The Garmin Approach R50 is a state-of-the-art golf launch monitor and simulator, combining precision technology with user-friendly features to enhance your golf game. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it delivers accurate ball and club data, a high-definition touchscreen display, and immersive golf simulation capabilities.
Why Choose the Garmin Approach R50?
✔ Integrated Launch Monitor & Simulator – Functions as both a launch monitor and golf simulator, allowing you to train and play virtual rounds on over 43,000 courses worldwide.
✔ Vivid 10” Touchscreen Display – High-definition color display makes navigating data and golf simulation effortless.
✔ Advanced 3-Camera System – Uses three high-speed cameras to provide accurate club and ball data, including speed, launch angle, spin rate, and dispersion.
✔ Training Mode for Game Improvement – Tracks key statistics for each club, providing shot dispersion charts and ball flight analysis to fine-tune your swing.
✔ Virtual Rounds & Tournaments – Play realistic virtual rounds, compete with up to four players, and join weekly online tournaments with global leaderboards.
✔ High-Speed Impact Videos – Provides instant visual feedback of your ball striking, helping you analyze your impact and adjust your swing.
✔ Portable & Easy Setup – Lightweight and compact, featuring a built-in battery with up to 4 hours of runtime, making it ideal for both home and on-the-go practice.
✔ Seamless Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI output allow you to connect the R50 to monitors, projectors, and smart devices for an enhanced golf simulator experience.
Technical Specifications
- Display: 10” color touchscreen
- Cameras: Three-camera system for advanced ball and club tracking
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
- Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Virtual Courses: Over 43,000 available
- Dimensions: 10.6” L x 7.5” W x 16.5” H
- Weight: 9 lbs
Who is This Device Best For?
✅ Golfers looking for detailed shot data to improve their game
✅ Players setting up a home golf simulator with minimal additional hardware
✅ Coaches and instructors needing real-time swing analysis and feedback
✅ Golfers wanting an easy-to-use, portable launch monitor with simulation capabilities
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The First True Plug-and-Play Golf Simulator
Garmin is redefining golf simulation with the Approach R50, the first-ever standalone launch monitor and golf simulator—no PC or mobile device required.
Seamless All-in-One Experience
With the Approach R50, you can analyze your swing, track your data, and play virtual rounds without needing to connect to an external device. Simply power it on, and you're ready to tee off on Pebble Beach—or any of the 43,000+ real-world golf courses in Garmin’s extensive library. No internet connection is required after the initial setup and firmware updates.
Built-In 10" Color Touchscreen
The R50 features a vivid, fully customizable 10-inch touchscreen display that lets you play Garmin’s enhanced Home Tee Hero virtual golf directly on the device—no extra screens necessary.
As our golf expert Marc puts it, the R50’s display is "crisp, responsive, and easy on the eyes, even in bright sunlight."
Effortless Connectivity
Want to take the experience to a bigger screen? Simply connect the R50 to a TV or projector via HDMI and enjoy a full-scale golf simulation on an impact screen.
Precision Launch Monitor Data—Right Out of the Box
The Garmin Approach R50 isn’t just a golf simulator—it’s a highly accurate launch monitor designed to deliver precise, real-time data with a seamless, plug-and-play experience.
Comprehensive Ball & Club Data
From the moment you take your first swing, the R50 provides a complete analysis of your performance, tracking measured (not estimated) metrics with incredible accuracy.
✅ Ball Data:
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Launch Direction
- Spin Rate (measured, not calculated)
- Spin Axis (measured, not calculated)
- Smash Factor
- Total Distance
- Carry Distance
- Total Deviation
- Apex Height
✅ Club Data:
- Clubhead Speed
- Path Angle
- Angle of Attack
- Face Angle
- Face to Path
Pro-Level Accuracy You Can Trust
Kyle Bullard, Founder & CEO of Golf Sim Depot, put the Approach R50 through extensive testing and had this to say:
“After extensive testing and research, I can confidently say the Garmin Approach R50 holds its own against premium launch monitors like the Foresight GC3—which is seriously impressive, considering everything else this unit offers. Garmin really outdid themselves with this release. A launch monitor this accurate, this easy to use, and packed with features? It’s a game-changer.”
Customizable Data & Impact Replay
The R50’s intuitive, fully customizable display lets you visualize your data the way you want:
✔️ Ball flight map with a real-time tracer
✔️ Data tiles arranged to your preference
✔️ Club path, face angle, and spin visuals showing exactly how the ball reacts at impact
✔️ Auto-recorded impact videos for instant shot review
Seamless Viewing Experience
Take your analysis even further with split-screen options, allowing you to display multiple data sets at once. Want a larger view? Connect the R50 to a TV or projector via HDMI and enjoy an immersive, full-screen experience.
Garmin R50 Golf Simulator Options – Home Tee Hero & Third-Party Compatibility
The Garmin Approach R50 is more than just a launch monitor—it’s a powerful golf simulator that can transform any space into a virtual golf experience. Whether you set it up in a dedicated home simulator studio, bring it to the range, or use it with a hitting net in your garage or backyard, the R50 delivers immersive, high-quality gameplay anywhere you go.
What Virtual Golf Options Are Available?
Right now, the R50 supports four top-tier golf simulation platforms, giving you multiple ways to play:
✅ Home Tee Hero (Garmin’s proprietary golf simulation software)
✅ GSPro
✅ E6 Connect
✅ Awesome Golf
It’s possible Garmin will expand compatibility in the future, as they did with the Approach R10.
Home Tee Hero – Now Exclusive to the R50 with Major Upgrades
Garmin has completely overhauled Home Tee Hero for the Approach R50, enhancing graphics, course mapping, and overall realism. This improved version is exclusive to the R50 and will not be available for the Approach R10.
Golf Simulation—Simplified.
The easiest setup in golf simulation—just power up and play.
The Garmin Approach R50’s Unmatched Features
No PC required. Play virtual golf anywhere. Sounds incredible, right? But the Approach R50 goes beyond just being convenient—it’s packed with features that set it apart from the competition.
Here’s what makes the R50 a game-changer:
✅ Three high-speed cameras deliver measured, not estimated metrics for unmatched accuracy.
✅ Club path metrics included—no extra cost! (Garmin’s club stickers are included with purchase.)
✅ Brilliant 10-inch color touchscreen with more visible data than competing devices.
✅ Enhanced Home Tee Hero graphics for a more realistic golf experience.
✅ Simulated putting support for a complete virtual golf experience.
✅ Automatic impact video capture so you can analyze every shot in detail.
✅ HDMI output lets you mirror your screen or split views—display data on the R50 while watching shot replays on an impact screen.
✅ Third-party simulator compatibility (GSPro, E6, Awesome Golf) via PC & Wi-Fi.
✅ The easiest setup in golf simulation—seriously, just power up and play.
✅ Requires less space than the Approach R10—only 12 feet of room depth needed.
✅ Highly visible shot light indicator at the bottom of the unit.
✅ Convenient built-in carry handle (because the R50 is larger than most portable launch monitors).
✅ Industry-leading launch monitor data (see next section for details).
✅ Premium, ultra-protective carrying case included!
From its cutting-edge technology to its effortless usability, the Garmin Approach R50 delivers the ultimate golf simulator experience—without the hassle.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
The Garmin Approach R50 is a plug-and-play golf simulator and launch monitor that delivers measured (not estimated) ball and club data, a built-in 10-inch touchscreen display, and full simulator functionality—without requiring a PC or mobile device for standard use.
No! The Approach R50 is a fully self-contained golf simulator. You can track your swing data and play Home Tee Hero virtual golf directly on the device. However, a PC and Wi-Fi connection are required for third-party simulator software like E6 Connect, GSPro, and Awesome Golf.
The R50 tracks both ball and club data, including:
✅ Ball Data: Ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, spin axis, carry distance, total distance, smash factor, total deviation, and apex height.
✅ Club Data: Clubhead speed, path angle, angle of attack, face angle, and face-to-path.
The Garmin R50 holds its own against premium launch monitors like the Foresight GC3, offering highly accurate, real-time swing data. With three high-speed cameras, it measures spin rate and axis directly rather than estimating, ensuring trustworthy shot data.
The R50 supports:
✔ Home Tee Hero (Garmin’s upgraded, proprietary golf simulation software)
✔ E6 Connect
✔ GSPro
✔ Awesome Golf
Home Tee Hero runs directly on the R50, while third-party software requires a PC and Wi-Fi connection.
Yes! The Approach R50 includes putting functionality for a full virtual golf experience, making it ideal for home golf simulators.
Absolutely! The R50 features an HDMI output, allowing you to mirror the built-in display to a larger screen or impact screen. You can even use a split-screen setup, displaying a hole flyover on the R50 while viewing shot data on an external screen.
The Approach R50 requires less space than the Approach R10, needing approximately 12 feet of room depth for optimal performance.
Yes! Unlike some competitors that charge extra, the R50 includes club path metrics at no additional cost. It does, however, require Garmin’s club stickers (included with purchase).
Setting up the Garmin Approach R50 is simple and hassle-free:
1️⃣ Power on the device – Press the power button on the front of the R50.
2️⃣ Complete the initial setup – On first use, select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in or create a Garmin account.
3️⃣ Position the launch monitor – Place the R50 1.5 feet to the side of your hitting area, ensuring it is level with the tee location and facing the target.
4️⃣ Start a session – From the home screen, select Practice Mode or Simulator Mode, depending on how you want to use the device.
5️⃣ Prepare for a shot – Position the ball in the hitting area and wait for the status LED to turn solid green, indicating the device is ready to track your shot.
6️⃣ Connect to an external display (optional) – Use the built-in HDMI output to mirror your R50 display to a TV or projector for a more immersive experience.
With its plug-and-play design, minimal setup requirements, and no need for additional devices, the Garmin Approach R50 is the easiest golf simulator to get up and running—just power up and play!
Your purchase includes:
✔ Garmin Approach R50 launch monitor
✔ Protective carrying case
✔ Club path stickers (for advanced club tracking)
✔ Power cable & adapter
✔ Quick-start guide
Yes! The R50 is designed for portability, featuring a built-in carry handle and protective carrying case, making it easy to use indoors, outdoors, or at the driving range.
Only for initial setup and firmware updates. Once configured, Home Tee Hero and standard launch monitor functions work without Wi-Fi.
To access Garmin’s Home Tee Hero, you need a Garmin Premium Golf Subscription, which costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
The R50 is an all-in-one, self-contained simulator, requiring no external devices for standard use. It also features:
✔ A built-in 10” touchscreen (the R10 requires a mobile app)
✔ More accurate and measured spin data
✔ Better Home Tee Hero graphics (exclusive to the R50)
✔ Club path data at no extra cost
✔ HDMI output for external display connectivity
Yes! The Approach R50 comes with a Garmin limited warranty, ensuring quality and reliability.
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Let customers speak for us
Fast shipping, and great price - would definitely do business again!
Everything went perfect! Rapsodo works great and shipping got here within a week for free
Unfortunately the Callaway RPT Chrome Soft golf balls I ordered is no longer being made. Kyle informed me and provided options that was acceptable. You can always depend on Kyle to make it right. Very happy with customer service of GolfSimDepot.
Shipping was super fast. Great packaging and works fantastic. Very accurate when using the Callaway RCT ball that comes with it. Tracks spin and very accurately shows ball flight. I know because I usually hit a fade and the launch monitor lets me know it.
Excellent launch monitor and excellent customer service
Kyle, can't thank you enough. The vx is a game changer! Awsome service and support and very fast shipping! I will shop here for any other sim products I need in the future.
I enjoy the Rapdodo but wish it could accommodate two people while playing courses. Only problem I’ve encountered is that it has a tough time picking up short chip shots. I often have to take several attempts before it senses a hit.
Great product and fantastic service by Golf Sim Depot. Highly recommend both!
I ordered my launch monitor from golf sim depot ant received my order days before expected. I would definitely continue to shop from their site.
This has been an awesome teaching tool with the video and feedback of data for each shot. Has really made a difference with my game.
This our first launch monitor. We set it up in the garage with a net and it works great. Seems to be accurate and my sons have been playing a couple hrs per day. We are thinking about adding a screen and a projector. A few connection issues and it drains the battery on my phone. Hoping it isn't difficult to hook up to a computer and projector so we can keep it connected permanently
When it was discovered that delivery would be longer than expected from manufacturer, Kyle contacted me and began doing everything he could to get it delivered as quickly as possible. He is a great guy to do business with. I highly recommend using him for your golf simulator needs.
Product is really well made. The quality is there. It is my first time using this particular brand and model (carls hot shot) so I figured the quality was going to be good! 2 issues that I will report back on but did not see many people talk about-
1- it is super thick and pretty squishy. It feels like standing on a trampoline. Not bad or good, but you will need to prepare for that, but you get used to it fast.
2- the hitting strip is super grabby. I am saying this after only hitting on it for 2 days so maybe it will start to give a bit. I think it will. But right out of the box it is very touchy.
In the end, it looks excellent, and feels like a quality product. I think once I put some miles on it it will be a top product!
