Only a few days out from its surprise launch on November 11th, the new Garmin Approach R50 has already caused quite a stir. It's a world-first - the first device to combine launch monitor and simulator capabilities all in one. Typically, launch monitors are required to be paired with a gaming laptop or app on a smartphone or tablet, but the Approach R50's built-in 10in color touchscreen negates the need for any other devices. It's something keen golfers across the world have been waiting for for a long time, and it could be a total game changer.
I suspect the reason the R50 is already dominating golf equipment conversations is that we've never seen anything like this. That it comes with an RRP of $4999 (£4299) is also something of a surprise, putting it slap bang in the middle of a crowded launch monitor/home simulator marketplace. At the very least, it feels as though the R50 could be a serious disruptor to products above and below it in the price spectrum. But could be it a complete killer to some of the biggest names in ball tracking? Here, I'm going to take a look at exactly what the R50 offers for its price tag and compare it to the rest of the market.
