I grew up walking outside yards, finding sprinkler heads and learning distances the old fashioned way. There’s something about that process that feels integral to becoming a true golfer. At the same time, I understand that GPS technology is more accurate and efficient than it has ever been.
When I saw Garmin J1 Golf Watch for the kids, there were two requirements I had in mind before I wanted to incorporate it into our routine.
First, I didn’t want something connected to a phone. I’m fine with putting a device on mine, but my kids don’t have phones and I didn’t want that dependency every round.
Second, it had to be a fun addition or support to the game, not a distraction from the game of golf.
We tested it with my nine-year-old daughter who plays several times a week. After a few rounds, my mind was split. This thing is wonderful.
Specially built for small players
This is not a scaled-down GPS watch for adults.
Garmin clearly designed it J1 from the ground up for children. The interface is simplified and focused on the information that matters most: distance to the front/middle/back of the green, hazards and base score. No mess, and even the colors are customizable to make it even more kid-friendly.
It comes preloaded with more than 43,000 courses worldwide and includes step-by-step instructions that scale the holes in a youngster’s skill. You can also adjust your personal par to match your skill level.
Results tracking is clean and color coordinated. Festive animations appear when milestones occur. It feels encouraging without feeling fraudulent.
Her first reaction?
“This is light, and it does not hinder me when I swing.”
At just 29 grams (about an ounce) with a slim profile and ComfortFit fabric band, it never gets in the way.
Use during the course: Engaging, not distracting
We have been playing two-person games as a family during the winter when the conditions are not good. Since receiving J1she has zero interest in being on anyone’s team.
She wants her stats.
The throw distance feature is easily her favorite. She tracks her cars and proudly announces how far they go. But the biggest win is awareness. She is beginning to understand that range spaces and course spaces are different.
The ability to move the flag on the green has been helpful. Seeing how the front and back pins change the dial in her approach has helped her understand green depth and club selection in a way that rangers never have.
There is also a visual timer of the pace of the game. We play fast and J1 reminds her of the importance of this.
Parent-friendly details that matter
Battery life is strong: up to 10 days in watch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode. In our testing, this is true.
It is water resistant to 5 ATM so rain is not a problem. It keeps the result directly on the watch and pairs with the Garmin Golf app if we want to review the statistics later. But it doesn’t require her to have a phone in her pocket during the round.
The step tracking, alarm clock, and sunrise and sunset clocks have been bonus features she likes outside of golf.
Last weekend, she posted her best nine-hole score ever. I’m not giving all the credit to one hour. But she is more attuned. Data is directed at its level.
I didn’t think new players needed a GPS watch.
After testing this one, I’m impressed with the investment Garmin has made in helping kids not only play better, but also enjoy being golfers.
