PRODUCT REVIEW: Garmin launch new Approach S6 Golf Watch at The Lakes

We tried and tested the Garmin Approach S6 golf watch. And we loved it.

Garmin have recently launched their new Approach S6 Golf Watch which not only features an in-built golf course GPS function, but swing-metrics features, touch screen and full colour course maps.

Aussie Golfer headed along to the launch of the Approach S6 a few weeks ago at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney to learn about the new features and test it out for ourselves.

Several other notable golf enthusiasts were also on the scene to test out the new watch (see photos below) including TV and radio personality Ian Dickerson, TV celebrity and golf writer Andrew Daddo and actor Justin Melvey, whom I was paired with along with The Lakes club captain Jim Harkin.

General Manager of Garmin Australasia Matt DeMoss gave us a short spiel on the features of the watch and we were set loose on the course to try it.

First up, even without the extra features (more on that in a minute), we love how simple and unobtrusive it is to quickly see how far you are away from the green.

We’ve trialled and tested other GPS watches, devices and apps, and found ourselves spending more time activating, linking and button pressing than playing golf. Not so with the Approach S6. No button pressing, no linking to a smart phone app – just a flick of the wrist and you’ve got the distance you need.

Then you’ve go all these great extra features.

Full colour course maps (downloadable at no extra cost) combined with the touch screen allows you to zoom in on any course feature (e.g. water hazards, bunkers) and get a distance reading. Same goes for the location of the flagstick. Simply move it around the green to get a distance to the hole.

The other unique, major feature on the watch is the swing tempo metrics function. The option allows you to test out your swing strength and speed. The watch then combines them into a swing tempo ratio – the relationship between the upswing and downswing – that you can use to fine-tune your swing tempo.

Other features include:

  • smartphone notifications – enable to receive SMS and email messages directly to the watch
  • track scores, handicap and measure shot distances
  • battery life 8 hours with full GPS function, approximately 20 hours without
  • white, black or black and orange colour designs

We had a great time with the Approach S6. Primarily because it just didn’t get in the way of our golf game. While it’s one of the more pricier options when it comes to golf GPS accessories, the Garmin Approach S6 is a winner for comfort, look and functionality.

The Garmin Approach S6 is the best golf GPS watch we’ve come across. Garmin are leaders in the realm of sport and fitness watches and it is probably no surprise to hear that they’ve nailed it with this new golf watch.

The Garmin Approach S6 was provided free of charge to Aussie Golfer. We voluntarily reviewed this product in accordance with Aussie Golfer’s review policies.

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