I grew up walking off yardages, finding sprinkler heads and learning distances the old-fashioned way. There’s something about that process that feels integral to becoming a real golfer. At the same time, I understand that GPS technology is more precise and more efficient than pacing ever was.
When I saw the Garmin J1 golf watch for kids, there were two requirements I had in mind before I wanted to incorporate it into our routine.
First, I didn’t want something tied to a phone. I’m fine setting up a device on mine but my kids don’t have phones and I didn’t want that dependency every round.
Second, it had to be a fun addition or support to the game, not a distraction from playing golf.
We tested it with my nine-year-old daughter who plays several times a week. After a few rounds, my mind was made up. This thing is great.
Built specifically for junior golfers
This is not a scaled-down adult GPS watch.
Garmin clearly designed the J1 from the ground up for kids. The interface is simplified and focused on the information that matters most: yardage to front/middle/back of the green, hazards and basic scoring. No clutter, and even the colors are customizable to make it even more kid friendly.
It comes preloaded with more than 43,000 courses worldwide and includes forward-tee guidance that scales holes to a junior’s ability. You can adjust personal par to match skill level as well.
The score tracking is clean and color-coordinated. Celebratory animations pop up when milestones happen. It feels encouraging without feeling gimmicky.
Her first reaction?
“This is light and it doesn’t get in my way when I swing.”
At just 29 grams (about one ounce) with a slim profile and ComfortFit fabric band, it has never interfered.
On-course use: Engaging, not distracting
We’ve been playing two-person scrambles as a family during the winter when conditions aren’t great. Since getting the J1, she has zero interest in being on anyone’s team.
She wants her own stats.
The shot distance feature is easily her favorite. She tracks her drives and proudly announces how much farther they’re going. But the bigger win is awareness. She’s starting to understand that range yardages and on-course yardages are different.
The ability to move the flag on the green has been helpful. Seeing how front and back pins change the number on her approach has helped her understand green depth and club selection in a way that yardage markers never have.
There’s also a built-in pace-of-play visual timer. We play fast and the J1 reminds her of the importance of that.
Parent-friendly details that matter
Battery life is strong: up to 10 days in watch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode. In our testing, that’s held true.
It’s water resistant to 5 ATM so rain isn’t a problem. It keeps score directly on the watch and pairs with the Garmin Golf app if we want to review stats later. But it doesn’t require her to have a phone in her pocket during the round.
The step tracking, alarm clock and sunrise and sunset times have been bonus features she enjoys outside of golf.
Last weekend, she shot her best nine-hole score ever. I’m not giving all the credit to a watch. But she’s more tuned in. The data is directed at her level.
I didn’t think junior golfers needed a GPS watch.
After testing this one, I’m impressed with the investment Garmin has made into helping kids not only play better but also enjoy being golfers.
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