Garmin: From GPS pioneer to number 1 for golfers

Active people love to use their time to pursue their passions and challenge themselves again and again. This mission statement has driven the Garmin company since its foundation. What began as a vision in 1989 in Olathe, Kansas, by the two engineers Gary Burrell and Min Kao, is now a global technology leader. Incidentally, the company name is derived directly from their first names. From the very beginning, it was all about developing outstanding products and technologies that motivate people to achieve their goals.

The GPS roots and the path to golf training

Garmin's roots lie in GPS navigation. The company introduced its first product back in 1991: the GPS 100 for boaters and pilots of small aircraft. With the US Army as its first customer, Garmin laid the foundation for an expertise that is still present in modern devices today. This is particularly impressive in the Garmin Approach G80. This handheld device for golfers uses Garmin's core competencies to combine radar-based golf swing analysis and GPS-supported functions. Whether shot distance, ball speed or swing tempo - the 3.5-inch touch display provides all the important data to optimize the game. With virtual rounds on over 41,000 pre-installed golf courses, it is the ideal companion for training and on the course.

Vertical integration: The secret behind the innovations

A central principle of Garmin's success is vertical integration. This means that development, design, production, sales and customer support remain almost exclusively within the company. This approach enables the high quality and innovative strength for which Garmin is known. The company not only creates products for golf, but also cockpits for sports aircraft, radars for yachts and wearables for the fitness, outdoor and automotive sectors.

The Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor is a prime example of this innovative spirit. With its radar technology, it records important golf metrics such as launch angle and clubface position in real time. Thanks to the accompanying app, swings are automatically recorded as videos, making training more effective. With this mobile training center, which works both indoors and outdoors, every golfer can improve.

Smart everyday companions: watches for space and life

Over the years, Garmin has used its expertise to revolutionize the smartwatch market. With the first GPS sports watch for runners, the Forerunner 201, the company laid the foundation for today's smart watches in 2003. Today, Garmin offers a wide range of watches that seamlessly combine the golf course and everyday life.

The Garmin Approach S70 is the premium model. With a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED touch display, an improved virtual caddie and optimized PlaysLike distances that take wind and altitude into account, it provides all the tools you need to optimize your handicap. At the same time, with 40 pre-installed sports apps, Garmin Pay and smart notifications, it offers the convenience of a high-end smartwatch for every day.

In addition to the top model, there are other watches that also embody the "Beat Yesterday" concept. The Garmin Approach S44 is a slim and lightweight golf watch that focuses on the most important functions: Distance information, obstacles and automatic shot distance measurement. The PinPointer helps to find the direction to the flag even in poor visibility. The Garmin Approach S50 combines the best of both worlds: The comfortable nylon wristband makes it the ideal everyday companion, while comprehensive health and fitness functions such as heart rate measurement and sleep analysis make it an all-round partner for an active life - on and off the golf course.

More than just products: A community for everyone

Today, Garmin is not just a product manufacturer, but a provider of a complete ecosystem. With apps such as the Garmin Golf App, golfers can track their statistics, compete with friends and take part in tournaments. The Garmin Connect app provides a comprehensive overview of all activities and connects users in a lively community. In this way, Garmin accompanies its customers every day anew in their passions, true to the motto: "Beat Yesterday".