Garmin fēnix 8 (with Garmin Golf)
Premium multisport watch with full Garmin Golf app — same golf features as Approach S70 in an expedition-grade case
Key features
- Full Garmin Golf app — identical golf features to Approach S70
- Virtual Caddie with wind and shot dispersion
- AutoShot tracking
- 43,000+ preloaded courses
- PlaysLike Distance
- Green Contour Data (with Garmin Golf membership)
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ — most accurate positioning
- Sapphire crystal lens option
- Solar charging option
- Up to 29 days smartwatch battery
- Full expedition navigation — topographic maps, altimeter, barometer, compass
- 10ATM water rating
Our view
The fēnix 8 runs the full Garmin Golf app — Virtual Caddie, AutoShot, PlaysLike Distance, 43,000+ courses — all identical to the Approach S70. For multisport athletes this is the answer: one watch, full golf capability, no compromise. For golfers who only play golf, the Approach S70 at £519 delivers the same golf features in a lighter, more golf-optimised package at potentially lower cost. The fēnix 8 earns its price through multi-band GPS, solar charging options, expedition-grade build and the breadth of sports coverage.
Pros
- Identical golf features to Approach S70 at similar or lower price in some configurations
- Multi-band GPS is more accurate than single-band on Approach range
- Solar charging on some models eliminates battery concern
- Best multisport watch available — useful for running, cycling, swimming, hiking as well as golf
- Sapphire crystal and titanium options on premium models
- No compromise on golf features versus dedicated Approach range
Cons
- Larger and heavier than Approach S70 — less optimised for golf specifically
- Green Contour Data still requires Garmin Golf membership
- Significant price premium over Approach S70 for same golf functionality
- Complexity may be overwhelming for golfers who only want golf features
Who is this for?
| Handicap 0–12 | Low handicap | Ideal |
| Handicap 13–20 | Mid handicap | Good |
| Handicap 21–28 | High handicap | Marginal |
| Handicap 28+ | Beginner | Not recommended |
Golfers who are also serious runners, cyclists, triathletes or outdoor adventurers and want one watch that does everything. If golf is your only sport, the Approach S70 is the better and cheaper choice. If you train across multiple sports and want top-tier performance metrics alongside full golf GPS, the fēnix 8 is the natural choice.
Key specifications
| Display | AMOLED or MIP depending on model |
| Preloaded courses | 43,000+ preloaded worldwide |
| Battery life | Up to 29 days smartwatch, varies by model |
| Water rating | 10ATM |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS, SatIQ |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Auto shot tracking | Yes |
| Virtual caddie | Yes |
| Green contour data | Requires Garmin Golf membership (£89.99/yr) |
| Music storage | Yes |
Where to buy
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