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RangefindersGarmin Approach S50 (GPS golf watch)Specs and who it suits
Updated: Sep 12, 2026Contains affiliate links
A Garmin GPS golf watch that you use right on your wrist. It is light at 29 g, and its advantage is that you know the distance before you set up. The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is visible even in direct sunlight. If you play in competitions, switch to Tournament Mode. Garmin's official spec table states "Tournament Mode: Yes". The weakness is that it is less precise than a laser for the exact distance to the pin. What GPS measures is the distance to the green.
Who this model is for, in 30 seconds
| If you | This pick | Test status | Reference price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golfers who don't want to slow the pace of play, and those who want to see the whole course | #5 / RangefindersGarmin Approach S50 (GPS golf watch) A GPS watch you can leave on your wrist. Light at 29g, it gives you the distance before you set up. | ¥67,800 (incl. tax, official press release, checked Sep 12, 2026) |
3 key points about this model
Point 1: It's on your wrist, so you know the distance before you set up, with no walk back to the bag
As a watch, it gives you the distance before you set up, without walking back to your bag. Light at 29 g
Point 2: 1.2-inch AMOLED, easy to read in direct sunlight
1.2-inch AMOLED, easy to read even in direct sunlight
Point 3: Switch to Tournament Mode for competition
Switch to Tournament Mode for competition. Garmin's official spec table states "Tournament Mode: Yes" (checked Oct 1, 2026)
Specs
| Measurement | GPS (GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / Michibiki L1S) |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch AMOLED touch (390×390) |
| Weight | 29g |
| Power | Rechargeable. About 10 days in smartwatch mode, about 15 hours in GPS mode |
| Slope switch | Has PlaysLike distance, which accounts for slope. Has Tournament Mode (Garmin's official spec table, checked Oct 1, 2026) |
| Model number / release date | 010-03010-20 (Black) / Jan 30, 2025 |
Pros / Cons
Pros
- At 29 g you can keep it on your wrist. You know the distance before you set up
- Supports multiple satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Michibiki (QZSS)
- ¥61,020 on Rakuten, ¥6,780 less than the ¥67,800 in the official press release
Cons
- PlaysLike, which accounts for slope, has to be switched to Tournament Mode for competition. You need to take care yourself not to forget the switch
- Being GPS, it's less accurate to the pin than a laser
- About 15 hours of battery in GPS mode. Plan on charging after every round
What this rating is based on
This rating is based on the maker's official specs (loft, head volume, adjustability) and actual selling prices on Rakuten Ichiba and the official store.
Measure 10 balls yourself (free tool)
Who it doesn't suit
Golfers who want the distance to the pin to the yard. GPS can't pinpoint a single target as precisely as a laser.
Check before you buy
Whether the courses you play often are in its course database.
If a test shot or two feels long, that may just be the good end of your normal spread. Hit 10 balls with the same club and your distances will vary by 20 yards or more. So hit 10 and look at both the average and the spread.
FAQ (rangefinders)
Should I buy a laser or a GPS?
Need accuracy to the pin? Go laser. Want to see the whole course? Go GPS.
Will a rangefinder lower my scores?
Knowing the distance changes nothing if you can't hit that distance. First, learn your carry and spread for each club.
Can I use it in competition?
Some competitions require slope (elevation) readings to be off. Choose a model that can switch it off.
Related reading
- Bushnell Pinseeker models compared | The 4 current models
- Voice Caddie Laser FIT2 | 130g, ¥37,400
- How many wedges to carry: check your PW loft first
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