Garmin Approach J1 GPS Golf Watch Review

Since the launch of the S1 watch in October 2010, Garmin has developed a strong reputation for producing some of the best golf watches on the market that provide players with reliable and easy to access GPS information. Now the brand has launched its first product aimed specifically at juniors.

The Garmin J1 Approach is lightweight, easy to wear and has a focus on helping younger players to learn and improve. What’s more, the watch also has parental controls for children under 13.

To find out whether Garmin’s latest creation hits the mark, we asked 24-handicap junior golfer Thomas Oubridge to put it through its paces.

One of the most important elements to any technology that’s designed to help (and not hinder) your game is how easy it is to set up and then use when you’re competing. The good news is the J1 Approach is simple to set up and the local courses are quick to access.

There is also a large color touchscreen as well as physical buttons to navigate through the various features. Alongside the usual distance measuring information, the watch also links to the Garmin app which provides the option to record and monitor your stats.

One of the benefits of a watch like this (over a laser), is that it provides overhead maps that can help with building a sensible strategy. For instance, you are provided with a picture of the green and you can use the touchscreen to drag the pin to the correct location.

Likewise, the watch shows you where the hazards are located on each hole and ideal lay up areas. Just as with the brand's flagship Garmin Approach S70 golf watch, these features are helpful when it comes to knowing where you can and can’t miss.

Overall, the Garmin J1 Approach watch is a great addition to the best Garmin golf watches. It is comfortable, lightweight and it looks smart (whether you are using it on or off the course).

The set up is simple, albeit we had to change some settings for the statistics to be recorded which was a little frustrating. The touchscreen is excellent and it works well to manually set the pin position on the greens.

It is fun, easy to use and can even help improve your scoring.