The Garmin Approach G80 has been a staple in the golf tech world for years—a hybrid device that brilliantly combined launch monitor capabilities with GPS functionality. But let’s be honest, it was overdue for an upgrade. Enter the Approach G82, unveiled at the 2026 PGA Show, and it’s clear that Garmin listened to what golfers wanted.
A Long-Awaited Update That Delivers
This is hands-down the most exciting release I’ve seen so far from this year’s show (Granted, as of this writing the show hasn’t even officially started yet). The G82 doesn’t just incrementally improve on its predecessor; it seems like it will transform the entire category of what a portable launch monitor can be.
Unique Positioning in the Market
Here’s what sets the G82 apart: this is the only launch monitor you could actually, feasibly use out on the course if you wanted to.
While other launch monitors are confined to the range or simulator bay, the G82’s dual identity as a premium GPS handheld makes it a legitimate on-course companion. That 5-inch high-resolution touchscreen with over 43,000 preloaded course maps isn’t just for show, it’s a full-featured golf GPS that happens to have radar capabilities built in.
Industry-First Putting Metrics
The putting metrics feature is a genuine innovation.
No other handheld device on the market offers this level of putting analysis. Being able to track stroke length, tempo, club speed, and ball speed on the practice green fills a gap that golfers didn’t even know existed. If you’re serious about improving your short game, this alone makes the G82 worth considering.
Following the Trend—But Doing It Right
Bag mapping, virtual caddie, and club recommendations have become recurring themes across multiple brands this year.
Garmin isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but they’re integrating these features into a device that goes far beyond what competitors offer. The ability to record your actual distances at the range and then have the virtual caddie use that real-world data to make informed club recommendations on the course?
That’s the kind of closed-loop system that actually makes these features useful rather than gimmicky.
This is Garmin building out their golf ecosystem in a meaningful way. Now if we could just get a major overhaul of the Garmin Golf App, we’ll be in business.
The Underrated Rangefinder Integration
Here’s a feature that deserves more attention: the Range Relay capability with compatible Garmin laser rangefinders.
When you’re on the practice range, you can sync your rangefinder to the G82 and get precise distances to every flag transferred directly to the unit. This is the kind of thoughtful ecosystem integration that shows Garmin understands how golfers actually practice.
Built for Real-World Use
With an IPX7 water rating, 25 hours of battery life in GPS mode, and 8 hours in radar mode, the G82 is clearly designed for golfers who actually play in varied conditions.
The magnetic mounting for carts and the included clip for bags show attention to practical details that matter on the course.
I also can’t tell you how happy I am to see the magnet. The mounting system on the old G80, well, it wasn’t great.
The Verdict
At $599.99, the Approach G82 isn’t an impulse purchase, but on paper, it feels like a worthy successor to the G80. For golfers who want a single device that can handle range practice, putting work, and course navigation, this is unlike anything else available.
This is the update the G80 deserved, and Garmin has delivered in terms of features, functionality, and innovation. I’m genuinely excited to get this in for testing.
I’ll update this page with a full review as soon as I get one in for testing.
Here’s the full press release.
Introducing the Approach G82, the ultimate warmup tool with Garmin’s largest golf handheld display and new putting metrics
Bigger and better than ever with a 5-inch color touchscreen, the portable launch monitor and premium GPS handheld helps players dial in their game on the range, putting green and course
OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 20, 2026/PR Newswire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today revealed the Approach® G82 — launch monitor and top-notch GPS handheld — the seamless golf tool with expanded radar metrics that help golfers dial in their swing and introduces putting metrics to help them improve their consistency on the green.
After teeing off, players can easily view detailed information on the 5-inch, high-resolution touchscreen that brings more than 43,000 preloaded courses to life. With an active Garmin Golf™ membership, users can see even more course details with aerial imagery, giving them a photographic view of their next shot.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Approach G82, with our largest golf handheld display making it easier than ever to see your metrics and the lay of the land. It’s the ultimate pre-round warmup tool that doubles as an intuitive virtual caddie on the course and debuts putting metrics, allowing players to work on their entire game.” —Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President Consumer Sales & Marketing
Practice makes perfect
Whether hitting the driving range or practice green, the Approach G82 includes several features to help golfers prepare for their next round:
- Built-in launch monitor: Utilize essential radar metrics – including ball speed, club speed, smash factor and tempo – to make swing adjustments at the driving range.
- Putting metrics: Improve putting consistency with the only handheld that offers putting metrics, including stroke length, tempo, club and ball speed and more.
- Bag mapping: Evaluate each club at the driving range and record how far they typically play. Data integrates with the virtual caddie feature to help golfers make informed decisions when they get to the course.
- Target practice: Set target carry or total distances and try to place as many shots as possible within the ideal range.
- Tempo training: Improve contact consistency by working on the ideal backswing and downswing times for every shot.
- Club speed training: Measure club speed without needing to hit a ball and can be used with swing speed training aids.
Elevate the game
The Approach G82 is also designed to give golfers an edge with on-the-course information to help them make informed decisions during the round. To maximize the benefits, players can utilize it in conjunction with other Garmin golf products.
- Virtual caddie: Receive club recommendations using swing data recorded from bag mapping sessions as well as wind¹, elevation and hazard locations.
- Enhanced PlaysLike distance: Know how far each shot is playing with yardage adjusted for elevation and environmental conditions¹.
- Member benefits: With a Garmin Golf Membership, players can receive aerial imagery to help them see photographic images for each hole as well as green contour data, allowing them to see the slope direction of the green.
- Automatic shot detection: Pair with Approach® CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately) for automatic game tracking and uploads to the Garmin Golf app.
- Range Relay: Get more precise distances to the flag when the handheld is synced with a compatible Garmin laser rangefinder (sold separately).
- Connected features: Receive wind speed and direction, along with automatic course updates and the Find My Garmin feature when connected to the Garmin Golf app on a compatible smartphone.
- Magnetic mounting: Easily secure the GPS handheld to a cart with the built-in magnet or to a golf bag with the included clip.
Designed with all types of weather in mind, the Approach G82 is built with an IPX7 water rating, allowing golfers to play rain or shine worry free. Users can also get up to 25 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to eight hours in radar mode.
Approach G82 has a suggested retail price of $599.99. See the Approach G82 and more during the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla., at the Garmin booth, #1501. To learn more about Garmin’s full lineup of golf products, visit garmin.com/golf.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin outdoor recreation products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.
¹Must be paired with the Garmin Golf app on a compatible smartphone.
