Garmin Approach S62 review - best golf GPS watch for performance

The Garmin Approach S62 is more than a golf watch; it is a powerhouse designed to take your game to the course, offering all the benefits of a high-end smartwatch. Serious golfers and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from the S62's advanced GPS golf technology, intuitive display, and health-tracking feature. This Garmin Approach S62 review examines how the S62 performs and why it stands out among GPS golf watches.

Prologue

The Garmin Approach S62 is ideal for any golfer wishing to up his game with strategic advantages. Unlike normal GPS golf watches, this watch takes advanced technologies integrated specifically to help a golfer navigate courses through precision and insight. With all the more user-friendly being a 1.3-inch color touchscreen not to mention robustly built and features meant to bring the best out in novice golfers as well as seasoned players.

Features beyond golfing The S62 is a full-fledged smartwatch with support for fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and even contactless payment capabilities. While this is pricier than most others, in terms of level of performance insight and versatility, the investment becomes worthwhile.

Let’s delve into the core features, pros, cons, and performance of the Garmin Approach S62 in this Garmin Approach S62 review to see whether it indeed lives up to its reputation as a game-changer in the world of golf GPS technology.

Design and display

The Garmin Approach S62 has a modern and sophisticated design. Its 1.3-inch, full-color touchscreen is 17% larger than the screen of its predecessor, the Approach S60, making it easier to read in bright conditions. The high-resolution display is not only functional but stylish enough to wear both on and off the course. The watch itself is lightweight, comfortable, and built to withstand outdoor conditions with a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and a durable, interchangeable strap.

Golf key features

These features collectively empower golfers with advanced insights and real-time data, enhancing their precision and confidence on the course.

Virtual caddie

One of the most creative and innovative features of Garmin S62 is Virtual Caddie, which is the AI-powered assistant that helps in strategic decision-making on the course. Based on analyzing the shot history, your position, and even the speed of the wind, it recommends the best club to be used for a given shot. This means it will allow users to strategically play on courses with which they are not very familiar.

Green view and pinpointer

The S62 provides a bird's eye view of all the greens, illustrating their full layout. A golfer can then visually alter the pin position for the ultimate shot. When you approach a green, this feature is indispensable in the sense that it points directly toward the hole, even when taking blind shots. It is fantastic for a tricky course or when making difficult, angled shots into a green.

Hazard view

Garmin's Hazard View summary tells all hazards that exist in any given hole. In such a case, there are distances to bunkers and water hazards among other factors that enable the user to plan their shots perfectly. Scrolling through ensures avoiding risky decisions that otherwise impact scores.

Preloaded courses over 41,000

The Approach S62 offers a global GPS golf watch. Over 41,000 courses are available in over 30 countries around the globe. Every course detail has been added along with their updates. Now, play your local course or somewhere else halfway around the globe: you're ready.

Smartwatch capabilities

These smartwatch capabilities make the S62 a versatile companion for both on-course activities and everyday life, catering to users’ fitness, convenience, and connectivity needs.

Fitness tracking

Besides golfing, the S62 functions as an all-around health watch. It offers heart rate monitoring at the wrist, tracking of blood oxygen levels, and the ability to monitor sleep. Thus, this would be something a user who pays attention to a general aspect of wellness, whether within or outside the games of golf, may be interested in.

Multi sport modes

Besides golfing, the S62 offers various sports modes for swimming, cycling, and running. It would be an excellent multi-device for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who might require one device to serve the purposes of golfing and other exercises.

Garmin pay

The Approach S62 also features Garmin Pay's contactless payment system. This feature allows you to make purchases right from your wrist. This is an excellent feature for golfers who do not want to carry their wallets in their lockers.

Smart notifications

Users can link the watch to their smartphone, thus getting all types of notifications, calls, and messages right on their watch. This will help keep you connected without requiring you to reach for your phone, which can prove very useful when you are on the course.

Pros and cons

Overall, the Garmin Approach S62 balances powerful features and functionality, though its premium price and size may not be ideal for everyone.

Pros

• Advanced golf features: Virtual Caddie, Green View, and Hazard View elevate your game.
• Long-lasting battery life: up to 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
• Richly designed: Scratch and water-resistant, light as well as stylish for wearable.
• Multi-functional: It can be a watch or fitness tracker.
• Performance and battery life: One of the biggest strengths of the Garmin Approach S62 is its battery life.

Cons

• No music storage: Some of the Garmin fitness watches don't store music, and this is one of them.
• Size: The face is a bit big and might not suit everyone, especially people who are accustomed to carrying small watches​
• Premium price: The S62’s advanced features come at a higher cost, which may be a barrier for some.

Performance & battery life

In GPS mode, it lasts up to 20 hours, which is good for at least three rounds of golf. In smartwatch mode, the battery life extends to about two weeks, which gives a user a lot of use in fitness tracking and daily wear without frequent charging. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to play long rounds or have back-to-back days on the course. 

Real life Scenarios

These scenarios show how the S62 meets various user needs, making it ideal for both golfers and fitness enthusiasts.

Scenario 1 - challenging courses

The Virtual Caddie and PinPointer of the S62 are very important for golfers who play on challenging or unfamiliar courses regularly. These features guide shot selection, club choice, and accuracy in helping players feel confident as they approach each hole.

Scenario 2 - fitness enthusiast using the device every day

Approach S62 is perfect as an all-day companion for users who wish to have a mix of golf features and fitness tracking, sporting multiple sports modes with heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking capabilities to ensure a solid smartwatch experience that meets average wellness needs.

Culmination

In a nutshell, Garmin Approach S62 is the ultimate golf GPS watch designed to provide the most elaborate features for golfers as well as features for day-to-day life. Being expensive, this watch seems to be well worth the money due to advanced golfing insights, health tracking capabilities, and features of smartwatches for those taking their game seriously and those interested in bettering themselves.

Whether you are an avid golfer looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage or a fitness freak requiring a multi-functional smartwatch, the Garmin Approach S62 is a multi-versatile and powerful option for these groups. For serious golfers willing to commit time to a device that truly helps them improve the way they play and the activities of their daily lives, this Garmin Approach S62 review highly recommends the Garmin Approach S62.