The Tool Desk
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What does each device measure?
Garmin Approach watch: mapped course distances
A GPS golf watch combines your position, satellite data and course mapping to show distances to features such as the green and hazards. You can check those readings from your wrist without aiming at a target. Garmin’s January 2025 announcement says the S44 and S50 include more than 43,000 preloaded course maps, hazard view and distances to the front, middle and back of the green. Those are manufacturer-published specifications, not independent test results.
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Mapped green distances are useful reference points, but they are not necessarily the distance to the day’s pin position. Garmin’s S50 manual explains that the watch provides front, middle and back distances and does not calculate the actual pin location because pin positions change.
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A laser rangefinder measures to the flag or another object you aim at. That makes it useful when you can see the target and want its distance rather than a mapped reference to the green. The trade-off is that you must handle the device, point it at the intended object and get a usable reading. Garmin’s overview of GPS versus laser rangefinders describes this distinction: GPS devices use satellite and mapping data, while lasers measure to a targeted object.
#1 Best Overall
- 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)
Which one fits your golf routine?
| What matters most | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick readings without stopping to aim | Approach watch | It is worn on your wrist and shows mapped distances at a glance. |
| Distance to a visible flag or specific object | Laser rangefinder | You aim at the target you want measured. |
| Green and hazard context across a hole | Approach watch | The S44 and S50 include mapped course features and hazard view, according to Garmin. |
| Both hole context and targeted readings | Watch and compatible laser | The watch supplies mapped information; the laser can measure the selected target. |
Neither category is a universal accuracy winner based on the available evidence. A watch’s mapped distance and a laser’s reading to a selected target are not necessarily measuring the same point. Choose based on the reference you need, whether you can see the target, and how much effort you want to spend getting a reading.
What distinguishes the Garmin S44 and S50?
Garmin’s January 2025 announcement lists the following features for both watches. Figures and capabilities here are Garmin’s published claims.
Rank #2
- 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
| Feature | Approach S44 | Approach S50 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch color AMOLED | 1.2-inch color AMOLED |
| Course maps | More than 43,000 preloaded golf-course maps | More than 43,000 preloaded golf-course maps |
| Green distances and hazard view | Front, middle and back of green; hazard view | Front, middle and back of green; hazard view |
| GPS-mode battery life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Additional features identified by Garmin | Core golf functions; PlaysLike and other premium golf features may be available through Garmin Golf Membership | PlaysLike distance, heart-rate sensing, and health, wellness and fitness features |
Garmin gave US suggested retail prices at launch in January 2025 of $299.99 for the S44 and $399.99 for the S50. The same announcement listed Garmin Golf Membership at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. These are dated launch figures, not current offers; check local availability, current pricing and subscription terms before buying. Some features require a subscription, as Garmin’s S50 manual notes.
Can you use a Garmin watch and rangefinder together?
Yes, if you choose compatible equipment. Garmin says the Approach S44 and S50 can pair with the Approach Z30 laser rangefinder using Range Relay, allowing the laser’s ranged distances to be sent to the watch. That gives you mapped course context on your wrist and a targeted laser measurement when you need one. Confirm compatibility and setup requirements for the specific devices before purchase.
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
How to make the purchase decision
- Decide what distance you need most. If you mainly want front, middle and back green references plus course-feature information, start with a watch. If you want to measure the visible flag or another specific object, start with a laser.
- Consider how you prefer to get a reading. A watch is ready for a glance; a laser requires you to take it out and aim. Think about which routine you will actually use during a round.
- Compare features on the exact models. Watch features can extend beyond yardage, and rangefinder features vary by model. For Garmin’s S44/S50, check whether PlaysLike, wellness functions or subscription-dependent features matter to you.
- Check total cost and compatibility. Compare current regional prices, any membership cost for features you want, and whether a compatible watch-and-laser pairing is worth the additional expense.
Garmin also describes optional CT1 club tags for tracking club, shot location and distances. They are an add-on for golfers seeking that analytics workflow, not a requirement for choosing between a watch and a rangefinder.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New round watch design with a high-resolution sunlight-readable display
- More than 42,000 courses preloaded from around the world
- Provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs
- 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)
Rank #4
- 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
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.
