Downloading Golf Courses to Your Watch Using the Garmin Golf App

For watches that support the Golf activity but do not come with preloaded golf course maps, some download the map using the Garmin Golf™ app. Downloading the courses with this method will ensure the watch always pulls over the latest course mapping in our directory. If your watch has the Golf activity but is not listed below as compatible with downloading courses through the Garmin Golf app, see - Downloading Golf Courses to Your Watch Using the Garmin Connect™ App for other instructions.

Compatible Watches

• Venu® 3 | Venu® 3S

• vívoactive® 5

• vívoactive® 6

Downloading a Golf Courses to Start a Round

When looking to start a round of golf on your compatible device, you will always need to download the desired course using the steps below. If you have not paired your watch to the Garmin Connect app, you will need to do that before following these steps to start a round of golf - see Connecting a Golfing Device Which Pairs Through Garmin Connect App to the Garmin Golf App for full instructions.

1. Open the Garmin Golf app on your phone.

2. Start the Golf Activity on the watch.

   • For specific steps on starting an activity view your device's owner's manual.

3. Allow the watch to acquire satellites.

4. Select your desired course.

   • The device will display the 20 closest courses to your current location.

5. The specific course will transfer to the watch from the Garmin Golf app.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to start your round.

My Courses Are Not Downloading

Although the watch uses the Garmin Golf app to load the courses, it pairs with the Garmin Connect app. If the connection is not stable with the Garmin Connect app, the course download will not transfer over to the watch. You can check the connection status in the Garmin Devices section of the Garmin Connect app.

Check the Watch Connection With the Garmin Connect App

1. Open the Garmin Connect app.

2. Select More (bottom right).

3. Select Garmin Devices.

4. Check your watch is showing as "Connected".

If your watch is showing as "Not Connected" and is not reconnecting automatically, rebooting or power cycling your watch and smartphone will usually solve this issue. If the issue remains, you can remove and re-pair the watch to correct this. For instructions, see Remove and Add a Device From the Garmin Connect App.

I Am Getting the Message “Garmin Golf App Connection is Required for Course Download”

This message would indicate the watch is not able to recognize that the Garmin Golf app is open. Try closing and opening the Garmin Golf app as that may allow the course to download. It may help to also restart the golf activity on the watch. Otherwise, verify the watch is paired following the steps above.