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Garmin S72 Review: The Ultimate Golf Watch?

By on October 6, 2026

Garmin S72 Review 2026: S72 vs S70 vs S50 Compared

Quick Verdict
The Garmin S72 is Garmin’s most advanced golf watch yet, adding green reading, aerial imagery, swing metrics, a speaker, and an LED flashlight to everything the S70 already did well.

Both sizes cost £699.99 and are available to order from 9 October. If you do not need the new extras, the S70 (from £469) and S50 (£329) remain excellent value. Every watch comes with free UK delivery and our 60-day returns policy.

Garmin S72Top Pick · £699.99 →

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (PGA team rating)
Garmin Approach S72 golf watch in all four colourways
The Garmin S72 comes in two sizes and four colourways, all with a titanium bezel and sapphire lens.
Garmin S72 vs S70 vs S50: Full Comparison
View all →
Watch Price Display Battery (smartwatch / golf) Build
Garmin S72 47 mm Top Pick £699.99 1.4″ AMOLED, 454 x 454 Up to 16 days / 20 hrs golf Titanium bezel, sapphire lens Shop →
Garmin S72 43 mm £699.99 1.3″ AMOLED, 416 x 416 Up to 10 days / 15 hrs golf Titanium bezel, sapphire lens Shop →
Garmin S70 47 mm £519 1.4″ AMOLED Up to 21 days / 20 hrs GPS Ceramic bezel, silicone strap Shop →
Garmin S70 42 mm £469 1.2″ AMOLED Up to 14 days / 15 hrs GPS Ceramic bezel, silicone strap Shop →
Garmin S50 £329 1.2″ AMOLED Up to 10 days / 15 hrs GPS Gorilla Glass 3, nylon strap Shop →

All five feature 43,000+ preloaded courses, front, middle and back yardages, PlaysLike distance and a 5 ATM water rating. Tip: scroll the table sideways on mobile to see all columns.

Introducing the Garmin S72

Garmin calls the Approach S72 “our most advanced golf smartwatch ever”, and at £699.99 it is the most expensive watch in the Approach golf range. For that money you get a titanium bezel, a sapphire crystal lens, a bright AMOLED display and the longest feature list Garmin has ever put into a golf watch.

The headline additions are green reading, aerial imagery, putting analysis and golf biometric data with a Garmin Golf membership, plus wrist-based swing metrics, a driving range mode, a built-in speaker and microphone, and an LED flashlight. It also brings the ECG app and full-colour mapping from Garmin’s fitness watches.

Our PGA professional team explains what is new, how the S72 compares with the Approach S70 and Approach S50, and which watch makes most sense for your game. If you are new to golf watches, our guide to GPS golf watches covers the basics.

Golfer checking the Garmin Approach S72 on the course
Lightweight and comfortable, the S72 is designed to be worn for the whole round and beyond.

What to Look For in a Premium Golf Watch

Display

AMOLED screens are easy to read in sun, and bigger displays show more of the hole.

Battery life

Check golf-mode hours, not just smartwatch days.

Membership features

Green contours, green reading and aerial imagery need a paid Garmin Golf membership.

Build and comfort

Titanium and sapphire resist knocks; a fabric band is cool and light.

Swing and stats tools

Shot detection, club tracking and swing metrics turn the watch into a coach.

Tournament use

A Tournament Mode keeps the watch legal in competition.

Quick Navigation
Best overall Garmin S72 47 mm, £699.99
Best for smaller wrists Garmin S72 43 mm, £699.99
Best for battery life Garmin S70 47 mm, £519
Best value Garmin S50, £329
What is new on the S72 Guide section
Side-by-side specs Guide section
Performance ratings Guide section
Which watch is right for you? Guide section
FAQs Guide section
Garmin Approach S72 47 mm
★ #1 Top Pick★★★★★

Best overall: Garmin S72 47 mm

Golf GPS smartwatch · 47 mm · 1.4″ AMOLED · Titanium bezel · Sapphire lens

The flagship size gives you the larger 1.4-inch screen and the longest battery life in the S72 range, making green reading and aerial imagery easier to see at a glance.

Green reading*Aerial imagery*Swing metricsSpeaker and mic
£699.99Inc. VAT · Free UK delivery over £30

Shop Now →

✓ 60-Day Returns

The 47 mm Approach S72 is the version our PGA professional team would choose for most golfers. Its 1.4-inch, 454 x 454 AMOLED display matters more here than on any previous Approach, because aerial imagery and green reading screens pack in detail that is easier to read on a bigger canvas.

Garmin quotes up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in golf mode on default settings, enough for four or five rounds between charges for most players. It fits wrists from 154 to 229 mm and takes 22 mm QuickFit bands. Colour options are Carbon Gray/Red DLC titanium with a black band, or Silver/Citron titanium with a Fog Grey/Citron band.

Build and features match the 43 mm model. Features marked * need a Garmin Golf membership. The S72 isn’t listed on our site yet, so the links in this guide take you to our Garmin GPS watch range, where it will appear first.

Strengths
  • Largest, sharpest S72 display
  • Up to 20 hours of golf on one charge
  • Titanium and sapphire build
  • Most complete golf feature set Garmin offers
Considerations
  • £699.99 is a big step up from the S70
  • Key new golf features need a paid membership
  • Shorter smartwatch battery than the S70 47 mm
Also in this guide
Garmin Approach S72 43 mm
Garmin 72 43 mm
Same features, smaller case
£699.99

Shop →

Garmin Approach S70 47 mm
Garmin Approach S70 47 mm
Up to 21 days battery
£519

Shop →

Garmin Approach S70 42 mm
Garmin Approach S70 42 mm
Compact S70 option
£469

Shop →

Garmin Approach S50
Garmin Approach S50
AMOLED for under £330
£329

Shop →

Garmin Approach S72 43 mm
Compact flagship★★★★☆

Best for smaller wrists: Garmin S72 43 mm

Golf GPS smartwatch · 43 mm · 1.3″ AMOLED · 41 g with ComfortFit band

Every S72 feature in a slimmer 12.93 mm case that fits wrists from 130 to 200 mm, ideal for lady golfers and anyone who prefers a lighter watch.

Same features as 47 mm41 g20 mm QuickFitTwo colourways
£699.99Inc. VAT · Free UK delivery over £30

Shop Now →

✓ 60-Day Returns

The 43 mm Garmin S72 has the same features as the larger model at the same price. The differences are a 1.3-inch, 416 x 416 display, a 43 x 43 x 12.93 mm case and a listed weight of 41g.

Battery is the trade-off: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in golf mode. Colourways are Carbon Gray/Heritage Bronze DLC titanium with a Pebble Grey band, and Soft Gold/Blush Pink titanium with a French Grey/Blush Pink band.

Strengths
  • Full S72 feature set in a smaller case
  • Fits wrists from 130 mm
  • Light and comfortable all day
Considerations
  • Shorter battery than the 47 mm
  • Smaller screen for aerial imagery and green maps

What Is New on the Garmin S72?

Here are the S72 features that set it apart from the watches below it. Several of the most exciting golf tools rely on a Garmin Golf membership, so we have flagged those clearly.

Garmin Approach S72 green reading screen
Green reading*
Uses green contour data to show your aim point once the pin position is set, on selected courses.
Garmin Approach S72 aerial imagery with yardages
Aerial imagery*
An enhanced view of the shot ahead to plan lay-ups and pick the safe side to miss.
Garmin Approach S72 golf biometric data screen
Golf biometric data*
After the round, see how heart rate affected your performance and spot trends in your scores.
Garmin Approach S72 voice control listening screen
Speaker and microphone
Take calls when paired to your phone and control the watch with your voice.
Side view of the Garmin Approach S72 titanium case
Titanium and sapphire
A lightweight titanium bezel, sapphire crystal lens and ComfortFit fabric band.
Garmin Approach S72 AMOLED display close-up
Bright AMOLED display
Easy to read in sunshine, with an optional always-on mode.

The S72 also adds wrist swing metrics (hand speed, backswing length, wrist rotation, hand plane and tempo) and a driving range activity. It also gains a lost ball timer, next hole navigation, full-colour mapping, the ECG app and an LED flashlight. * Requires an active Garmin Golf membership.

Garmin Approach S70 47 mm
Proven favourite★★★★☆

Best for battery life: Garmin S70 47 mm

Golf GPS smartwatch · 47 mm · 1.4″ AMOLED · Ceramic bezel

The S70 delivers the same 1.4-inch AMOLED screen size, Virtual Caddie and PlaysLike distance as the S72, with up to 21 days of smartwatch battery for £180 less.

Up to 21 days batteryVirtual CaddieGreen contours*CT10 compatible
£519Inc. VAT · Free UK delivery over £30

Shop Now →

✓ 60-Day Returns

The Approach S70 remains a superb watch. The 47 mm version has a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a ceramic bezel and a silicone strap, and its battery is the standout: up to 21 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

It covers the essentials brilliantly: Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike distance, wind data via the Garmin Golf app, AutoShot and CT10 club tracking, with green contours on membership. The spec sheet on our product page doesn’t list the S72’s green reading, aerial imagery, wrist swing metrics, speaker, flashlight, or ECG app.

The 42 mm Approach S70 costs £469, with a 1.2-inch display and up to 14 days of battery. For more detail, read our Garmin S50 vs S70 comparison.

Strengths
  • Longest battery life in this guide
  • £180 cheaper than the S72
  • Proven, refined golf software
Considerations
  • No green reading or aerial imagery
  • Silicone strap feels less premium than fabric
Garmin Approach S50
Under £330★★★★☆

Best value: Garmin S50

Golf GPS smartwatch · 1.2″ AMOLED · 43 x 43 x 11.4 mm · 29 g

An AMOLED golf watch at less than half the price of the S72, with front, middle and back yardages, PlaysLike distance, Hazard View and CT1/CT10 club tracking compatibility.

1.2″ AMOLED29 gPlaysLike distanceCT1/CT10 compatible
£329Inc. VAT · Free UK delivery over £30

Shop Now →

✓ 60-Day Returns

If you mainly want accurate yardages on a bright screen, the S50 is the smart buy. At 29g, it is the lightest watch here, with front, middle and back distances, PlaysLike distance, Hazard View and CT1 or CT10 club tracking.

Battery life is up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 15 hours in GPS mode, matching the 43 mm Garmin S72. The lens is Corning Gorilla Glass 3 rather than sapphire, and the strap is ComfortFit nylon. It keeps Garmin Pay and music storage, and costs £370 less than an S72.

Strengths
  • Less than half the price of the S72
  • Lightest watch here at 29 g
  • AMOLED screen and PlaysLike distance
Considerations
  • No Virtual Caddie listed
  • Gorilla Glass rather than sapphire
Add club tracking and more
Garmin Approach CT10 Full Set of 14
Garmin Approach CT10 Full Set of 14
Automatic club tracking
£189

Shop →

Garmin Approach CT1 Full Set of 16
Garmin Approach CT1 Full Set of 16
Club tracking sensors
£72.50

Shop →

Garmin Approach Z30 Rangefinder
Garmin Approach Z30 Rangefinder
Laser yardages to the pin
£329

Shop →

Garmin S72 vs S70 vs S50: Side-by-Side Specs

This table is built from Garmin’s S72 specifications and the S70 and S50 specifications on our product pages. “Not listed” means the feature does not appear in that watch’s specification, not that we have tested it. * Requires an active Garmin Golf membership.

Specification Comparison
Feature S72 47 mm S72 43 mm S70 47 mm S70 42 mm S50
Price £699.99 £699.99 £519 £469 £329
Display 1.4″ AMOLED, 454 x 454 1.3″ AMOLED, 416 x 416 1.4″ AMOLED 1.2″ AMOLED 1.2″ AMOLED
Smartwatch battery Up to 16 days Up to 10 days Up to 21 days Up to 14 days Up to 10 days
Golf / GPS battery Up to 20 hrs Up to 15 hrs Up to 20 hrs Up to 15 hrs Up to 15 hrs
Bezel/lens Titanium/sapphire Titanium/sapphire Ceramic / not listed Ceramic / not listed Gorilla Glass 3
Strap ComfortFit fabric ComfortFit fabric Silicone Silicone ComfortFit nylon
Multi-band GPS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Not listed
Virtual Caddie ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Not listed
Green contours* ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Green reading and aerial imagery* ✓ ✓ Not listed Not listed Not listed
Wrist swing metrics Hand speed, backswing, wrist rotation, tempo Hand speed, backswing, wrist rotation, tempo Swing tempo Swing tempo Not listed
Speaker, mic and LED flashlight ✓ ✓ Not listed Not listed Not listed
ECG app and built-in maps ✓ ✓ Not listed Not listed Not listed
Club tracking CT1 and CT10 CT1 and CT10 CT10 CT10 CT1 and CT10

Garmin S72 vs S70: is the upgrade worth it?

Choose the S72 for green reading, aerial imagery, swing metrics and the premium build. Stick with the S70 if yardages, Virtual Caddie and battery life matter most; the 47 mm S70 saves you £180.

Garmin S72 vs S50: what does the extra £370 buy?

The S50 gives you an AMOLED screen and accurate distances, which is all many golfers need. The S72 adds Virtual Caddie, wind data, membership features, a tougher build and a full smartwatch feature set. Data lovers will justify the price; if you just want numbers, the S50 is excellent value.

Technology Explained

AMOLED display

Each pixel lights itself, giving deep blacks and vivid colour that stays readable in sunshine, with optional always-on mode.

PlaysLike distance

Adjusts yardage for elevation changes and conditions, so you know how far the shot really plays.

Virtual Caddie

Recommends a club based on wind, elevation and your own swing data when paired with your phone.

Tournament Mode

Switches off features not permitted in competition, so the S72 stays tournament legal.

Performance Ratings

Editorial scores from our PGA professional team based on published specifications, comparing these watches with each other. They are not customer review ratings.

Garmin Golf Watches: Performance Ratings
Product Golf features Display Battery Build Value Overall
Garmin S72 47 mm ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ 4.7/5
Garmin S72 43 mm ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ 4.5/5
Garmin S70 47 mm ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Garmin S50 ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ 4.2/5

Which Garmin Watch Is Right for You?

START HERE: What do you want from your golf watch?

Priority 1: Do you want green reading, aerial imagery or swing metrics?

  • YES → Garmin Approach S72 (47 mm for the bigger screen, 43 mm for smaller wrists)
  • NO → Skip to Priority 2

Priority 2: Do you want Virtual Caddie and the longest battery life?

Priority 3: Do you mainly want accurate yardages on a bright screen?

The Data-Driven Golfer

Profile: Handicap 5 to 15. Practises regularly, already uses the Garmin Golf app and wants every insight.

Recommendation: Garmin Approach S72 47 mm with a Garmin Golf membership.

Why: Green reading, swing metrics and biometric data give the most to analyse.

The Weekly Club Golfer

Profile: Handicap 12 to 24. Plays once or twice a week and wants great yardages and club advice.

Recommendation: Garmin Approach S70 47 mm.

Why: Virtual Caddie and up to 21 days of battery life for £180 less.

The Improving Golfer

Profile: Handicap 20 to 36. Wants a premium-looking watch without a premium price.

Recommendation: Garmin Approach S50.

Why: AMOLED screen and PlaysLike distance for £329.

Need expert advice? Torn between the S72 and S70, or unsure which size will suit your wrist? Talk it through with us. Our PGA professional team is happy to help. Call us free on 0800 3681097 or email sales@thegolfshoponline.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Garmin S72?

The Garmin Approach S72 costs £699.99 in both the 43 mm and 47 mm sizes.

It is available to order from 9 October 2026. That makes it the most expensive watch in the Approach golf range, £180 more than the 47 mm S70 and £370 more than the S50. Some headline features also need a Garmin Golf membership, which is a separate subscription.

What is the difference between the Garmin S72 and S70?

The Garmin S72 adds new golf tools, a premium build and more smart features.

New on the Garmin S72 are green reading, aerial imagery, putting analysis and biometric data (with membership), plus wrist swing metrics, a speaker and microphone, an LED flashlight, the ECG app and built-in maps. It uses titanium and sapphire, while the S70 47 mm offers longer smartwatch battery life.

Does the Garmin S72 need a Garmin Golf membership?

No, but some of its headline features do.

Yardages, PlaysLike distance, Virtual Caddie, swing metrics and scoring all work without a subscription. Green contours, green reading, aerial imagery, putting analysis and golf biometric data require an active Garmin Golf membership. Wind speed and direction, and the Virtual Caddie’s wind input, also need the watch paired with your smartphone.

Is the Garmin S72 legal in competitions?

Yes, with Tournament Mode enabled.

Garmin lists the S72 as tournament legal when Tournament Mode is switched on. This disables features such as PlaysLike distance and club recommendations, which are not allowed under the Rules of Golf in competition. Always check the local rules for your event, as committees can restrict distance-measuring devices.

Which size Garmin S72 should I choose?

Choose by wrist size, screen preference and battery needs.

The 47 mm fits wrists from 154 to 229 mm, has a 1.4-inch display and lasts up to 20 hours in golf mode. The 43 mm fits wrists from 130 to 200 mm, has a 1.3-inch display and lasts up to 15 hours. Features are otherwise identical, and both cost £699.99.

How long does the Garmin S72 battery last?

Up to 16 days (47 mm) or 10 days (43 mm) in smartwatch mode.

In golf mode on default settings, Garmin quotes up to 20 hours for the 47 mm and up to 15 hours for the 43 mm. Always-on display, music and frequent calls will reduce those figures. The S72 charges with Garmin’s proprietary plug charger, like the S70 and S50.

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Our Verdict

The Garmin S72 is the ultimate golf GPS watch in Garmin’s range, and the most complete golf watch Garmin has made. The 47 mm version is our pick for its larger screen and 20-hour golf battery.

If you want great yardages with the longest battery, the S70 still makes sense, and the S50 remains the value choice. If you want the very best on your wrist, the S72 is the one to buy. Browse the full Garmin range to compare every model.

Ready for the Ultimate Golf Watch?

Free UK standard delivery on orders over £30, plus 60-day returns on every Garmin watch.

Garmin Approach S72 £699.99 · Approach S70 from £469 · Approach S50 £329

Complete Your Setup: Garmin Golf Essentials

For the rules on using distance-measuring devices in competition, see the Rules of Golf from The R&A.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. All Garmin products featured are genuine products from an authorised retailer. Product performance may vary based on individual use and care. 60-Day Returns Policy: If you are unhappy with any product, you may return it — unused, unopened, and in its original packaging — within 60 days for a full refund.

Free UK Standard Delivery: Every order over £30 from The Golf Shop Online comes with free standard UK delivery. For the most current pricing, availability, and product specifications, please visit our website or contact our team on 0800 3681097. The Golf Shop Online has been serving golfers since 2002 with award-winning customer service backed by 29,000+ verified reviews across Reviews.co.uk, Trustpilot, and Google.

 

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.

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