Global GPS Precision, Shot Tracking & Data Analysis with Garmin’s Approach S12 Watch

Tech continues to be one of the most actively developed segments of golf, perhaps only rivaled by annual equipment “updates.” Fortunately, though, that means there’s something for every golfer out there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Garmin’s Approach S12 GPS watch is one of the three new additions to the Approach lineup, but (in my humble opinion) is the perfect option for the majority of golfers searching for easy to use, accurate technology that comes packed with extra features.

Starting with the S12’s hardware, the face is relatively the size of your standard poker chip, with a sunlight readable, high resolution screen and the center and 4 buttons on the perimeter. The simplicity of the S12 is one of several valuable features, as it could easily be used by anyone right out of the box.

But that would be a mistake, because the S12’s software brings plenty of horsepower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Despite weighing only 1.2 ounces, the S12 is preloaded with over 42,000 courses from around the world. And with a battery that’s rated for 30 hours on a single charge, you don’t have to worry if you’re trying to squeeze 72 in a single day, on a boys weekend, or forgot to charge your S12 after leaving it in your golf bag 2 weeks ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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But precision GPS distances is S12’s only trick. In fact, it’s just the beginning, because the S12 is capable of tracking shot distances and providing yardage to hazards, doglegs, and front, middle and back of the green you’re getting ready to attack. And after you’ve knocked the birdie putt in, you can actively score your round directly into the S12.

Now it’s important to note that these features are all immediately accessible through the S12, without any need for an annual membership fee. But Garmin also allows golfers to seamlessly pair the S12 to the free Garmin Golf app on your smartphone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Although not a required feature, the Garmin Golf app enhances the S12 by providing an overhead view of the hole you’re playing. But perhaps more valuable about the Garmin Golf app is that golfers can actively record some fundamental data points (tee shot direction and putts per hole) and upload their rounds to compete in weekly leaderboards, tournaments, review live scoring, and even strokes gained analysis (to help measure performance in different aspects of your game, such as drives, approach, chip, putt and even bunker shots).

Now if you want to maximize the Approach S12, Garmin also offers the Approach CT10 club sensors for automatic club tracking, absent any membership or annual fees. To briefly speak about the CT10 sensors, they’re small, lightweight sensors easily screw into the end of any grip. And while you can actively record shot distances through the S12, the CT10 sensors allow for an entirely passive experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On course, the Approach S12 gives you every bit of information you would expect from an experienced caddie. Distances, whether it was to a hazard or the pin, were on point and never deviated outside 5 yards what my laser registered. Additionally, once you get familiar with the S12’s simple, intuitive menus, it’s easy to easily scroll between registering shot distance, checking distances to the green and hazards, and entering a score.

Additionally, it was a huge relief (and advantage) that the Approach S12’s battery life easily surpasses the competition. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgot to charge a wearable GPS before a round or it accidentally turned on in my bag, and it dies on me mid-round. This sucks; you’re stranded without distance information and can no longer record shot data. This never happens with the Approach S12 because you can play at least 6 (but maybe almost 10) full rounds before you exhaust a full charge.

At $200, the Approach S12 (available in Black, White, and Granite) is already a premium GPS watch that goes toe-to-toe with the competitors. By offering certain features, like extended battery life and quick, easy scoring, the Approach S12 makes a compelling case for the best option for golfers who just want to focus on golfing.

And if you want to go beyond GPS distance and scoring, the Approach S12 allows you to easily incorporate extras, like the Garmin Golf app and Approach CT10 club sensors, so you can capitalize on every major feature available, including strokes gained analysis.