Garmin Approach Z10: A Simple Laser Rangefinder for Golf

Until last month, GOLF.com writer Jessica Marksbury had never used a handheld rangefinder. As a junior golfer, she estimated yardages by pacing them off and using fairway markers and sprinkler heads. Later, she relied on golf-cart screens or asked playing partners to measure the distance. She also enjoyed the Garmin Approach S70 watch, with its color display, aerial hole views and intermediate yardages, but found the idea of holding a rangefinder to her face inconvenient and time-consuming.

That changed when she tried the Garmin Approach Z10. Marksbury found the device lightweight and compact, while its built-in magnet securely attaches it to a golf cart.

The rangefinder has just two buttons: Power and Mode. Power turns the device on and locks onto a target; Mode switches slope compensation on or off. It can also be used to change the measurement from yards to meters. The 6X-magnified viewfinder makes it easy to locate the flagstick or another target up to 350 yards away. A vibration confirms that the target has been acquired.

When slope mode is disabled, an external light on the housing indicates that Tournament Mode is active. That provides a useful visual cue for playing partners and opponents. With slope mode enabled, the viewfinder displays a “plays like” distance beneath the measured yardage, showing the adjusted distance based on the terrain.

After pairing the Z10 with the Garmin app, golfers can see distances to the pin from the front and back of the green, as well as ranged distances to relevant targets on a course map. The app can also help locate the rangefinder if it is left behind on the course.

The Z10’s simplicity and ease of use made Marksbury wonder why she had avoided rangefinders for so long. In her assessment, the Garmin Approach Z10 is a strong option for golfers seeking a no-frills device that measures distances quickly and efficiently. It measures targets up to 350 yards away and features magnification of up to 6X.