GPS and wearable technology experts Garmin have announced an all-new Approach R50 launch monitor, becoming the first portable launch monitor to feature an in-bult golf simulator.
Designed for use on a driving range or home use, the Approach R50 features a 10″ colour touchscreen display and comes preloaded with more than 43,000 golf courses worldwide, as well as an improved version of Home Tee Hero1 to play golf.
Using three different cameras, the launch monitor is able to track more than 15 different ball and club metrics, including measured spin rate and spin axis. It also provides analytics for every club in the bag, from driver all the way down to the putter, with impact videos so golfers can analyse their strike on every shot.
“Leveraging our most advanced technology with an elaborate three-camera system, our Approach R50 can provide golfers of all levels with the cutting-edge metrics and analytics they need to help improve their game. Whether you want to see specific shot metrics, see how and where the ball comes off your club, or just want to play a round on a rainy day, we’ve got your game.”�
Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Garmin are included the use of an enhanced Home Tee Hero simulator, allowing golfers to play virtual rounds with up to four players on more than 43,000 golf courses. There’s also the chance to participate in weekly tournaments, with scores posted on a global leaderboard, which are all viewable from the Approach R50 display.
The Approach R50 can be connected to a monitor or a projector, making it ideal for golfers who want to turn their garage or basement into a virtual golf course. There’s an option of either mirroring the display on the Approach R50 to a projector or external monitor, or customising the setup to have a dual-display.
For golfers looking to improve their game between rounds or during the winter months, there is a training mode feature which records sessions and saves stats for each club, allowing them to track their progress over time.
High-speed impact videos can provide immediate visual feedback on each shot, so any golfer from beginner to elite can analyse their swing and work on their weaknesses.
The device has built-in wifi connectivity, which allows players to connect to and use their own favourite third-party simulators where available, such as GSPro, E6 Connect and Awesome Golf.
The Approach R50 is also said to provide versatility to be used just about anywhere with enough space. It’s simple to set up, features up to four hours of battery life, and includes a handy carrying case.
Available now, the Approach R50 launch monitor has a suggested retail price starting at �4,299.99.
