
Indoor golf. Simulator golf. Screen golf. Whatever you want to call it, the craze of off-course golf has exploded over the past five years. That growth accelerated when the pandemic hit and thousands of golfers started looking for a way to play golf at home while still capturing the experience of being out on the course.
Today, the options for home and professional simulators alike are plentiful and it’s not difficult to drop thousands of dollars getting yourself set up with all the gear needed to play off course. Thankfully, there are some options out there that won’t cost you an arm and a leg and still give you an accurate hitting experience.
Our go-to for a lightweight, portable, cost-effective launch monitor has long been the Garmin Approach R10. While not the most robust launch monitor on the market, the $600 price tag that this phone-sized device carries makes it a very “approachable” option for beginners and pros alike. The R10 literally fits in the palm of your hand and even with its case, is small enough to fit in your golf bag when you head to the range.
Another great advantage of the Garmin R10 is that it works with pretty much all the major simulator software packages out there like GSPro, TGC 2019 and E6. You don’t even need a powerful PC to take advantage of this great little launch monitor. As a matter of fact, you can set it up with your phone or even use a Chromebook. That’s not to say that the Garmin is the best launch monitor out there. It most certainly has its limitations but it is also a fraction of the price of many launch monitors that will run you anywhere from $2,500 to $20,000.
Still, this launch monitor is very capable and combined with a good hitting net, it makes a great practice and training tool for your garage, office, or wherever. Right now it just happens to be a great time to pick up the Garmin Approach R10 as it has been discounted from a number of retailers. You can buy the R10 and save $50 when you buy from our friends at Rain or Shine or the Indoor Golf Shop. If you plan on taking your R10 to the range or keeping it in your bag, there is also a great Play Better bundle on Amazon that still gets you the discount but Play Better will throw in a portable power bank to keep your R10 charged when you’re on the go. Check it out below before this deal is gone.
The Garmin Approach R10 would make a great Father’s Day gift but if that’s not quite what you’re looking for, check out our Proof Golf Father’s Day Gift Guide for more ideas. You’ll find great golf gear and tech in any price range that is sure to make dad’s day this Father’s Day because I promise you, we don’t want another tie.