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My Garmin Golf Watch Is Not Detecting Shots Automatically

Several Garmin® Golf watches use the AutoShot feature to automatically detect when you hit a ball during a round. This measures the points between shots to determine distances for each shot.

Proper Usage For Detecting Shots

These factors affect the ability of the watch to detect shots.

Scoring Is Enabled

Wear Watch on Lead Wrist

  • Right handed club users should wear the watch on left wrist, and left handed club users should wear the watch on the right wrist.

Complete a Full Swing and Hit a Real Golf Ball

  • Chip shots can be recorded but are difficult to detect because of low clubhead speed and impact force.

  • Foam and plastic balls are not recommended.

  • Putts cannot be detected without an additional sensor.

Ensure the Watch Is on the Correct Hole

  • If the watch is still on the previous hole when hitting your tee shot on a new hole, the shot will not be detected.

  • If the watch misses the auto-transition, you can manually move it to the correct hole. See your owner's manual for changing holes manually.

Settle Hands

  • Settle your hands briefly before beginning the swing; less than half second is enough.


Approach® CT10 or Approach® CT1 Sensor Enhancement of Shot Detection

Approach CT10 or CT1 sensors can be attached to clubs to detect shots, and automatically assign clubs to the shots. Along with being able to detect putts, the sensors can help if the AutoShot feature has trouble detecting certain clubs like wedges.

For compatibility, see the Approach CT10 or Approach CT1 sensor product page. 


Shot Measurement Banner Is Not Appearing

If the shot measurement banner at the top of the hole view screen is not appearing despite shots being detected, it is likely due to Big Numbers Mode being enabled. You can disable Big Numbers in the settings of the watch which will allow the banner to appear. See the owner's manual for instructions. 

NOTE: Big Number Mode is not available on the Forerunner® watches


Why Is My Club Prompt Missing?

If you do not receive a prompt to enter your club after taking a shot, first make sure Club Prompt is enabled on your watch. See your owner's manual for steps to enable Club Prompt.

If Club Prompt is enabled and you are still not receiving a prompt to enter your club after a shot, follow the troubleshooting above in Proper Usage For Detecting Shots to make sure your watch can detect shots.

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