No. You can use the Approach S72’s core golf functions without a paid membership, including scorekeeping and distances to the front, middle and back of greens, bunkers and hazards. Garmin says an active Garmin Golf Membership is required for three named S72 features: green reading, putting analytics and aerial imagery. PlaysLike access depends on the device and needs checking in the S72 owner’s manual.
What works without a membership?
Garmin classifies scorekeeping and key course distances as “Essential” features in its Approach comparison. That includes distances to the front, middle and back of the green, as well as bunkers and hazards. Garmin does not identify a paid membership as a prerequisite for these core functions.
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Garmin says its golf watches have more than 43,000 preloaded course maps, but that figure is a general product-page claim, not a verified S72-specific course count. Check course coverage and individual feature compatibility for the locations and functions you care about.
Other watch and app capabilities
Garmin’s S72 announcement lists biometric golf data, on-wrist swing metrics, driving-range activity logging to Garmin Connect, a speaker and microphone, voice commands, a flashlight, health tracking and activity profiles. Garmin presents these as watch capabilities, but does not classify every one individually by membership status.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium golf smartwatch features a lightweight titanium bezel, durable sapphire lens, ComfortFit fabric band, built-in flashlight, speaker and microphone
- Preloaded with 43,000+ full-color CourseView maps; option to get an enhanced view of the shot ahead with aerial imagery (requires a Garmin Golf membership)
- Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours of battery life in golf activity mode, so you can play round after round
- Look back on your round to see how heart rate affected your performance and start to see trends in how your biometric data and score relate (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Gain a better understanding of your swing during your range session and after your round with swing metrics, which include hand speed, backswing length, wrist rotation and more
The Garmin Golf app is described as free for compatible smartphones, with device sync, scorecards, stats, shot maps and leaderboards. Green contour data is identified as a premium membership feature on the Garmin Golf app page.
Virtual Caddie
Garmin Support lists the S72 series as compatible with Virtual Caddie. To activate it, connect the watch to Garmin Golf and complete five rounds with Club Prompt enabled, or pair Approach CT10 club-tracking sensors. Previously recorded qualifying scorecards may also activate the feature. Garmin’s setup guidance does not state that a paid membership is required.
Rank #2
- Stunning 1.4” AMOLED display brings more than 43,000 preloaded full-color CourseView maps to life on your wrist
- Look good on and off the course with a lightweight, stylish design and ceramic bezel
- Battery life: up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Enhanced golf course maps allow you to see intricate details with the ability to pan and zoom for narrowing in on your target distance
- Improved virtual caddie feature shows your shot dispersion data and suggests a club based on a variety of factors, including your historical swing data, elevation, wind speed, wind direction and more
Which S72 features require Garmin Golf Membership?
Garmin’s October 6, 2026 S72 announcement says an active Garmin Golf Membership is required for these features:
- Green reading: On select courses, green contour data indicates putt-break direction and average slope percentage. Garmin also describes break and slope information as membership-enabled on its green-reading feature page.
- Putting analytics: The Garmin Golf app can show speed bias, direction bias and make rate after a round.
- Aerial imagery: A more detailed view of the hole for shot planning.
Whether membership is worthwhile depends on whether these particular green and putting insights, or aerial imagery, would change how you play. Basic scoring and course distances remain the no-membership baseline Garmin describes.
Rank #3
- Stunning 1.2” color AMOLED display brings 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist
- Be comfortable on and off the course with the lightweight ComfortFit nylon strap
- Battery life: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode
- Get distance to the front, middle and back of the green and navigate bunkers, water hazards and layups with hazard view
- Playslike Distance feature tells you how far each shot truly is, with adjusted yardage for elevation changes
Does PlaysLike work without a subscription?
Do not assume that every PlaysLike function is free on the S72. Garmin says membership requirements vary by device and tells owners to search for “PlaysLike Distance” in their specific owner manual. Its general guidance distinguishes basic elevation-adjusted PlaysLike distances from enhanced calculations that may include wind and air density; those conditions require smartphone and app connectivity. The S72-specific entitlement is not established in the available Garmin guidance, so check the S72 manual before relying on an enhanced PlaysLike feature without membership.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does membership cost?
Garmin’s membership overview describes Garmin Golf Membership as a plan for premium features on compatible Approach devices and launch monitors, but the S72 announcement does not state a price. The regional price, trial eligibility and renewal terms are not established here. Check Garmin’s membership purchase screen for your region before budgeting for a recurring cost.
Rank #4
- New round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display
- Battery life: up to 30 hours in GPS Mode
- More than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world
- Keep score right on the watch and upload directly to the Garmin Golf app (when paired with a compatible smartphone) to participate in weekly leaderboards
- Automatically keep track of your score and how far you hit with each club with compatible Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately)
For context, Garmin announced the S72 on October 6, 2026, in 43 mm and 47 mm sizes, with U.S. suggested retail prices starting at $799.99. That is the launch MSRP, not a statement of current retailer pricing. Garmin estimated up to 20 hours of battery life on the course for the larger watch and up to 16 days with GPS off; these are manufacturer estimates, not independent test results.
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Best Value
- Slim design with a stunning 1.2” color AMOLED display that brings 43,000+ preloaded courses to life on your wrist
- Get distance to the front, middle and back of the green and navigate bunkers, water hazards and layups with hazard view
- Pair with optional Approach CT1 or CT10 club trackers (sold separately) for shot-tracking capabilities, so you have a clearer picture of which parts of your game to focus on
- Easily keep score as you play, and upload to the Garmin Golf smartphone app for advanced stat tracking and handicap calculation
- Leave your phone in the cart and get smart notifications sent to your wrist — including emails, texts and alerts when paired with your iPhone or Android smartphone
How to decide whether you need membership
- Identify your must-have features. If scorekeeping, core course distances and the listed watch capabilities cover your needs, Garmin’s essential-feature classification does not make membership a prerequisite.
- Check the premium features you would actually use. Consider whether green contours, post-round putting analytics or aerial imagery would affect your routine.
- Verify PlaysLike for the S72. Consult the watch’s owner manual for the specific membership requirements of the distance calculations you want.
- Check the current regional terms. Review Garmin’s membership purchase screen for price, trial availability and renewal conditions before subscribing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
