Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Unveiled

Garmin's new laser displays colour hole maps and even takes into account wind speed and direction

Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Unveiled

Garmin's new laser displays GPS distances on colour hole maps and even takes into account wind speed and direction

Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Unveiled

Garmin has unveiled the new Approach Z82, which claims to be the most accurate GPS laser rangefinder on the market to date.

Designed to help improve a golfer’s situational awareness, the Approach Z82 measures precise shot distances ranging up to 450 yards. It also boasts full-colour 2-D CourseView mapping through the lens and Green View overlay on more than 41,000 courses worldwide. Thanks to its enhanced laser ranging performance, the device can hit the flag more consistently than previous models.

Garmin-Z82-display-web

The Approach Z82’s improved optics produce sharper images, and a superior viewfinder offers better eye relief so golfers who wear glasses can see the full extent of the high-resolution OLED display. In addition, vibrational feedback and the refined laser ranging performance makes locking on to the flag even more precise and intuitive.

RELATED: GPS v Laser - which is more accurate?

What sets the Approach Z82 apart from other rangefinders is the supplementary course details that are readily available in the player’s peripheral vision. By merging GPS technology and CourseView mapping, a 2-D image of the hole is overlaid on the viewfinder along with distances to key hazards and layups. When the Approach Z82 locks on to the flag, the map automatically zooms in to the green marking a Laser Ranged Arc at that specific distance. Once this happens, players will be able to know the pin position relative to the front and back of the green.

Garmin Approach Z80

The Approach Z82 can also display wind direction and speed to help take the guess work out of choosing the proper club. With the new Hazard View feature, golfers can quickly zoom in and scroll through each hazard on the map to see more details and know exactly where the distances to the front and back of each hazard are being measured to – even when the player’s actual view is obstructed.

RELATED: Garmin Approach Z80 Laser Rangefinder Review

The rangefinder also offers a flexible number of features that can be enabled or disabled depending on a golfer’s specific needs. Starting with the PlaysLike Distance feature, users can adjust for uphill or downhill slopes to better gauge a shot’s true distance for better club selection. Additionally, when players use the Approach Z82’s Pinpointer option, they will have the critical advantage of seeing the direction to the green on blind shots. Furthermore, the new tournament mode light on the top of the rangefinder serves to remind players that they are following tournament rules.

Golfers can keep score and track stats on the Approach Z82 by uploading their scorecards to the free Garmin Golf app, a useful application that keeps a history of course stats, leaderboards, and scorecards. Also, with the new Find My Garmin feature, players who accidentally lose track of their range finder on the course can easily track down the whereabouts of the device.

The Garmin Approach Z82 is available now with an RRP of £579.99.

Garmin promo codes

Garmin promo codes

These Garmin coupon codes will help you save on smart watches for golf.


Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x