Garmin S50 Golf Watch – The Ultimate & Best GPS Golf Watch?

By on March 23, 2025

This comprehensive review explores why the Garmin S50 Golf Watch might be your perfect companion on and off the course.

Loading widget...

This lightweight powerhouse will transform Your golfing experience with a stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s easily readable even in bright sunlight.

The Garmin S50 Golf Watch is preloaded with over 43,000 courses worldwide, offering precise distances, hazard views, and elevation-adjusted measurements. Beyond golf, you’ll appreciate its extensive fitness features, including strength training, yoga, and health monitoring capabilities.

With an impressive 10-day battery life in smartwatch mode and a sleek design that weighs just 29g, the Garmin S50 Golf Watch sets a new standard for golf GPS devices.

Garmin S50 Golf Watches Faces

Garmin S50 Golf Watches Faces

Overview of Garmin S50 Golf Watch

Design and Aesthetics

While the Garmin S50 Golf Watch showcases a remarkably lightweight design at just 29g, you’ll appreciate its premium build quality and sophisticated appearance. The watch features a sleek 43mm case that sits comfortably on your wrist, complemented by a custom-fit nylon strap that’s breathable and interchangeable.

Your comfort is assured during long rounds of golf, as the slim 11.4mm profile makes it barely noticeable during your swing.

Loading widget...

Display and Usability

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Garmin S50 Golf Watch’s stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, protected by durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Your view of course details remains crystal clear even in bright sunlight, making it easy to read distances and navigate through the watch’s features during your round.

Watch interaction becomes effortless with the Garmin S50 Golf Watch’s intuitive touch interface. You can quickly access 43,000+ preloaded courses and view detailed course maps, hazards, and precise yardages to the green. The customizable watch face lets you personalize your display, while the responsive touchscreen ensures smooth navigation through menus and features, even when wearing golf gloves.

Garmin S50 Golf Watch Side Angle

Garmin S50 Golf Watch Side Angle

Key Features to Consider

Any golfer looking to invest in the Garmin S50 Golf Watch should carefully evaluate these necessary features:

  • AMOLED Display – 1.2-inch ultra-bright touchscreen for clear visibility in sunlight
  • Course Coverage – Access to 43,000+ preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • PlaysLike Distance – Intelligent elevation-adjusted yardage calculations
  • Battery Performance – Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, 15 hours with GPS
  • Health Monitoring – Advanced tracking for heart rate, sleep, and stress
  • Smart Features – Contactless payments and smartphone notifications
  • Durability – Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and water-resistant design

Course Mapping and Accuracy

An exceptional feature of the Garmin S50 Golf Watch is its precise course mapping system. You’ll get detailed views of hazards, layups, and green contours, with accurate yardage measurements to every green’s front, middle, and back. With the watch’s ability to show detailed course layouts and provide instant distance calculations, your game planning becomes more strategic.

Fitness Tracking Capabilities

One standout aspect of the Garmin S50 Golf Watch is its comprehensive fitness monitoring system. You can track your daily activities, monitor your heart rate, and analyze your sleep patterns. The watch includes specialized activity profiles for strength training, yoga, and cardio workouts.

Course management and fitness tracking seamlessly integrate as you wear your Garmin S50 Golf Watch. You’ll receive morning reports with personalized insights about your sleep quality and recovery status, helping you optimize your performance on and off the course. The watch’s Body Battery feature lets you understand when to push harder in training and when to rest.

Loading widget...

Review

The Garmin S50 Golf Watch is a premium GPS golf companion that combines sophisticated technology with practical functionality. Your golfing experience gets elevated with its stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED display and comprehensive course coverage, making it a standout choice for casual and serious golfers.

User Experience and Performance

The Garmin S50 Golf Watch delivers an exceptionally intuitive interface that you’ll find easy to navigate. Your game benefits from precise yardage measurements and the PlaysLike Distance feature, which adjusts calculations based on elevation changes. With over 43,000 preloaded courses, you can rely on accurate course mapping wherever you play.

Durability and Battery Life

Even with its lightweight design, the Garmin S50 Golf Watch proves remarkably resilient. Your watch is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the ComfortFit nylon strap ensures durability without compromising comfort. Smartwatch mode’s impressive 10-day battery life means you won’t need frequent charging.

To maximize your Garmin S50 Golf Watch’s longevity, you’ll appreciate its 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for all weather conditions. The interchangeable strap system allows you to maintain your watch’s fresh appearance, while the robust construction ensures it can handle the demands of regular golf course use.

Comparison and Key Differences to Garmin S44

Feature Garmin S50 Garmin S44
Strap Type ComfortFit Nylon Plastic
Weight Lighter Heavier
PlaysLike Distance Included Requires Membership
Activity Profiles Advanced Tracking Basic Tracking Only
Payment System Garmin Pay Included Not Available
Health Tracking Comprehensive Features Basic Features

 

Feature Enhancements

The Garmin S50 Golf Watch introduces significant upgrades in both golf and lifestyle features. You’ll benefit from enhanced course mapping, improved health monitoring capabilities, and a more comprehensive activity tracking system. The watch’s versatile functionality extends beyond the golf course, making it your ideal companion for various fitness activities.

Loading widget...

Value for Money

With the Garmin S50 Golf Watch, you get premium features that justify its higher price than the Garmin S44. Your investment includes built-in PlaysLike Distance technology, advanced health monitoring, and Garmin Pay functionality, eliminating the need for additional membership costs.

This comprehensive package makes the Garmin S50 Golf Watch a wise long-term investment if you’re looking for a device that serves as a premium golf GPS and an advanced fitness tracker. Your daily activities, both on and off the course, benefit from its enhanced capabilities, making it a more versatile choice than the S44.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for

Identifying Your Needs

Remember that the Garmin S50 Golf Watch offers a comprehensive suite of features catering to different golfing styles. If you’re considering this premium GPS golf watch, evaluate whether you need advanced features like PlaysLike Distance and Hazard View for your game.

Your playing frequency, course variety, and desire for fitness tracking should guide your decision, as the Garmin S50 Golf Watch excels in on-course performance and everyday wellness monitoring.

Budget Considerations

Even though the Garmin S50 Golf Watch represents a significant investment, its versatility as a golf companion and fitness tracker offers excellent value. You’ll need to consider the initial purchase price and potential additional costs, such as the Garmin Golf Membership, for enhanced features such as CourseView maps and green contours.

To maximize your investment in the Garmin S50 Golf Watch, consider the long-term benefits: 10-day battery life means less frequent charging, durability from Corning Gorilla Glass 3 ensures longevity and the comprehensive feature set eliminates the need for multiple devices.

You’re also getting access to 43,000+ preloaded courses worldwide, making this watch a valuable tool for local and travelling golfers.

Pros and Cons Summary

GPS Watch: Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Crystal-clear 1.2-inch AMOLED display Some features require a paid Garmin membership
Ultra-lightweight (29g) design Higher price point compared to essential GPS watches
43,000+ preloaded courses The learning curve for advanced features
Impressive 10-day battery life Limited reply options for iOS users
Comprehensive fitness tracking Screen size may be small for some users
Stylish, non-golf watch appearance Touch sensitivity can be affected by rain
Accurate GPS measurements Premium features locked behind a subscription
Durability with Gorilla Glass 3 No built-in swing analysis

Strengths of the Garmin S50

An exceptional combination of golf-specific features and everyday functionality makes your Garmin S50 Golf Watch stand out. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design and stunning AMOLED display that remains visible in bright sunlight.

The watch’s ability to seamlessly transition from course to daily activities, combined with its extensive battery life, positions it as a versatile companion for your golf game and active lifestyle.

Limitations and Drawbacks

While your Garmin S50 Golf Watch offers impressive features, you should consider that some advanced functions require a paid Garmin membership. The premium pricing might make you pause, mainly if you focus primarily on basic GPS features.

Any evaluation of the Garmin S50 Golf Watch must acknowledge that its compact screen size might challenge some users with vision preferences.

You’ll also need to consider that touch functionality can become less responsive in wet conditions, and iOS users face some limitations in message response capabilities compared to Android users.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Overall Impression

Not your typical golf GPS watch, the Garmin S50 Golf Watch sets a new standard in the industry. But you’re getting a premium device that excels on and off the course. The combination of its ultra-lightweight design (29g), stunning AMOLED display, and comprehensive feature set makes it stand out from competitors.

You’ll particularly appreciate the impressive 10-day battery life and the crystal-clear course visualization.

Loading widget...

Who Should Buy This Watch?

If you’re seeking a versatile golf companion that doubles as a sophisticated smartwatch, the Garmin S50 Golf Watch is your ideal choice. Its extensive course coverage (43,000+ preloaded courses) and advanced features like PlaysLike Distance and Hazard View will benefit you.

The watch offers exceptional value with its comprehensive health-tracking capabilities and innovative features.

This Garmin S50 Golf Watch is particularly suited for golfers who want to elevate their game while maintaining an active lifestyle. You’ll find golf-specific features and fitness tracking invaluable for your overall performance.

The watch’s sleek design makes it appropriate for casual and formal settings, while its durability ensures it can handle your active lifestyle. Investing in the Garmin S50 Golf Watch gives you access to advanced course mapping, precise distance measurements, and comprehensive health monitoring in one sophisticated package.

For expert reviews on the latest golf equipment, check out our YouTube channel, where resident golf professional Mark Crossfield showcases the best in golf.

Loading widget...

About James Langmead

The Golf Shop Online takes immense pride in its extensive selection of high-quality branded golf equipment, all available at exceptionally affordable prices. In addition to this, the shop offers valuable insights and guidance from PGA professional golfers. Their team is led by the esteemed resident professional, James Langmead. James previously earned the prestigious title of Callaway club fitter of the year and was a vital member of the Callaway CFS testing panel. At The Golf Shop Online, customers can expect not only top-notch products but also expert advice from seasoned professionals in the golfing industry. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to refine your game, their knowledge and expertise are readily available to assist you in making informed choices for your golfing needs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.