GPS systems for the golfing market have taken off in a big way and Garmin have now entered the market with their Approach G5. Garmin have previously produced hand-held GPS models for other golfing brands, but this is their first entry into the market with an own brand version.
The Approach G5 is a rugged and waterproof touch-screen golf GPS that comes pre-loaded with around 10,000 golf courses, and that number is increasing all the time. There is no subscription for the database and you also get free lifetime updates as new courses become available. The Approach is also USGA compliant.
Using a high sensitivity GPS receiver, the Approach G5 lets you eliminate the guesswork by knowing exactly how far you have hit your ball and exactly how far you have to your target. It will show you yardages to fairways and distances and positions of hazards and greens. As you move, the Approach G5 always updates your position so you always know your yardage.
Here are some of the Approach G5 functions:
- Rugged, waterproof golf GPS unit with a 3 inch sunlight readable touch-screen display
- Measure shot distance with highly sensitive readings to take out the guesswork from your game
- Digital scorecard for up to four players, save and review the scores on your home computer
- Pre-loaded with US course maps, including fairways, hazards and greens
- Buy the Garmin Approach G5 here at Amazon.com
Watch this short video showing the basics of the Garmin Approach G5:
Click Here To Buy the Approach G5 with FREE shipping
Touch-screen Technology
If you need to measure the distance of any shot, just touch any point on the 
sunlight readable display and the Approach shows the exact distance to that spot – fairway, hazard or any part of the green. With the Approach’s Green View, just tap the flag on the map and you will zoom in on the green, allowing you to drag the pin to a position where you can see it and giving you a more accurate yardage.
Of course, like everything else in life, the Approach G5 is not perfect. There are a couple of points that might cause mild annoyance. Battery life seems to be a problem. Making it through three rounds could be a challenge, so it would be wise to invest in re-chargeable batteries. And although reading the touch-screen is adequate, an extra level of brightness would definitely be a benefit.
Overall though, the Garmin Approach G5 GPS does what it is made to do. The simple touch-screen interface works well, and helps you to get fast and accurate answers when you are on the course. The free database and lifetime course updates are also a nice touch, so if you are looking to buy a golf GPS system the Garmin Approach G5 is definitely one to consider.