Garmin Approach S44 Owner's Manual

Introduction

This manual provides information for the Garmin Approach S44 GPS golf watch. For product warnings and other important information, refer to the Important Safety and Product Information guide included in the product box.

Device Overview

The watch features a touchscreen display, a top button, and a bottom button.

Getting Started

To set up your watch:

  1. Turn on the watch by holding the top button.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts for language, units of measure, and driver distance.
  3. Pair your phone by following the instructions for Pairing Your Phone.
  4. Charge the watch completely.

Using the Watch Features

Pairing Your Phone

Pair your watch with your phone using the Garmin Golf™ app. Scan the QR code provided on the watch during initial setup or access Settings > Phone > Pair Phone.

Charging the Watch

Plug the charging cable into the watch and a USB charging port. The watch displays the current battery charge level.

WARNING: The device contains a lithium-ion battery. Refer to the Important Safety and Product Information guide for warnings.

Product Updates

Install Garmin Express™ on your computer (www.garmin.com/express) and the Garmin Golf app on your smartphone for software updates, course updates, data uploads, and product registration.

Setting Up Garmin Express

  1. Connect your watch to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Go to garmin.com/express.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Playing Golf

Before playing golf, ensure the watch is charged. Some features require a Garmin Golf subscription.

Starting a Round

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select Play Golf.
  3. The device locates satellites and selects a course.
  4. Select a course from the list if applicable.
  5. Select the appropriate tee box.
  6. Select an option to keep score.

Hole Information Screen

The hole information screen displays:

NOTE: Pin locations change, so distances are to the front, middle, and back of the green, not the actual pin location.

Navigating Hole Information

The watch automatically transitions to the next hole information screen when you move to the next hole.

Golf Menu Options

Viewing the Green

To get a more precise distance measurement:

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select View Green.
  3. Tap or drag to move the pin location. The displayed distances update accordingly.

Hazards and Layups

Tap the map to view hazards and layups for the current hole.

Measuring Distance with Touch Targeting

Use touch targeting to measure distance to any point on the map (requires Garmin Golf subscription).

  1. While playing golf, tap the map.
  2. Tap the map to position the target circle. View distances from your current position to the target and from the target to the pin.

Changing Holes

Manually change holes from the hole view screen:

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select Change Hole.
  3. Swipe up or down to select the hole.

Keeping Score

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select Scorecard. If scoring is not enabled, select Start Scoring.
  3. Select a hole.
  4. Use the minus (-) or plus (+) buttons to set the score.

Enabling Statistics Tracking

Track your statistics for the current round and view improvements in the Garmin Golf app.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Golf Settings > Scoring > Stat Tracking.

Recording Statistics

To record statistics, enable statistics tracking first.

  1. From the scorecard, select a hole.
  2. Enter the total number of strokes (including putts) and select Next.
  3. Enter the number of putts and select Next. (Note: Putts are for statistics tracking only.)
  4. If necessary, select an option for fairway hit (⬆️) or missed fairway (⬇️ or ↪️).
  5. If necessary, enter penalty strokes.

Setting the Scoring Method

Change how the watch keeps score:

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Golf Settings > Scoring > Scoring Method.
  3. Select a scoring method.

About Stableford Scoring

Stableford scoring awards points based on strokes relative to par. The highest score wins. Points are awarded as follows:

Points Strokes Taken Relative to Par
0 2 or more over
1 1 over
2 Par
3 1 under
4 2 under
5 3 under

Score History

The watch displays a color indicator next to each hole number to show your score for that hole.

Enabling Handicap Scoring

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Golf Settings > Scoring > Handicap Scoring.
  3. Select an option: Use Garmin Golf (uses app handicap), Local Handicap (enter strokes to subtract), or Index/Slope (enter Handicap Index).

Swipe down on the hole information screen to view handicap strokes and rating. The scorecard shows your handicap-adjusted score.

Saving Custom Targets

Save up to five custom targets per hole for objects not shown on the map.

  1. Stand near the target.
  2. From the hole information screen, press the top button.
  3. Select Custom Targets.
  4. Select a target type.

Using Big Numbers Mode

Increase the size of numbers on the hole view screen:

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Big Numbers.
  3. Press the top button. Distances appear in large font.

PlaysLike Distance Icons

The PlaysLike distance feature accounts for elevation changes, showing adjusted distance to the green. Tap a distance to view PlaysLike distance (requires Garmin Golf subscription).

Ending a Round

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select End Round.
  3. Swipe up.
  4. Select an option: Save, Edit Score, Discard, or Pause.

Connectivity

Connectivity features are available when your watch is paired with a compatible phone.

Phone Connectivity Features

Features include Garmin Golf app, Garmin Connect app, Glances, Controls menu, safety and tracking features, and phone notifications.

Enabling Bluetooth Notifications

Pair your watch with a compatible phone first.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Notifications & Alerts > Smart Notifications.
  3. Select an option: General Use, During Activity, During Sleep (Do Not Disturb), or Privacy.

Managing Notifications

Manage notifications via your phone's settings (iPhone) or the Garmin Connect app (Android).

Using Do Not Disturb Mode

Turn off backlight and vibration alerts for uninterrupted use.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Do Not Disturb.

Turning Off the Bluetooth Phone Connection

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Phone > Status > Off.

Turning On and Off Phone Connection Alerts

Set the watch to alert you when your phone connects or disconnects via Bluetooth.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Phone > Connected Alerts.

Finding Your Phone

Locate a lost phone paired via Bluetooth.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select the Find My Phone icon. Signal strength bars and an audible alert will help you locate your phone.
  3. Press the top button to stop searching.

Phone Apps and Computer Applications

Connect your watch to Garmin phone apps and computer applications using your Garmin account.

Garmin Golf App

Upload scorecards, view statistics, and analyze shots. Compete with other golfers and access features like detailed course maps and green contour data with a Garmin Golf membership. Download the app from your phone's app store (garmin.com/golfapp).

Automatic Course Updates

The Garmin Golf app automatically updates frequently used golf courses when your device is connected to your smartphone.

Garmin Connect

A Garmin Connect account is automatically created when you pair your watch with the Garmin Golf app. Use Garmin Connect to track fitness, analyze data, and connect with friends. Upload activities, track progress, and share your experiences.

Using the Smartphone Apps

  1. Open the Garmin Golf or Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
  2. Bring your device within 10 m (30 ft.) of your smartphone for automatic data syncing.

Updating the Software Using the Smartphone Apps

Sync your device with one of the apps. New software updates are sent automatically.

Using Garmin Connect on Your Computer

Use Garmin Express to connect your watch to your Garmin Connect account via computer.

  1. Connect your watch to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Go to garmin.com/express.
  3. Download and install Garmin Express.
  4. Open Garmin Express, select Add Device, and follow instructions.

Updating the Software Using Garmin Express

  1. Connect the watch to your computer via USB.
  2. Garmin Express sends the update to your watch. Disconnect after the update finishes.

Glances

Glances provide quick information. Some require a Bluetooth connection. You can add or remove glances manually.

Name Description
Calendar Upcoming meetings from your phone calendar.
Calories Calorie information for the current day.
Golf Golf scores and statistics for your last round.
Golf performance Golf performance statistics to track improvements.
History Activity history and graphs of recorded activities.
Intensity minutes Time spent in moderate to vigorous activities, weekly goal progress.
Last activity Brief summary of your last recorded activity.
Music Music player controls for your phone.
Notifications Alerts for calls, texts, social network updates, etc. (See Enabling Bluetooth Notifications).
Steps Daily step count, step goal, and previous day's data.
Sunrise and sunset Sunrise, sunset, and civil twilight times.
Weather Current temperature and weather forecast.

Viewing the Glance Loop

Swipe up or down from the watch face to scroll through glances and view summary data.

Tap a glance to view more information. Swipe up for details or press the top button for options.

Customizing the Glance Loop

  1. Swipe up or down to view the glance loop.
  2. Select Edit.
  3. Select an option: change glance location (swipe up/down), remove a glance (select glance, then select ?️), or add a glance (select Add, then select glance).

Controls

The controls menu provides quick access to watch features and options. You can add, reorder, and remove options.

Icon Name Description
☀️ Assistance Send an assistance request.
? Brightness Adjust screen brightness.
Clocks Set alarms, timers, or stopwatches.
? Do Not Disturb Dim screen and disable alerts/notifications.
? Find My Phone Play an audible alert on your paired phone.
? Lock Screen Lock buttons and touchscreen.
? Phone Connection Disable Bluetooth connection.
Power Off Turn off the watch.
⚙️ Settings Open the settings menu.
? Sleep Mode Enable Sleep Mode.
? Sync Sync your watch with your paired phone.
? Time Sync Sync watch time with phone or satellites.

Customizing the Controls Menu

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Edit.
  3. Select a shortcut to customize.
  4. To change location, swipe up/down. To remove, select ?️.
  5. To add a shortcut, select Add.

Activities

Starting an Activity

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select the activity icon.
  3. Select an activity.
  4. If GPS is required, go to an area with a clear sky view.
  5. Press the top button to start the activity timer. Data is recorded while the timer is running.

Stopping an Activity

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select an option: Save (✔️), Discard (?️), or Resume (press top button).

Going for a Pool Swim

NOTE: Touchscreen is unavailable during swim activities.

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select the activity icon.
  3. Select Pool Swim.
  4. Select pool size or enter a custom size.
  5. Press the top button to start the activity timer.
  6. Start swimming. The watch records intervals and lengths.
  7. Press the top button when resting.
  8. Press the top button to restart the interval timer.
  9. Press the top button to stop the activity timer.
  10. Select an option: Save (hold top button) or Discard (hold top button).

Swim Terminology

Outdoor Activities

The Approach watch supports outdoor activities like running and biking with GPS enabled.

Clocks

Setting an Alarm

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Clocks > Alarms > Add Alarm.
  3. Enter time, select alarm, select Repeat, and select Label.

Using the Stopwatch

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Clocks > Stopwatch.
  3. Press the top button to start/restart the timer.
  4. Press the top button to stop the timer.
  5. Select an option: reset (swipe down), save as activity (swipe up, select Save), review laps (swipe up, select Review Laps), or exit (swipe up, select Done).

Starting the Countdown Timer

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Clocks > Timer.
  3. Enter time and select ✔️.
  4. Press the top button.

Activity Tracking

View activity tracking data and recorded activities in the Garmin Connect app.

Auto Goal

The device automatically creates a daily step goal based on activity levels. Progress is shown throughout the day. A personalized step goal can be set in Garmin Connect.

Using the Move Alert

The move alert reminds you to keep moving after periods of inactivity. It vibrates and displays a message. Go for a short walk or do suggested movements to reset the alert.

Turning on the Move Alert

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Notifications & Alerts > Health & Wellness > Move Alert > On.

Intensity Minutes

The device monitors activity intensity and tracks intensity minutes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

Move IQ

Move IQ automatically detects and displays familiar exercise patterns (walking, running) in your timeline. It can also start timed activities based on set thresholds.

Activity Tracking Settings

Hold the top button, select Settings > Activity Tracking. Options include Status (on/off), Move IQ (on/off), and Auto Activity Start.

Turning Off Activity Tracking

Steps, floors climbed, intensity minutes, sleep tracking, and Move IQ events will not be recorded.

  1. From the watch face, hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Activity Tracking > Status > Off.

Customizing Your Device

Changing the Watch Face

Choose from preloaded watch faces, edit existing ones, or create new ones.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Watch Face.
  3. Swipe to scroll through available watch faces and tap to select.

Creating a Custom Watch Face

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Watch Face.
  3. Swipe left and select +.
  4. Select watch face type and background.
  5. Scroll through options, tap to select background, dials, and data fields. A green border indicates customizable fields.
  6. Swipe left to customize time markers.
  7. Scroll through time markers and accent colors, tap to select.
  8. Press the top button. The new watch face is set.

Editing a Watch Face

Customize style and data fields for watch faces (some cannot be edited).

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Watch Face.
  3. Swipe to scroll through watch faces.
  4. Select a watch face, then select the edit icon (✏️).
  5. Select an option to edit, swipe up/down to scroll, and press the top button to select.
  6. Tap the touchscreen to select the watch face.

Golf Settings

Customize golf settings and features.

Scoring Settings

Hold the top button, select Settings > Golf Settings > Scoring.

Club Tracking Accessories

Use compatible Approach golf club tracking accessories to track shots, location, and club type.

Activities and App Settings

Customize preloaded activity apps with data pages, alerts, and training features.

Customizing the Data Screens

  1. Press the top button, select activity icon, select activity, select settings icon, select activity settings.
  2. Select Data Screens.
  3. Select options: adjust layout, customize fields (Edit Data Fields), or show/hide screens.

Satellite Settings

Change satellite settings for activities. Go to garmin.com/aboutGPS.

Press the top button, select activity icon, select activity, select settings icon, select GPS. Options: Off, GPS Only, All Systems.

Activity Alerts

Set alerts for training goals or environmental awareness. Types: event alerts, range alerts, recurring alerts.

Alert Name Alert Type Description
Cadence Range Set minimum and maximum cadence values.
Calories Event, recurring Set the number of calories.
Custom Event, recurring Create a custom message and alert type.
Distance Recurring Set a distance interval.
Pace Range Set minimum and maximum pace values.
Run/Walk Recurring Set timed walking breaks at regular intervals.
Speed Range Set minimum and maximum speed values.
Stroke Rate Range Set high or low strokes per minute.
Time Event, recurring Set a time interval.

Setting an Alert

  1. Press the top button.
  2. Select activity icon.
  3. Select an activity.
  4. Select settings icon.
  5. Select the activity settings.
  6. Select Alerts.
  7. Select Add New or an existing alert.
  8. If necessary, select alert type, zone, values, or turn on the alert.

User Profile

Update sex, birth year, height, weight, wrist, and sleep schedule in your user profile for accurate training data.

Gender Settings

Choose sex at initial setup. Customize profile settings in Garmin Connect. Profile & Privacy for public profile data, User Settings for sex.

Safety and Tracking Features

CAUTION: These are supplemental features and not a primary method for emergency assistance. Garmin Connect does not contact emergency services.

NOTICE: Requires connection to Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth, a data plan, and network coverage.

Adding Emergency Contacts

  1. From the Garmin Connect app, select •••.
  2. Select Safety & Tracking > Safety Features > Emergency Contacts > Add Emergency Contacts.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions.

Incident Detection

CAUTION: Supplemental feature for certain outdoor activities. Not a primary method for emergency assistance.

NOTICE: Requires emergency contacts setup in Garmin Connect. Phone must have a data plan and network coverage. Emergency contacts must receive emails or texts.

Turning Incident Detection On and Off

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Safety & Tracking > Incident Detection.
  3. Select a GPS activity.

When an incident is detected, the app sends a message with name and GPS location to emergency contacts after a 15-second countdown. You can cancel the message.

Requesting Assistance

CAUTION: Supplemental feature, not a primary method for emergency assistance.

NOTICE: Requires emergency contacts setup in Garmin Connect. Phone must have a data plan and network coverage. Emergency contacts must receive emails or texts.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. When three vibrations occur, release the button to activate assistance.
  3. Before countdown completion, send a customized message (select ✉️) or cancel (select ❌).

Turning On LiveTrack

Set up contacts in Garmin Connect first.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > Safety & Tracking > LiveTrack.
  3. Select Auto Start > On to start LiveTrack automatically for outdoor activities.

System Settings

Customize display, vibration, time, units, auto lock, language, reset options, software updates, and advanced settings.

Time Settings

Hold the top button, select Settings > System > Time.

Customizing the Display Settings

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > System > Display.
  3. Turn Large Fonts on for larger text.
  4. Select Brightness to set screen brightness.
  5. Select General Use or During Activity.
  6. Select an option: Timeout (screen off duration), Always On (keeps watch face visible, impacts battery), Gesture (turn on screen by raising wrist), or Sensitivity (adjust gesture sensitivity).
  7. Select During Sleep > Watch Face to choose a sleep watch face or keep the default.

Changing the Units of Measure

Customize units for distance, pace, speed, weight, height, and temperature.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > System > Units.
  3. Select a measurement type and unit.

Resetting All Default Settings

Sync watch with Garmin Connect before resetting.

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > System > Reset.
  3. Select an option: Reset Default Settings (saves history/apps) or Delete Data and Reset Settings (deletes all user data).

Advanced Settings

Hold the top button, select Settings > System > Advanced.

Device Information

About the AMOLED Display

Watch settings are optimized for battery life. Image persistence or pixel "burn-in" is normal for AMOLED devices. To extend display life, avoid static images at high brightness for long periods. The display turns off after the selected timeout. Turn your wrist, tap the touchscreen, or press a button to wake the watch.

Changing the Bands

Replace bands with new Approach S44 bands. Purchase bands at buy.garmin.com. The watch is not compatible with third-party bands.

  1. Slide the quick-release pin to remove the band.
  2. Insert one side of the spring bar for the new band, then slide the pin to align with the opposite side.
  3. Repeat for the other band.

Specifications

Specification Details
Battery type Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery
Water rating 5 ATM¹
Operating and storage temperature range -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)
Charging temperature range 0° to 45°C (32° to 113°F)
European Union (EU) wireless frequencies (power) 2.4 GHz @ 4 dBm maximum, 13.56 MHz @ 70 dBuV/m

¹The device withstands pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 m. For more information, go to www.garmin.com/waterrating.

Battery Information

Battery life depends on enabled features like notifications, GPS, internal sensors, and connected sensors.

Mode Battery Life
Smartwatch mode Up to 10 days typical use
All satellite systems mode Up to 15 hr. typical use

Device Care

NOTICE: Avoid extreme shock and harsh treatment. Do not press buttons under water. Do not use sharp objects to clean or operate the device. Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, and insect repellents. Rinse with fresh water after exposure to chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, etc. Do not store in extreme temperatures.

Cleaning the Watch

CAUTION: Some users may experience skin irritation. If irritation occurs, remove the watch. Ensure the watch is clean and dry, and do not overtighten.

NOTICE: Sweat or moisture can cause corrosion of electrical contacts. Clean and dry contacts before charging.

Long-Term Storage

If storing for several months, charge the battery to at least 50%. Store in a cool, dry place. Fully recharge before use.

Viewing Device Information

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select Settings > System > About.

Viewing E-label Regulatory and Compliance Information

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. From the settings menu, select System.
  3. Select About.

Data Management

NOTE: Not compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows NT, and Mac OS 10.3 and earlier.

Deleting Files

NOTICE: Do not delete files if their purpose is unknown. System files are important.

  1. Open the Garmin drive or volume.
  2. Select a file and press Delete.

Troubleshooting

Getting More Information

Visit support.garmin.com for manuals, articles, and software updates. Visit buy.garmin.com for accessories and replacement parts.

Maximizing Battery Life

My device cannot find nearby golf courses

If course updates were interrupted, update courses again:

  1. Download and install course updates using Garmin Express.
  2. Safely disconnect your device.
  3. Go outside and start a test round of golf.

Is my phone compatible with my watch?

The Approach S44 is compatible with phones using Bluetooth technology. Check compatibility at garmin.com/ble.

My phone will not connect to the watch

My device is in the wrong language

  1. Hold the top button.
  2. Select the settings icon (⚙️).
  3. Scroll to the last item in the list and select it.
  4. Scroll to the sixth item in the list and select it.
  5. Select your language.

My device displays the wrong units of measure

Verify units of measure settings on the device and in your Garmin Golf account. Device settings may be overwritten upon syncing.

Restarting Your Watch

  1. Hold the top button until the watch turns off.
  2. Hold the top button to turn it on.

Acquiring Satellite Signals

The device needs a clear sky view to acquire satellite signals. Time and date are set automatically based on GPS position.

Go outdoors to an open area, orient the device toward the sky, and wait for satellite signals (30-60 seconds).

Improving GPS Satellite Reception

Activity Tracking

For more information on accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.

My daily step count does not appear

The daily step count resets at midnight. If dashes appear, allow the device to acquire satellite signals and set the time automatically.

My step count does not seem accurate

NOTE: Repetitive motions like washing dishes may be counted as steps.

The step counts on my watch and my Garmin Connect account don't match

Step count updates when you sync your watch.

NOTE: Refreshing the app or Garmin Express does not sync data.

My intensity minutes are flashing

Intensity minutes flash when you exercise at a level that qualifies toward your intensity minutes goal.

Appendix

Data Fields

Various data fields are available for activities, including:

Wheel Size and Circumference

Your speed sensor automatically detects wheel size for cycling. You can manually enter wheel circumference in speed sensor settings. Tire size is marked on the tire. Measure circumference or use online calculators.

Models: AA4999, AA4999 Approach S44 GPS Golf Watch, AA4999, Approach S44 GPS Golf Watch, S44 GPS Golf Watch, GPS Golf Watch, Golf Watch, Watch

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References

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