Your Christmas present is calling and it is yelling; I hope I am the Garmin Approach R10 Golf Launch Monitor.
As someone who loves golf but doesn’t get to play as often as I’d like, I was really excited to test out the Garmin Approach R10. This compact device promises to bring the driving range and even a golf simulator right into your backyard. After using it for a few weeks, I can confidently say it adds a new level of enjoyment to practicing my swing. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.
Setting Up the Garmin Approach R10
The R10 is small, lightweight, and easy to set up. The box includes a mount for your phone and a magnetic tripod for the device, making it straightforward to get started. First, I downloaded the Garmin Golf app on my phone, then connected the R10 via Bluetooth. Next, I adjusted the R10 to be 6–8 feet behind where I would be hitting. The device picked up shots from the start, so the initial setup was painless.
The portability is great. You can quickly move it from the yard to an indoor setup or even pack it for a trip. Plus, it doesn’t need constant repositioning, so I’m preoccupied with the technology side while trying to work on my swing. The first couple times I tried it I was distracted by learning the app, but that quickly went away.
It was a little uncomfortable setting my phone on the ground and reaching down to click when necessary. I would recommend using the included phone mount to raise the phone to eye-level, making it an easier interaction during your training session. One of the ranges I use has phone mounts on poles available for use and that made a big difference.
The Garmin Golf App
The Garmin Golf app is essential here, as it links everything together. The free app stores all the data, provides stats and averages, and tracks progress. It’s well-designed and easy to navigate, giving you a clear view of trends and improvement areas. The app also syncs your data across devices, which was convenient when switching phones, etc. I was disappointed to be unable to download and install the Garmin Golf app to my tablet for a larger view.
The paid subscription to the app for additional simulations is something to consider. While the free app features are sufficient for driving range fun; if you want to play courses, you will need the paid subscription. There are also additional connections available to other devices or paid services which allow you to play with other app users.
Testing as a Driving Range Tool
Using the Garmin Approach R10 as a driving range tool was honestly a blast. I started at the driving range since I do not have a practice net in my yard. I didn’t leave enough time in my first couple rounds to get through the bucket of balls. This is partially because I was up against the fading light. The real reason was that I was paying detailed attention to each stroke. I took more time with each stroke than I typically take at the range and that alone improved my swing.
I started by telling the app which club I was using and would hit several balls with each club and observe how the monitor recorded each shot. Since the driving range has distance markers, it is a great place to begin as you can corroborate your distance with the app. This provides that initial confidence that the app truly knows its business. I do find the monitor struggles a little to pick up the ball in low light, but then so do most of us. With that said, it still did a good job tracking each shot.
The R10 tracks several data points—like clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate. It uses these data points to calculate the distance, angle and deviation of each shot. I particularly like to see how far off center my shot is once it comes to a rest. While that can be visually confirmed, seeing that variance shrink as I make grip or swing adjustments is really helpful. Watching those numbers improve from one session to the next kept me motivated, and I’m actually hitting with more consistency now.
In addition, the app can record video and overlay this against your shot. The ability to see my swing compared to how the ball travels can revolutionize your practice.
Using it as a Golf Simulator
With a subscription to Garmin Golf Membership, the Garmin Approach R10 becomes much more than a training tool. Also, you can to the E6 Connect software (one of the paid add-ons), which allows you to play virtual rounds on famous courses. The simulator mode brings an entirely different experience—playing 18 holes at the range was a blast, and the feedback felt accurate and realistic.
On the simulation side, I did notice some minor discrepancies with my shorter (shanked) wedge shots, which the R10 struggled to capture perfectly. However, for longer shots and especially drives, it’s seems to be pretty accurate.
I feel there is value in the subscription price. While $99/yr might feel steep as a subscription, it is far less than paying to go to a local simulator business. Once you sign up, you can play courses and learn to navigate around hazards.
Things to keep in mind
This launch monitor is not a live trainer. It doesn’t offer recommendations in the same manner as a trained professional. I feel there is a lot the golf app does to compliment the launch monitor as a training tool. However, don’t expect that you can skip needing the help of a golf instructor. They provide personalized insight that will be invaluable to your golf journey.
As I stated earlier, the app doesn’t work with tablets, which I found to be a bit of a bummer. I don’t wear glass unless I am reading fine print and having to put glasses on between swings was annoying. I contacted support regarding the tablet and after some discourse back and forth the cause was laid at the feet of the tablet manufacturer. This typically means that Garmin hasn’t put forth the effort to ensure the app will work on all Android devices, though I believe the support rep noted it will work for the Apple iPad.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Garmin Approach R10 exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-made, feature-rich device that’s perfect for anyone looking to get more out of their practice time. Whether you’re using it as a range tool or a simulator, it’s fun, effective, and easy to use. The device paired seamlessly with the Garmin Golf app, and I found myself looking forward to each practice session.
So, whether your buy this for yourself or add it to your Christmas list, the Garmin Approach R10 is a must have this winter season. This is a great investment that will yield returns on the course. It’s user-friendly, has excellent data tracking, and is a lot of fun to use.
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