Garmin Approach S50 Review: The Golfer's Smart Companion

Introduction

The Garmin Approach S50 blends sleek smartwatch design with powerful golf-specific features, making it a standout choice for golfers who want performance on and off the course. With built-in GPS, color touchscreen, and activity tracking, this is more than just a golf watch – it's a lifestyle wearable for the modern golfer.

Design & Display

Sporting a stylish look that wouldn't feel out of place off the course, the Approach S50 features a 1.2-inch sunlight-readable color touchscreen. The lightweight and comfortable build means it won't distract during your swing, and the interchangeable QuickFit bands let you switch up the style for any occasion.

Key Features

Over 41,000 Preloaded Golf Courses Worldwide
AutoShot Game Tracking
Touch Targeting and Green View
Smart Notifications
Activity Tracking: Steps, Sleep, Calories
Water Rating: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)
Up to 12 hours in GPS mode / 10 days in smartwatch mode

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent course coverage and golf-specific data
Crisp color display with touchscreen interface
Lightweight and stylish
Doubles as an everyday fitness tracker

Cons:

No heart rate monitoring
Lacks advanced swing metrics
Premium price for casual golfers

Should You Buy It?

Buy it if:

You're an avid golfer looking for a stylish, dedicated golf watch
You want smart notifications and fitness tracking off the course

Skip it if:

You want deeper golf swing analysis or heart rate tracking
You're just an occasional player or on a tighter budget

User Reviews: What Real Users Say

4.7/5 – Amazon Customer: "Beautiful watch with great golf features. Love the auto course recognition."

4.6/5 – Reddit User: "Switched from an older model. This one is sleek and the screen is way better."

4.8/5 – Golf Forum Member: "The GPS is spot on. It's helped shave a few strokes off my game."

4.5/5 – YouTube Commenter: "Touchscreen works smoothly even with a glove on."

4.7/5 – Best Buy Reviewer: "Tracks steps and sleep too. Nice to wear daily, not just on the green."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Garmin Approach S50 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, it supports both iOS and Android devices via the Garmin Golf app.

Can I use this for everyday fitness tracking?

Absolutely. It tracks steps, sleep, calories, and more, making it suitable for all-day wear.

Does it support club tracking?

No, but it is compatible with Garmin’s Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately).

Can I swim with the Approach S50?

Yes. It has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, which means it’s safe for swimming.

Does it show distances to hazards and doglegs?

Yes, it provides full course data, including hazards, doglegs, and layups.

Full Specs

Feature	Details
Display	1.2" color touchscreen, sunlight-readable
Courses	41,000+ preloaded worldwide
GPS Mode Battery Life	Up to 12 hours
Smartwatch Mode Battery Life	Up to 10 days
Connectivity	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+
Water Rating	5 ATM
Compatibility	iOS and Android
Tracking	Steps, sleep, calories
Bands	QuickFit 20mm interchangeable bands

Alternatives to Consider

Model	Key Strength	Price Range
Garmin Approach S42	Similar style with slightly fewer features	$$
Garmin Approach S62	More advanced features like Virtual Caddie	$$$$
Bushnell Ion Edge	Budget-friendly golf GPS watch	$

Verdict: Style Meets Course Precision

The Garmin Approach S50 strikes a great balance between style, golf functionality, and daily usability. With top-notch GPS accuracy and elegant design, it's a great pick for anyone who lives for the course but wants a watch they can wear everywhere.

Final Rating: 4.7/5

THE DAILY PULSE