Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor Review
The Best Golf Product Of 2025
I played golf and tested clubs on the new Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor for the last month in the IGR Office by Carl’s Place DIY Golf Simulator.
This launch monitor is the best combination of form and function of any launch monitor that I’ve ever used (I basically tried them all at some point in time).
It works indoors and outdoors for data collection as well as playing simulator golf on over 43,000 courses. This is the best golf product for 2025.
This is my definitive review of the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor.
Best Golf Product of 2025??
I know that we are only one month into 2025 so I do reserve my right to change it later in the year, but I have a feeling that the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is still going to be the best golf product in 2025.
I know the $5000 price tag is going to exclude it from many peoples’ budget, but it is a game changer for simulators and launch monitors.
The speed of set-up, the ease of using the touch screen, the accuracy of the data, the volume of golf courses, and the seamless transition from indoors to outdoors is impressive.
Garmin knocked it out of the park with this one.
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I know that we are only one month into 2025 so I do reserve my right to change it later in the year, but I have a feeling that the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is still going to be the best golf product in 2025.
I know the $5000 price tag is going to exclude it from many peoples’ budget, but it is a game changer for simulators and launch monitors.
The speed of set-up, the ease of using the touch screen, the accuracy of the data, the volume of golf courses, and the seamless transition from indoors to outdoors is impressive.
Garmin knocked it out of the park with this one.
Accuracy
The Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is constantly improving its accuracy with every software update.
I’ve found the numbers indoors in my simulator to be very good with RCT golf balls.
However the outdoor range ball numbers were a little off from time to time, especially high in spin.
However from my first day using it until my most recent one, the updates have improved the accuracy of it each time.
It keeps getting better and better.
I’ve been really happy tracking my progress with my swing training and testing new clubs.
It offers great charts and data for each club.
When I played Home Tee Hero on familiar courses, it accurately reflected how I play them in real life.
The other cool accuracy feature is the reflective stickers that can track clubhead data too so you can see exactly what is happening at impact through photos.
Touch Screen Function
The touchscreen on the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor maybe the most genius part.
Most launch monitors rely on computers to process their data and show it on the screen for simulator golf.
This bright full color touchscreen can be used all by itself to play golf at the range, into a net, or plug in an HDMI cord to a projector and you can play simulator golf. It also sets up incredibly fast at home or on the range.
The power button gets pushed and in less than 1 minute you can be playing golf or practicing.
The menus are very easy to navigate and you can customize how you want the data displayed.
It also saves the cost of connecting through a computer for simulator golf. It eliminates just one piece of a simulator puzzle.
Simulator Features
43,000+ golf courses??
That is basically any golf course you can think of to play on the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor.
It does require a small subscription fee of less than $10/month.
It is actually pretty awesome to access every local course, every destination course, and everything in between.
The accuracy and speed of play is really good; very little lag from hit to ball tracer on the screen. It plays like it would in real life.
The putting is really good too capturing every shot.
The only software issue with the 43,000 courses is a more bland almost “video game” look compared to the rich details found in other software packages that offer only 100 courses.
I played a couple AZ courses and they had rolling green hills in the background instead mountains and desert which meant the fairway played like the real course, but it didn’t necessarily look like it does in real life.
If they can combine their library with more detailed course renditions, this would also be the king of simulator golf visually. (you can connect to other simulator software for more vivid courses if you have a subscription to their limit choices.)
Benefits
Playing, Practicing, or Testing! The Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is the fastest and easiest simulator to use.
I found myself using the IGR Office by Carl’s Place DIY Simulator even more because of how easy it was to turn on and play compared to firing up the computer, connecting the launch monitor, and getting everything set-up.
The indoor play/practice is good for the game as more reps help.
The ability to grab it a go to the range also means that you can get real outdoor practice set up in just seconds too.
Then the data is all saved on the R50 so you can scroll back and learn what is working, what isn’t and make adjustments based on data.
Practice is the most important tool for getting better.
Summary
The Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is the best golf product of 2025.
I know it is early, but I’m blown away by how user friendly it is.
The speed, accuracy and fun that this launch monitor brings to indoor and outdoor golf is real.
I truly believe that other launch monitor companies are going to start copying some of the functional details of this unit.
I know it retails for $5000 which is beyond many golfers’ budget, but consider the investment in your game, your score and your joy.
Sure there are few kinks that Garmin is working out, but overall this is the best all-in-one launch monitor/simulator package.
For more information: Garmin Website
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