Garmin Approach S50 Review – @GolfGuyReviews as more thoughts
Source: YouTube @GolfGuyReviews
The Garmin Approach S50 is a lightweight golf watch featuring an OLED touchscreen and a streamlined design compared to the more premium Approach S70. Its usability is enhanced by two side buttons, and its battery life stands out, lasting up to a weekend of golf with around 20% battery consumption per round. With the always-on display turned off, the watch can last approximately nine days on a single charge. However, it continues to use Garmin’s proprietary charger instead of a USB-C, which could be inconvenient when travelling.
For golf functionality, the S50 provides front, middle, and back yardages to the green, along with hazard and layup distances. The “PlaysLike” feature adjusts yardages based on slope and weather conditions, and users can move the pin position on the touchscreen. A “PinPoint” mode is also available to help golfers aim when visibility is obstructed. The watch allows manual shot tracking, with club selection data uploaded to the Garmin app for post-round analysis. Players who prefer automatic tracking can pair the watch with Garmin’s CT1 or CT10 tags. Scorekeeping features include the ability to track another player’s score and basic statistics such as tee shot accuracy. The watch also connects to the Garmin Z30 rangefinder via Bluetooth, displaying updated yardages directly from the device.
Source @golfguyreview
Despite its strengths, the S50 has notable drawbacks. The included nylon strap may feel less premium and can become sweaty during workouts. Some users may find the watch’s lightweight design slightly plasticky. One significant issue is the absence of the swing tempo mode, which Garmin advertised but did not include at launch. Additionally, some advanced features, such as full hole maps and green undulation data, require a paid subscription, a practice that has also been applied to other Garmin models. In terms of smartwatch functionality, the S50 is limited, especially for iPhone users who have minimal control over notifications. While it supports Garmin Pay, its contactless payment functionality is restricted in the UK, with only a few supported banks.
For those considering alternatives, the Garmin Approach S44 is a lower-cost option with limited health tracking but requires a subscription for certain golf features. The Garmin Venu 3 offers better general smartwatch and health-tracking capabilities but does not come preloaded with golf courses. The premium Garmin Approach S70 includes additional features such as a virtual caddy and full-hole maps. Meanwhile, the Garmin Epix Gen 2, though discontinued, remains a value-driven alternative, offering the same specs as the S70 with downloadable golf course maps instead of preloaded ones.
Source Garmin.com
Our Takeaway
GolfGuyReviews agrees with other leading reviewers that the Garmin Approach S50 is a well-rounded golf watch that balances performance and affordability – but highlights the compromises. While it offers strong golf and fitness tracking features, some advanced tools require a paid subscription, and the lack of a widely advertised feature may be disappointing for some users. Those looking for more robust smartwatch functionality may find better options elsewhere, but for golfers seeking a capable GPS watch at a mid-range price, the S50 remains a solid choice.
This review is based on content from YouTube @GolfGuyReviews.