1. Introduction
The Garmin Approach S20 is a versatile GPS golf watch designed to enhance your golfing experience and serve as an everyday activity tracker. This sleek and lightweight device comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses worldwide, offering precise distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to various hazards. It also features automatic map updates, daily activity tracking, and smart notifications to keep you connected. The innovative Garmin AutoShot round analyzer automatically measures and records your shot distances for post-round analysis on your Garmin Connect account.
2. What's in the Box
- Garmin Approach S20 GPS Golf Watch
- Charging/Data Clip
- Instruction Manual (this document)
3. Setup
3.1 Initial Charging
Before first use, fully charge your Approach S20 watch. Connect the provided charging/data clip to the back of the watch, aligning the pins with the charging contacts. Plug the USB end of the cable into a USB power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB wall adapter). The watch display will indicate charging status.

Image: Garmin Approach S20 watch, demonstrating its sleek design and the location of the charging contacts on the back.
3.2 Powering On and Initial Configuration
To power on the watch, press and hold the power button (usually located on the side). Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, time format, and other initial settings. The watch will then attempt to locate satellites to determine your current location and available golf courses.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Button Functions
The Approach S20 features four primary buttons for navigation and control:
- UP: Scrolls up through menus or increases values.
- DOWN: Scrolls down through menus or decreases values.
- OK: Selects an option or confirms an action.
- BACK: Returns to the previous screen or cancels an action.
4.2 Starting a Golf Round
From the main screen, press the OK button to access the main menu. Select "Start Round". The watch will begin "Locating Satellites" to find your current position and nearby golf courses. This process may take a minute or two. Once satellites are located, a list of nearby courses will appear. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll and select your desired course, then press OK.
After selecting the course, the watch will ask if you want to "Keep Score?". Choose "Yes" or "No". You will then be prompted to "Select Tee" (e.g., Back, Middle, Forward, Red) from which you are playing. Select your tee and press OK to begin your round.

Image: The Garmin Approach S20 watch face showing "Hole 1" with distances for Driver, 5 Iron, and Sand Wedge, along with the "UP", "DOWN", "OK", and "BACK" buttons for navigation.
4.3 On-Course Features
During your round, the Approach S20 provides key information:
- Distances: Displays precise distances to the front, middle, and back of the green.
- Hazards: Provides distances to various hazards such as bunkers and water.
- Layups: Shows distances to common layup points.
- AutoShot Round Analyzer: Automatically detects and records shot distances for post-round analysis on Garmin Connect.
- Scoring: Allows you to manually enter your score per hole and track stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round.
- Move Flag: You can adjust the flag position on the green for more accurate distances.
4.4 Activity Tracking
Beyond golf, the Approach S20 functions as a daily activity tracker. It monitors your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and hours of sleep. It also features a "move bar" with alerts to remind you to stay active throughout the day.
4.5 Smart Notifications
When paired with a compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android) via Bluetooth Smart, the watch can display smart notifications for incoming calls, text messages, emails, and other alerts directly on your wrist.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
Regularly clean your watch and band to prevent dirt and sweat buildup. Wipe the device with a soft, damp cloth. For thorough cleaning, use a mild soap solution and rinse thoroughly. Ensure the charging contacts are clean and dry before charging.
5.2 Battery Care
The Approach S20 features a long-lasting battery. In GPS mode, the battery life is approximately 15 hours, typically sufficient for multiple rounds of golf. For daily use as an activity tracker, the battery can last significantly longer. To maximize battery life, ensure the watch is fully charged before extended use and avoid extreme temperatures.
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 GPS Not Locating Courses
If the watch struggles to locate satellites or courses, ensure you are in an open area with a clear view of the sky. Allow sufficient time (up to a few minutes) for the watch to acquire a GPS signal. Ensure the watch's software is up to date via Garmin Express.
6.2 Connectivity Issues (Bluetooth)
If smart notifications are not appearing or the watch is not connecting to your smartphone, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. Try restarting both the watch and your smartphone. Verify that the Garmin Connect Mobile app is installed and running on your phone.
6.3 Display Issues
If the display is dim or unresponsive, try adjusting the backlight settings in the watch's menu. If the screen is frozen, perform a soft reset by holding down the power button until the device restarts.
6.4 General Performance
For any persistent issues, refer to the official Garmin user manual (link provided in the Support section) or contact Garmin customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 0.4 x 1.5 x 1.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Model Number | 010-03723-01 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required (included) |
| Display Resolution | 128 x 128 pixels |
| Display Size | 0.9 x 0.9 inches |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ |
| Smartphone Compatibility | iPhone, Android |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM (suitable for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into water, snorkeling) |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 15 hours |
| Battery Life (Watch Mode) | Up to 8 weeks |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Color | Black |
8. Warranty and Support
8.1 Manufacturer Contact Information
For product support, warranty information, or service inquiries, please contact Garmin directly:
Garmin Customer Service:
- Address: 223-224, 2nd Floor, Jasola District Centre, New Delhi-110025
- Monday – Friday: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Closed on Weekends and National Holidays)
- Fitness Consumer Wearable and Outdoor Watches Sales Related: 011-49863321
- Consumer Wearable & Outdoor Watches Service Related: 1800-121-00-1818 (Toll Free Number)
8.2 Official Documentation
Additional detailed information can be found in the official user guides: