Review: Garmin Approach S2

This year’s golf watch offering from Garmin is the S2.

Button operated and pre-loaded with 30,000+ courses globally and by some magic formula it is even easier to use than its predecessor the S3!

There are no hidden costs and it's free from any subscription charges. Simply rock up for your round and forget about anything other than switching on the watch. And remembering your clubs, of course.

On doing so, the automatic course detection flags the top 10 courses in proximity order. Once selecting your course, you will move straight into ‘game mode’ - something I found extremely useful on the few times I went from car park to first tee in a matter of minutes.

The watch is battery operated with an eight-hour life in GPS mode or three weeks to a month as an everyday watch. In this updated model of the popular Approach series there is now a digital scorecard feature which I found easy to navigate.

I also love the fact that this device gives me front, middle and back yardage, plus layup and dogleg distances to improve usability on each hole. That's all I really need. 

It also branches over to a lifestyle purchase and I typically use it as my primary watch where the retro back light has raised a few eyebrows on more than one occasion. It comes in three different colours of black & red, white & purple and white.

My favourite feature of the S2 is the distance measuring option which can be used to determine how far you pitch all your irons, which I know from experience is how the touring pros do by way of ‘best practice’.

Verdict

It’s difficult to quantify just how many shots I've saved since putting the S2 on my wrist but one thing is certain, my distance control from inside of 150 yards is vastly improving thanks to the front, middle and back yardage feature. I found this feature instilled confidence in my game and continues to allow me to commit to shots.

S2 also looks great, performs well and is value for money at £210.

I would not hesitate to recommend the S2 to help with game improvement and overall feel good factor. This brand is constantly innovating and as much as I am enjoying my current run with the S2 I am already looking forward to seeing what’s coming next...

You want more?

Click here for Garmin Approach S3 owner reviews. Click this link for our GPS v Laser Rangefinder feature.