Garmin Approach G82 review: Is this the golf gadget that does it all?

Introduction

Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao and, from the outset, has specialised in GPS technology for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and sports activities. Their first customer was the US Army back in 1991.

With that sort of pedigree, you can rest assured you will be getting quality kit if you purchase a Garmin device. I have previously reviewed, and continue to use, the Garmin Approach S70 GPS golf watch, and the Z30 laser rangefinder. They provide accuracy, speed and reliability. I like both bits of kit a lot.

So I was intrigued to test the new offering from Garmin, the Approach G82, which offers a whole host of technologies in one device. It combines a GPS system, a launch monitor and a putting trainer.

Keywords

GPS system, scorecard, launch monitor, putting trainer, large touchscreen, comprehensive course mapping, magnetic, intuitive, integrated device.

NCG Summary and rating

NCG Summary

This is an ambitious offering from Garmin. It offers an excellent and easy to use GPS system, a pretty useful rangefinder and a putting trainer all in one device. For the dedicated golfer it is highly recommended.

PROS

• Great GPS device.
• Strong battery.
• Large touchscreen.
• Easy to use.
• Magnetic.

CONS

• If you prefer to carry, it is a bit bulky.
• Premium price.

Key Facts

Key benefits and downsides

First impressions

Out of the box, this is a classy looking and pretty chunky device. It weighs over 300g and is just a bit bigger than an iPhone. The device comes with a magnetic attachment and carabiner clip, so it can be attached to your buggy or your bag, depending on your mode of transport.

GPS performance

You could call the G82 the utility knife of golf tech devices because it does so much. Let’s start with the GPS mode. Now my standard distance measuring device is the excellent Garmin S70 watch, which I can pair with the Garmin Z30 laser, and that suits me fine when playing on my home or another familiar course.

This weekend I had the pleasure of playing a round at Fulford, on the outskirts of York, a course I hadn’t played for more than a decade. I was impressed by the excellent woodland management that had been carried out in recent times – opening up some wonderful views over the course.

I was also struck by the fiendish fairway bunkering, and this is where the G82 came into its own. It is so much easier to see the distance to (and the distance to carry) any bunker with the G82 than with S70 watch.

There are, of course, the usual features including Front, Middle and Back yardages, distances to layups, scorecard, custom targets and shot measurement. I use the latter facility selectively, just on the rare occasions I hit the ball out of the sweet spot.

So here we have a GPS device that offers more accessible information than my trusty S70 watch. Will it therefore replace the S70?

Well that depends. If I was off on a golfing trip, playing unfamiliar courses, and probably using a trolley (or cart if abroad), then I wouldn’t hesitate and press the G82 into action.

But as a day-to-day device on my home course, carrying my bag, I can get all the information I need from my trusty S70, and it’s lighter than the rather chunky G82.

Both devices will pair with a Garmin rangefinder, which means that the precise pin location is shown on your GPS. It is a smart touch, but, in reality, the “middle of the green” number is never a bad option.

Launch Monitor performance

I love a launch monitor and all the data it provides. Yes, it can be bewildering but it’s also fascinating. I particularly like the “Optimisation” feature, which works out the best launch angle and spin to get maximum distance for a given clubhead speed.

The G82 does not offer that sort of full launch monitor data. What it does offer is ball speed, club speed, smash factor, carry distance and total distance.

When compared to a Trackman, the figures are within 1-3% of each other. I gather that the distances on the G82 are calculated via algorithms rather than direct measurement. This essentially means that shorter wedge distances are more accurate than longer (hopefully!) driver distances, but, as long as you know, that’s ok.

I used the G82 to help with choosing a wedge loft. I wasn’t getting on with the standard wedge in my iron set so decided to replace it with a specialist Vokey wedge. I was looking for something that filled the gap between my 9-iron (from my set) and my 50 degree approach wedge. Without any data, I’d have probably gone for a 46 degree wedge, but the G82 demonstrated that a 44 degree club offered the best gapping.

I find myself taking the G82 on all my visits to the range. You can practice distance control – particularly useful with wedges, work on swing tempo and, my favourite, try to maximise driver swing speeds.

It has been this suite of features that I have found the most useful aspect of the G82. It has certainly added interest to my practice sessions and I hope, in time, will translate to better scores on the course.

Putting Training

I’ll admit this particular aspect of the device isn’t where my interest lies. It does offer helpful feedback on tempo and putting stroke length, which could be genuinely useful for golfers looking to fine-tune that side of their game.

It just isn’t the focus of my own practice. That said, the G82 really comes into its own with its other features, which is where I’d point most golfers’ attention.

NCG Final Say

I think this is a tremendous bit of kit from Garmin. The GPS aspect gives you all the information you need, although it is clearly bulkier than a GPS watch. For that reason it is more suited to a trolley or cart user, as opposed to a bag carrier. It has a long battery life and a crystal clear screen.

I think I was most pleasantly surprised by the launch monitor feature which offers a range of facilities and has certainly enhanced my practice sessions.

Yes, it’s not cheap. But for the committed golfer, who can see that they will use the various features, it’s certainly something to consider.

How it compares to other devices

It’s unique! Where it comes into its own, for me, is in practice sessions. It’s great for seeing how far you hit each club and if you wish you can really delve into the putting practice mode.

Price information

RRP: £519.99 / $599.99

Other product details

Magnetic Cart Mount: Built-in high-strength magnet allows secure attachment to a cart for easy access.

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