How is the Approach S50 different from the Approach S44?

The S50 adds a full-color touchscreen and course maps, while the S44 is a simpler distance-focused watch. The S50 is the better pick if you want to see the hole layout.

Does it work as an everyday smartwatch?

Yes. It shows phone notifications and tracks steps and daily activity, and its slim build suits daily wear.

Do I need a phone with it on the course?

No. Courses sync to the watch beforehand, and GPS distances work without a phone. Pairing a phone adds notifications and score uploads.

How long does the battery last?

Garmin rates it for multiple rounds in golf mode and several days in smartwatch mode. Heavy GPS and screen use shortens that.

Can I keep score on it?

Yes. It keeps score and stats during the round and can upload them to the Garmin Golf app when paired with a phone.

Is it worth it over a rangefinder?

It gives front, middle and back distances plus hole maps without aiming a device. A rangefinder still gives a precise pin number, so some players carry both.

Where is the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch cheapest?

At PlayBetter, for $399.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings.

Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch

Best price now

$399.99at PlayBetterChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit PlayBetter

Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch

Best price now

$399.99at PlayBetterChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit PlayBetter

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $399.99 at PlayBetter on Nov 9.

Our take on the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch

The Garmin Approach S50 is a golf GPS watch with a color touchscreen, full-color course maps and distances to the front, middle and back of the green. It adds shot planning, a virtual caddie and everyday smartwatch features in a light body you can wear off the course. Against rivals like the Approach S44 and S70, it sits in the middle: more on-course detail than the S44, fewer premium training tools than the S70. Owners rate it highly, with the screen, comfort and battery among the things they praise.

Best forGolfers who want full-color hole maps on the wristPlayers who prefer a watch over a rangefinderGolfers who want one watch for the course and daily wearMid-handicappers who use distances and shot planning

Pros

Full-color course maps with front, middle and back green distances
Virtual caddie and shot-planning tools
Light, slim build that works as an everyday watch
Long battery life between charges
Touchscreen plus buttons for use in gloves or rain

Cons

Costs more than basic distance-only golf watches
Fewer advanced swing and training metrics than the top model
Touchscreen can be fiddly with a glove in wet weather
Course maps need syncing before play

Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch prices at every store

PlayBetterNew
In stockReturn policy
$399.99Checked Nov 9
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What reviewers say

4.9 / 513 ratings

Owners give the Approach S50 very high marks, calling it accurate, comfortable and easy to read on the course. Most praise the maps and battery life, and few report problems.

What people mention

AccuracyPraisedOwners say the yardages and green distances match their rangefinders.
DisplayPraisedThe color screen and hole maps are called easy to read in sunlight.
ComfortPraisedReviewers find the watch light enough to wear all day, on and off the course.
BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasts multiple rounds before needing a charge.
TouchscreenMixedSome find the touchscreen less responsive when wearing a golf glove.
ValueMixedA few say it costs more than a distance-only watch needs to.

About the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch

The Garmin Approach S50 is a golf GPS watch. It is designed to give golfers course data and shot planning on the course.

The watch has a lightweight design and is made to be worn all day.

Brand: Garmin
Type: Golf GPS watch

Questions and answers

How is the Approach S50 different from the Approach S44?: The S50 adds a full-color touchscreen and course maps, while the S44 is a simpler distance-focused watch. The S50 is the better pick if you want to see the hole layout.
Does it work as an everyday smartwatch?: Yes. It shows phone notifications and tracks steps and daily activity, and its slim build suits daily wear.
Do I need a phone with it on the course?: No. Courses sync to the watch beforehand, and GPS distances work without a phone. Pairing a phone adds notifications and score uploads.
How long does the battery last?: Garmin rates it for multiple rounds in golf mode and several days in smartwatch mode. Heavy GPS and screen use shortens that.
Can I keep score on it?: Yes. It keeps score and stats during the round and can upload them to the Garmin Golf app when paired with a phone.
Is it worth it over a rangefinder?: It gives front, middle and back distances plus hole maps without aiming a device. A rangefinder still gives a precise pin number, so some players carry both.
Where is the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch cheapest?: At PlayBetter, for $399.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Garmin Approach S50 Golf GPS Watch?: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings.