Garmin has officially unveiled the Approach G82, a premium all-in-one golf handheld designed to bridge the gap between a high-end GPS and a professional-grade launch monitor. Building on the legacy of the G80, this new flagship device introduces a significantly larger display, advanced practice metrics, and smarter on-course assistance.
A New Visual Benchmark: The 5-Inch Touchscreen
The most striking upgrade to the Approach G82 is its 5-inch high-resolution color touchscreen. This is currently Garmin’s largest golf handheld display, offering a substantial increase in screen real estate compared to its predecessor. The larger interface makes it significantly easier to navigate the 43,000+ preloaded courses and view detailed aerial imagery (available with a Garmin Golf membership). Whether you are pinpointing a hazard or checking your “PlaysLike” distance, the crisp visuals ensure you aren’t squinting in direct sunlight.
Revolutionary Putting Metrics for the Practice Green
While most launch monitors focus solely on the long game, the Approach G82 breaks new ground by introducing dedicated putting metrics. For the first time in a Garmin handheld, golfers can track:
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Stroke Length: Measure the exact arc of your backswing and follow-through.
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Tempo: Analyze the rhythm of your stroke to find consistency.
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Ball & Club Speed: Get data-driven feedback on how the ball leaves the putter face.
This makes the G82 a comprehensive “bag-to-green” tool, allowing you to refine your touch on the practice green just as effectively as your power on the driving range.
Integrated Launch Monitor and Radar Capabilities
The core of the G82 remains its powerful integrated radar. When placed on the ground, the device tracks essential metrics including ball speed, club head speed, smash factor, and estimated carry distance. The device also includes a “Target Practice” mode, which gamifies your range sessions by challenging you to hit specific distances. These metrics feed into the Virtual Caddie, which suggests the best club for your next shot based on your actual performance data, current wind conditions, and elevation.
Built for the Cart and the Course
Garmin has refined the physical design of the G82 for better usability during a round. It features a built-in magnet, allowing it to snap securely to a golf cart frame for easy viewing. If you prefer walking, it comes with a dedicated clip for your golf bag.
Durability and longevity have also seen a boost. The G82 is rated IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can handle a sudden downpour without issue. Battery life has been optimized to provide up to 25 hours in GPS mode and up to 8 hours in radar mode, ensuring it can easily last through a full weekend of tournament play.
Pricing and Availability
The Garmin Approach G82 is available now with a suggested retail price of $599.99. It serves as the ultimate “warmup to win” companion, offering golfers a level of data traditionally reserved for expensive standalone launch monitors in a portable, GPS-enabled package.
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