Play virtual golf tournaments with Garmin’s Approach G80
If you’re a golfer stuck at home waiting for the weather to improve, Garmin may have the answer. Earlier this week, the company unveiled the Approach G80. This is a handheld that calculates advanced swing metrics and enables you to compete in virtual tournaments.
Essential reading: Best golf swing analysers and shot trackers
The premium GPS device comes with an integrated launch monitor which tracks and analyses your swing. The divot on the back of the case allows you to position the G80 in the vicinity of the ball allowing the radar to do its thing.
Just tee up and hit. It will calculate metrics on club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance. Information that should help you build your consistency, ball striking efficiency and refine your swing.
More than 41,000 golf courses are pre-loaded on the thing, with all of the usual details of fairways, hazards, and greens. Touch any point on the display and it shows the precise distance to that spot. PlaysLike Distance gives you distances adjusted for uphill or downhill shots. The PinPointer works like a compass to guide users to the green’s location on blind shots.
For those not able to practice on the range, there are four practice and game modes to choose from. One of these is a Virtual Round which simulates playing golf on real-world courses. You can play in tournaments against others at home using a golf net, compete against a friend or simply try tackling your personal best.
Online weekly leaderboards show how you stack up against other G80 owners.
In terms of design, the Approach G80 comes with a 3.5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and a slim design. The battery is good for up to 15 hours with GPS switched on.
The Approach G80 is available now on garmin.com. It comes with a suggested retail price of $499.99.
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