The Approach S50 GPS golf watch is the latest mid priced watch from Garmin. It comes in £170 cheaper than the premium S70 and £80 more expensive than the S44. So let’s find out what this watch has to offer in our full Garmin Approach S50 GPS golf watch review.
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Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
I usually don’t wear watches on the course, but after trying the Garmin Approach S50, I was surprised by how lightweight and comfortable it is.
It works well for checking yardages and quickly loading courses, making it very useful during play.
Overall, it’s a great device I now wear daily, both on and off the course.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Packed with tech that is of use on and off the golf course
- Yardages are spot on and easy to read
CONS
- None
First Impressions
Light and comfortable
I have never been a ‘watch-on-the-course’ guy, but after losing my rangefinder (annoying) the good folks at Garmin decided to test my opinion on that.
I couldn’t believe how light it was. There is nothing to it – which is a good thing, as it is packed full of tech and designed to be worn on and off course, including for sleep. The wrist band is incredibly soft and very comfortable.
On course testing
On the course, I was really impressed with how it performed. From the tee, you can easily check yardages to bunkers or other hazards, then the approach shot gives you clear yardages to front-middle-back. It was easy to load the course you are playing – the GPS signal picked up the location straight away.
Although simple, I found the score-tracking function to be quite helpful. The S50 gently vibrates on your wrist to remind you to record your score as you approach the next tee, which is especially handy during competitions. Additionally, the device automatically silences smartphone notifications when in golf mode, meaning you can simply concentrate on golf when on the golf course.
Outside of golf, this watch is superb for everyday wear. It offers a comprehensive range of health features, including heart health monitoring via HRV, blood oxygen levels with the Pulse OX sensor, detailed sleep tracking, and overall activity monitoring. This kind of information takes this watch beyond merely a golf watch but if you do not require such info then the S44 might be a more suitable option.
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The S50 vs the S44 and S70
Let’s start with what all the models have – a colour touch screen, button control and Autoshot. The Autoshot feature being handy as it records shots (not chips or putts).
Now for some of the differences. Only the S70 has full course view mapping and virtual caddie (using historic data to advise what club to hit) whilst the S44 is the only model not to have the PlaysLike Distance feature. This feature factors in if the shot is up or down hill as well as temperature and humidity.
When it comes to the health features like heart rate and sleep score it is only the S44 that does not have them.
The S70 is the only model that is available in multiple sizes.
So, all in all, the S50 has pretty much all you would require from a golf GPS watch minus full course mapping and the virtual caddie. It also has the added benefits of the health tech, which is of benefit off the course.
Check out the full differences between the watches here.
Pairing with compatible devices
You can pair all watches with a compatible Garmin rangefinder, such as the Approach Z30, to give detailed information about pin positions on the greens, and I have found that to be a most useful feature, particularly on courses that do not offer different coloured flags for front, middle and back pin positions.
Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch review: Final verdict
Outstanding battery life
So here we have a golf watch that offers all the important features you need on the course. The battery life is also outstanding with up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, and up to 15 hours in GPS mode. So that should be plenty for 36 holes in a day.
Everyday use on and off the golf course
Overall this is a superb bit of kit and something I now wear everyday as is way more than just a golf features watch. Need to work on my sleep score though….
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The choice is yours
Whether you upgrade to a Garmin golf membership or not you are sure to find something in your price bracket, secure in the knowledge that your device is designed with the most advanced and up to date technology.
Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch review
Available: Now
RRP: £379 / $399.99
More Information: American Golf / Garmin US
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