purchase.

This means that you can take your Approach S62 anywhere and use it on pretty much any course worldwide. It automatically updates and offers you a full vector map of the area with clearly marked hazards and targets.

You can even make your own custom targets with just your finger tip thanks to Garmin’s Touch-Targeting technology implemented in this golfing gadget.

This means that not only do you have access to many accurate course maps, you can also personalize it to your game. Just touch your screen, set your targets and allow the Approach S62 to tell you the precise distance measures to your target from your exact location.

This will help influence you to choose the right club for the swing so you can improve your game and take less swings to reduce your score.

It also takes into consideration gradients for uphill and downhill shots, adjusting yardages so you can continue playing with accurate distances.

While this is a massive help when it comes to improving your score, there are other features that come with the Approach S62 that you can also benefit from.

When you connect your Approach S62 to a compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android) and sync it to the Garmin Golf app, you will have access to the virtual caddie feature.

Although most golf GPS watches act like virtual caddies anyway, the Approach S62 takes it one step further by also factoring in wind speed and direction.

The virtual caddie feature helps factor in wind speed and direction when calculating distances on your map and also helps give suggestions on which club you should use.

It does this by looking at your statistics, recognizing which club you are best with when aiming for a certain distance and will advise you to use that club – a huge help when it comes to improving your golf score! It also advises you on which direction to swing your club so your golf ball won’t be blown off course.

While this feature may be inconsistent when the wind either picks up or suddenly dies mid swing, it is still a huge feature that can really help you stay on track. Connecting to the Garmin Golf app also offers you more features than just the virtual caddie.

You can use your Approach S62 as a digital scorecard, track your statistics like strokes and putts per round, and also help you compete with other Garmin golfers for that course on a digital scoreboard.

This means you can compete in tournament-like competitions and prove your skill to other golfers!

The Approach S62 offers an abundance of golfing features like the virtual caddie and the impressive course map database.

All of these can really help improve your score by warning you of hazards like water and sandbanks that may be obscured from view.

Plus, the virtual caddie offers very useful advice that can help you out in tricky situations.

Regular Features

Although the Approach S62 is designed specifically for golfers, it is more than just a golf GPS watch.

It offers a range of other features that can help you with outdoor recreation, indoor swimming, and maximize your health.

This means that you can also use your Approach S62 like a fitness watch as well as a golf GPS watch, making it incredibly versatile and useful to those who do more than just golf.

Monitor your health by using your Approach S62’s sensors to measure your daily resting heart rate and receive alerts for when your heart rate becomes abnormal.

You can also receive alerts to remind you to relax or do breathing exercises to help you stay calm and stress free all day.

The Approach S62 is capable of recording your activity history as well as monitoring your steps, distance traveled and calories burned while doing gym activities like cardio or treadmill.

You can also take it in the pool with your as it has a water rating of 5 ATM and measures pool swim metrics like lengths, pace, stroke count and swim efficiency.

But, of course, if you are not into fitness and just like a calm game of golf, then you also have the option to use your Approach S62 as a regular watch. Switch the Approach S62 to smartwatch mode and you can use it as a calendar, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch and even use Garmin’s new feature – Garmin Pay!

Now, you can pay for things using your golf GPS watch by syncing it to the app on your phone, making payment transactions quick and simple.

The Approach S60 Is More Durable And Sturdy

When compared side by side, the Approach S60 and the S62 are very similarly designed. They also use very similar high quality materials, such as the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 used for the lens material.

However, there is one minor difference when it comes to the bezel material. The Approach S60 offers you the choice between ceramic and polymer, while the Approach S62 only offers ceramic material. Ceramic material is far more brittle than polymer and breaks a lot easier, but this is a relatively minor difference.

However, ceramic is virtually scratch proof so your golf GPS watch will look as good as new even after many rounds of golf. You won’t notice a thing – until it breaks. Despite this difference, the two watches are on par with each other when it comes to durability.

However, the difference between ceramic and polymer is still something to consider if you know you are bound to be a bit heavy handed with your golf GPS watch.

The Approach S62 Is Bigger

We are not saying that size matters, but if you are someone with large hands or struggle to see screens up close, then you may be more inclined to go with the Approach S62.

Its screen measures as 1.3 inch in diameter compared to the 1.2 diameter of the Approach S60’s screen, meaning that it is easier to map and read the Approach S62.

It still retains a sharp resolution despite its size increase from its previous model so you can use your golf GPS watch with ease.

On the other hand, this increase in size does make the S62 heavier. It weighs in at around 2.2 ounces compared to the lighter alternative of 1.8 ounces with the Approach S60 so if you don’t mind the smaller screen and prefer less weight on your wrist while golfing, you might prefer the Approach S60.

The Approach S62 Has A Longer Battery Life

This is definitely a dealbreaker for some. A long battery life requires less time charging and you are less likely to be caught out on the greens with a dead golf GPS watch.

Imagine the annoyance you would feel if your watch died and you saw your score steadily increase without its help.

A good, long battery life helps you to avoid this and while both watches offer a fair amount of usage time both in golf and smartwatch mode, the Approach S62 easily wins out here. Its battery life in both golf and smartwatch mode is twice as long as the S60.

While the S60’s golf mode battery life of 10 hours might last you a full day of golfing, the S62’s 20 hour golf mode battery life will definitely see you through.

So if you want to avoid any unfortunate setbacks in the middle of your game, you will be better off choosing the Approach S62 for it’s far longer battery life.

The Approach S62 Features the Virtual Golf Caddy

We have to be fair and say that the Approach S60 still works great as a golf GPS watch. It is very accurate when it comes to measuring distances between your location and your target.

Plus, both watches use the same databases for their maps and receive updates so you know that with both watches, you will be getting a very accurate look at your golf course.

But the Approach S62 also features the virtual caddy, which accounts for wind speeds and directions where the Approach S60 does not.

Wind is a huge influence when it comes to golf as it can blow your golf ball at a slant or work against your ball and slow it down. 

The Approach S62 will take this into consideration when calculating the distances and even advise you on which club to use to really maximize your swing’s potential.

While the Approach S60 does consider gradients and hazards, it just does not have this additional feature that can really make a difference.

The golf caddy feature enhances the Approach S62’s accuracy and makes it the better golf GPS watch for helping reduce your golf scores.

The Approach S62 Works Better As A Fitness Watch

Versatility is also another important factor to consider when choosing your golf GPS watch. Are you only going to use it on the greens? Or do you want to use it as a smartwatch too?

If this is the case, then both the Approach S60 and S62 work as great smart and fitness watches. However, the Approach S62 has additional health and fitness features like the daily resting heart rate monitor with abnormal heart rate alerts.

This is thanks to how the S62 features additional sensors to make more precise and sensitive heart rate measurements, allowing it to measure your heart rate without needing to exercise.

The Approach S62 can also monitor your exercise and fitness while you do various gym activities such as cardio, strength, treadmill and yoga.

The Approach S60, however, is only effective when doing indoor rowing. So if you are a fitness enthusiast and are thinking of doubling your golf GPS watch as a fitness watch, you will have more versatility with the Approach S62 as it has more features and can analyze your performance during more exercises.

The post Garmin Approach S62 vs S60 appeared first on Golftlink.

In this article, we will be reviewing the Garmin Approach S40 golf watch so you can decide if this is the right purchase for you. The Garmin Approach S40 has most of the features that you would want in a device aimed at improving your golf game.

It is also extremely well-built and is as accurate as any other GPS device, watch or not. It’s significantly more advanced and also slightly more sturdy than the previous model, the Garmin S20.

Because it is not the cheapest watch on the market, you should only consider it if you want to wear it regularly.

The Garmin S40 is incredibly popular with golfers though, even though it does have slightly fewer features than the next model up, the Garmin S60.

It does everything you need it to do when you are out on the course.

Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

Our Pick

Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:

• Responsive touchscreen
• Waterproof
• Fitness tracking included
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not very user-friendly
• No heart rate monitor
• Quite expensive

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

Features

The Garmin S40 golf watch is a mid-range model that sits between the S60 and S20. It misses some of the S60’s capabilities but is far more complex than the S20.

Hopefully, by selecting the proper club, you will be able to lower your scores. One important difference between the S20 and S40 is that the S40 incorporates non-golf-specific tracking features.

It has a range of timekeeping functions such as a stopwatch and alarm, as well as certain health-related features including sleep and hydration levels.

Additionally, it features a selection of running and cycling accessories. These features make the watch more versatile for use of the course, which may be a selling point for those who want a more all-around product over one that does a specific thing.

The first benefit of this device is that it has over 42,000 courses from all around the world.

Garmin has the most comprehensive variety of courses, including practically all of the main courses in well-populated areas. If you are a bit worried about buying this product without knowing if your local course is on the device, then you can easily check this on the Garmin website.

Garmin is constantly adding new courses to their lineup, so even if yours is not currently on there, there is a high chance that it will be eventually.

On this device, you will see the distances to the front, centre, and back of the green. If you are someone who struggles with direction, then this will help you to not end up on the wrong side of the green.

Additionally, it will display the distance between doglegs and layup locations.

If you miss the proper distance into a dogleg, you will almost certainly have a tough or blind shot into the green. This is not great for your scores, so the device helping you to avoid this is very useful. It will tell your location relative to the 100 and 150-yard marks.

Knowing the distance travelled by each club is crucial if you wish to enhance your consistency. This is one of the few ways to access the data.

What the S20 does not include is the capability to compute distances to custom targets. The S40 on the other hand, enables you to select any location on the course and stores the distance for future reference.

Unfortunately, this must be done manually, and the distance to any point cannot be determined (unlike with the S60).

Another complex feature is statistic tracking. Following your round, you will be able to evaluate your performance and discover areas for improvement.

It will track the number of putts made every round, the proportion of greens in regulation, and the percentage of fairways hit. The Autoshot feature maintains track of your club distances, providing you with an average of the lengths travelled by each of your clubs.

This will aid you in deciding which club to attack from a variety of different distances.

Also, you may inspect the green shape and operate the pin to get a desired distance. This is another improvement on the S20, where this is not possible. At times, the pin may not be in the centre of the green, in which case this feature is useful.

Finally, the S40 has a digital scorecard, maintains track of your handicap, and can be used in connection with the Garmin CT10 to measure club stats automatically.

Design

What everyone wants in a watch’s design is its comfort and ease of use. Both are crucial, even more so if you are not a watch wearer and so will notice more if a heavy device is on your wrist.

Despite the fact that the watch is filled with features, the S40 is significantly more comfortable to wear than the vast majority of its competitors. It is somewhat larger than the S20 but substantially better.

There is a distinct difference in comfort between the less expensive watches and the S40, which is good given the range of materials available.

It comes with removable straps that allow you to experiment with different colors and materials. This is an option that the majority of golf watches do not provide.

It is designed similarly to the Garmin Forerunner 945 and boasts a 1.2-inch color touchscreen display.

The screen appears to be quite durable and should not be as easily scratched or broken as the screens on some other smartphones.

That said, the watch’s user interface was first a little hard to get used to, which you may notice even more if you have never used a smartwatch before. But once you get the hang of it it should be smooth sailing from there.

Performance

When it comes to performance, people are most concerned with the battery’s life and the watch’s accuracy on greens and hazards. These are the major factor to consider while shopping for a golf GPS.

Battery life usually is slightly under three complete rounds, or just 3 rounds if you play quickly. You can be sure that it will last at least two rounds though, which is the standard for many golf watches.

Your location was quite precise in relation to the greens and hazards (as is the case with the majority of Garmin GPS systems), and it always appeared to be within 4-5 yards of the course markers. This is a very common occurrence with all Garmin watches.

Specs

Here are the all-important specs of the Garmin S40:

• Golf courses – 41,000+
• Size – 43 x 43 x 12mm
• Water rating – 5 ATM
• Quick-release bands – yes
• Battery life – 15 hours in GPS mode
• Touchscreen – yes
• Weight – 43 grams
• Strap material – silicone
• Club tracking – need CT10
• Preloaded – yes
• Custom target – yes
• Distance To Front, Middle, Back – yes
• Manual Pin Placement – yes
• Distance To Hazards/Doglegs/Layup – yes
• Autoshot – yes
• Shot distance – yes
• Stat tracking – yes
• Scorecard – yes

The post Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Review appeared first on Golftlink.

What they may disagree about, however, is about which one of these watches is the best, and which provides the best value for money.

In this article, we’re going to focus on two great Garmin watches, the Approach S10 and the Approach S20, comparing and contrasting the two.

We’re going to highlight the key differences, list their respective pros and cons, explore which is best for golf, which is the best watch overall, and which is the best value for money.

Then we’re going to top that off with a section where we answer some of your most frequently asked questions on the subject.

By the end of the article, you will be very well-informed, and in a position to decide which of these two great golf watches may be best for you.

Garmin Approach S10

Garmin Approach S10

$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:

• 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
• Accurate yardages using GPS
• Golf statistics tracking
• 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
• Available in a choice of 3 colors
• Relatively affordable price tag
• No pesky smart notifications

Cons:

• Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
• No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

The Garmin Approach S10 first became available as recently as 2018, and is still a very prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers in the category of golf course GPS units.

The S10 is a lightweight, 36.28 grams, GPS watch with an ultra-high resolution, 128 x 128 pixel, square screen, where data is displayed in a large font in white on a black background.

It is clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. And the screen is a nice size, coming in at 0.9 by 0.9 inches.

It comes with thousands of preloaded golf course maps, and you can bring up the green view, which not only gives you the front, middle and back, but also any hazards and doglegs.

Pros:

• 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
• Accurate yardages using GPS
• High display resolution
• Readable in bright sunlight
• Golf statistics tracking
• 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
• Available in a choice of 3 colors
• Relatively affordable price tag
• No pesky smart notifications

Cons:

• Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
• No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors

The S10 vs S20

The Approach S20 was actually produced 2 years before the S10, and it is thought that the S10 was invented and produced as a means of providing a more affordable version of the S20, albeit with fewer features.

There are two main ways in which the Approach S10 is lacking compared to the S20.

First off, it does not have Bluetooth connectivity. And as a result of this, it cannot be paired with a smartphone for smartwatch notifications.

Most people would argue that this makes it a poorer watch overall. However, many golfers prefer to take a GPS golf watch onto the golf course that does not have smartwatch capability because it means that they can enjoy their game entirely uninterrupted by pesky smart notifications. 

Garmin Approach S20

Garmin Approach S20

$249.99

Approach S20 is the golfing partner that doubles as your everyday watch. Features more than 40,000 courses plus Garmin AutoShot round analyzer, activity tracking and smart notifications.

Combines elegant watchband design with high-resolution display and activity tracking.

AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records shot distances.

Pros:

• App support with AutoShot Round Analyser for reviewing your performance after every game
• Shows layup distances
• Works as a regular watch and can also be used for email and social media

Cons:

• This watch has difficulty syncing to the course you are on

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 12:31 am GMT

The Garmin Approach S20 first became available to buy in 2016, but still remains a prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers in the category of golf course GPS units.

It was the first of these two watches to come out on the market, yet is packed with more features.

Like the S10, it also has a high resolution screen, nice screen size, is lightweight, has thousands of preloaded maps, and gives you all your yardages, including those to hazards and doglegs.

Smartwatch Functionality

The Garmin Approach S20 is the full package. Not only is it an excellent GPS golf watch, but it’s also a smartwatch too.

It will pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. This means that so long as you have your smartphone in your vicinity, you can receive smart notifications such as those for calls, texts, emails, and more.

However, it does not have a separate smartwatch and GPS mode which means that it can interrupt your golf game, and possibly do so at critical points, such as during your shots, which can be incredibly off-putting.

This smartwatch functionality also means that the battery life runs down more quickly than it otherwise would have.

However, if the watch has had a decent charge before the game, the battery is unlikely to run out during the game.

Besides, it’s the GPS functionality rather than the smartwatch functionality that drains the battery the most.

Compatibility With The Garmin Truswing Sensor

But it’s important to note at this point that the Bluetooth capability on the Garmin Approach S20 has yet more usefulness to the golfer, in addition to being able to pair it with your smartphone.

The Garmin Approach S20 can be paired up with the Garmin TruSwing. And this is where the Approach S20 really comes into its own.

The Garmin Truswing is basically a special sensor that you can attach to each of your clubs before each shot, that will provide the golfer with advanced swing metrics.

Garmin Truswing features an easy and robust golf club attachment, and it can record quite a lot of data on your golf swing, including the likes of your swing tempo, your swing speed, the club path coordinates, the club path, face to target, the dynamic loft, the shaft angle and the shaft lean.

It can even provide the golfer with 3D animations, displaying each swing on your smartphone or tablet.

The Garmin Truswing is an incredibly useful tool for anyone working on improving their golf game, helping you to deduce where you might be going wrong, and what you can try to do differently.

Fitness Tracking

And, there’s another way in which the S20 has an edge over the S10. It also doubles as a fitness tracker.

This means that it monitors your heart rate via the pulse on your wrist, and through this it can judge the number of calories you burn.

It can also track your stats in other sports and activities besides golf, so you could use it to garner your distance covered while cycling, for example.

Key Differences Between Garmin Approach S10 and S20

Difference In Price Tag

The first difference you’ll notice between the S10 and the S20 is the price tag. We would argue that both watches are very reasonably priced for what they can do.

However, some online retailers like to charge about $100 more for the S20 than for the S10, which is quite significant, and could be quite off-putting for some.

Smartwatch Functionality

In terms of features, however, the most significant difference between the Approach S10 and S20 is that the S20 is a smartwatch, whereas the S10 is not.

So, while you can get smart notifications from your smartphone on the S20, you cannot do so with the cheaper S10.

Battery Life

There’s also a significant difference in the battery life between the two watches. Whereas the S10 has a battery life of up to 12 hours when in GPS mode, the S20 has significantly more at up to 15 hours in GPS mode.

However, if the S10 has a full charge when you first reach the golf course, you will still have enough battery life for two whole rounds of golf, if not three. So neither option is a bad egg when it comes to battery life.

Special Features

Thanks to its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the Garmin Approach S20 has another feature not possible with S10, and that’s its compatibility with Garmin Truswing sensors, which we discussed earlier.

Which Is The Best Watch For Golf?

This is actually a bit of a tough question to answer…

Garmin Truswing Compatibility

At face value, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the Garmin Approach S20 is the better one for your golf game, thanks to its compatibility with the Garmin Truswing sensors… However, you don’t necessarily need the Garmin Approach S20 to be able to use the Garmin Truswing Sensors.

Sure, having the S20 on your wrist can quickly bring up all of your swing metrics is a pretty neat and incredibly useful feature. However, you can also bring up all that juicy data via an app on your smartphone.

Yardage Accuracy

We have to admit however that the Garmin Approach S20 does have the edge over the S10 when it comes to yardage accuracy. It offers better shot tracking distance measurement and analysis.

Which Is The Best Fitness Tracker?

This is an easy one to answer, because only the S20 doubles as a fitness tracker and the S10 does not.

Which Is The Best Watch Overall?

I’m just going to come out and say what we’re all thinking. A watch that also has smartwatch functionality is a way better watch than a watch that does not.

With a smartwatch, you can pair it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and provided that you’re not too far from your smartphone, you can get immediate push notifications every single time you get a call, a text, an email, and sometimes even social media notifications.

This way you never miss a thing. And this is why we would argue that the Garmin Approach S20 is a better watch overall than the Approach S10.

Which Is The Best Value For Money?

As we mentioned a little earlier, one of the key differences between the Approach S10 and the S20 is that the S20 costs significantly more money than its counterpart, the S10.

In fact, there are some online retailers out there that will charge you approximately $100 more for the S20.

In which case, if you are happy enough with the features in the S10, it makes more economical sense to go for the S10 over the S20.

However, some of you may feel that “cheaper” does not necessarily mean better value for money, and if you are impressed with what the S20 can do for you compared to the S10, we can certainly see why you’d go for the S20, provided that you have the budget.

The Garmin Approach S10 is very reasonably priced for a GPS golf watch, but at the same time, the Garmin Approach S20 is very competitively priced for a watch that features not only GPS functionality but also Bluetooth and smartwatch functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions – Garmin Approach S10 vs S20

The post Garmin Approach S10 vs S20 Comparison appeared first on Golftlink.

The Garmin Approach S20 is an all-singing, all-dancing model of a GPS golf watch. Not only is it an excellent golf GPS watch, but it also doubles as both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker.

In fact, I think the only thing you can’t do with it is make contactless payments. You can even use it with the Garmin TruSwing sensor for advanced swing metrics!

But then my eyes drifted to the price tag, and suddenly it all made sense… The Garmin Approach S10 is basically a budget golf GPS watch available at a fraction of the price of some of the other golf GPS watches on the market.

In fact, when this article was written, the Approach S10 was selling at $100 less than the S20.

What’s more, even though the S20 has been around two years longer than the S10, the S10 has seen about two and a half times as many sales as the S20.

Introduction to the Garmin S10

Let’s be clear on this. The S10 is not a better watch in terms of how many features it has. It is neither a fitness tracker nor a smartwatch, but is still an incredibly popular GPS watch with golfers.

And I reckon that has to be the reason why. Because of its affordability and sheer simplicity. I mean, do you really want to be bothered on the golf course by your social media notifications. I don’t for one.

And I have no real desire for a fitness tracker either. I’m in pretty good shape and I don’t care a fig how many steps I do on the course. That’s not what I’m there for.

So, that’s my introduction to the Garmin Approach S10, now for a more thorough look at its specs and features. 

Garmin Approach S10 GPS Watch

Garmin Approach S10

$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:

• 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
• Accurate yardages using GPS
• Golf statistics tracking
• 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
• Available in a choice of 3 colors
• Relatively affordable price tag
• No pesky smart notifications

Cons:

• Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
• No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors

Check Price

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

Aesthetic

The Garmin Approach S10 has a somewhat sporty, streamlined, and masculine look. It’s available in two main color options, black or a dark granite blue on a silicone band.

The screen is perfectly square in shape, measuring 23 by 23 mm. (In terms of inches, this works out at about 1.2 inches diagonally.

The screen is clear and easy to read, even under direct sunlight. I know this because I tested it myself. And the screen has a high resolution, featuring white detail against a plain black background.

I quite like it’s no-nonsense black and white screen, there’s no needless color on there to distract from simply seeing the yardages.

PreLoaded Courses

The Garmin Approach S10 comes preloaded with golf courses from all over the world. It features over 41,000 golf courses altogether, which is just as many as offered on the S20.

To see if your favorite golf courses are already included on the watch. Check out the repository at Garmin.

At the time of writing this article, there were thousands of US based courses there (17,958 to be exact)

What’s more, as more courses get added or updated, you don’t have to miss out, because you get free updates for the entire lifespan of the watch.

GPS Accuracy

For me, this is the aspect of a golf GPS watch that counts the most. When I tested this out, I also took a handheld GPS device with me, just to see how the two compare.

The watch will show you the shape of the green, which in mind is always the best way to start. But the key feature here really is how it will show you the yardages to the front, the back, and the center of the green.

Not to mention the yardages to the bunkers, the doglegs, or any water.I was pleased with the strength of the GPS signal on the watch, and also with the accuracy of the device as well.

The yardages that came up on the watch matched those I had on the handheld GPS device. I was able to learn how far I was hitting with each shot and how far to each hole.

I also like how you can use the watch to keep your score throughout the game. It sure saves having to carry a scorecard around.

I give it a 10 out of 10 score for performance, and a 10 out of 10 score for price.

What it Doesn’t Do

As I mentioned earlier, the S10 is not a smartwatch, nor a fitness tracker, and nor does it have Bluetooth to hook up with other gadgets. And as I discussed earlier, this could be seen as a blessing.

But there are also other areas where it could perform better, but doesn’t. Most notably, it doesn’t feature a Pin Pointer or track your stats (only your actual score).

Ease Of Use

I loved just how easy the watch is to use. It’s not a touchscreen display, but it instead features 4 regular buttons at the right and left of the screen.

I prefer this because it means that you don’t have to worry about accidentally pressing something that you didn’t mean to press.

Battery Life

The watch battery is rechargeable, and the battery can last up to 12 hours on a full charge when in GPS mode. Which, as you know, is long enough for several rounds of golf.

When you take it out of GPS mode it will last even longer, and works just fine as a regular digital watch, as well. 

GPS Watch VS Laser Rangefinder

To be perfectly honest, I still prefer using a laser rangefinder over a GPS watch for accuracy.

But I can certainly see why someone would prefer to use a GPS watch… A watch couldn’t be easier to carry around with you, it’s there secured on your wrist, leaving your hands completely free to hold a golf club, or the bag, or your sunglasses, or anything else.

What’s more, have you ever tried fitting your rangefinder into your golf bag? They’re not designed for it.

Not to mention that a regular laser rangefinder isn’t going to show you a picture of the green.

You would need a laser rangefinder with GPS for that. And they cost hundreds of dollars, several times more than what you’d expect to pay for the S10.

The post Garmin Approach S10 GPS Watch Review appeared first on Golftlink.