Garmin launches new products in its outdoor and golf ranges

Garmin has had another bumper launch day, with new products across its smartwatch, golf and outdoor ranges. The launch features the first ever dedicated golf watch for juniors, Approach J1, in addition to a Cerakote Edition of the much-loved tactix 8 which brings even more style, substance and sophistication to the very capable smartwatch.

Additionally, Garmin is launching the Approach G82 golf launch monitor and handheld plus Xero L60i, the first and only laser rangefinder with onboard map-based GPS navigational capabilities and a high resolution, multi-colour display perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

tactix 8 – Cerakote edition

  • Premium Cerakote coating offers long-lasting durability and a unique and rugged look
  • Ceramic-polymer composite coating is popular for its abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistance properties
  • The coating is sprayed onto each smartwatch, then baked to help cure the coating, providing a unique look and feel that becomes more refined as the watch is worn
  • Features a stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, sapphire lens and built-in LED flashlight for after-dark visibility
  • Boasts Garmin’s suite of dedicated tactical, performance, navigation and connected features, like a jumpmaster activity, Stealth Mode, 40-meter dive rating, 24/7 health monitoring, TopoActive maps, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, built-in speaker, Garmin Pay and more
  • Available in two different Cerakote coatings: slate grab or olive drab
  • Price: £1,379.99 // // €1,599.99

Approach J1

 

  • The Approach J1 is the first GPS golf watch purpose-built to help youth golfers learning the game play with confidence and track their performance.
  • The watch is packed with innovative features like tee-off guidance, personal par and pace-of-play timer to help young golfers get to know the game.
  • Innovative concepts also help young players make informed decisions on club selection, while the experience can be customised as the golfer progresses.
  • Designed to go virtually unnoticed during a golf swing, the Approach J1 features a bright, 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and is available with either a cloud blue or lilac metal bezel and a ComfortFit fabric strap.
  • The Approach J1’s water-resistant design allows users to play through light rain and wind, while the smartwatch boasts up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode.
  • Price: £309.99 // €349.99

 

Xero L60i

  • GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular combines premium optics with advanced technology and state-of-the-art sensors for an unparalleled rangefinding experience.
  • The first and only laser rangefinder with onboard map-based GPS navigational capabilities and a high resolution, multi-color display overlaid into superior optics.
  • Features fully multicoated, low-dispersion glass, which provides razor-sharp optics with a flat field of view, accurate color fidelity and superior light transmission.
  • Ranges targets out to 3,600 meters through 7X magnification.
  • IPX7 water-resistance rating and runs on two AAA lithium batteries.
  • Price: £2,179.99 // €2,499.99. 

Approach G82

  • The Approach G82 is a seamless golf tool with expanded radar metrics that help golfers dial in their swing and introduces putting metrics to help improve consistency on the green.
  • Players can easily view detailed information on the large, 5-inch high-resolution touchscreen, while Garmin Golf users can get even more course details with aerial imagery.
  • The ultimate warmup tool, the Approach G82 includes several features to help golfers prepare for their next round.
  • The Approach G82 is also designed to give golfers an edge with on-the-course information to help them make informed decisions during the round.
  • Designed with all types of weather in mind, the Approach G82 is built with an IPX7 water rating, while users can get up to 25 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to eight hours in radar mode.
  • Price: £519.99 // €599.99

Tech Innovations to Elevate Fan Experience at Amgen Irish Open

The Amgen Irish Open 2025 returns to The K Club’s Palmer North Course from September 3rd to 7th, bringing with it not only world-class golf but also a cutting-edge line-up of technology and innovation experiences designed to engage fans of all ages.

Leading the way is The Academy, where visitors can step into an interactive coaching environment led by PGA professionals. Fans will be able to receive expert tips, analyse their swing, and learn from some of the game’s most respected coaches, making it the perfect stop for those looking to sharpen their skills or pick up a club for the first time.

Fans can also get into the swing of things at The Arcade which turns golf into an immersive digital experience. Visitors are offered a mix of virtual reality and golf gaming, delivering a next level experience ideal for young adults and anyone who wants to combine golf with cutting-edge entertainment.

Celebrity Pro Am

The technology attractions are just part of a wider programme at The K Club. The week begins with the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday, September 3rd, featuring a line-up that includes rugby star Josh van der Flier, former Irish rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe, All-Ireland winners, Tipperary’s Ronan Maher and Kerry’s David and Paudie Clifford and lifestyle influencer Dearbhla Silke.

World-Class Golfers

Fans can watch Rory McIlroy fresh from his Grand Slam season and Masters victory, alongside Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, defending champion Rasmus Højgaard, 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas and American Ryan Gerard, will compete for the title, as they battle for one of European golf’s most prestigious titles.

Paul Gillmon, Tournament Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said:

“Fans can expect a lot more at this year’s Amgen Irish Open. We’re embracing innovation in a big way. From interactive coaching at The Academy to immersive experiences in The Arcade, we’re creating spaces where fans of all ages can engage with the game in exciting new ways. It’s all about enhancing the fan experience and making golf more accessible, interactive, and fun, whether you’re a lifelong player or just discovering the sport.”

Music

Off the course, the Village will keep the festival vibe going with live music headlined by The Stunning on Saturday night and Simple Things on Sunday evening, plus premium food and drink, family fun, and activations from top brands.

A limited number of General Admission and select Premium Experience options are available. To purchase tickets see tickets.europeantour.com.

How Can Your Phone Be Useful When Golfing?

Golfing is one of the most popular sports for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. During a round of golf, it’s essential to have access to all the necessary tools you need to keep track of your score, calculate distances from each hole, and more. To make this easier than ever before, many are turning towards tech-savvy solutions such as smartphones. 

Nowadays with just your phone in hand, you can easily manage a range of tasks – from tracking scores and flagging hazards on the course to looking up swing tips online – so that you can get ahead on the green! 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how having an updated mobile device can help improve your game when golfing by providing crucial information about every aspect of tuning up your performance out there. Read along as we break down how using modern workflow processes like these provide experienced players with practical advantages even during their games!

Create a scorecard on your phone 

Have you ever wished you could keep track of your score while playing games on your phone? Look no further than creating a scorecard on your device! With just a few clicks, you can easily track your score and even keep a record of past games. 

No more struggling to remember who won last time or trying to tally up the score in your head. Whether you’re playing a solo game or competing with friends, a scorecard on your phone is the perfect way to stay organized and on top of your game. So why not give it a try and see how much easier it can make your gaming experience?

Download golf apps that provide tips and advice

As a golfer, you know the importance of precision and technique to perform well on the course. Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue with some of the best golf apps available to help you reach your full potential on the links. From swing analysis to weather forecasts and tee-time bookings, these apps are packed with essential features that can take your game to the next level. 

With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, by downloading the best golf apps, you can have access to tips and advice that will help you improve your skills and strategy. So why not take advantage of today’s digital world and download a golf app today to help you become a better player? If you need to keep tab on your numbers check out The Left Rough

Use navigation apps to find nearby courses

Gone are the days of getting lost on your way to the golf course. With navigation apps at your fingertips, finding the best courses and the perfect tee times has never been easier. You can even use these apps to locate the right hole for your skill level. 

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, using navigation apps can save you time and hassle so that you can focus on enjoying the game. So ditch the maps and paper directions and embrace the convenience of technology on the golf course!

Take pictures of each hole so you can analyze your mistakes later

Have you ever finished a round of golf and wondered where you went wrong? Maybe you missed a birdie opportunity, or perhaps a poor shot cost you a stroke. Whatever the case may be, the key to improving your game is analyzing your mistakes. And the best way to do that is by taking pictures of each hole. 

By capturing your shots on camera, you can go back later and see what adjustments you need to make to improve. It’s like having your coach right there with you on the course. So next time you head out to play a round, don’t forget to pack your camera and start analyzing your game like a pro.

Get insight into different holes 

Golfing has always been a sport that requires skill and strategy, and with the help of technology, golfers can now gain an even greater advantage on the course. Golfing apps are the perfect tool for any avid golfer looking to improve their game and gain a competitive edge. 

These apps provide in-depth insights into each hole, including its par, length, terrain type, and more. With this knowledge, golfers can make more informed decisions when it comes to club selection, shot placement, and course management. 

No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, golfing apps are an essential addition to your toolkit. So why not download one today and get ready to take your game to the next level?

Keep up with the latest news in the golf community

Staying on top of all the latest happenings in the golf community can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By following various golf sites on social media, you can easily keep tabs on the latest tournaments, players’ performances, and equipment releases. 

With just a few clicks, you can stay informed about your favorite golfers and stay abreast of any breaking news. From Instagram to Twitter, there are plenty of platforms where golf enthusiasts can get their daily dose of golf news. 

So why not join the community and tap into the wealth of knowledge available online? By staying connected, you might just discover your new favorite golfer or learn about a new tournament that you can’t wait to watch.

 

With the capabilities of our phones and tablets today, they can be more than useful when it comes to golfing. Whether you use it to track your score and previous games, pick up some tips on how to improve your swing, find courses or tee times nearby, learn the different stats for various holes, or even just keep up with the latest news in the golfing world, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. 

Investing in one of these apps could make a huge difference in improving your game and give you access to helpful resources that could give you that extra edge needed when competitions pop up. Make sure to do your research though – golfing apps are abundant out there so take time to find one that fits best for what you need.

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR, THE EXCLUSIVE HOME OF ALL FOUR MEN’S MAJORS AND ROAD TO THE MASTERS, AVAILABLE NOW WORLDWIDE

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) launched EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR worldwide for PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via the EA App, Steam and the Epic Games Store. EA SPORTS PGA TOUR is the exclusive home of all four majors in men’s golf – the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open Championship® and The Open. The game features 30 courses at launch, THE PLAYERS Championship and FedExCup Playoffs, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and all-new Pure Strike gameplay featuring ShotLink Powered by CDW. EA SPORTS PGA TOUR will also launch with Road to the Masters which incorporates challenges, online tournaments and gear tied to the Masters.

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR features the most accurate representation of Augusta National, from exact locations of its flowers and trees, bird sounds, as well as the newly redesigned hole 13 commonly known as “Azalea.” Within Road to the Masters, players can compete for a Green Jacket at the world famous Augusta National and participate in a variety of unique challenges including “Championship Moments” from the Masters, where they’ll complete quests inspired by the prestigious Tournament. Players can test their skills in exciting season-long online tournaments, earning Masters-branded rewards, and equipping their created golfers with official clubs and gear.

“From the outset, our goal was to provide golf fans a true-to-life experience that replicated the excitement and passion that real life players experience every week on the PGA TOUR, as well as the beauty and grandeur of the Masters at Augusta National,” said Cam Weber, EVP and GM, EA SPORTS. “As the only golf game with all four men’s majors featuring some of the most iconic courses and tournaments in the world and realistic gameplay powered by real-world golf data, we’re extremely excited about giving players the most realistic golf game in the world today.”

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR is powered by EA’s Frostbite engine and boasts 30 bucket list courses at launch such as The Old Course at St Andrews Links, The Country Club, Pebble Beach Golf Links and Torrey Pines, allowing players to experience some of the world’s most prominent golf destinations in stunning 4K like never before†. Meticulously crafted using drone technology, flight helicopters equipped with custom LiDAR scanners and Frostbite’s state-of-the-art Terrain Procedural Tools, each course is packed with details that fans know and love, even down to the clubhouses. The photogrammetry and scanners were also applied to create precise renderings of clubhouses, iconic vegetation, bridges, tee markers, rock formations, and other on-course elements offering players life-like visual experiences of their favorite courses. The full list of courses available at launch is available at the EA SPORTS PGA TOUR website.

The Pure Strike gameplay system, featuring ShotLink powered by CDW and TrackMan, allows players to feel like a pro golfer by incorporating fluid swing mechanics, innovative ball behavior and lifelike course dynamics. With a robust career mode, online modes for friends and competitive play, real-life pros including LPGA golfers and deep customization options, EA SPORTS PGA TOUR is the most content-rich entry in the franchise.

After the launch of EA SPORTS PGA TOUR, players can expect compelling content updates alongside golf’s biggest moments such as the Majors, FedExCup, and the Ryder Cup. New challenges inspired by current and historic golf moments will be added along with the 3-Click Swing mechanic and five new courses featuring the sites of the 2023 men’s majors including Oak Hill Country Club, The Los Angeles Country Club and Royal Liverpool as well as Olympia Fields and Marco Simone, site of the 2023 Ryder Cup. More information on these new EA SPORTS PGA TOUR content updates will be revealed later in 2023.

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR is packed with competitive content for players to experience in Career mode, including:

 

  • THE PLAYERS Championship and FedExCup Playoffs  The PLAYERS Championship and all three FedExCup Playoffs events will be in the game. Players can earn in-game FedExCup points in Career Mode for the opportunity to compete in the FedExCup Playoffs.

 

  • Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and The Amundi Evian Championship – In partnership with the LPGA, EA SPORTS PGA TOUR players can compete at The Amundi Evian Championship for the first time ever in a videogame. Players can compete as some of the top women in the sport, create a female golfer in the overhauled Create-A-Player feature, and participate in a series of LPGA-themed challenges and other events. The golfing world’s Iona Stephen will also be joining the EA commentary team,  becoming  the first woman to appear in a golf videogame providing on-course broadcast commentary.

 

  • Your Career, Your Way  EA SPORTS PGA TOUR provides players with an RPG-like progression system on the Road to the Masters. As their golf game improves, the closer they’ll be to becoming a major champion. Players will be able to create and customize a golfer, develop their skills and master each course to attack every hole like a pro. For more information on the Career Mode in EA SPORTS PGA TOUR, watch the deep dive video and read the detailed blog on all the features.

 

  • Online Gameplay  Online game modes include Competitive play featuring simultaneous rounds with up to 16 players, as well as social and private matches for more casual experiences. Players can also play in a variety of timed tournaments for exclusive rewards.

 

EA SPORTS PGA TOUR New Gameplay Trailer Ahead of Launch + Road to the Masters Invitational from Augusta

EA released a brand new gameplay video for the upcoming EA SPORTS PGA TOUR, launching Friday, April 7 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC.

Featuring sports gaming content creator TheApexHound, the video showcases many of the incredible gameplay features that players will get their hands on when EA SPORTS PGA TOUR launches globally next week. Players will get a sneak peek at the famous Pebble Beach and Bay Hill courses, while witnessing an online multiplayer match also featuring producer Ben Ramsour. The playthrough showcases the upcoming game’s stunning, realistic visuals and state-of-the-art course mapping technology.

And, in case you missed it, Augusta National Golf Club announced last week that it will host the Road to the Masters Invitational, an invite-only live streamed event on Sunday, April 2 at 3:00pm PT / 6:00pm ET. Tune in to check out the first ever gameplay of the prestigious Augusta National and watch as celebrity participants compete in EA SPORTS PGA TOUR. You can find out more at the link here.

Tee off for the unknown – A Little Golf Journey takes to the greens today. #Gaming #Golf

A Little Golf Journey is all about the journey, not the driver.  Explore diverse biomes, uncover each course’s secrets and enjoy a relaxed, playful experience built around a stripped back version of the game of golf.

Created by a duo of former AAA games developers and launching on Steam & GOG for PC and Nintendo Switch today, A Little Golf Journey allows players to soak up the natural beauty of the course, spend all your time out of bounds or shoot straight for the greens. But who knows what mysteries you might uncover if you explore a little?

Available for digital download now, A Little Golf Journey is priced at £15.49/$17.99/€16.79 for Nintendo Switch and £15.49/$19.99/€17.30 on Steam & GOG

Choose your own adventure with A Little Golf Journey from Okidokico and Playtonic Friends

A relaxed, playful experience built around a stripped back version of the game of golf, A Little Golf Journey is all about the journey, not the driver.  Explore diverse biomes, uncover each course’s secrets and tee off on the most relaxing round you’ve ever experienced.

A Little Golf Journey will be launching on Steam for PC, GOG and Nintendo Switch on 14th October and just like the real game, you can take your time to soak in the natural beauty of the course, spend all your time out of bounds – but who knows what you might discover – or shoot straight for the hole!

Born from a desire to break away from the hyper-specialisation of AAA game development, A Little Golf Journey took the team at Okidokico on their own journey as they had to master all the disciplines to create their take on Golf whilst creating a relaxing, intriguing narrative with puzzles a plenty and flexibility in play which allows you, the player, to chart your own course through the world.

Wish lists are open right now on Steam and the Nintendo eShop will go live later this week.

Swing your best shot with PGA TOUR 2K21, arriving August 21 on Stadia. #Stadia #Golf #PGA

Nothing feels quite as fulfilling as walking onto fresh-cut grass, hitting a clean drive, and landing the golf ball on the putting green with thunderous applause from the crowds. Experience the best of professional golf when PGA TOUR 2K21 arrives for purchase on the Stadia store on August 21.

Justin Thomas is the cover athlete for PGA TOUR 2K21, a 2017 FedExCup Champion, PGA Championship winner, and former World #1 on the Official World Golf Ranking. PGA TOUR 2K21 will be available for purchase on the Stadia store in Standard edition ($59.99 / €59.99 / £49.99) and Deluxe edition ($69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99).

Play against the pros. Play with your crew. In PGA TOUR 2K21, you can play by the rules or create your own. Featuring an all-new PGA TOUR Career Mode with real courses and top pros to compete against on your road to win the FedExCup. Create and personalize your MyPLAYER with equipment and apparel from brands you love. Design your ultimate course with 1,000s of custom options and share with other players. Hit the links with friends in local and online multiplayer and run full seasons and tournaments like a boss with Online Societies. Learn more info at pgatour.2k.com.

Features:

  • NEW PROS AND COURSES – Play against Justin Thomas and 11 top pros on stunning, real-life courses including TPC Sawgrass, East Lake Golf Club, and more.
  • DOMINATE THE GREEN AT ANY SKILL LEVEL – Rookies can take advantage of real-time tutorials, tips, and shot suggestions. Already a pro? Master your game with Pro Vision, Distance Control, Putt Preview, and other innovations.
  • GET THE PARTY STARTED – Hit the links with friends by playing local and online matches, including Alt-Shot, Stroke Play, Skins, and 4-Player Scramble.
  • THE MOST REALISTIC COURSES EVER – Real-world scanning brings the fairway, green, bunkers, trees, lakes, and ponds to life! True-to-form PGA TOUR broadcast presentation features slick graphics, dynamic cut-scenes, and a seamless replay system, all anchored by the play-by-play commentary of Luke Elvy and Rich Beem.

More games are coming to Stadia this year, including Marvel’s Avengers, The Elder Scrolls Online, and SUPERHOT. Keep your eyes on Stadia’s Twitter and Facebook for more news on upcoming games and other up-to-the-second announcements.