This Is The Most Interesting Golf Tech Product I've Ever Tested - Here's Why

Not too long ago, golfers on a budget had to choose what avenue to go down when it comes to golf tech. One of the best golf rangefinders or watches would prove beneficial when on the course, but opting for a launch monitor could revolutionize your practice sessions on the range. We can’t forget about devices that can help your putting practice either.

Well, Garmin have said to hell with that conundrum, here’s a device with all those features, and we’ll throw in a few more on top of that. Say hello to the G82, the all-singing, all-dancing launch monitor/GPS. Poetically, if you and your golf game are Batman, this thing can be your Robin.

Quite honestly, it is difficult to know where to start with the G82 because even explaining what it is isn’t the easiest task given how many features it has, but here goes - it is a one-of-a-kind product that transforms whether you’re on the course, on the practice putting green or at your driving range. On course, it provides detailed, accurate course information like the best golf GPS. On the range it delivers superb launch monitor data, club mapping and training modes like target practice. You can even take it to the putting green to get feedback on putting stroke length, tempo, and club and ball speed.

First impressions aren’t very exciting, but that isn’t a critique. Garmin products aren’t very flashy and the G82 continues this trend, which I respect - they let the quality of their products do the talking. You get the signature plain grey Garmin box and inside you’ll find the G82, which feels chunky and premium. It feels a lot better than the previous G80 which it is tasked with replacing. Out of the box, you’ll find the device itself along with a magnetic attachment with a carabiner clip.

I’ll begin digging into the off-the-course features, beginning with the launch monitor capabilities. Setting it up could not be easier - attach the magnetic case to the back of the device, prop it up a few inches from the ball and start swinging. You’ll be met with crucial data points like ball speed, club speed, smash factor and tempo instantaneously after each strike.

Connecting the G82 to the Garmin app unlocks another layer of possibilities thanks to the bag mapping feature. Manually input each club and hit a few shots and the G82 will work in tandem with the app to gauge your yardages for each club, which is then inputted into the Garmin ecosystem to help give you club recommendations on the course. It also works in tandem with other Garmin devices like the Z30 rangefinder or the best Garmin golf watches like the S50 for even more immersion. This club tracking can be done automatically if you pair the G82 with the CT10 shot-tracking tags.

For those who like to grind on the greens, they can take their practice to the next level courtesy of the putting practice feature which, as I mentioned above, gives you numeric feedback on factors of your stroke like length, tempo, and club and ball speed.

Now that our bag is mapped, yardages are dialed and our touch with the putter has been sharpened, it is time to hit the course. With 43,000 pre-loaded courses, chances are the G82 will be ready for wherever you tee it up. This is another GPS device, much like the best golf speakers, which I think is better suited for those who ride in a cart during rounds, but walkers like myself can still get the best from the 5” crystal clear display device without too much hassle - it’s actually small enough for you to fit it in your back trouser pocket and although it didn’t personally bother me, it will feel rather chunky in there, similar to a hefty yardage book or scorecard holder.

For those that don’t want a hefty device in their back pocket as they swing, the G82 will clip onto your golf bag courtesy of the magnetic backing. This is stress-inducing given it takes a while to trust the magnetic attachment to keep your device safe and secure. However, the size the magnet inside the G82 means you needn't worry - in nearly ten rounds of golf it only fell off the attachment once, and it was when a friend was jogging down steps with his bag on his back.

When he realized, he was in a panic, thinking he’d lost the $500 Garmin I was testing (it was in my pocket) but as he prepared to run back to the tee I removed it from my pocket, thus ending the joke. However, I reminded him that courtesy of the ‘Find My’ function built into the G82, you’ll get a notification on your phone letting you know you forgot it and where it is.

In terms of it acting as your on-course caddie, it does a great job, which won’t be a surprise to those who have used Garmin golf products before. The display is crisp and the maps are pleasingly detailed - you can upgrade this to satellite aerial imagery if you have a Garmin Golf Membership.

Once connected to the app you’ll get real time wind updates that factor into your Virtual Caddie’s thinking for your club recommendation. Yardages are also adjusted for elevation changes as well as environmental conditions. The green view lets you adjust where the flag is on the green for extra detail, or it’ll do it by itself if you’ve connected your G82 and Garmin Z30 rangefinder to the app. The green contours available through the Garmin Golf membership add another layer of detail, too.

Finally, the digital scorecard is superb and can really enhance your friendly competition rounds. It has you completely covered with the ability to track stroke play, stableford, skins and match play with adjustable handicaps.

There really aren’t many drawbacks I experienced with the G82. How much you’ll get out of it depends on your personality - I personally hate being on my phone or using a screen during rounds and as a walker, I’m unsure how much I’ll use this long term as a GPS device because of that.

However, I haven’t had one practice range session without this thing with me as I tighten my game for the summer season. It is obviously a lot of money at north of $500 but the value of it will depend on how much you use it. There are SO many features, so much so that after a month of use I’m still getting used to the menus and modes, but this will come with time.

If you’re dedicated to your practice routine and hit the course multiple times a week, the G82 could be a godsend for your game. For the weekend warriors, I question the value for money here - but it is very a much a 'it is what you make of it' type scenario.

Nevertheless, we’ve banged on a few times that brands like Garmin set the standard for the golf tech market and the G82 is another example of that - I look forward to seeing how/if rival brands respond.