I have an S12 and it shows distances to water hazards on my local course. My playing partner also has an S12, purchased new only last Christmas, and it does not show them. He also has a G12 which does show them. Why might this be?

They likely need to update their device to get the course mapping up to date to the most current version. Out of the box, the device is going to have preloaded software and course mapping versions that were available at the time when the device was manufactured...so this means that the software and course mapping will likely need to be updated, as Garmin releases course map updates and software updates to the devices periodically throughout the year  on an unscheduled basis. 

The difference between the devices is likely to be the course map version needing updated on the device not displaying the hazards. You would also want to double check and make sure the hole they are viewing is correct to the hole you both are standing on and viewing on the two devices. Par 3 holes obviously will not show layup info and may not show a hazard depending on the course information. 

Below is a link to our support page outlining the update process for course mapping and more info on course information not showing to reference if needed: 

• Update Golf Courses and Device Software on an Approach Golf Device
• Why Certain Courses Might not Show on an Approach