The Best Garmin Golf Distance Measuring Devices
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Since golf was first played, it has always been connected to the determination of distance. Golfers use a variety of methods to determine distances, including laser rangefinders and GPS devices. With these Garmin golf distance measuring devices, you will be able to judge your distance at any time with its easy-to-read meter and see how close you are in relation to your target.
If you have a Garmin golf device, you can have an easy time playing golf as it provides yardages to the green and layup points and has chip-in distances. In addition, it will also tell you how far you hit your shot and the time that it took for your swing so that you can know if your swing needs some improvement before the next shot.
We’ve identified 5 of Garmin’s best innovations in golf yardage measuring devices, making this game even more enjoyable than before! Although there are already a lot of choices when choosing a golf distance measuring device, these are considered to be the best of Garmin’s golf devices:
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 GARMIN GOLF DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES (SEE ON AMAZON) | |
1. TOP PICK: Garmin Approach G80, All-in-One Premium GPS Golf Handheld | |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
Take Your Golf from the Range to the Greens.
You'll receive automatic course map updates on your phone or tablet at regular intervals.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“First, Garmin products are all that I have used and will not change. I used the G10 for several years and just wanted to be able to see the entire hole played along with the variety of yardages. The G80 has met that bill with no problems. The battery life is incredible (over five rounds on one charge). The accuracy is what it was with the G10, so no changes for me. I am able to see the screen without my glasses (yippee) and move the pointer to different locations with no problem. Still adjusting to all of the features, but very pleased with this purchase.” | |
PROS ✅ Preloaded with 41,000 detailed golf courses worldwide
| CONS ❌ It tends to not pick up softer swings like some wedge shots and can be inconsistent in catching drives |
 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Most accurate laser range finder on the market within 10” of the flag, up to 450 yards
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
With the Approach Z82 laser range finder with GPS, you can set your sights on something greater. Vibrational feedback and image stabilization make it easier to locate and measure the flag, allowing you to get precise distances within 10" of the pin. More than 41,000 courses around the world can be viewed in full-color 2-D CourseView mapping and Green View overlay. View hazards on the course map in hazard view and scroll through them in a matter of seconds. Approach Z82 shows you the direction and speed of the wind, so you can adjust your approach accordingly (when paired with a compatible smartphone). PlaysLike Distance adjusts to the slope of the terrain. An external indicator light lets you and your playing partners know when you’re in tournament mode. Record your score and shot distance so that you can participate in weekly leaderboards and review your statistics. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I'm upgrading from a Bushnell V2 rangefinder that had slope on and excellent optics. The Z82 is fairly easy to use but somewhat challenging to zero in on your target. I suspect Garmin may improve this with an update.
The Garmin app pairs with the Z82 as well and can give you wind speed and direction as well, but I haven't used this yet.” | |
PROS ✅ The range finder now displays wind speed and direction, which makes figuring out which club to use and which direction to swing much easier
| CONS ❌ Targeting the flag can be a bit cumbersome for first-time users
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 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Most accurate laser distance measurements, within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards/320 meters
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
With GPS, the Approach Z80 laser range finder is the most accurate on the market. Additionally, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the world's 41,000+ courses. Golf course views and Green views in 2-D overlays are shown for the hole you're playing, with distances to both front and back of each green clearly visible. In order to get a precise measurement of the distance to the pin, you need to activate the laser rangefinder. The accurate distances to hazards are also shown. As a result, the game runs more quickly because there is no need to range each one individually. You can get course layout and appearance information from Approach Z80 by determining which hole you're currently on. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This range finder is awesome. It does everything you need and then some. It holds a line across the green at pin level to let you know what happens if you hit the right distance and miss the left or right of the stick. The downside, you cannot just pull it out of your bag a short distance. It needs to set the GPS for the course and calibrate, which at times takes longer than you like. Also, when you are shooting the flag, it doesn’t always lock on. It quickly takes about 7- 10 sec to get it locked in. Like most GPS, it switches holes if you happen to be in another fairway or closer to another green. It’s easy enough to change back with the button on top. But you will need to get used to the small buttons and which one you’re pressing. The battery life is a major downfall for me because who takes their range in the house during golf season? To remember to charge it after 2-3 rounds is a pain. Hopefully, they will come out with longer battery life or replaceable batteries. Charge one uses one option. Overall this is a game-changer in the range finder market. I am sure in the next couple of years. All range finders will follow this model. So learn it now and get one in your bag.” | |
PROS ✅ The stabilization reduces shakiness
| CONS ❌ The case is tight and is hard to remove from the device
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 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Compact design - a sleek, pocket-sized design that conveniently clips-on to your belt, bag or place it in your pocket
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
The clip-on Approach G10 golf GPS is a great value with accurate distance measurements. This device is small enough to fit on your belt, in your bag, or in your pocket. Accurate distances to the front and back of the greens as well as hazards and pin placement are provided for each hole on its preloaded database of over 40,000 courses. Onscreen pins can be manually shifted to reflect the day's location on the green, which is shown in Green View feature. After the game, you can use the digital scorecard to track your stats and share them with your Garmin Connect account. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“Easy to use and very accurate. I also use a laser, so I’ve done a lot of comparing, and the readings are right in line with the laser. The thing I like about this is it’s easier to just stick this in your pocket and get a quick reading rather than fumble around with the laser. I feel bad when I’m in a foursome and going to the bag every shot to get the laser-like I’m holding everyone up. I also like to get the front and back of the green yardage. Then I know my min/max clubs depending on the pin placement. It has several features, but I only care about the distance and greens’ front/middle/back readings. I played a round with a friend of mine, and he ended up buying one for himself.” | |
PROS ✅ Compact clip-on device fits anywhere
| CONS ❌ The instruction manual could be improved
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 | SPECIFICATIONS ⛳️ Sleek, compact handheld golf GPS with a 2.3-inch color touchscreen display
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
To win the race, you must know the race. Victory is just a few shots away using the Approach G30 GPS golf handheld and its full-color mapping and Touch Targeting feature. It's small enough to fit in a pocket or on a wall and can be attached to almost anything. Pre-loaded with over 40,000 courses from around the world.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This is my 3rd Garmin golf unit. It is as accurate as my others, just as easy to use and the small size of the unit along with the belt clip is easy to carry on the course. The other units either had to be left in the cart or put into a pocket. I like this one very much, plus this one doesn't need battery changes every 3rd time it is used. I can now get 5-6 rounds without recharging!!! Not replacing!” | |
PROS ✅ It easily slips into and out of your pocket or mounts nearly anywhere
| CONS ❌ The battery life could be better compared to the other versions
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