Garmin Launch Golf GPS: Approach G3 and Aproach G5

[MaFt]

Garmin have just launched a new line of GPS device for golfers. The Approach G3 and Approach G5 have been designed specifically for golfers to follow their position on the course and also keep an accurate record of their scores and stats.

Both devices are rugged, waterproof (IPX7) and have full colour touchscreens. The G3 has a 2.6" screen and the G5 has a slightly larger 3" screen. Both have a digital scorecard and allow you to input which club you used so you can even view your average shots per club.

At launch the Approach device comes with over 1,200 UK golf clubs but throughout the Summer Garmin will be updating these and also adding new courses across France, Germany, Spain and Portugal - all free of charge and without subscription.

The G3 will retail at around £249.99 and the G5 at £329.99.

For more information, to view some videos and see the full list of courses available please go to their website at: http://www.garmin.co.uk/approach

Click for larger image:

[DeLorean]

The G3 has been available on Amazon in the U.S. since the beginning of January 2010, but only with U.S. golf courses.

I believe G5 came out earlier in the U.S. around July ~ August 2009.

I guess it took them a few months to finalise all the UK golf courses.

I wonder if the crazy golf in my local park is on it?

Personally I find golf far to dangerous, so stick to snowboarding
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🔸🔸 Currently using TomTom GO 940 & Locus Map 🔸🔸

[DeLorean]

Also, doesn’t it defeat the object of the game a little?
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🔸🔸 Currently using TomTom GO 940 & Locus Map 🔸🔸

[Pimmsoclock]

[dorsetwurzel]

[st1967]

I'm a golfer and these devices are stupid o'clock money. You pay hundreds for the device and then you pay x amount for each course you download to use on it (on sky caddie anyway, I notice the Garmin one is free downloads)

I have a piece of software called "Inteligolf" on my HTC Smartphone. It cost $40 does full GPS distances and I can build my own Golf courses using Google Maps for nothing. OK you don't get a nice graphic of the hole but it still tells me how far it is to the front / centre / back of the green etc.

GPS is not cheating, all it is really doing is telling you how far it is to the hole. You can buy a map from any course telling you the same info, this is just a little more accurate. They are also allowed in local competitions after an R&A ruling as long as your course make a similar local ruling.
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Samsung S22 Android, Google Maps & Camera Alert

[barshaker]

Golfshot for the iPhone is £17, has 22,000 courses throughout the world (including every UK course I know of) and is simply brilliant. Garmin will have an uphill struggle trying to beat it, especially at this price.

[MaFt]

[mikeprytherch]

I use my iPhone today, the stats are great and the distance is accurate due to the fact its normally very open, however MaFt's points are true, Battery is an issue (although extended batteries are good for this), but rain is a real problem. To me Golf is a game about being able to hit a ball and not about judging distance by eye, something a Professional never does by the way ! The stats have helped me analyse my game and to show me my weak points, something which isn't totally obvious.

However.... I do think these devices are over priced and could be sold cheaper !

[TechnoPrisoners]

Low cost smart phone apps are great for practice rounds, butiphone apps are not approved by USGA or R&A for use as an aid in a competition which is being run under their rules. This usually includes club competitions. Pity that the ruling bodies have not approved smart phone apps for competitions as the current situation plays into the hands of the manufacturers of expensive dedicated devices.

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