Digi Caddie

The Garmin Approach G5  is a relative new comer on the Golf GPS market.  The Garmin technology was previously only used in the Golf Logix Models.  

Garmin has been in the GPS game for a long time and this initial entry into Golf GPS is impressive.   As can be expected with a new entrant there are a few teething problems but we expect good things from Garmin over the coming years if they remain in this market.

Price:  $399.95

The Not So Good.

As always we like to get the bad  stuff out of the way first

• Mapping is both limited and inconsistent and until this is sorted out it will be difficult to give the Garmin Approach G5 full points .
• A mentioned Garmin do not yet have a lot of courses in their library but this will improve as more and more people request particular courses.
• Points seem to disappear from the screen if you accidentally bump it.
• Accuracy suffers in  overcast conditions.
• The distance markers were a bit confusing.  we didn't know if those shown indicated to reach a particular hazard or to clear it.
• Battery life was short. we couldn't get 36 holes out of one set.
• The green view remains fixed once selected.
• The number of points shown around a green were limited and not consistent.
• No additional points can be mapped by the user.
• The Garmin Approach G5 does not allow you to record your stats such as greens in regulation, fairways in regulation and number of putts.
• One of the heavier units at 6.85 ounces

Now For The Good!

There is a lot that is good about the Garmin Approach  G5 - especially as a  new entrant.

• One of only a handful of touchscreen models
• There are no annual or membership fees
• Solidly built in the Garmin tradition
• No set up time is required and no downloading needed - all available course are pre-loaded
• There is only one button with all menu operations done by touching the screen
• One of only 2 waterproof Golf GPS
• Big, bright and easy to read screen
• Distances to greens are shown from  angle of approach
• The flag can be moved on the green
• The Garmin Approach G5 has shot distance function
• Automatically selects first hole but this can be manually over ridden
• Can keep multiple player's scores
• You can zoom in on the fairway for greater detail
• Features the any point function

For more technical specs and how the Garmin Approach G5 compares to other top selling models see our Top Ten chart.

Whilst we try to get the best price for you we  have found that Amazon.com often have specials.  Be sure to check out their price here.