Hand held or wearable, what’s best for your game when it comes to golf distance trackers?

Golf really isn’t a simple sport. That’s perhaps why it is so difficult. It’s an endless activity of making the right choices – and there are just so many available. Whether it’s the way to play a shot, all the way to the choice of equipment to better play that shot. It’s a lot to process.

However, one area where you really need simplicity and precision is with a distance-tracking device. You want to know precisely how far to hit it each and every time, and this information will certainly improve your game.

What’s the best option for you to buy though to add to your game?

For the most precise of numbers, the hand-held laser range finder has been the top choice. It’s the choice of professional golfers on tour (where it’s allowed), and certainly the preferred option for the better golfer. It’s also an affordable type of gadget to add to the bag which is always a key consideration, and a great option for those that simply don’t like to wear watches when they play.

It does however come with some basic cons, which are worth mentioning. Some golfers may not have the steadiest hand when it comes to shooting a flag or specific tree on a target line. If you are behind a tree or are hidden from your final target, you also won’t be able to get a reliable yardage as you have no reliable target.

Hand-held laser range finders can easily get left in golf carts after rounds, or not packed before the round. They also obviously shoot what you can see, and on new courses it’s often nice to get a broader view of the holes ahead, and where potential hidden hazards sit.

This is where the wearable GPS watch device comes in. As it is on you every time you need a number, it’s just a quick glance on the arm. It’s wearable which reduces the chances of losing it, and of course less chance of forgetting to bring it to the course. Then when it comes to precision, the latest watches today really can’t be faulted.

On a recent round at Pearl Valley, a course where precision is needed on tricky driver holes and elaborate greens complexes, I put the Garmin Approach S50 through its paces.

I was really impressed by how sleek and functional it was. Many popular high-spec golf wearables to this point have been quite chunky. The Garmin Approach S50 though is anything but, which makes it a comfortable accessory.

The enhanced 1.2 inch Amoled display is eye-catching, with the interface being super easy to use. There are over 43 000 pre-loaded courses, and it even has Playslike Distance which means your distance is calculated with slope and weather conditions factored in. Whether its finding a yardage to the widest part of the fairway, or the distance to a bunker or water hazard, you can gauge all the numbers very quickly on the tee.

Once on the fairway, not only can you do the same with your approach shot to the green, but there is also the added feature of showing you how far your drive has gone. Nothing better than hitting what you felt could have been a career best drive, and having the numbers to back that up while standing proudly on the fairway

Everyone enjoys the game in different ways, but for me I enjoy it best when I get into a bit of a rhythm with play. The ritual of assessing everything from this magical little screen on my wrist certainly made this a reality. It even has the ability of getting green contours displayed with the premium Garmin subscription – which also opens up other features and accessories to further utilise your data.

Another small but useful feature that your wearable device gives you, that a hand held laser range finder doesn’t, is of course the ability to keep your score. The Garmin Approach S50 also doubles up as a more than capable fitness watch if you are eager to track your steps, measure your heart rate, or even take it into the gym and more strenuous cardio sessions.

The more I used the watch, the more I realised the features and uses at my disposal. I was also impressed with the battery life for such a small device, more than lasting a full day of golf use. If you love stats and numbers in your game or a general active life, then the Garmin Approach S50 could just be what your golf game and life needs right now.

At this point though we have to come back to the initial point of choice. When considering your purchase it has to be mentioned that there is choice in the immediate Garmin range that has to come into this.

The Garmin Approach S50 is great if you want something discreet. If you are a big burly man with forearms that often help you compete for the long-drive competition, then the slim strap and size may not be for you. The bigger Garmin Approach S70 will be a better buy. It’s more expensive, but does also have some additional features only available on the S50 via the premium subscription.

If you just want a basic golf watch that gives you basic yardages without the extra fitness options and tracking add ons, then the Garmin Approach S44 may be better suited to you. This then naturally provides a slightly more affordable option as well.

For a solid, albeit lightweight all rounder, that will absolutely be money well spent for your golf game, the Garmin Approach S50 is a great performer. And if you want to make a choice on an accessory that can shave strokes off your game, this is a pretty simple one.

To purchase the Garmin Approach S50 visit this link

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