50 Words or Less
The Garmin Approach G20 Solar is an accurate and simple-to-use handheld golf GPS unit with a major, distinctive feature – solar charging. Strong magnet and easy to read display.
Introduction
Reading Garmin’s press release for the Approach G20 Solar, I was captivated by the declaration of “boundless battery life.” I love having a GPS device on my golf cart for quick distance information, and have been using a Bushnell Phantom for years – including the latest Phantom 3 Slope [full review HERE]. But keeping up with its frequent recharging needs is a struggle. Could the G20’s solar charging be my dream feature? I had to find out.
Setup & Ease of Use
In the box, I found the Garmin Approach G20 Solar unit, a short USB-C cable, a belt clip, a brief start-up guide, and, of course, a safety booklet in 3000 languages. The graphic-centric start-up guide was simple and easy to follow. I already had the recommended Garmin Golf App on my phone and completed the pairing in seconds. I downloaded the full Owners Manual as part of my review process, but most users won’t find it necessary.
I found operating the Approach G20 very intuitive. The two buttons on each side are clearly labeled and offer solid tactile engagement. The 2.2” screen was easy to read whether the unit was in my hand or on the golf cart frame.
The Approach G20 came fully charged, but I set it outside in the sun for a few hours to learn more about the solar charging aspect. As an engineer I love the Solar screen with graphics that display solar intensity and charging over the past 6 hours. Solar charging occurs whether the unit is on or off. Garmin states that the G20 will operate for 30 rounds on a full battery. All of that is huge for me – I’ve been getting about 2 rounds with my Bushnell.
At the golf course I engaged Play Golf, and it was mere moments before it brought up the nearest course. After selecting the tees I’d be playing from, the Garmin Approach G20 Solar displayed front/middle/back distances. Paging down toggled through the hazard distances, plus distances to layups at 200, 150, and 100 yards. The layup data was new to me, and a feature I think golfers can utilize to their advantage.
The Approach G20 automatically advances holes, and there’s an option for recording scores. For even more precise distance to the hole, Garmin offers a screen option to manually move the pin position on each green. It’s a simple grid (see above photo) that is easily toggled through to visually coordinate with a pin sheet. For me it’s a cool feature that I’ll never take the time to utilize – plus I’m a proponent of middle of the green strategy.
Three additional features are worth mentioning: shot tracking, wind, and Find My Garmin. Shot tracking requires installing Garmin CT10 sensors on each club. Wind speed and direction is made available via the Garmin Golf app. Wind direction is typically easy to determine, but I have utilized the screen graphic a few times standing on a sheltered par 3 tee box. To date I haven’t had the need to engage the Find My Garmin feature, but it’s comforting to know that if I did leave the Approach G20 on a golf cart, I could track it down later via the app.
Accuracy & Performance
With Garmin being a world leader in integrated GPS devices, I was confident the Approach G20 Solar would be accurate – and I was right. I was not surprised that front/back/middle green distances were virtually identical between the G20 and my Garmin S70 Smartwatch [full review HERE]. I found an occasional yard or two variance comparing the G20 and the Bushnell Phantom 3, but nothing alarming. I had similar results checking distances with my trusted Nikon laser rangefinder.
What truly gave me confidence in the Garmin Approach G20 Solar’s data was checking a couple bunkers against my rangefinder. Laser ranging on flat-ish features can be tricky, but shooting the far lip of a bunker is target friendly – and the G20 data was spot on.
The magnet on the Garmin Approach G20 Solar is strong, and the unit stayed in place on the golf cart frame despite some purposely jarring bumps. The belt clip turned out to be way cooler than I imagined as it also utilized the magnet. The spring on the clip is heavy duty with jaws that open wide enough for attaching to things other than just a belt.
Value
The Garmin Approach G20 Solar retails for $300 – a price point that’s left me in a value quandary. It’s twice the price of the Bushnell I’ve been comparing it to, and moves the G20 above the casual purchase threshold. But for all the times I’ve forgotten to charge my Bushnell, a higher price seems warranted. As is often the case with technology accessories, buyers need to evaluate their budgets and needs. If that sounds like a cop out, feel free to give me a “tanks fer nuttin’” CaddyShack retort.
Consider supporting Plugged In Golf by buying the Approach G20 HERE
Conclusion
Leaving price out of the equation, the Garmin Approach G20 Solar is the perfect GPS accessory for me. The size of the unit and strength of the magnet make it great for mounting on a golf cart. And I love that the solar charging keeps the G20 at the ready. Basic front/middle/back distances are ever present and easy to read – even with bright sun like I encountered in the photo above. Having hazard and lay-up numbers helps me make informed decisions. I’ll close with this intriguing statement printed in small lettering on the side panel of the Approach G20 Solar box: engineered on the inside for life on the outside.
Buy the Garmin Approach G20 Solar HERE
- johnnie-O 2025 Apparel Review - May 14, 2025
- Cobra DS-ADAPT Irons Review - May 7, 2025
- TaylorMade Qi35 Driver Review - May 5, 2025
3 Comments
Strongly considering buying this. Does it have the “PlaysLike” feature like my Garmin watch has? I can’t seem to find anything in this.
Great review. Thanks
No – the G20 does not have slope adjustment which is what PlaysLike factors utilizes.
– Meeks
Great review! I agree on the price; it’s high enough to stop me from buying. Maybe if it offered slope and shot tracking even if for a higher price tag? I won’t be buying unless I see a good sale, but I like what they’ve made.