Garmin tees up Approach J1, the first GPS watch specifically designed for junior golfers
First-of-its-kind GPS golf watch includes features that focus on learning and improving with a comfortable fit for smaller wrists
OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the groundbreaking Approach® J1, the first GPS watch purpose built to help youth golfers learning the game play with confidence and track their performance. Featuring a slim, lightweight design that will not hinder a golf swing, the Approach J1 comes with either a cloud blue or lilac metal bezel and a ComfortFit fabric strap that securely fits on smaller wrists. From the tee box to the green, it’s packed with innovative features like tee-off guidance, personal par and a pace-of-play timer that can help young golfers get to know the game like never before.
“Garmin has pioneered technology advances in golf for decades, and now we’re thrilled to help introduce a new generation of golfers to the game with the Approach J1. Designed to help junior golfers learn the game faster and play smarter, the Approach J1 can help build better course management skills, improve shot planning and pace of play and provide real-time feedback that over time can help young players develop stronger strategy, independence and a better feel for the game.” —Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Guiding the game
A revolutionary tool on the course, the Approach J1 is packed with features that help young golfers better understand how to play.
- Tee-off guidance: Receive on-screen, real-time guidance about where to tee off on every hole, according to the golfer’s ability. This feature allows young players to use forward tee locations, including down the fairway, on all 43,000+ preloaded courses.
- Personal par: Build confidence and set realistic goals based on the scores a golfer shoots, which can be adjusted as they improve and receive celebratory animations for making par or better on a hole.
- Pace-of-play timer: A simple visual aid helps golfers understand if they are playing a hole at the recommended pace or if they have exceeded the allotted time.
- Club selections: The watch provides club selections and distance to the green, helping the golfer make more informed decisions on the course.
- Customizable experience: Adjust any of the features focused on learning the game on or off as the golfer progresses.
“As a coach who works with young golfers daily, I see first-hand how critical it is for juniors to understand their distances and develop proper pace of play from the very beginning. The Garmin Approach J1 is a game changer for LPGA and PGA professionals who specialize in junior development. By teaching distance awareness and on-course efficiency in a simple, age-appropriate way, the Approach J1 accelerates learning, builds confidence and helps young players develop habits that support long-term growth in the game.” —Courtney Mahon, 2024 LPGA Global Junior Golf Leader of the Year
Purposeful design
This slim, lightweight golf watch was designed to go virtually unnoticed during a golf swing. It features a bright, 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Rain or shine, the Approach J1’s water-resistant design allows users to play through light rain and wind. Young golfers can play multiple rounds without needing to re-charge as the smartwatch boasts up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode.
Available now, the Approach J1 GPS watch has a suggested retail price of $299.99. See the Approach J1 and more during the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla. at the Garmin booth, #1501. To learn more about Garmin’s full lineup of golf products, visit garmin.com/golf.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.
About Garmin: Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Approach are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Media Contacts:
Mike Cummings & Connor Hoffman
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.
