Garmin golf

Garmin on the course

Garmin builds navigation and measurement equipment, and it shows in their golf products. Where other brands make one type of product, Garmin covers the whole line: from a watch showing the distance to the green to a launch monitor measuring your clubhead speed and ball flight. Every Garmin golf product carries the Approach name. Below you'll read which types exist and what you use them for.

The Garmin golf range

Garmin splits the range into several product types, each with its own letter in the model name:

• GPS golf watches (S series and J1): wear them as an everyday watch; on the course they show the distance to the front, middle and back of the green and keep your score.
• Handheld GPS (G series): a separate unit with a bigger screen than a watch and full course maps. The G20 Solar tops up its charge in daylight.
• Club tracking tags (CT1): small sensors you screw into the grip of your clubs so your watch automatically records which club you hit and how far.
• Launch monitors and simulators (R series): measure clubhead speed, ball speed, spin and ball flight. Built for home or a practice bay, not for the course.
• Accessories: charging cables and other parts to keep your Garmin running.

Which Garmin golf watch suits you?

The watches make up the largest part of the Garmin range, and the choice comes down to how much you want from one. If you play socially and just want the yardage, a straightforward Approach model is enough. If you'll wear it during the week, look at a version with a touchscreen and everyday sports tracking. If you're working on lowering your scores, the models with club advice and detailed statistics are the logical step. Also check the case size: some models come in two, which matters on a slimmer wrist.

Watch, handheld or laser?

All three give you distances, but in different ways. A GPS watch is always on your wrist and works without aiming at anything. A handheld has a larger screen and shows the whole hole, handy if you like to plan your line. A laser measures to the point you aim at, so it's the most precise on the flag, but it does need a steady hand. For that last category, see the golf rangefinders, where Garmin sits alongside Bushnell.

Measuring your shots and your swing

If you want to go beyond distances, this is where it gets interesting. With club tracking tags you know afterwards exactly which club you hit and how far, without logging anything yourself. A launch monitor goes further and measures what the ball and clubhead actually do, including course simulation. You'll find a comparable approach with Game Golf. For practice itself, there's plenty in the golf training aids.

Deals and accessories

When a new generation arrives, the previous model often drops sharply in price while still performing perfectly well. So look at the older Approach models if you want to buy sharp. Parts such as charging cables are in the overview above, and further items for the course are in the golf accessories. The clubs themselves are at golf clubs.

Frequently asked questions about Garmin golf

What Garmin products are there for golf?

Under the Approach name Garmin makes four types of golf product: GPS golf watches, handheld GPS units, club tracking tags that screw into your club grips, and launch monitors that measure your swing and ball flight. There are also accessories such as charging cables. The watches are by far the best known, but the range is wider than that.

Which Garmin golf watch should I choose?

Start from what you want it to do. Only distances to the green? A straightforward Approach model is enough. If you'll wear it daily, choose a version with a touchscreen and sports tracking. If you want club advice, wind data and detailed statistics, you land on the more expensive models. Also weigh up case size and battery life.

What do the Approach CT1 club tracking tags do?

They're small sensors you screw into the butt of your club grips. They automatically recognise which club you used and for which shot, and send that to your Garmin watch or the app. So there's nothing to tap in during your round. Afterwards you see your average distance per club, which helps with club selection.

Do Garmin devices come with courses preloaded?

Yes. Approach watches and handhelds ship with tens of thousands of courses worldwide already on the device, so there's nothing to buy or download before you play. Course updates run through Garmin's software on your phone or computer.