Women & Golf's Jane has a first look and review of the Garmin Approach Z30 golf laser rangefinder.
The Garmin Approach Z30 is a golf laser rangefinder that will have you seeing more of the course than ever before thanks to the 6x magnification capabilities.
Recently, we tried it out on-course and were impressed with it's powerful capabilities and compatibility with other Garmin products.
Garmin Approach Z30 - What's in the Box?




Included in the box...
- Garmin Golf Laser Rangefinder APPROACH© Z30
- Garmin APPROACH© Z30 carry case with carabiner clip
- Hand strap
- Wipe cloth
- CR2 battery (up to 1 year battery life)
- Mini Instruction manual
The Approach Z30 is packaged simply and the amount of excess packaging is minimal.
Garmin Approach Z30 - Looks

The design of the Approach Z30 is very simple (black and white colour palette) but feels quality. Designed to sit comfortably in your hand some might find it a little lightweight but for women with smaller hands it works. The branding is subtle and an external indicator light turns blue letting you and your playing partners know when the device is in tournament mode.
The ribbed textured finish looks smart and the orange detailing around the lens is a really nice touch. On top of the rangefinder are 2 buttons - power (on/off) and mode.

Garmin Approach Z30 - Practicalities
The Approach Z30 comes with a sturdy carry case that can be attached easily to your bag. If you're someone who uses a cart, then there is a handy magnetic strip which will attach safely to the frame. I opted for keeping it in its case and attached to my bag. The case is elasticated so you can leave it open if you would like.

Garmin Approach Z30 - Performance
Features of the Approach Z30:
- Laser range to flag - 400 yards/ 366 metres
- Laser range to reflective surface - 7-1,300 yards/ 6-1,189 metres
- Laser accuracy - +/- 1metre
- Maginification - 6x
- Flag finder - Yes (visual confirmation and vibration feedback).
- Yardages from pin to front and back of green - yes (when connected to compatible device or app)

I love how easy the Approach Z30 golf laser rangefinder is to use. There is an instruction manual included which gives you all the information you need to know, but it is so intuitive that you don't need to read this to get started.
It takes seconds to lock in your target and you have all the information you need to help select the correct club for your next shot. What I particularly like is the yardages to front and back of green plus the yardage is adjusted for elevation changes.

The great thing about the rangefinder is its compatibility with other Garmin devices - so you can wear your watch (click here for full list of Garmin watches) or use the Garmin app which will sync with the rangefinder to give you added awareness of the golf course.
Here's a quick video on the Garmin Approach Z30
Read the Garmin Approach Z30 press release here.
Garmin Approach Z30 - Review
Final Score
Overall I love the Garmin Approach Z30 laser range finder and it was really hard to find any negatives. The view finder is very clear and it is easy to switch between modes and lock in your target. The range relay allows you to sync the ranged distance to the pin with the app or your smartwatch AND see a laser range arc that reveals everything in play.
I have been using a range finder only for a couple of seasons and this is a fantastic piece of kit. If you have the smartwatch as well you are totally in control of distance and hazards.
Price - £389.99 RRP - which seems very expensive but is an extremely competitive price in this category.