Garmin Approach S44
Rating
Product Overview
The Garmin Approach S44 is a golf GPS smartwatch featuring a 1.2” color AMOLED display, preloaded with over 43,000 courses. It provides distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, hazard views, and layup distances. It can be paired with optional club trackers for shot tracking. The watch allows scorekeeping and uploads to the Garmin Golf app for stat tracking and handicap calculation. It also delivers smart notifications when paired with a smartphone and offers up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode. A Garmin Golf membership unlocks enhanced course maps and PlaysLike Distance.
Product Specifications
Size & Weight
Features
A function that measures your heart rate throughout the day. You can track your heart rate during workouts, rest, and sleep. Useful for understanding your overall health and fitness levels and identifying potential health concerns.
The Garmin Approach S44 does not have a built-in heart rate monitor. This function is not available on this model, limiting its capabilities for comprehensive fitness tracking. Users needing heart rate data during activities should consider other Garmin models or fitness trackers.
A function that monitors your sleep stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. You can analyze your sleep patterns to identify areas for improvement. Helps you optimize your sleep schedule and improve your sleep quality.
The Garmin Approach S44 does not offer sleep tracking functionality. This feature is not available, so users cannot monitor their sleep stages or quality with this device. Those interested in sleep analysis should explore other smartwatches or dedicated sleep trackers.
A function that tracks your location during outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking. You can map your routes, track your distance, and monitor your pace. Allows you to analyze your performance and explore new routes.
The Garmin Approach S44 features built-in GPS, allowing for accurate tracking of your location on the golf course. This enables precise distance measurements to greens, hazards, and other targets. The GPS function enhances the overall golfing experience by providing reliable course information.
A function that displays notifications from your smartphone on your wrist, including calls, texts, emails, and app alerts. You can stay connected without having to constantly check your phone. Convenient for staying informed while on the go.
The Garmin Approach S44 supports smartphone notifications, displaying alerts for calls, texts, emails, and app notifications directly on your wrist. This allows you to stay connected without constantly checking your phone during a round of golf. Notification settings can be customized via the Garmin Golf app.
A function that allows you to control music playback on your smartphone from your smartwatch. You can skip tracks, adjust the volume, and pause/play music. Easy to manage your music during workouts or commutes.
The Garmin Approach S44 does not include music playback control functionality. Users cannot control music playing on their smartphone from the watch. This feature is absent, so alternative methods for music control are needed during activities.
A function that enables you to make payments using your smartwatch at compatible payment terminals. You can quickly and easily make purchases without needing your phone or wallet. Streamlines your shopping experience.
The Garmin Approach S44 does not support contactless payments via NFC. This function is not available, so users cannot make payments using the watch at compatible payment terminals. Alternative payment methods are required for purchases.
SHOPSTAFF Rating Score
The Garmin Approach S44 is a solid mid-range golf smartwatch. It offers essential golf features and a bright display, but lacks advanced health tracking. It's suitable for golfers who prioritize course information and ease of use. Expect a lifespan of 3-5 years with proper care. It performs well on the golf course, providing accurate distances and score tracking.
Brand & Manufacturer Details
Key Highlights
- Bright AMOLED display
- Preloaded with 43,000+ courses
- Easy scorekeeping and stat tracking
- Good battery life for multiple rounds
- Lightweight and comfortable design
Considerations
- Avoid extreme temperatures and impacts
- Keep the charging contacts clean
- Consider purchasing the Garmin Golf membership for enhanced features
Recommended For
- Golfers seeking essential course information
- Users wanting a lightweight and easy-to-use golf watch
- Individuals who prefer a dedicated golf watch over a multi-sport smartwatch
Not Recommended For
- Users needing advanced health tracking features
- Golfers wanting detailed swing analysis
- Individuals seeking a smartwatch for non-golf activities
Suitable For
- Playing golf on various courses
- Tracking scores and stats during rounds
- Getting distances to hazards and greens
- Receiving smart notifications on the course
Not Suitable For
- Swimming or water sports
- Activities requiring advanced fitness tracking
- Situations needing a rugged, shock-resistant watch
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.I'm not sure if a golf GPS watch is worth the investment. What are the benefits of using the Garmin Approach S44?
Q.I've heard that some golf GPS watches can be complicated to use. Is the Garmin Approach S44 user-friendly?
Q.How is the battery life on the Garmin Approach S44? I don't want to have to charge it after every round.
Q.I'm concerned about the accuracy of the shot tracking feature. Is it reliable?
Q.I'm not sure if I need the premium features offered with the Garmin Golf membership. Are they worth the extra cost?
SHOPSTAFF Rating Ranking
Garmin
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$659(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-13
High-performance smartwatch with AMOLED display, sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and advanced training features.
| Display Size | 1.4 inches | Display Resolution | - pixels |
| Battery Life | 16 days | Water Resistance | - ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Yes | NFC Support | - |
| Operating System | Android & iOS | Weight | - grams |
Multisport GPS smartwatch with solar charging, built-in flashlight, and advanced health monitoring features.
| Display Size | 1.3 inches | Display Resolution | - pixels |
| Battery Life | 22 days | Water Resistance | - ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth | NFC Support | - |
| Operating System | GarminOS | Weight | 73 grams |
Premium multisport GPS smartwatch with AMOLED display, sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and LED flashlight.
| Display Size | 1.4 inches | Display Resolution | - pixels |
| Battery Life | 16 days | Water Resistance | - ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth | NFC Support | Yes |
| Operating System | Garmin OS | Weight | - grams |
Ultraperformance GPS smartwatch designed for ultra-endurance athletes with extreme battery life and detailed mapping.
| Display Size | 1.4 inches | Display Resolution | - pixels |
| Battery Life | 90 days | Water Resistance | 10 ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth | NFC Support | - |
| Operating System | Garmin OS | Weight | 63 grams |
The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a health and fitness GPS smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display and long battery life.
| Display Size | 1.2 inches | Display Resolution | - pixels |
| Battery Life | 11 days | Water Resistance | - ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Yes | NFC Support | Yes |
| Operating System | GarminOS | Weight | 36.85 grams |
