Improving the Accuracy of Your Approach R50 Launch Monitor

The Approach® R50 launch monitor uses three high speed cameras to capture your swing metrics. The information below covers tips for improving the accuracy and distance of the swing metrics your Approach® R50 launch monitor gives you. It is also recommended to Install the Latest Updates for Your Approach R50.

Tips for Improving Accuracy

Below are some recommendations that can help increase the accuracy metrics from your Approach R50 launch monitor.

• Adjust the target alignment on the launch monitor (Adjusting the Target Alignment).

• Minimize the amount of direct sunlight hitting the front of the launch monitor. For example, if the sun is low on the horizon and the front of the launch monitor is facing the sun.

• Minimize the amount of direct sunlight hitting the club face. Sunlight can reduce the visibility of the club sticker, which can impact the accuracy of your club metrics.

• Avoid placing the club sticker on or near white decorations on the club face (Applying the Club Stickers).

• Replace the club sticker if it has become dirty or worn.

• Place the golf ball so its logos or markings are facing the launch monitor. Some golf balls have a finish or high visibility color on the cover that makes tracking difficult.

• Make sure that you are regularly replacing your ball, including when you can no longer see the logo. Balls will naturally degrade over time, and not perform as well.

• Avoid having reflective surfaces within view of the launch monitor camera. This includes reflective surfaces or materials on shoes.

• Keep the camera cover on the front of the Approach R50 clean and free of dirt, oil, or other debris (Scratches, Damage, or Debris on an Approach Launch Monitor).

• If possible, avoid hitting the ball from tall grass or divots. If grass is obstructing the ability of the launch monitor to view the ball, it can result in misreads.

• Place the launch monitor at the same level as the hitting mat (Tips for Approach R50 Placement).

Factors Impacting Accuracy

There are various factors that may impact the data collected by your Approach R50 launch monitor when using it indoors compared to using it outdoors. See the factors listed below for more information.

Environmental Factors

Multiple environmental factors can affect the distance of your shots taken outdoors. If your Approach does not have the Ball Flight Conditions set up to match the environment you’re playing in, then you may notice some discrepancies in your metrics. For the most accurate results, adjust the ball flight conditions on your Approach to match the environment you’re playing in. See Golf Simulator Settings for more information.

• Elevation: In high elevation environments there is less air resistance which causes the ball to fly further.

• Relative Humidity: Environments with high humidity will have lower air density which allows your shots to fly further.

• Temperature: Colder air is more dense than warm air and therefore your shots will not fly as far in colder temperatures.

• Wind: The speed and direction of the wind can directly affect your swing which will impact ball flight and key metrics such as distance.

NOTE: Wind speed cannot be adjusted for a Practice Session.

Range Distance Marker Accuracy

If you are comparing the distance shown on your Approach with the the range markers at your driving range, it is important to note that the range markers may not be exactly accurate depending on when they were last updated from the tee location. For the most accurate measurements of your shots, we suggest using a laser range finder.

Driving Range Slope

The Distance Range feature on the Approach calculates your shot distance on a range with zero slope. If you compare this to your shot distance at a driving range that is sloped, your shot distance will vary.

Ball Type

Using plastic, foam, or other types of limited flight golf balls can lead inconsistent, incorrect, or no metrics being displayed by the launch monitor. We suggest using the same type of regulation golf ball that you would use on the course. For more information see Using Practice Balls With Garmin Golf Launch Monitor Products.

Carry Distance vs. Total Distance

If your distance is shorter than expected, it is important to make sure you are looking at the correct metric.

• Carry Distance is the distance that the ball travels in the air from where the ball was hit to where the ball first hits the ground.

• Total Distance is the Carry Distance plus the distance that the ball travels or rolls after first hitting the ground.

When simulating most full swing shots it is a best practice to focus on the total distance because this metric simulates where the ball will come to rest on the golf course. This is especially true when hitting with a driver and other longer clubs because there will typically be a greater difference between these two distances. The difference between carry and total distance will also typically decrease as you use shorter clubs, such as a wedge.

Indoor Setup vs. Outdoor Setup

There are many factors that can cause an indoor setup to give lower than expected distance readings, and some of this can be caused by Indoor Swing Syndrome. If you are seeing shorter distances with your indoor setup it is recommended to test your Garmin launch monitor in an outdoor environment, such as a driving range, and then compare your swing speeds and other metrics to see if there are any discernable differences.