Garmin Approach S3 GPS Review

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The background
I’ve never used a rangefinder or GPS device because I’ve always looked at playing partners tapping away at screens or looking through rangefinders for what seemed an eternity and thought it all a bit too much like hard work.

What did you like about it?
Its simplicity – switch it on and let it find the course. I fastened it to my bag strap rather than my wrist and it was then a three-second job to check what yardage I had – no rustling through your bag or sliding it out of a holder. Plus, yardage to
the middle is all I need; I’m simply not consistent enough to need to know exact yardage to pins.

Anything you didn’t like?
It isn’t cheap, but bear in mind all the courses come pre-loaded, so there are no additional costs.

Who would it suit?
Very skilled players may prefer an exact yardage to the pin rather than the front, middle and back. They might also like to know how far hazards are off the tee.

Did it ever let you down?
There was an occasional ‘odd’ yardage, no doubt down to a green being moved, but we’re talking one yardage out of more than 100.

TG Ratings (out of 5)

Looks: 4
Ease of use: 5
Accuracy: 4.5
Value: 4

 

2012 RATINGS

If you appreciate the benefits of a good GPS unit, but don’t want the hassle of pulling it in and out of the bag, this could be for you. Richard noted that if the only thing you were interested in was yardage, then this was an excellent choice and he liked the pedometer too. Both he and Steve thought it was easy to use, but Riath and Jon found it a little harder to get on with. Riath also picked up on the price – for £279 some of us may expect to get a bit more.

But in terms of convenience, this is the best by a mile. It was very accurate too, so it is a good choice if you can get past the price. It comes loaded with over 27,000 courses in the world, so there are no extra fees.

Ratings (out of 5)

Ease of use: 4.0
Functions: 3.4
Styling: 4.0
Value: 3.8
Accuracy: 5.0

Always be ahead of your opponents wearing the Garmin Approach S3 Golf GPS Watch. Designed with every little detail considered, these outstanding high-res, touch-screen golf watches respond even when you’re wearing gloves. The GPS system contains over 27,000 courses worldwide and with zero subscription fees you can access and play them to your heart’s content. It even comes with a downloadable feature for when new courses are released so that you can add them to your list. Approach is compliant with R&A rules. Permitted when Local Rule is in effect (see R&A Decision 14-3/0.5)
 
The S3 displays yardages to the front, back and centre views of the green, which also includes distances with manual pin positioning so you know exactly where you need to aim. The fabulous Approach S3 Golf Watch even allows you to print digital scorecards for Stroke play and also includes a 'Measure shot' feature which will tell you exactly how far you have hit your ball.

See more golf gps and rangefinder reviews

Website: garmin.co.uk