GPS Kids | Approach G3 golf GPS: Less expensive, more expansive than ever

How do you improve upon a device that’s already best in its class? Make it even more portable and even more affordable, and then continue to expand upon a vast database of preloaded data. That’s the thinking behind the new Approach G3 touchscreen gps kids watch for golfers, which was announced today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and will be on display at the Garmin booth (South Hall 4, #35832).

“The easy-to-use Approach G3 proves you can have a less expensive device with a more expansive database of preloaded courses,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Thanks to detailed color maps, an intuitive interface and precise measurements to key features, Approach G3 lets golfers focus on fun and fundamentals with added confidence in their game.”

Preloaded with a database of more than 12,000 course maps (and growing), and powered by two AA batteries, the Approach G3 is ready for a round just minutes after being taken out of the box. There are no subscriptions or annual fees that are common in golf technology.

Once powered on, two simple options appear on the glove-friendly 2.6” color display: Play and Preview. While playing, golfers will see detailed course maps with precise distance information from their current location to fairways, hazards and greens. As you move about the course, the waterproof Approach G3 uses its high-sensitivity gps kids watch receiver to continuously update your position and distances to each target. During the course of play, the touchscreen interface helps you decide the best tactic in many situations. Worried about that fairway bunker? A single tap on the map will show you how much club you need to carry it – or how little if you decide to play it safe. Perfected your 90-yard wedge shot? By dragging your finger on the map, you can find the precise distance needed to lay up for your perfect shot into the green. Is the pin placed in the back today? By simply touching the corner of the screen, you can zoom in on the green and reposition the flag to correspond with that day’s placement of the pin. Whether you’re tracking your improvement or simply want bragging rights, Approach G3 makes it easy to measure the distance of your last shot. Also, you can easily keep the scores for your entire foursome using the intuitive touchscreen digital scorecard, which can be viewed later by connecting Approach to your computer via USB.

Even when you can’t make it to the course – or want to follow along during televised coverage – you can use Approach G3 to preview any of the more than 12,000 preloaded courses in the United States and Canada, complete with detailed vector mapping unlike anything used before on a golf course. Golfers can go to www.garmin.com/golfcourses to check if their course is among those available for the Approach G3 or Approach G5. As Garmin builds its database of American and Canadian courses – and expands into Europe in early 2010 – additional courses will be available at www.garmin.com, making downloadable sets of courses for these continents easily accessible.

Weighing just 5.25 ounces, Approach G3 gets up to 15 hours of battery life from two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium are recommended). Approach G3 conforms with the rules of the R&A and USGA.

For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com and www.garmin.blogs.com. To watch step-by-step tutorial videos for Approach and other Garmin products, visit the online learning center at www.garmin.com/learningcenter.

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