Garmin Approach G80 GPS: Is this Golf’s Newest Swiss Army Knife?

The pros have all the cool toys and tools that help them succeed.  Between being equipped with launch monitors to help practice and fine tune shots with every club in their bag and a caddie who can provide strategic advice and warn of the various obstacles looming in the distance, there’s no question that amateurs are dropping a few shots by not effectively maximizing their practice time or haphazardly approaching each shot.

Garmin’s new Approach G80 GPS looks to arm each golfer with the Swiss Army knife we never knew we needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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While the G80’s primary function is as a global golf GPS, the new feature that deserves to be talked about first is the launch monitor that’s been incorporated into the handheld device.  Specifically, the Warmup Mode captures accurate data for club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, and estimated carry and total distances.  Best of all is that the Warmup Mode function can be used indoors or outdoors and without selecting what club you’re hitting, thereby allowing you to bounce back and forth between different clubs without constantly changing any settings.  Indeed, independent testing has confirmed that the Approach G80 is as accurate as dedicated launch monitors that can cost 4 to 40 times more than the G80.

And in case you were looking for something more challenging than just trying to hit that perfect 1.5 driver smash factor, the G80 also features Target Mode, which scores your ability to hit specific distances, and Virtual Round, which simulates playing shot-by-shot on any of the pre-loaded with 41,000 courses.  With respect to the Virtual Round function, this can be a great feature for anyone who’s looking to prepare for a tournament or special round of golf and wants to prepare for the different types of shots they would likely be encountering.

In sum, Garmin has finally developed a readily accessible and portable device that is capable of providing golfers with accurate data on the primary, invaluable metrics that can make a range session challenging, purposeful, and, most importantly, productive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With respect to the golf GPS function, the 3.5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display clearly displays every aspect of whatever golf course you’re playing in full color.  From the tee box, the Approach G80 provides an overhead view of the entire fairway, including any bunkers and water hazards you’ll be facing, and distances to the pin and certain approach points, which can help strategize whether you’re better off going with it or laying up.  In case you needed more specificity, the touchscreen allows you to touch anywhere on the screen for distance to the selected target, your location, and the remaining distance to pin.  Additionally, the PlaysLike Distance function provides adjusted distances for uphill or downhill shots, similar to a slope function on a laser rangefinder, which can easily turned off for tournament play.

In the event you’re stuck in a deep bunker or facing a blind shot, Garmin also has equipped the Approach G80 with PinPointer, which essentially “points” you in the direction of the green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And in case you’re wondering about how this high powered GPS holds-up to real world usage, Garmin claims the battery should last up to 15 hours.  In fact, I was able to easily get in 3 rounds, each with a brief range warm-up session, on a single charge and with plenty of battery life to spare.  Additionally, the G80 is waterproof rated at IPX7, meaning it can withstands incidental exposure (i.e., rain storms) of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Finally, the Approach G80 can help ditch the pencil and scorecard and electronically track your rounds with the free Garmin Golf app.  By entering your score in the app, you can compete, compare, and connect with other golfers who’ve played on anyone of the 41,000 courses that Garmin mapped around the world.

Although the Approach G80 is a bit pricey, retailing at $500, there’s no doubt that Garmin has put together a premium golf GPS that can be used anywhere in the world and, entirely unique from every other device on the market, allows you to use an accurate launch monitor that fit in your pocket.  As a result, the Approach G80 suddenly becomes an absolute bargain when you realize that Garmin is offering golfers an all-in-one handheld device that replaces your need for a caddie and a launch monitor.

Cover Image Via Instagram