Garmin's new super watch Approach S72 is here!
We dive deep into the new Garmin Approach S72 with our expert Johan Blom. The ultimate new favourite gadget for the true golf enthusiasts! What's new, who is it suited for, and which features stand out from the rest? Let's go!
What's new in the Garmin Approach S72?
– Quite a lot, actually! The predecessor, the S70, was already a really good golf watch, so I was curious to see what Garmin could improve. The most exciting thing is that there's now a greater focus on the golf swing itself, not just where the ball ends up.
– The S72 can measure things like hand speed, backswing length, and wrist rotation – information that previously wasn't available from a golf watch. We also get improved green reading, aerial views of holes, and the ability to track your heart rate during a round.
– Garmin has essentially combined their golf technology with features from their advanced fitness watches, such as the Fenix 9. A really great combination!
Who do you think the S72 is suited for?
– Primarily golfers who play frequently and enjoy analysing their game. But you certainly don't need a low handicap to appreciate it.
– Many mid-handicappers could get just as much out of the features. A better understanding of carry distances, where you're dropping shots, and smarter club selection are things that benefit most players.
– That said, this is a premium product. If you play ten rounds a year and simply want to know the distance to the green, there are more affordable options. But for those who play regularly and enjoy technology, the S72 is brilliant.
What's the difference between the 43mm and 47mm, apart from the size?
– It's primarily the screen and battery life that set the two models apart. The larger screen makes it easier to read maps and other information. Personally, I prefer a larger screen, especially when I want a quick overview of the hole or need to measure distances to various hazards.
– But comfort is equally important. The watch needs to sit comfortably throughout the entire round. If you have slimmer wrists or prefer a smaller watch, the 43mm is a great choice. The golf features are essentially the same.
Which features do you think stand out the most?
– It's the overall package that impresses. Distance measurement is the foundation, but being able to study hole layouts, get help with club selection, and analyse your round afterwards makes the watch significantly more useful.
– A personal favourite from Garmin is PlaysLike Distance, which takes factors such as elevation changes into account. If you've got 150 metres to the flag but you're hitting steeply uphill, it helps you judge how far the shot actually needs to be played. Really useful on hilly courses.
– I also love the new swing analysis. I enjoy practising with numbers and comparing different shots, so having more metrics straight from your wrist is a great addition.
Is there any feature you think is underrated by golfers in general?
– Yes, the statistics! Without a doubt. I think a lot of people only use a fraction of what the watch is actually capable of. You check the distance, pick a club, and hit. But a lot of the really interesting stuff comes after the round.
– Take shot distances as an example. Many golfers have a fairly optimistic view of how far they hit it. You remember that perfect 7-iron that went 155 metres, but forget all the others that landed around 140. With statistics over time, you get a more honest picture, which also makes club selection easier.
– I also have to mention one incredibly simple but clever feature. You can enlarge the numbers and information on the screen. Perfect for anyone who struggles a little with their eyesight.
How does the new green reading feature work?
– A really exciting feature, especially on courses you're not familiar with. With a Garmin Golf membership, you can view the slopes and break directions of greens on courses that support the feature.
– It's still far from available on all courses, but Garmin is working on expanding the offering. Hopefully, significantly more of the 43,000+ preloaded courses will receive support going forward.
– I see the biggest benefit even before playing into the green. You can see where the green slopes steeply and plan where you'd ideally like to land the ball. When you're putting, you'll still need to read the green yourself, but the information gives you a little extra help.
– Do also bear in mind that slope information is not permitted in all competition formats.
How useful are the statistics and the new swing analysis?
– This is perhaps the most exciting new feature for me. I often use TrackMan when I practise and enjoy comparing numbers. Being able to get certain swing data directly from the wrist is really impressive.
– The S72 measures things like hand speed, backswing length, and wrist rotation. Perfect if you're trying to shorten your backswing, for example, or achieve a smoother movement with better tempo.
– That said, you shouldn't get too fixated on the numbers. A changed value doesn't automatically mean a better swing. What matters most is still what happens with the ball. I see the feature as a great complement to regular practice and lessons with a coach.
What sets the S72 apart from the S70? Is it worth upgrading?
– It depends on what you use the watch for. The S70 is still a fantastic golf watch with most of the features a golfer needs.
– The main advantages of the S72 are the swing analysis, the heart rate monitoring linked to your golf game, and the improved green reading. You also get new material choices, a microphone, speaker, and torch.
– If you have an older Garmin model, you'll likely notice a significant difference. But if you already own an S70 and mainly use it for distance measurement, there's no major reason to switch. However, if you're after the new swing analysis and more smartwatch features, the upgrade becomes considerably more appealing. For me, this is a watch I want to wear around the clock – not just on the golf course. If you're an active person who trains regularly in everyday life, that makes the purchase even easier to justify.
How does the Garmin Golf membership work and what does it cost?
– You don't need a membership to use the watch's standard golf features. GPS distances, course maps, and basic statistics are all included.
– However, if you want to use premium features such as green reading with slope information and detailed aerial imagery, a Garmin Golf membership is required.
– It costs £8.99 per month or £79.99 per year. New subscribers also get a free 30-day trial.
– My tip is to start with the trial period. Test the features on your regular courses and see whether you feel they're worth the money. If you often play on new courses, the membership could prove particularly useful.
Can the S72 actually help you lower your handicap?
– Yes, I believe so! But perhaps not in the way many people think. The watch won't make you hit the ball better, but it can help you make smarter decisions.
– Take a water hazard in front of the green as an example. Many players only look at the distance to the flag, even though it might be more important to know how far you need to hit it to safely carry the water.
– Garmin presents that information really well. If you combine that with your actual carry distances, it becomes easier to select the right club. I think many amateur golfers could save several shots simply through better course management.
Is there a feature you think golfers should be using more?
– Virtual Caddie! It's a feature many will be familiar with, but one I think relatively few use to its full potential. The watch can assist you with club selection based on your previous shots and the conditions on the course. You shouldn't follow the recommendations blindly, of course, but sometimes it's useful to get a different perspective. We golfers do have our favourite clubs that tend to come out a little too often. It can be a good reminder that there are other options in the bag.
How useful is the watch off the golf course?
– Very useful! That's actually one of the strongest arguments for the S72. Behind all the golf features, there's an advanced smartwatch.
– You get heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress monitoring and Body Battery. There's also a wide range of fitness features for activities like running and strength training.
– Also new is a microphone and speaker, so you can make and receive calls via a connected phone. The built-in torch is another clever little detail that will almost certainly come in handy more often than you'd expect.
– When you spend this much on a watch, you want to use it for more than just golf.
If you were to pitch the S72 with three quick arguments, what would they be?
– That you get one of the most advanced golf watches on the market, and at the same time a genuinely great everyday watch.
– You can plan your shots on the course, analyse your stats afterwards, practise on the range, and then wear the same watch to work or out on a run.
– Yes, it does cost a fair bit. But if you make proper use of the features and it also replaces your regular smartwatch, I think the investment becomes considerably easier to justify.
