Garmin G5 Approach for Golfers
Garmin G5 Approach Review
It was always only going to be a matter of time before the advent of GPS systems made its mark on the world of golf.
Lets face it, every golfer would like to know exactly how far it is to that pin from wherever they happen to be on the fairway - or from wherever they happen to be off the fairway as the case may be. Yes, I know that is what caddies are for - but we are talking about you and me here, and for us the term 'caddy' probably refers to a reluctant kid humping our clubs around the golf course for some pocket-money. And that's if we're lucky !
The arrival of GPS rangefinders for golfers means that we don't need a caddy to tell us how far we are from the flag. Of course, it's not just the yardage to the flag that we golfers need to know. We would also like to know the precise distance to that spot on the fairway from which we would like to launch our final pitch to the green; or the distance that we need to find to clear that water hazard.
Who Needs a Caddy Now ?
Well, now we can do all of these things and more with a top of the range device such as the Garmin G5 Approach. Weighing in at less than 7 ounces (including batteries), and built from rugged waterproof materials, with a 3 inch transflective colour touchscreen, the G5 can guide you on your way regardless of the weather and lighting conditions.
Using thousands of preloaded maps from golf courses throughout North America and Europe, this little beauty displays your exact position in stunning detail on its sunlight-readable touchscreen, and continues to do so as you play your way around the course. There are no subscriptions or set-up fees involved and Garmin assure us that the device is compliant with USGA rules.
Another bonus is that the G5 will keep score for you, leaving you free to concentrate on your game. In fact, as well as providing you with your own digital scorecard, the G5 can now be updated to provide you with a whole range of game stats - such as how many times you hit the fairway, or how many times you played the greens in regulation. It will even track your average club distances.
So whether you are looking for that special gift for the golfer in your life, or simply looking to give your own game a boost of confidence, the Garmin G5 Approach might just be exactly what you are looking for right now.
Incidentally, the G5 has a little brother - the Garmin G3 Approach. The G3 has a slightly smaller touchscreen (2.65 inches) and does not have the facility to track your game stats. But as you would expect, it's a little easier on the wallet.
Garmin have also recently introduced the first GPS watch for golfers - the Garmin S1 Approach. The S1 offers a slick hands-free solution to the business of rangefinding, and tracking your game stats, whilst still functioning as a top quality wristwatch.
Garmin are clearly intent on making their mark in the golfing community with these three ground-breaking products.
