Garmin Approach G20

When Garmin told me they'd created a golf GPS that could run forever on solar power, I rolled my eyes. I've tested enough "revolutionary" golf tech to know that most claims don't survive the initial round. But after three months with the Approach G20 Solar clipped to my belt, I have to admit, this thing has fundamentally changed how I think about golf GPS devices.

Let me start with what everyone wants to know: Does the solar charging actually work? Not only does it work, but it also works so well that I haven't plugged this device into a charger since April. The G20 Solar features a 1.6 x 1-inch solar panel positioned just below the display that continuously harvests energy, even when the device is turned off. In direct sunlight (which Garmin defines as 75,000 lux conditions), this GPS literally runs forever. The battery never depletes.

Now, I live in Northern California, where we get plenty of sun, but I've also played dawn rounds in heavy fog and late afternoon rounds under cloud cover. Even in what Garmin calls "poor solar conditions," I'm getting 180 hours of GPS use, which is roughly 36 rounds of golf. The device shows you a real-time solar intensity graph and tells you exactly how many battery minutes you're gaining at any moment. On a typical sunny day, I'm gaining battery faster than I'm using it.

The psychological freedom this provides is something I didn't expect. I used to obsessively check battery levels on my old rangefinder, always worried it would die mid-round (which happened more than once during tournaments). With the G20 Solar, that anxiety is completely gone. I clip it on my belt and forget about it. It's always ready, always charged, always working.

The 2.2-inch monochrome display initially disappointed me. In 2024, when every device has a color touchscreen, will Garmin give us black and white? But the reality is, this display is brilliant, and I mean that literally. The high-contrast screen is so readable in direct sunlight that it makes color displays look washed out by comparison. The 240 x 320 pixel resolution might sound low on paper, but the 1.3 x 1.7-inch viewing area presents information with crystal clarity.

Garmin includes a negative display mode that inverts the colors (white text on black background), which I initially dismissed as a gimmick. Then I played a round at 6 AM in low light conditions, switched to negative mode, and suddenly could read yardages from arm's length without squinting. The numbers for distances are genuinely large – I can read them without my reading glasses, which is saying something for a 52-year-old. When I need even better visibility during particularly challenging light conditions, I can activate the Big Numbers Mode that makes the primary distance information even more prominent on screen.

The display shows everything you need at a glance: front, middle, and back distances to the green, plus up to two hazards or layup points. You can customize the data fields to show what matters most to you. I've set mine to always display the middle distance prominently, with hazards below. The simplicity is invigorating after years of cluttered smartphone apps.

What really sold me is how this display performs in the conditions where others fail. Bright noon sun? Perfect visibility. Overcast and drizzly? Still crystal clear. That twilight round you're trying to squeeze in? Switch to negative mode and keep playing. This isn't the sexiest display on the market, but it might be the most practical.

The G20 Solar comes preloaded with over 43,000 courses worldwide, and they update wirelessly through the Garmin Golf app. I've played 27 different courses with this device, including some pretty obscure nine-holers, and every single one was already loaded with accurate maps. The multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) means you're pulling signals from multiple satellite systems, which translates to faster acquisition times and better accuracy. Garmin maintains GPS accuracy within 5 yards or less, providing the precision you need for confident club selection.

But what sets this apart from basic GPS devices: the smart routing features actually help you play better golf. The device doesn't just tell you it's 147 to the middle – it shows you there's water at 132, a bunker at 125 on the right, and suggests a 135-yard layup for the ideal approach angle. On dogleg holes, it displays the distance to reach the corner and how far to carry it.

The sunrise and sunset times based on your GPS location might seem trivial, but they've been surprisingly useful. I now know exactly when I need to pick up the pace to finish before dark. The twilight times tell me when I'll lose enough light to track a ball – information that's prevented several lost ball situations.

One feature I didn't expect to love: the device remembers your position on each hole and automatically advances when you move to the next tee. No button pressing, no manual hole selection. It just knows where you are and shows the right information. After using devices that required constant interaction, this automatic progression feels like magic.

While the G20 Solar works perfectly as a standalone device, pairing it with the Garmin Golf app (free, by the way) reveals genuinely useful features. The wind speed and direction data pulled from local weather stations have changed how I club up on windy days. Seeing "12 mph headwind" takes the guesswork out of whether to hit one or two clubs more.

The smart notifications feature lets texts, calls, and emails appear on the device screen. I was prepared to hate this; golf is my escape from the virtual realm. But Garmin implemented it thoughtfully. Notifications are subtle, don't interrupt your routine, and can be disabled with one button press. I keep mine on just for texts from my wife (in case of actual emergencies) and silence everything else.

The Find My Garmin feature through the app is one of those things you don't appreciate until you need it. I left the G20 clipped to a cart at the turn once, realized it halfway down the 10th fairway, and the app showed me exactly where it was. The peace of mind knowing you can track a $400 device is worth the app pairing alone.

If you buy the CT10 sensors (sold separately at $250 for a set), the G20 automatically tracks every shot and builds a complete illustration of your round. I haven't invested in the sensors yet, but I've seen them in action on a playing partner's setup. The automatic shot tracking and club distances are impressive, though I'm not sure I need that level of data scrutiny in my life.

At 3.85 ounces (5.2 with the clip), the G20 Solar has enough heft to feel substantial without being cumbersome. The IPX7 waterproof rating means it can survive being submerged in a meter of water for 30 minutes. I've played through several downpours without a hint of concern. The operating temperature range of -4°F to 140°F covers any condition you'd actually want to play golf in.

The integrated belt clip is durable and hasn't shown any signs of loosening after hundreds of attachments and removals. The built-in magnet for cart mounting is strong enough to keep the device secure over cart path bumps, but not so strong that it's a struggle to remove. These might seem like small details, but they're the difference between a device you'll actually use and one that sits in your bag.

The USB-C charging port (for those rare times you might need it) is a welcome modern touch. No more hunting for proprietary cables. The 2.115" x 3.524" x 0.741" dimensions make it pocketable if you prefer that to belt mounting, though I find the clip placement ideal for quick glances without breaking my routine.

Absolutely, while the Garmin Approach G20 Solar is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Truly unlimited battery life in sunny conditions (this alone might justify the purchase)

• Best-in-class sunlight-readable display that works in all conditions

• Extensive course coverage with smart features that improve course management

Cons: 

• Monochrome display feels dated compared to color competitors

• No touchscreen means navigating with buttons (though this becomes second nature)

• Premium price point at $399 when basic GPS watches cost half as much

The Garmin Approach G20 Solar isn't for everyone. If you want a color touchscreen with aerial flyovers and all the bells and whistles, look elsewhere. If you play twice a year and just need basic yardages, save your money and use a free app.

But if you're a regular golfer who's tired of dead batteries, unreadable screens in sunlight, and devices that promise more than they deliver, the G20 Solar is the real deal. This is for the player who values reliability over flashiness, function over form, and actually playing golf over fiddling with technology. After three months of testing, it's earned a permanent place on my belt, and that's the highest endorsement I can give.