Garmin Approach G8 review
The Golf Monthly test team reviews the Garmin Approach G8 GPS device

This shows the potential that Garmin designers posses when it comes to an all-singing, all-dancing GPS device. The fact that some extras mean it is not legal for tournament play is frustrating though. If you don’t play in official competitions there is plenty to impress, particularly if you play lots of different courses and would benefit from overhead maps showing you the entire hole and yardages to and from anywhere. The unit is well made and most golfers would feel comfortable with it in their pocket.
-
+
The G8 comes loaded with a huge amount of tech. As well as impressive overhead images it offers stat collection, a digital scorecard, which can be downloaded to the Garmin Community, email and text notifications. It can even suggest clubs to hit to record your club distances when out playing. The screen manages to be very clear and easy too read without being too cumbersome.
-
-
The ‘PlaysLike’ distance function, just like the slope function on some lasers, makes this illegal for competition play, which will be an immediate issue for a lot of golfers. Yardages take a little longer to load than others so you need to wait a couple of seconds when you get to your ball.
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
The Golf Monthly test team brings you its Garmin Approach G8 review, revealing the pros and cons of this GPS device
Key technology: Garmin Approach G8 review
A colour screen displays large, high-contrast maps of each hole with touchscreen capabilities that can give distances from any position on the hole. It can also offer ‘PlaysLike distances’ that take into account changes in height (not legal for tournament play). A big number mode offers distances to the front, middle and back of greens. The unit comes loaded with 38,000 courses.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
-
US Open Betting Tips And Odds: Final Round Picks
Who are we picking to win the 2025 US Open?
By Elliott Heath Published
-
LIV Golf Carlos Ortiz Said He ‘Deserved’ To Be At US Open… A Year On And He’s Contending To Win It
A year ago, Carlos Ortiz claimed he warranted a place in the US Open field - now, he's in the mix to take the title at Oakmont
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Knew That Could Have Been One Of The Negatives’ - Marc Leishman On Missing Majors After Joining LIV Golf
The Australian insists he has no regrets about joining LIV Golf, despite the US Open being his first Major appearance since 2022
By Mike Hall Published