Gear & Tech

Garmin Approach S44 Review

GPS Watch · 9 rounds in my bag

Played & written by Marcus Santana

By Marcus Santana · Published February 9, 2026

9.1/ 10

The short version

I did not expect much from the Garmin Approach S44, then it is on my wrist and I forget it is there until I need a number. Front, middle and back at a glance meant I stopped pacing off sprinkler heads. The catch: the battery drops faster than the claim once you leave the screen bright.

How it played

No lab and no press-release numbers here: 9 rounds, real turf, real nerves. What I keep coming back to is that it is on my wrist and I forget it is there until I need a number. Where it bit me: the battery drops faster than the claim once you leave the screen bright — worth knowing before you spend the money.

How it looks

It reads as a normal watch off the course, which matters more than people admit. I care less about that than how it feels, but it does not hurt.

What won me over

the screen is readable in full sun
it pairs to the phone without a fight
the yardages are quick and accurate

Good to know before you buy

the app takes some learning
some course maps are out of date

My verdict

9.1/10 from me. If you want the number without pulling anything out of your pocket, the Garmin Approach S44 earns its spot in the bag. If the app takes some learning is a dealbreaker for you, keep looking.

Marcus Santana

Founder & Lead Tester, Homie Golf

Every product on this site is played, walked or worn before it gets a score. No paid placements, no press-release numbers.