Revolutionary Garmin Approach S44, S50 AMOLED Golf Watches & G20 Solar GPS Unveiled for Golf Tech Enthusiasts

You know that feeling when you're standing over your ball in the rough, wondering if you're 150 or 170 yards out? Well, Garmin just dropped some serious tech at the PGA Show that'll make those guessing games a thing of the past.

The GPS and smartwatch giant rolled out their latest golf gear on January 21st in Orlando, and honestly, it's pretty impressive stuff. Whether you're breaking 90 for the first time or trying to finally get into the 70s, they've cooked up something that'll actually help your game.

Here's what makes this lineup special – it's not just about knowing distances anymore. These devices track your swings, tell you how far you actually hit each club (not how far you think you hit them), and even give you plays like a caddie would. The watches vibrate when you're at the top of your backswing, helping you nail that tempo we all struggle with after a few beers at the turn.

The accuracy is what really gets me excited. We're talking distances within a yard or two, which means no more clubbing up "just to be safe" and watching your ball sail over the green. Plus, the battery life won't die on you at the 14th hole like some other brands I've tried.

Look, I'm not saying these gadgets will fix your slice or make you putt like Tiger. But when you know exactly how far you've got and what club you hit that distance last week, you're gonna make better decisions. And better decisions mean lower scores – it's that simple.

The only downside? Your playing partners might get jealous when you're sticking it close while they're still pacing off yardages like it's 1985. But hey, that's their problem, not yours.

You know that moment when you're standing 150 yards out and can't remember if that water hazard starts at 140 or 130? The Garmin Approach S44 basically eliminates those guessing games from your round.

This thing's got a bright 1.2-inch color screen that shows you exactly what's ahead on over 43,000 courses worldwide. We're talking front, middle, and back distances to every green, plus it'll tell you exactly how far that bunker is before you decide to go for it. The display's actually readable in bright sunlight, too, which beats squinting at your phone.

Here's what really sets it apart - you can pair it with these little sensors called CT1 or CT10 club trackers. Stick 'em on your clubs and the watch automatically records which club you hit and how far. No more lying to yourself about hitting your 7-iron 160 yards when it's really going 145.

The Hazard View feature is clutch when you're playing an unfamiliar course. It shows you layup distances and exactly where trouble lurks, so you're not blindly hoping that dogleg doesn't have a pond around the corner. Plus, it keeps your score as you play and syncs everything to your phone afterwards.

Battery life runs about 15 hours with GPS on, which means it'll last through 36 holes if you're crazy enough to walk both rounds. You'll also get text notifications on your wrist, though honestly, you probably don't want to know your spouse is asking when you'll be home while you're lining up a birdie putt.

The watch comes in two styles - classic black band with silver trim, or this purple-ish "twilight" color if you want something different. Both use silicone bands that won't get funky after sweating through summer rounds.

Now, if you spring for the Garmin Golf membership, you unlock the really cool stuff like green contour data. Imagine actually seeing the slopes on the green before you get there - it's like having a caddie who's played the course a hundred times.

Is it perfect? Nah. The watch face is kinda basic compared to smartwatches, and you're not getting fitness tracking bells and whistles like some pricier models. But for pure golf functionality at this price point, it's tough to beat.

Bottom line - if you're tired of pacing off yardages or pulling out your phone every shot, this watch makes the game flow better. You'll play faster, make smarter club selections, and actually know if you're improving instead of just hoping. At Golfers Authority, we've seen plenty of golfers drop 2-3 strokes just from better course management with this thing on their wrist.

So you're looking to step up your golf game and track your fitness at the same time? Let me tell you about the Garmin Approach S50 – it's basically like having a caddie, fitness coach, and smartwatch rolled into one.

You've got two color options that actually look sharp on the course. There's the Slate Aluminum face paired with a black nylon strap, or if you want something lighter, go with the Cream Gold face and ivory band. Both use this ComfortFit nylon material that won't get gross when you're sweating through the back nine.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is seriously bright – you can actually read it in direct sunlight when you're standing over that approach shot. And here's where it gets interesting for your game: this thing calculates "PlaysLike" distances. Ever hit what you thought was the perfect 7-iron only to come up short because you forgot about that uphill approach? The S50 factors in elevation changes automatically. You'll know if that 150-yard shot is really playing like 160.

But it's not just a golf watch. You can load up your workout playlist right on the watch – no more fumbling with your phone during range sessions. Plus, if you forget your wallet at the clubhouse bar (we've all been there), you can pay with the watch using Garmin Pay. Pretty clutch when you need to grab a quick Gatorade at the turn.

Here's what I really dig about it for improving your game. Between rounds, you can use the built-in workouts for yoga, strength training, and cardio. Stronger core equals better rotation, right? The watch tracks your heart rate 24/7, monitors your stress levels (helpful when you're standing over that 4-footer for par), and this Body Battery feature basically tells you if you've got enough gas in the tank for 18 holes or if you should stick to the range.

The sleep tracking is legit, too. You'll know if those late-night putting sessions are actually hurting your game the next day. Nothing worse than dragging through the back nine because you didn't recover properly.

Battery life won't leave you hanging either. You're looking at 10 days if you're just wearing it around, or about 15 hours with GPS running. That's enough for even the slowest Saturday foursome with time to spare.

Now, let's be real about limitations. At this price point, you're competing with some serious tech, and the S50 doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the top-tier models. The course database is solid but not perfect – occasionally,y you'll find a newly renovated course that hasn't been updated yet. And while the fitness features are great, if you're a serious runner or cyclist, you might want something more specialized.

But for the average golfer trying to break 90 or 80? This watch hits the sweet spot. You're getting accurate yardages adjusted for real conditions, solid fitness tracking to help you stay in golf shape, and convenience features that actually make sense on the course. It's not just about knowing the distance – it's about making smarter decisions and tracking your overall health so you can keep playing this game we love for years to come.

You know how we're always debating whether to splurge on new golf tech? Well, these two new Garmin watches might actually be worth pulling out your wallet. They've both got those crispy AMOLED screens that'll make reading yardages a breeze – even when you're squinting in the sun.

The S44 keeps things simple. Think of it as your dedicated caddie on your wrist. Same price tag as the old S42, but here's the kicker – you're trading those extra fitness bells and whistles for a display that'll actually show you the green layout without making you reach for your readers. It's stripped down to what matters on the course.

Now, if you're the type who hits the gym between rounds, the S50's your play. Sure, it's a hundred bucks more than what the S42 cost, but you're getting way more bang for your buck. It tracks your workouts, monitors your health stats, and here's where it gets interesting – PlaysLike Distance. You know those uphill shots that always come up short? This feature adjusts yardages based on elevation changes. No more guessing whether that 150-yard shot plays like 165.

The S50s are also packing music storage right on the watch. Leave your phone in the cart and still jam out to your pump-up playlist. Plus, with Garmin Pay, you can grab a cold one at the turn without fishing for your wallet. Pretty slick when you're trying to keep pace and the group behind you is breathing down your neck.

Both watches nail the basics – accurate GPS, course maps for thousands of tracks, and shot tracking that'll help you figure out why you keep missing greens. The real question is whether you want just a golf watch or something that'll track your steps when you're chasing balls in the rough all day.

You know that feeling when you're standing on the tee box, wondering if you should pull driver or lay up with a 3-wood? The Garmin S70 basically becomes your personal caddie who's studied every shot you've ever hit.

This watch packs serious GPS tech - we're talking multi-band positioning that locks onto your exact location faster than your buddy can find his ball in the rough. It'll track you within a few feet, even when you're playing that tree-lined course where regular GPS gets wonky.

Here's where it gets interesting for your game. The Virtual Caddie feature actually learns your tendencies and suggests clubs based on how far you typically hit each one. No more guessing if you can clear that water with your 7-iron - it knows your average carry distance and factors in today's conditions. The Touch-Targeting lets you tap anywhere on the course map and instantly see the distance, so when you're stuck behind that giant oak (again), you'll know exactly how far you need to punch out.

But it's not just about distances. The Tempo Training feature helped me smooth out my swing rhythm - it gives you a target tempo and vibrates when you should start your downswing. Sounds gimmicky, but after a few range sessions, my ball striking got way more consistent. The PinPointer is clutch when you can't see the flag from your approach shot. Just press a button, and it points you in the right direction like a compass.

Beyond golf, this thing tracks your workouts, runs, bike rides - basically any sport you're into. So when you're trying to get in shape for golf season, it's right there, counting steps and monitoring your fitness progress.

Look, at this price point, you're making an investment. If you only play once a month, you might want something simpler. But if you're out there twice a week trying to break 90 (or 80), the data and features genuinely help you make smarter decisions on the course. The battery lasts about two rounds before needing a charge, which isn't amazing but manageable.

The learning curve takes a few rounds - there's a lot to explore in the menus. But once you get comfortable with it, you'll wonder how you played without knowing your exact distances and swing tendencies. It's like having a caddie, swing coach, and fitness trainer wrapped around your wrist.

You're standing on the tee box, squinting at the fairway, wondering if that bunker is 150 or 170 yards out. Sound familiar? Let me tell you about the Garmin Approach G20 Solar - it's basically like having a caddie who never gets tired and doesn't expect a tip.

This little powerhouse fits right in your pocket, and here's the game-changer: it runs on sunshine. Yeah, you heard that right. When you're out there soaking up rays, so is your GPS. No more dead battery panic on the back nine. The screen's 2.2 inches and crazy easy to read even when the sun's beating down on you.

The thing comes loaded with 43,000+ golf courses from around the globe. Your local muni? It's in there. That fancy resort course you're playing next vacation? Yep, that too. And it updates itself wirelessly - no plugging into computers like it's 2005.

Here's what makes this GPS actually useful during your round. The Green View feature shows you the exact shape of the putting surface, and you can move the pin position yourself. Because let's face it, course superintendents love moving those flags around just to mess with us. You'll know whether you're looking at 140 to the front edge or 155 to that back pin tucked behind the bunker.

The mounting system's pretty slick, too. It's got magnets, so you can stick it on your cart's metal frame. Or clip it to your belt if you're walking - it won't bounce around like those cheap pedometers your doctor keeps telling you to wear.

When you sync it with Garmin's golf app on your phone, things get even better. You'll see which way the wind's blowing (super helpful when you're debating between clubs), track your scores without pencil and paper, and use Find My Garmin if you accidentally leave it in the cart after too many post-round beverages.

The IPX7 rating means this thing can handle getting wet. Morning dew, surprise rain showers, or that time you accidentally knock your water bottle over - it'll keep working just fine.

Now, let's be real about what this isn't. It's not giving you swing tips or reading putts for you. Some GPS units have slope adjustment features - this one doesn't. If you're looking for something that factors in elevation changes, you'll need to look elsewhere.

But for most of us weekend warriors shooting between 85 and 100, knowing exact distances is huge. How many times have you been between clubs, guessing whether to muscle a 7-iron or smooth a 6? This GPS takes the guesswork out. You'll make better club selections, which means more greens hit, which means lower scores.

At around $200, it's not pocket change, but it's way cheaper than a rangefinder with similar accuracy. Plus, you don't have to aim it at anything or worry about shaky hands after that triple espresso at the turn.

The solar charging is the real MVP here. Traditional GPS units die right when you need them most. This one keeps going as long as there's daylight. Even on cloudy days, it'll last a full round no problem.

If you're tired of pacing off yardages from sprinkler heads or arguing with your buddies about distances, this GPS will change your game. It's simple enough that you won't spend half your round figuring out how to use it, but advanced enough to give you the info you actually need. Just remember - knowing the exact distance doesn't automatically mean you'll hit it there. But hey, at least when you come up short, you can't blame bad yardage anymore.

You know that feeling when your rangefinder dies on the 14th hole? Yeah, this GPS won't pull that on you. The solar panels built into this thing basically give you endless juice - you're getting all the distance info you need without babying the battery like it's your phone at 2%.

Here's what's cool - they included this magnetic attachment system that locks your GPS onto the cart. No more watching it bounce around every time you hit a bump or take a turn too fast. Your device stays put, and you can actually read it when you need to.

Speaking of reading it, they bumped up the text size big time. You're not squinting at tiny numbers anymore, trying to figure out if that's a 147 or 174 to the pin. Bigger fonts mean you're getting your yardage fast and getting back to your shot. Your playing partners will appreciate not waiting while you fumble with your device.

The solar tech works pretty simply - those panels on top soak up rays while you're playing, constantly topping off the battery. Even on cloudy days, you're getting enough charge to keep going. It's like having a caddie who never needs a lunch break.

The magnetic mount is stronger than you'd think, too. Hit a root with your cart wheelThingsng stay locked in place. Quick release when you need to take it with you for a tricky approach shot, then snaps right back on.

Look, if you're tired of charging cables and dead batteries ruining your rhythm, this makes sense. The only downside? You lose your built-in excuse for bad club selection when the battery's always working.