The Garmin Approach S50 is the ultimate advanced GPS golf smartwatch, seamlessly blending elite on-course performance with comprehensive daily wellness tracking. Featuring a bright, high-resolution AMOLED display, this sleek watch offers precise yardages to over 43,000 preloaded courses, integrates PlaysLike Distance, and monitors heart rate and Body Battery™ energy. Designed with a slate aluminum bezel and comfortable nylon band, it's the perfect companion for serious golfers and active lifestyles.

Product Specifications

• Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED Touchscreen
• Bezel Material: Anodised Aluminium (Slate Finish)
• Strap: Black ComfortFit Nylon Band 
• Water Rating: 5 ATM
• Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode): Up to 10 days
• Battery Life (GPS Golf Mode): Up to 15 hours
• Preloaded Courses: Over 43,000 worldwide courses
• Location/GNSS: GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite systems
• Health Sensors: Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor and Pulse Ox sensor
• Contactless Payment: Garmin Pay™ enabled

Key Features

• Vibrant AMOLED Display: The stunning 1.2-inch color touchscreen provides crystal-clear visibility of course maps, yardages, and health data, even in direct sunlight.

• PlaysLike Distance: Calculates precise yardage to the green, adjusting for uphill and downhill shots based on elevation changes.

• Advanced Course Mapping: Comes preloaded with over 43,000 global golf courses, providing distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, plus views of hazards and layups.

• 24/7 Health Monitoring: Features wrist-based Heart Rate, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, stress tracking, and Pulse Ox for comprehensive wellness insights.

• Garmin AutoShot™: Automatically detects and records shot distances (excluding putts and chips) for detailed post-round analysis in the Garmin Golf™ app.

• Seamless Off-Course Functionality: Includes preloaded activity profiles (running, yoga, etc.), Smart Notifications, and Garmin Pay™ contactless payments.

• ComfortFit Design: The lightweight, slim profile and breathable ComfortFit nylon band ensure all-day comfort, on and off the course.

How it Works

The Garmin Approach S50 leverages GPS technology and on-board mapping intelligence to serve as a precision tool for golf and fitness:

1. Course Mapping and GPS Lock: When you start a round, the watch uses its integrated GPS/GNSS sensors to quickly identify your location and load the correct map from its database of over 43,000 preloaded courses.

2. Real-Time Distance Calculation: The watch constantly updates your position relative to the course. It displays highly accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. For strategic play, you can access detailed Hazard View and use PlaysLike Distance for slope-adjusted yardages.

3. Round Tracking and Data Sync: The Garmin AutoShot™ feature automatically detects and measures your shot distances. It tracks your score and statistics (strokes, putts, etc.), which you can input directly on the touchscreen. This data is then synced wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to the Garmin Golf™ app for in-depth analysis and stat tracking.

4. All-Day Wellness: When not golfing, the wrist-based heart rate and Pulse Ox sensors continuously monitor your vitals, generating health insights like Sleep Score, Stress Level, and your current Body Battery™ energy reserves, integrating your fitness life with your golf game.

FAQs

Is the Garmin Approach S50 legal for tournament play?

Yes, the Approach S50 can be used in tournaments. It features a Tournament Mode which can be enabled to comply with regulations, typically by disabling features like PlaysLike Distance (slope-adjusted yardages) that are not allowed in official competition.

Does the watch require a subscription for course data? 

No, the 43,000+ course maps are preloaded on the watch and are updated for free when synced with the Garmin Golf app. A separate Garmin Golf membership is optional and unlocks advanced features like Green Contour Data and enhanced CourseView maps.

How does the PlaysLike Distance feature work?  

PlaysLike Distance uses the watch's built-in altimeter (which measures elevation) along with GPS position to calculate the effect of uphill and downhill slopes. It provides an adjusted distance, telling you the yardage the shot will truly play based on the change in elevation.

Can I use the Approach S50 for activities other than golf? 

Absolutely. The Approach S50 includes preloaded activity profiles for strength, running, cardio, yoga, and more. With a heart rate monitor and comprehensive health tracking suite, it functions as a capable everyday wellness and fitness smartwatch.