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Country: us Page generated at: Wednesday, 1 April 2026 at 15:17:40 British Summer Time

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS Review: An outstanding bit of kit | National Club Golfer

Distance Measuring Devices

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS Review: An outstanding bit of kit

published: Apr 29, 2025

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS Review: An outstanding bit of kit

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Garmin has produced the first ever solar-powered GPS, and it didn’t disappoint.

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Garmin approach g20 solar gps review: ncg summary
First impressions
Ncg verdict
Final verdict
Garmin approach g20 solar gps review: the details

Garmin is one of the most trusted names in the world of golf technology. Their rangefinders and watches are some of the most used pieces of golf technology by plenty golfers everywhere. They have now announced the development of yet more innovation with the release of the Approach G20 Solar GPS.

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In this review, we put the G20 Solar through its paces, assessing its performance on the course, including yardage accuracy, hazard mapping, and usability. Additionally, we will outline how compatible and useful this GPS really is compared to other golf tech on the market. I took it out on the golf course to find out, here’s what I thought…

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS Review: NCG Summary

5 star review

NCG SUMMARY

The Garmin Approach G20 Solar is an excellent addition to the golf tech market, combining simplicity, accuracy, and rugged design into a compact device. Designed for players who want reliable performance without the need for complex setup, it delivers a premium experience that stands out, particularly for those who frequently play in varying weather conditions.

PROS

Simple and quick to set up
Crisp, clear screen, even in bright sunlight
Water-resistant

CONS

Doesn’t showcase an overview of the golf course, the only slight complaint I had

$299.99

View Deal

$229.99

View Deal

First Impressions

This is the first golf device to be solar-powered. Garmin say it has unlimited battery power when playing in the sunshine. Fingers crossed then there won’t be much need to manually charge up the GPS this summer.

The Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS represented a number of firsts for me as it was my first time using a GPS. I have always been a golf laser type of guy, but I was excited to give this handheld offering from Garmin a go. Additionally, I’ve never actually used a piece of Garmin equipment before despite their illustrious reputation in the golf industry.

I have to say its minimal size is a big plus for easy and convenient storage. The built-in magnet is also allows it to be mounted to a golf cart or trolley, if you carry your bag then the included belt clip means it can be easily stored on yourself. For me, it was preferable to simply keep it in my golf bag.

NCG Verdict

A slight concern I did have going into testing was how readable the screen would be with the sun shining on it. Garmin’s sunlight-readable display technology meant this worry was quickly squashed. It was very easy to read the screen even in the usual bright spring sunlight here in the UK.

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Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS

The simplicity of which it takes to set it up and then use makes it extremely friendly to use for all golfers. It’s intuitive, ensuring even first-time GPS users, like me, can be ready to go within minutes. The GPS features are used to pinpoint your location so you can select which golf course you are playing. My golf club has a championship course and a nine hole offering, both are selectable and there is no confusion between the two.

The yardage information is abundant and accurate. It provides front, middle, and back readings with fantastic precision. Something that definitely inspires confidence when selecting clubs and put my mind at easy when stood over a shot.

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS

Obviously with a laser golfers are able to scope various distances, i.e to the bunker or water hazard. Lucky, Garmin supply these distances on the GPS for a better understanding of the hole. Additionally, the Green View feature is a valuable tool. It gives players a visual representation of the green’s shape, helping fine-tune approach strategies, especially useful on unfamiliar layouts.

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS

Another standout functionality is the G20 Solar’s ability to factor in weather conditions like wind. Combined with its waterproofing, this means the device performs reliably across all seasons and in any conditions the British weather can throw at you.

Like a lot of golfers, I often find when using a standard rangefinder I fail to scope the pin. Other objectives, such as trees behind or around the green, seem to be easy to latch onto which can be quite frustrating, especially when I am hitting my fifth shot in to a par four. There is no such problem with this handheld GPS and the distances are already displayed without any input needed.

The only real downside is the absence of a full-course overview map. This really isn’t a hinderance for me but maybe is for golfers who prefer to plot their way around a course visually, this could be a minor frustration. However, for players who trust yardages and straightforward data, this is unlikely to be a major concern.

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable, accurate, and robust GPS device, the Garmin Approach G20 Solar is an outstanding choice. While it might not provide the full-course flyover visuals seen in some premium models, it covers the most critical features exceptionally well. Whether rain or shine, it’s a trusty companion for any round.

Garmin Approach G20 Solar GPS Review: The Details

Available: Now

RRP: £299.00 / $299.99

More Information: Amazon UK / Garmin US

$299.99

View Deal

$229.99

View Deal

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Have you ever owned a Garmin gps, watch or rangefinder? Ket us know on X!

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About the author

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.