Garmin Approach S10 – Golf GPS Watch Review

We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Garmin managed to develop a reputation as the manufacturer of the best golf watches on the market today. They offer the best products in pretty much all of the market segments. Their recent addition - the Garmin Approach S10 - is no different. You will quickly see what makes it an amazing golf watch, particularly for the golfers in the market for an affordable option with a slim profile.

True to the Garmin golf tradition, it comes with a large number of courses from around the globe pre-loaded on the smartwatch. The bright, high-resolution screen is also readable in sunlight and the size of 1.3 inches should be enough for most people.

When looking at both the great screen, its slim look, and great value for money efficiency of features it is obvious that the Garmin Approach S10 is the best golf watch for the money on the market today.


Reviewed
Garmin Approach S10
Most Simple Golf GPS Watch

Garmin Approach S10 is a simple and lightweight golf watch. It gives accurate distance measurement of the front, back, and middle of the green. At the end of the game, the S10 golf watch provides a summary of your score.



Image of Golfer wearing the Garmin Approach S10, the best golf watch for the money.


Pros

  • Easy to use golf GPS watch
  • Outstanding battery life (3 rounds) or 12 hours in GPS golf mode
  • Water-resistant up to 160 feet
  • Great bang for your buck
  • Amazing execution on all basic features
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons

  • Delays in initial auto-detection of course can take a long time
  • Nothing offered beyond the "basics"
  • If you're looking for all the bells and whistles, this golf watch is lacking.

Design and Features

When you take the Garmin Approach S10 GPS golf watch out of the box you will be stunned by the classic, stylish, and minimalist look of the golf watch. There's no pretending that this is a designer watch or something flashy, but the Garmin S10 Approach is comfortable being what it is. An affordable copy of the style of the Apple smartwatch. But don't be mistaken, the slim and light design is home to a legion of outstanding features.

One victim of cost-cutting was the display and the lack of touchscreen functionality, but navigation through 4 buttons on the side. The strap of the watch is very comfortable and is made of silicone front back. You don't need to worry about playing in the rain either - heck, you could even go diving with this watch - as it is water-resistant up to 160 feet.

Sunlight Readable Screen

A very nice feature of the Garmin Approach S10 is the fact that the screen is readable in the sunlight. This comes in very handy as golf is ideally played on a beautiful sunny day on the course. You can easily read the information the watch is providing you. Unlike most standard screens of GPS watches, and most likely also your phone screen that usually has a frustrating glare when checked in the sun, the screen of the Garmin Approach S10 watch is more comparable to the Paperwhite screen of the Amazon Kindle. Our favorite feature of this watch.

Battery Life

Many golf watches in this price category only last around two rounds of golf at best, then requiring a recharge which is not readily available while out on the course. With the Garmin Approach S10 GPS watch you get up to three full rounds of golf (54 holes) with GPS turned on, before having to plug it in again. That's at least 12 hours. This is better than anything else available for this price, making it a top choice for battery life. With GPS mode turned off, the watch can go up to 14 weeks one a full charge.

Yardage and Course Coverage

The real reason people get a product like the Garmin Approach S10 is that they get better information and can thus improve their play from one hole to the next hole. The data you can expect from the Garmin Approach S10 is the yardage to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards that might be in your way.

The watch also picks up on your shots, measures them, and features a digital scorecard that automatically uploads to your Garmin Express account and the Garmin golf app to keep track of you. A common issue is for golf watches to mistake movements for shots and get confused between holes and thinking that you're already at the next hole.

However, during our test as well as from various customer reviews we analyzed, we couldn't find this to be an issue. Don't expect any extras or standout features, but all the basics are executed to perfection by the Garmin Approach S10. All you need to take your play to the next level is this easy-to-use golf watch for your next round at the golf course.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Garmin s10 be used as a watch?

Yes, Garmin Approach S10 is not just a golf watch, it is also good as an everyday watch. It shows both time and date. When using as a watch it can battery can last up to 14 weeks.

How many golf courses are loaded in Garmin Approach S10?

Garmin approach s10 is quite loaded with a number of golf courses compared to other golf watches. It has 41,000 preloaded courses.

Does Garmin Approach S10 has Bluetooth features?

Unfortunately, Garmin Approach S10 does not have a Bluetooth feature. This watch really shines when it comes to simplicity. But don't worry, it contains the basic features a golfer need for a GPS.


Conclusion

Garmin has a series of golf watches available in the market. But we like Garmin Approach S10 because of its simplicity and ease of you. If you want to dive deeper into this after our Garmin S10 review, then check out our detailed reviews of the Best golf watches and handheld devices available today. In the meantime, enjoy the Garmin S10 GPS watch!

Denny Putsh
Denny Putsh

With over 25 years experience in the world of golf, I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to appreciating this sport. From my early days swinging a club at 12 years old to now, my passion has only grown. While I avidly follow the PGA Tour, what truly captivates me is the evolution of golf equipment and technology. Over the years, I've familiarized myself with the latest gadgets, training aids, and golf accessories that enhance the golfing experience. My mission is to share this knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow golf aficionados, ensuring they have access to the best insights and recommendations. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, I'm here to guide you through the dynamic world of golf innovation.

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Modern Golf Apparel

X