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Tips to Improve Your Approach R50 Setup
This article will show how to set up your Approach® R50 launch monitor. We will also cover tips to tackle issues you may experience. Select a setup topic below to see the written and video instructions.
Setup Topics
Setup Requirements
Listed below are the minimum requirements for setting up your hitting location.
An open space away from other obstacles. If there are nearby obstacles in your hitting space, this may subconsciously affect your swing. See What is Indoor Swing Syndrome? for more information.
The hitting mat needs to be at least 2 feet long by 2 feet wide.
Ensure the tee location and the device are at a similar surface height.
When using an impact screen or net, there is not a set distance requirement. However, we suggest that the ball be placed a comfortable distance away from the screen. We recommend around 8 feet or more.
Ensure stickers are placed properly on the face of your clubs. For more information see your owner's manual.
Getting Set Up
The following instructions will help you position your Approach R50 with your target. See the video below for guidance on how to set up your hitting location.
Place the Approach R50 on the ground 1-2 feet in front of the ball so that the ball is between you and the Approach R50 and you can see the screen.
Select the mode you would like to use to record your session.
Follow the on-screen prompts to make sure the ball is in detection range of the Approach R50. This is also known as the hitting zone.
NOTE: The Approach R50 will have a red light on the bottom of the device if the ball is out of the hitting zone and will show a green light when the ball is in the hitting zone.
Overcoming Challenges
If you have already followed the setup requirements listed above, but are still experiencing challenges, see the list below for other factors that can impact your shot experience.
Have a Comfortable Hitting Area
Ensure you can take a full swing comfortably in your hitting space.
Ensure a Clean Hitting Space
There should be a clear and unobstructed view from the Approach R50 to the ball.
Items to Avoid in Your Hitting Space
Metallic or shiny surfaces such as finished garage floors may impact performance. It can be helpful to cover these areas with carpet, artificial turf, or dull dark fabric.
Avoid spotlights on the hitting space, as these could wash out the ball and impact device performance by causing interference.
Use the Right Golf Ball Type
We suggest using the same type of regulation golf ball that you would use at the course. To learn more, see Using Practice Balls With Garmin Golf Launch Monitor Products.
Ensure Proper Ball Placement
Some golf balls have a finish or high visibility color on the cover that makes tracking the dimples difficult. If you are seeing bad spin measurements, place the ball so the logo is facing the Approach R50 to ensure accurate measurements.
Make sure that you are regularly replacing your ball, including when you can no longer see the logo. As balls will naturally degrade over time, and not perform as well.
Are You Missing Shots?
Ensure the Approach R50 has a green LED at the beginning of each swing. Any pre-swing movement or pauses mid-swing may result in a false detection or missed shot. See Troubleshooting Missed Shots on the Approach R50 for more information.
Are There Discrepancies with Your Shot Distance?
If you feel that your shot distance is not accurate, see Improving the Accuracy of Your Approach R50 Launch Monitor.
When swinging your clubs indoors there are additional factors that can impact your accuracy. For more information, see What is Indoor Swing Syndrome?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to set up my Approach R50?
No. We suggest a space where you can swing comfortably. We recommend these dimensions for most users:
Ceiling height of 9 feet or more.
Distance to the net of 8 feet or more.
Space width of 10 feet or more.
For dual-handed setups use a space of 13 feet or more.
To learn more about setup, see “Preparing for a Shot” in your owner's manual.
Do I need a perfectly level floor or surface?
No. However, the ball will need to be on a similar plane as the Approach R50. For example, if the ball is on a tall hitting mat you may need to raise the Approach R50.
What if the Approach R50 appears to be missing shots?
Verify the Approach R50 has a green LED at the beginning of each swing.
Make sure the stickers are placed properly on the club face. For more information see your owner's manual.
For the most accurate data, try to swing with good form and a normal golf tempo.