Garmin Approach S1 GPS Golf Watch (Preloaded with US Courses) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

This golf watch is very easy to use. I have used it on several other courses in other states since I got it in September and the satellite link was always successful. I have also used it to measure distances walked and this function is useful for determining how much exercise you get in walking. (miles) When finished using the satellite, it reverts to a timepiece which is very convenient. I would recommend this for those who only want to know front, middle or back distances to green and who don't mind wearing a watch while playing golf. I had not been in the habit of wearing one, but this is very light and doesn't interfere with my game. I like not having to grab for a distance measuring device, pick it up and put it down before swinging the club. This is easier.

This is a review of the Garmin S1 GPS Golf Watch but for comparison purposes I will also describe how the S1 stacks up against the Bushnell Neo X gps watch. Both of these units have similar prices and time-telling functions, so I will focus my comments mainly on the golf functions.Size: A major appeal of the S1 is that in pictures it appears to be smaller and more streamlined than the Neo X, which is rather boxy. In hand, because of its round shape the S1 continues to look more streamlined, but it is actually heavier and thicker than the Neo X, which also has a narrower band than the S1. Winner: Neo X. (BTW, neither watch was heavy or bulky enough to interfere with my golf swing; after a couple of rounds I really didn’t notice either watch.)Legibility: Both the S1 and the Neo X display hole number and distance to front, middle and back of green. However, the main figure of distance to center of green is larger on the Neo X. I am farsighted and play golf without glasses; I can clearly read the center distance on the Neo X but not on the S1. I believe this is due to the fact that the display area of the Neo X is larger than that of the S1, so the Neo X can show larger-size figures. Even with glasses on I found the Neo X’s display of course names easier to read than the S1’s. Winner: Neo X.Special features: Both the S1 and the Neo X can measure shot distances and have an odometer function. However, the S1 lacks the ability to show distances to hazards, which the Neo X does; and the Neo X also has a timer you can set to turn your unit on a few minutes before your tee time. Winner: Neo X.Cost: The S1 and Neo X cost about the same. Winner: tie.Battery time: The Neo X battery lasts at least twice as long, 2-3 rounds vs 1 round for the S1. (The Neo X actually claims to have enough battery life to play 3 rounds, but so far I have only played 2 without recharging; after 2 rounds the remaining battery life as per the battery charge icon seems to show enough for a third round.) Winner: Neo X.Satellite acquisition time: On more than one occasion the S1 has taken 20-30 seconds longer than the Neo X to acquire a satellite lock-in. Winner: Neo X.Strap width: The S1 strap is wider than that of Neo X. Winner: Probably a tie for men, ladies may prefer the narrower strap of the Neo X. Winner: depends on personal preference.Color: Both the S1 and Neo X are available in black and white. I prefer black because it doesn’t show dirt and dings as much as white does. Winner: tie.Charging mechanism: Both the S1 and the Neo X charging mechanisms are poorly designed and awkward; a clip with tiny metal prongs must be carefully aligned with tiny holes on the back of the watch in order for charging to take place. Both watches get a grade of “D” on this criterion, but I find the Neo X mechanism to be easier to insert and less likely to pull loose while charging. Winner: Neo X. (Note to Bushnell and Garmin: Hire away an engineer and a designer from Apple to solve this vexing problem.)Issues: I have had no problems with the Neo X, but have to return the Garmin S1 because of occasional lapses in displaying the distances to the pin and other readings. I believe this is a quality control issue rather than a design flaw, so if you buy an S1 make sure you can easily return or replace it if it malfunctions (this is one main reason I shop with Amazon whenever possible).Overall: The S1 is an initial model no longer manufactured by Garmin so it has only very basic functions. Garmin’s later models (S2, S3, S4) have more bells and whistles but cost 2 or 3 times as much as the S1. The Bushnell Neo X costs about the same as the S1 but shows the distance to hazards, has a more legible distance-to-center figure, and has much longer battery life, so the Neo X is the better choice.Disclosure: I have no personal or business relationships with Garmin or Bushnell.

I just want to know the distance to the front, middle, and back of the greens. I glance at my wrist and know the distance to the green. This watch does the job well. It is actually a watch also & one can easily switch from the time to the distances. It charges quickly after a round. It also has an alarm, which I have found helpful at times. It can serve as an odometer. I recently used it to figure out how far I walked during a round, which was 6 miles. It can also be used to measure a shot. When you look for the distance to the green, it gives you the distance as the crow flies not along the middle of the fairway. So for holes with doglegs it will not give you the distance shown on the scorecard when you stand on the tee. It has a backlight. I am retired now, but when I used to play after work, it could be pretty dark on the last couple of holes. So the backlight would be useful under those conditions. Once at Pinehurst, NC it lost track of where it was & couldn't locate any courses. I couldn't make it go through process to locate a satellite again. After several holes, it did go through the locate process again & all was well for the rest of the round. When I got home I looked up how to reset it Hold the power button in to power it down. Then power it back up.

I purchased this watch in the Spring of 2013 and I have been very pleased with the functionality and build of the watch. Over the many rounds of golf I have played, the watch has functioned well, and it is a great tool to measure approximate yardage to the hole. One look at your wrist, and you get an approximate yardage. I say approximate, because the pin location is frequently moved and the watch will obviously not be as accurate as a handheld range finder. The yardages are pretty accurate though. Pros - the buttons and menu are very easy to use. On a course, you just punch one button and it turns on the GPS to locate the course. The course is easily found, which you then select. The watch then automatically figures out which hole you are on. You can also easily change the hole number, assuming you don't start on Hole 1. You can also very easily measure shot distance by pushing just one button twice (I can do that now without looking) and then driving up to the location of the ball to see the distance in yards. The build of the watch is very good, and although I have not tried the waterproof feature, it looks rugged. As others have noted, you just have to make sure the four charging pins of the charger attach properly to the contact points on the back of the watch. If they do connect properly, the watch makes an electronic beep that lets you know it is charging. You do have to be careful to not jerk the watch when the charger is attached as the charging contact may easily be disturbed. I bought the Special Edition watch in off-white color, and I have received compliments on the watch. I highly recommend this watch. By the way, I had previously tried 'Golf Buddy GPS+ Watch' and I had to return it as it was unreliable and failed to function properly in my trial runs. The Garmin S1 is way better-looking and easier to use.

My wife bought me this as a birthday gift and I couldn't be happier. Seems to flawlessly pick up every course I visit. A bonus is the time is always bang on as it is set via satellite. Have used this as a normal watch also, when other watches have let me down. Not very elegant looking in social settings but perfect for the golf course. Battery life could be better, but it's easy to charge and will last a full day on the course. Just need to ensure you charge it overnight before heading out.

So far it is at home with courses around Victoria BC and distances appear to be accurate. Fine as a sports watch too - it was a very successful gift for my son who does love it.

wasn't able to find some courses but otherwise simple to use and takes all the guess work out of figuring distance

Great value. Accurate.

Does the job not too fancy