FIRST LOOK: New Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch with Virtual Caddie

Orlando, FL – Another update from Orlando folks:

Garmin has been manufacturing some of the top golf GPS watches for the past several years. For 2020, Garmin is releasing the Approach S62, which not only looks to improve on favorite features found in previous models but also looks to introduce a brand new feature: Virtual Caddie.

To start, the Approach S62 features a full-color, sunlight readable 1.3-inch color touchscreen—17% larger than the previous model—and scratch resistant ceramic bezel, which make the abundance of information, which includes PlaysLike Distance, Hazard View, Layup Targeting and Virtual Caddie, all easier to read.

With respect to the brand new Virtual Caddie feature, the Approach S62 will analyze critical factors such as wind speed, course layout, and a golfer’s past swings to recommend the club best suited for that next shot.

“The Approach S62 gives golfers access to essential golfing information like no other watch on the market with a style that goes beyond the clubhouse,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Thanks to our new built-in Virtual Caddie and detailed course maps, the Approach S62 has the power to instantly transform into a caddie that knows you and 41,000 courses worldwide.”

To really highlight some of the S62’s features, I am happy to state that one of my favorite features from Garmin’s G80 GPS (check out the full review here)—PinPointer—will be making an appearance. To explain, everybody has faced a blind shot on the golf course—a rolling blocking a sunken green or an approach shot to an elevated green on a plateau. PinPointer “points” you in the exact direction of the pin to help take out all of the guesswork that often ends up with you firing directly at a bunker or water hazard.

Additionally, the PlaysLike Distance function adjusts yardages to account for uphill and downhill shots, and with Hazard View golfers can quickly scroll through each hazard on the map to acquire critical distance information and know exactly what to avoid. Furthermore, the Green View feature, which is accessible everywhere while on the course, will display each green’s true shape and allow golfers to drag-and-drop the pin for better yardage accuracy.At the end of your round, the Approach S62 utilizes an Autoshot round analyzer to measure and record detected shot distances (note: the Approach S62 does not record putting stats), which, if paired with Garmin’s Approach CT10 club tracking sensors, can help boost game tracking details.

If you’re interested in taking a data dive, simply pair your Approach S62 with the Garmin Golf app, where stats are calculated and sent to the watch so golfers may review their handicap index, fairway and approach shot hit/miss percentage and green in regulation percentage. Indeed, the Garmin Golf app even provides analysis for strokes gained and allows users to participate in leaderboards and tournaments with other players around the world.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the Approach S62 is that it isn’t just a golf GPS watch. Indeed, as useful as the Approach S62 is on the course, it’s equally useful off the course.

For example, the Approach S62 boasts enhanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring to display the intensity of a user’s fitness activities. And to better gauge an individual’s overall health and fitness levels, a Pulse Ox sensor has been implemented to estimate blood oxygen saturation levels.

And for casual everyday usage, the Approach S62 also includes smart notifications to receive e-mails, texts, and alerts right on the display of the watch (when paired with a phone), activity tracking features and preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling, and even swimming. In fact, for the individual that doesn’t like carrying their wallet with them everywhere, the Approach S62 comes equipped with Garmin Pay to provide a contactless payment solution to help spend less time on the checkout lines and more time on the golf course.

The Approach S62’s battery life is rated for up to 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. Thanks to Garmin’s Quickfit bands, users can easily be altered and remain colorful in style with leather, silicone, nylon, or titanium options.

The Approach S62 is available now with a suggested retail price of $499.99.