GARMIN APPROACH S4 Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Garmin
Table of Contents
APPROACH® S4 OWNER’S MANUAL
Owner’s Manual
© 2016 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in
whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the
right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content of
this manual without the obligation to notify any person or organization of
such changes or improvements. Go to
www.garmin.com for current updates and
supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, and Approach® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its
subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. These trademarks may
not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and other countries. Apple®, iOS®, iPhone®, and Mac® have registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are
owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under
license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective
owners.
Approach S4 Owner’s Manual
Getting Started
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for
product warnings and other important information.
When using the device the first time, complete these tasks.
- Register your device (Registering Your Device, page 4).
- Update your device software and courses (Updating Software and Courses, page 4).
- Charge the device (Charging the Device, page 1).
- Turn on the device (Turning on the Approach, page 1).
- Start around (Playing Golf, page 1).
Charging the Device
WARNING
This device contains a lithium-ion battery. See the Important Safety and
Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
NOTICE
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the contacts and the surrounding area
before charging or connecting to a computer.
- Plug the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.
- Align the charger posts with the contacts on the back of the device, and press the charger until it clicks.
- Charge the device completely.
Turning on the Approach
NOTE: The time of day and date are set automatically when you are
outdoors. You can also set it manually (Setting the TimeManually, page 3).
- Hold.
- Go play a game of golf (Playing Golf, page 1).
Touchscreen Tips
The device touchscreen is different than most mobile devices.
The touchscreen is designed so you can operate it with your fingertip or while
wearing gloves. The touchscreen is optimized to prevent accidental touches
while you play. NOTE: You must press firmly in order to select items and
change pages. You should practice using the touchscreen before you play.
- Tap the touchscreen to scroll through the pages.
- Select > Lock Screen to lock the screen from the hole view, layup and dogleg, shot measurement, or odometer screen.
- Tap the touchscreen and swipe left to exit power save mode or to unlock the screen.
- Tap the touchscreen to confirm messages.
- Tap the top and bottom of the touchscreen to scroll through menus.
- Make each touchscreen selection a separate action.
Keys
1. | Select to turn on the backlight. Hold to turn the device on and off. |
---|---|
2. | Select to measure a shot. |
3. | Select to open the menu for the current screen. |
4. | Select to enter your score for the hole. |
5. | Select to view the green. |
6. | Select to return to the previous screen. |
Icons
| The battery is low.
---|---
| An odometer is measuring distance and time.
| The alarm is on.
| Bluetooth is on.
Playing Golf
You cannot start playing golf until the device acquires satellite signals, which may take 30–60 seconds.
- Select > Start Round.
- Select a course from the list.
Hole View
The device shows the current hole you are playing, and automatically
transitions when you move to a new hole.
NOTE: By default, the device calculates the distance to the front,
middle, and back of the green. If you know the location of the pin, you can
set it more precisely using Green View (Viewing the Green, page 2).
1 | Current hole number. |
---|---|
2 | Distance to the back of the green. |
3 | Distance to the middle of the green. |
4 | Distance to the front of the green. |
5 | Par for the hole. |
Next hole. | |
Previous hole. |
Viewing the Green
While playing a game, you can take a closer look at the green and move the pin location.
- Begin playing a game (Playing Golf, page 1).
- Select .
- Drag to move the pin location.
The distances on the hole view screen are updated to show the new pin location. The pin location is saved for only the current round.
Measuring a Shot
You can measure the distance of a shot at any time.
- Select .
- Walk to your ball.
The distance automatically resets when you move to the next hole. You can hold to reset the distance at any time.
Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances and Saved Locations
You can view a list of layup and dogleg distances for par 4 and 5 holes. Saved
locations also appear on this list.
From the hole view screen (Hole View, page 1), select the middle of the
screen.
NOTE: Distances and locations are removed from the list as you pass them.
Keeping Score
Before you begin keeping score, you must start around (Playing Golf, page 1).
-
From the hole view screen (Hole View, page 1), select .
-
If necessary, select > Change Par to change par for the hole.
-
A – or + selector to set the score.
Your total score is updated. -
Hold to view a list of the scores for all holes.
From this list, you can select any hole to change the score for that hole.
Setting the Scoring Method
You can change the method the device uses to keep score.
-
Select an option:
• If you are currently playing around, select > >Setup Scoring.
• If you are not currently playing around, select ****> Setup> Scoring. -
Select a scoring method.
About Stableford Scoring
When you select the Stableford scoring method (Setting the Scoring Method,
page 2), points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken relative to
par. At the end of a round, the highest score wins. The device awards points
as specified by the United States Golf Association.
NOTE: The scorecard for a Stableford scored game shows points instead of
strokes.
Points | Strokes Taken Relative to Par |
---|---|
0 | 2 or moreover |
1 | 1 over |
2 | Par |
3 | 1 under |
4 | 2 under |
5 | 3 under |
Viewing Scorecards on a Computer
You can view all saved scorecards on your computer.
- Connect the device to a USB port on your computer using the charging cradle.
- The device appears as a removable drive in My Computer on Windows® computers, and as a mounted volume on Mac® computers.
- Open ScorecardViewer.html to view your scorecards.
Tracking Statistics
You can enable features for tracking your own statistics.
-
Select an option:
• If you are currently playing around, select > > Stat Tracking.
• If you are not currently playing around, select > Setup > Stat Tracking. -
Select On.
Recording Statistics
Before you can record statistics, you must enable statistics tracking.
-
From the hole view screen, select.
-
Select – or + set the number of strokes taken.
Your total score is updated. -
Select
-
Select – or + set the number of putts taken.
-
Select
-
Select an option:
• If your ball hit the fairway, select .
• If your ball missed the fairway, select . -
Hold to view a list of the scores for all holes.
-
If necessary, select a hole to change the score for that hole.
Your statistics are recorded on your scorecard (Viewing Scorecards on a Computer, page 2).
Saving a Location
While playing around, you can save up to five locations on each hole.
-
Stand in the location you want to save.
NOTE: You cannot save a location that is far from the currently selected hole. -
Select > Save Location.
-
Select a label for the location.
Using the Odometer
You can use the odometer to record the time and distance traveled. The odometer automatically starts and stops when you start or end-around, but you can also start and stop it manually.
- Select > Odometer to view or start the odometer.
- Select an option:
• Select > Turn Off to stop the odometer.
• Select > Reset to reset the time and distance to zero.
Phone Notifications
NOTE: Phone notifications require an Apple® iPhone® with Bluetooth® 4.0
wireless technology and iOS® 7 or later.
When your phone receives messages, it sends notifications to your device.
Enabling Bluetooth Notifications
NOTE: Enabling Bluetooth notifications reduces battery life while in watch mode (Specifications, page 4).
-
Select > Setup > Bluetooth.
-
Select an option:
• To enable notifications at all times, select On.
• To enable notifications only while playing, select While Playing. -
On your phone, enable Bluetooth wireless technology.
When your device receives a notification, it displays a message.
You can select the message to open the notification.
Viewing Notifications
Before you can view notifications, you must enable Bluetooth notifications.
- Select > Notifications.
- Select a notification.
- Select or scroll through the contents of the notification.
TruSwing™
The TruSwing feature allows you to view swing metrics recorded from your
TruSwing device. Go to www.garmin.com/golf to
purchase a TruSwing device.
TruSwing Metrics
You can view swing metrics on your Approach device, on Garmin Connect ™ , or
on the Garmin Connect Mobile app. See the owner’s manual for your TruSwing
device for more information.
Feature | Description | Requirements |
---|---|---|
Swing metrics on your Approach device only | The available metrics include your | |
swing tempo, speed, club-path measurements, critical club angles, and more. |
The TruSwing device must be paired with the
Approach devise.
Swing metrics on your Approach
device and on the Garmin
Connect Mobile app| The available metrics include your swing tempo, speed,
club-path measurements, critical club angles, and more.| Both the TruSwing and
Approach devices must
be paired with the Garmin Connect Mobile
app on your smartphone.
Recording and Viewing TruSwing Metrics on Your Approach Device
Before you can view TruSwing settings on your Approach S4 device, you may need
to update the software (Updating Software and Courses, page 4).
-
Verify your TruSwing device is securely mounted to your club.
See the owner’s manual for your TruSwing device for more information. -
Turn on your TruSwing device.
-
On your Approach S4 device, select > TruSwing.
Your Approach S4 device pairs with the TruSwing device. -
Select a club.
-
Hit a shot.
Your Approach S4 device displays swing measurements after each swing.
You can tap the screen to scroll through the recorded swing metrics.
Changing Your Club
- From the TruSwing screen, select > Change Club.
- Select a club.
Changing Handedness
- From the TruSwing screen, select > Handedness.
- Select an option.
Disconnecting Your TruSwing Device
From the TruSwing screen, select > End TruSwing.
Customizing Your Device
Settings
Select > Setup to customize device settings and features.
Tones: Turns audible tones on or off.
Display: Sets the background color to black or white (Changing the
Display Color, page 3).
Scoring: Sets the scoring method (Setting the Scoring Method, page 2).
Stat Tracking: Turns statistics tracking on or off (Tracking Statistics,
page 2).
Time: Sets the time to automatic or manual (Setting the Time Manually,
page 3).
Format: Sets the time format to 12- or 24-hour.
Language: Sets the language.
Units: Sets to measure distance in yards or meters.
Setting the Time Manually
By default, the time is set automatically when the device acquires satellite
signals.
- Select > Setup > Time > Manual.
- Select – and + to set the hour and minute.
- Select AM or PM.
Setting the Alarm
- Select > Alarm > Setup Alarm.
- Select – and + set the hour and minute.
- Select AM or PM.
- Select Once, Daily, or Weekdays.
Changing the Display Color
You can change the background color on the device.
- Select > Setup > Display.
- Select an option:
• Select White to display black text on a white background.
• Select Black to display white text on a black background.
Appendix
Device Care
NOTICE
Avoid extreme shock and harsh treatment, because it can degrade the life of
the product.
Avoid pressing the keys underwater.
Do not use a sharp object to clean the device.
Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, and insect repellents that can
damage plastic components and finishes.
Thoroughly rinse the device with fresh water after exposure to chlorine,
saltwater, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other
harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances can damage the case.
Do not store the device where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can
occur, because it can cause permanent damage.
Cleaning the Device
- Wipe the device using a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
- Wipe it dry.
Specifications
Battery type | Lithium-ion |
---|---|
Battery life | Watch only: 6 weeks |
Watch with Bluetooth notifications: 15 hours Playing golf: 10 hours
NOTE: The actual battery life of a fully charged battery depends on how
much time you use GPS, the backlight, and power save mode. Exposure to
extremely cold temperatures also reduces battery life.
Operating temperature range| From -4°F to 140°F (from -20°C to 60°C)
Charging temperature range| From 40°F to 104°F (from 5°C to 40°C)
Water resistance| 32.8 ft. (10 m)
NOTE: The device is not intended to be used while swimming.
Power Save
After a period of inactivity, the device goes into power save mode. The device
displays the time and date but does not use GPS. The device will not enter
power save mode if the odometer is on. You can select any button or tap the
screen, then swipe left across the screen to exit power save mode.
Clearing User Data
NOTE: This deletes all user-entered data.
- Hold to turn off the device.
- Hold, and select.
- Select Yes.
Getting More Information
- Go to www.garmin.com/intosports.
- Go to www.garmin.com/learningcenter.
- Go to http://buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin ® dealer for information about optional accessories and replacement parts.
Registering Your Device
Help us better support you by completing our online registration today.
- Go to http://my.garmin.com.
- Keep the original sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe place.
Updating Software and Courses
NOTE: Updating the software does not erase any of your data or settings.
- Connect your device to a computer using the charging cable.
- Go to www.garmin.com/express.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Software License Agreement
BY USING THE DEVICE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY.
Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Garmin”) grant you a limited license to use
the software embedded in this device (the “Software”) in the binary executable
form in the normal operation of the product. Title, ownership rights, and
intellectual property rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin and/or
its third-party providers.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and/or its third-
party providers and is protected under the United States of America copyright
laws and international copyright treaties. You further acknowledge that the
structure, organization, and code of the Software, for which source code isn’t
provided, are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and/or its third-party
providers and that the Software in source code form remains a valuable trade
secret of Garmin and/or its third-party providers. You agree not to decompile,
disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer, or reduce to human-
readable form the Software or any part thereof or create any derivative works
based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export the Software to
any country in violation of the export control laws of the United States of
America or the export control laws of any other applicable country.
Index
A
accessories 4
alarm 3
B
backlight 1
battery, charging 1
Bluetooth technology 3
C
charging 1
cleaning the device 4
clock 3
course
playing 1
selecting 1
customizing the device 3
D
deleting, user data 4
the device, registration 4
display settings 3
dogleg 2
G
green view, pin location 2
H
handedness 3
I
icons 1
K
keys 1, 4
L
layup 2
locations 2
saving 3
M
measurements 3
measuring a shot 2
N
notifications 3
P
pin location, green view 2
power save 4
product registration 4
R
registering the device 4
S
saving, locations 3
scorecard 2
viewing 2
scoring 2
software license agreement 4
specifications 4
statistics 2
swing analysis 3
system settings 3
T
touchscreen 1
troubleshooting 4
U
updates
course maps 4
software 4
W
water resistance 4
support.garmin.com
TRA
REGISTERED No: ER0118953/13
DEALER No: DA0061884/11
GUID-02DC08B8-6CE3-43C9-A880-0AD4E66EF2F3 v3
April 2020
References
- Garmin International | Home
- Garmin Customer Support
- Garmin International | Home
- Garmin Express - Windows | Garmin
- Golf Science | Garmin Technology
- All Sport and Fitness Devices | Garmin
- Garmin Customer Support
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