Garmin Approach S72 Adds Heart-Rate Shot Tracking, Calls
By Staff Writer
2 min read
LoopGolf
Garmin has unveiled the Approach S72, a golf watch that pairs on-course tracking with heart-rate-based shot analysis and full everyday smartwatch features. It succeeds the Approach S70 and is available now in 43mm and 47mm cases starting at £699.99 / €799.99.
What's new on the Approach S72?
Both sizes use an AMOLED display behind a titanium bezel and a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, paired with Garmin's new ComfortFit fabric band. The headline addition is real-time heart-rate tracking tied directly to shots, letting golfers see how their heart rate shifts before and after a swing and review that trend alongside their score once the round ends. Tying heart rate to each shot turns the watch into a stress gauge, not just a distance tracker.
Tying heart rate to each shot turns the watch into a stress gauge, not just a distance tracker.
The watch also adds on-wrist swing metrics - hand speed, backswing length and wrist rotation - captured without any extra sensor, plus a driving range activity mode that logs practice sessions toward a golfer's daily fitness goals.
What does the subscription tier add?
With an active Garmin Golf Membership, the S72 unlocks an enhanced green-reading tool that uses contour data to show break direction and average slope percentage. Post-round, the Garmin Golf app adds putting analytics such as speed bias, direction bias and make rate, and aerial hole imagery is available to help with layup and miss planning.
What else does it do off the course?
The S72 is Garmin's first golf watch with a built-in speaker and microphone, letting golfers take calls or issue voice commands, and it adds a flashlight with adjustable white and red light settings. It also tracks heart rate, stress, Body Battery energy levels and sleep, with preloaded profiles for strength and mobility training. Garmin says battery life runs up to 20 hours in GPS mode on the course, or up to 16 days with GPS turned off.
Key takeaways
- The Approach S72 comes in 43mm and 47mm sizes with an AMOLED display and titanium bezel.
- New on-wrist swing metrics track hand speed, backswing length and wrist rotation without extra hardware.
- Green-reading and detailed putting analytics require an active Garmin Golf Membership.
- It is Garmin's first golf watch with a built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands.
- Battery life is rated up to 20 hours in GPS mode, or 16 days with GPS off, at a starting price of £699.99 / €799.99.
Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing Susan Lyman said the watch is meant to help golfers "understand their whole game."
Frequently asked questions
What sizes does the Garmin Approach S72 come in?
It is offered in 43mm and 47mm cases, both with an AMOLED display.
Do I need a subscription to use all of its features?
The enhanced green-reading tool requires an active Garmin Golf Membership; core tracking and swing metrics do not.
How long does the battery last?
Garmin rates it at up to 20 hours in GPS mode on the course, or up to 16 days with GPS switched off.
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