Garmin S1 Approach GPS Watch Review

Tested: December 2010
Testing panel:
David Connor, Today’s Golfer equipment editor (10HCP)
Peter Morgan (9HCP)
Ian Whittle (12HCP)
Terry Dell (18HCP)

The Garmin S1 Approach is the world’s first golf GPS watch and sets the benchmark as the best Garmin GPS watch – even though the size meant it didn’t have the functionality of the others.

Nevertheless, this impressive bit of kit was a hit thanks to its sheer simplicity – it won full marks for ease of use.

It gives yardages to the front, middle and back of each green meaning you don’t have to fish around in a golf bag or pocket for every shot.

Terry loved it and even awarded it full marks for value – although the others felt it was a little overpriced for the limited information it gave. The overall feeling is that this is brilliant for a quick 18 with friends but if you want more detailed information then you are better off looking elsewhere.

RATINGS (out of five):
Ease of use: 5.0
Functions: 1.5
Styling: 3.4
Value: 3.3
Overall: 3.5 stars

The world’s first golf GPS watch is the latest advancement in the field of GPS systems. The attraction of the S1 Approach is the sheer simplicity because although the screen size prohibits the kind of detailed information available in other GPS devices, the watch simply gives distances to the front, middle and back of the green at a glance. It is waterproof and features a rechargeable battery. Oh, and in case you were wondering, it is a real watch as well!

◗ www.garmin.com or 023 8052 4000
◗ Download costs: None