The Garmin Approach S62 is a premium GPS golf watch designed for golfers who demand accuracy, advanced features, and a sleek design. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the S60, the S62 offers enhanced functionality, improved battery life, and a more intuitive interface. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a seasoned pro, the S62 aims to elevate your game with its comprehensive suite of tools.
Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch sunlight-readable color touchscreen (240 x 240 pixels)
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in GPS mode, 14 days in smartwatch mode
- GPS: Preloaded with 41,000+ golf courses worldwide
- Hazard View: Displays distances to hazards and doglegs
- Virtual Caddie: Suggests clubs based on your playing history and conditions
- Green View: Allows manual pin positioning for precise yardages
- SwingTempo: Measures backswing and downswing tempo
- Activity Tracking: Steps, calories, sleep monitoring, and heart rate (optical sensor)
- Smart Notifications: Calls, texts, emails, and app alerts (when paired with a smartphone)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for swimming and showering)
- Materials: Fiber-reinforced polymer case, silicone band
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
- Weight: 61 grams
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for course updates)
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
Design & Build Quality
The Garmin Approach S62 features a sleek, premium design with a black fiber-reinforced polymer case and a comfortable silicone band. The 1.3-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, even in direct sunlight. The bezel is made of high-quality metal, adding durability while maintaining a stylish look. The watch is lightweight (61g) and sits comfortably on the wrist, making it easy to wear throughout an entire round.
Performance & Features
GPS & Course Mapping
The S62 comes preloaded with over 41,000 golf courses worldwide, and updates are free via Wi-Fi or Garmin Express. The GPS accuracy is exceptional, providing precise yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green. The Hazard View feature displays distances to bunkers, water hazards, and doglegs, helping golfers make smarter shot selections.
Virtual Caddie
One of the standout features is the Virtual Caddie, which analyzes wind speed, course conditions, and your historical shot data to recommend the best club for each situation. This AI-driven tool learns from your game and improves its suggestions over time.
Green View & Pin Positioning
The Green View function allows manual pin positioning, giving exact yardages even when the pin is moved. This is particularly useful for approach shots, ensuring better accuracy on the green.
Swing Metrics & Tempo Analysis
For golfers looking to refine their swing, the SwingTempo feature measures the ratio of backswing to downswing, helping identify inconsistencies. While it doesn’t replace a launch monitor, it provides useful feedback for tempo improvement.
Battery Life
With up to 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in smartwatch mode, the S62 outperforms many competitors. A full round (or even two) is easily manageable without recharging.
Smartwatch & Fitness Features
Beyond golf, the S62 functions as a full-featured smartwatch with activity tracking (steps, heart rate, sleep) and smartphone notifications. The 5 ATM water resistance means it can handle swimming and rain without issues.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly accurate GPS with extensive course coverage
- Virtual Caddie offers intelligent club recommendations
- Excellent battery life for extended play
- Premium build quality with a comfortable fit
- Useful hazard and green view features
- Doubles as a fitness and smartwatch
Cons:
- Expensive compared to entry-level golf watches
- Virtual Caddie requires consistent usage to improve recommendations
- No built-in swing analysis (requires additional sensors for advanced metrics)
Final Verdict
The Garmin Approach S62 is one of the best GPS golf watches on the market, combining precision, advanced features, and a premium design. While the price may be steep for casual golfers, serious players will appreciate the Virtual Caddie, Hazard View, and Green View functionalities, which can genuinely improve course management and shot selection. The long battery life and smartwatch capabilities make it a versatile choice for everyday use as well.
If you’re looking for a high-end golf watch that delivers both performance and style, the Garmin Approach S62 is an outstanding investment.