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The Garmin Approach S72 is the better fit if you want golf GPS on your wrist alongside smartwatch, health and swing-analysis features. A dedicated handheld such as the Approach G20 Solar makes more sense if you prefer a larger, sunlight-readable distance display, cart or belt mounting and solar-assisted runtime. Neither is universally better: the choice comes down to how you want to use golf information during a round and whether you will use the S72’s everyday features.
At a glance: wristwatch or dedicated handheld?
| What matters | Approach S72 | Approach G20 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Golf smartwatch offered in 43 mm and 47 mm sizes | Dedicated handheld with a built-in cart magnet and belt clip |
| Screen | AMOLED display at the wrist | 2.2-inch high-contrast monochrome display with large numbers, designed for sunlight readability |
| Golf use | On-wrist swing metrics and golf biometric data; green reading, putting analytics and aerial imagery require an active Garmin Golf membership | Front, middle and back green yardages, hazards, doglegs, manual pin placement and course maps |
| Beyond golf | Health and wellness tracking, voice-call capability, flashlight and activity profiles | Golf distances, course maps and scoring; wind information and device scoring require synchronization with the Garmin Golf smartphone app |
| Battery claims | Up to 20 hours in golf activity mode; up to 16 days with GPS off | Unlimited solar-powered battery life under continuous 75,000-lux conditions; up to 36 rounds without solar charging in sub-optimal conditions |
| U.S. launch suggested retail price | From $799.99, announced October 6, 2026 | $299.99, announced January 21, 2025 |
These are Garmin’s announced U.S. launch specifications and suggested retail prices, not independent test results or current street prices. Availability and pricing can vary by country and change over time. Garmin’s S72 announcement and G20 Solar announcement describe the respective launch claims.
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Choose the S72 if you want golf and everyday features on your wrist
The S72 combines golf functions with the broader role of a smartwatch. It is the stronger match if you want to check golf data without carrying or mounting another device, and expect to use health tracking or other smartwatch features away from the course. Its 43 mm and 47 mm sizes give buyers two case-size options.
Garmin lists up to 20 hours in golf activity mode and up to 16 days with GPS off. Those are manufacturer estimates; they should not be read as a guarantee of runtime in every use pattern.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium golf smartwatch features a lightweight titanium bezel, durable sapphire lens, ComfortFit fabric band, built-in flashlight, speaker and microphone
- Preloaded with 43,000+ full-color CourseView maps; option to get an enhanced view of the shot ahead with aerial imagery (requires a Garmin Golf membership)
- Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours of battery life in golf activity mode, so you can play round after round
- Look back on your round to see how heart rate affected your performance and start to see trends in how your biometric data and score relate (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Gain a better understanding of your swing during your range session and after your round with swing metrics, which include hand speed, backswing length, wrist rotation and more
Know which golf features depend on membership
Garmin specifies an active Garmin Golf membership for the S72’s green-reading, putting-analytics and aerial-imagery features. Green-contour data is available only for select courses, so course coverage matters if those are central to your decision. Check Garmin’s Approach watch selector and current course information for the features you plan to use.
Optional club tracking requires separate sensors
Approach CT10 sensors can add automatic shot tracking, but they are optional and sold separately. Garmin’s S72 manual identifies CT10 compatibility for tracking shot location, distance and club type; the watch’s base price does not include the sensors. See Garmin’s S72 manual section on wireless sensors.
Rank #2
- Stunning 1.4” AMOLED display brings more than 43,000 preloaded full-color CourseView maps to life on your wrist
- Look good on and off the course with a lightweight, stylish design and ceramic bezel
- Battery life: up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Enhanced golf course maps allow you to see intricate details with the ability to pan and zoom for narrowing in on your target distance
- Improved virtual caddie feature shows your shot dispersion data and suggests a club based on a variety of factors, including your historical swing data, elevation, wind speed, wind direction and more
Choose the G20 Solar if you prefer a dedicated handheld display
The G20 Solar is purpose-built for golf distances rather than everyday smartwatch use. Its 2.2-inch monochrome display uses large, high-contrast numbers, and Garmin describes it as designed for sunlight readability. Front, middle and back yardages, hazards and doglegs put core course information on a dedicated screen. The device also supports manual pin placement and course maps.
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A built-in magnet attaches it to a golf cart, while a belt clip offers another carry option. This setup suits golfers who would rather glance at a separate, mounted display than wear a watch during play.
Rank #3
- Stunning 1.2” color AMOLED display brings 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist
- Be comfortable on and off the course with the lightweight ComfortFit nylon strap
- Battery life: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode
- Get distance to the front, middle and back of the green and navigate bunkers, water hazards and layups with hazard view
- Playslike Distance feature tells you how far each shot truly is, with adjusted yardage for elevation changes
Garmin’s G20 Solar announcement lists more than 43,000 preloaded courses. Wind speed and direction and scoring on the device are available when it is synchronized with the Garmin Golf smartphone app, so those functions are not wholly standalone.
Interpret the solar battery claim carefully
Garmin says the G20 Solar can have unlimited battery life under continuous 75,000-lux conditions. It also claims up to 36 rounds without solar charging in sub-optimal conditions. Both are manufacturer claims, not independent test results, and the unlimited-runtime statement depends on its stated light condition; it is not a promise of unlimited use in ordinary weather or every round.
Rank #4
- New round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display
- Battery life: up to 30 hours in GPS Mode
- More than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world
- Keep score right on the watch and upload directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards
- Automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club with compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately)
Which one fits your game?
Pick the S72 when
- You specifically want a golf smartwatch rather than a separate handheld.
- You will use its everyday health, wellness or smartwatch features in addition to golf GPS.
- On-wrist swing metrics and golf biometric data are priorities.
- You are comfortable with the higher announced U.S. starting price and, for certain features, an active Garmin Golf membership.
Pick the G20 Solar when
- You prefer a dedicated screen with large distance figures and a sunlight-oriented display.
- You want to attach the device to a cart or carry it on a belt.
- Solar-assisted runtime matters, and you understand that Garmin’s unlimited-battery claim assumes continuous 75,000-lux conditions.
- You want core golf distances and course information without paying for smartwatch functions you may not use.
What this comparison does not establish
Garmin’s published specifications support a feature and form-factor comparison, not a verdict on which device is more accurate, brighter in practice, more comfortable, or longer-lasting in real-world play. No independent head-to-head test is established here. Choose based on the interface and features you value, and verify current local pricing and course-specific coverage before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slim design with a stunning 1.2” color AMOLED display that brings 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist
- Get distance to the front, middle and back of the green and navigate bunkers, water hazards and layups with hazard view
- Pair with optional Approach CT1 or CT10 club trackers (sold separately) for shot-tracking capabilities, so you have a clearer picture of which parts of your game to focus on
- Easily keep score as you play, and upload to the Garmin Golf smartphone app for advanced stat tracking and handicap calculation
- Leave your phone in the cart and get smart notifications sent to your wrist — including emails, texts and alerts when paired with your iPhone or Android smartphone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
