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| Garmin’s Approach R50 (pictured) is receiving software version 4.80. |
Golfers looking to sharpen their game this season just got a powerful new tool in their arsenal, and it didn’t require buying new hardware. Garmin has begun rolling out a significant software upgrade, version 4.80, for its popular Approach R50 portable golf launch monitor and simulator. This update, arriving roughly three months after version 4.60, packs a suite of new features aimed at making practice more versatile and simulated play more immersive than ever before.
For the uninitiated, the Garmin Approach R50 is a premium, all-in-one golf GPS, launch monitor, and simulator. It provides detailed metrics like club head speed, ball speed, and estimated distance, allowing players to analyze and improve their swing. Now, with software version 4.80, that core experience is getting a substantial upgrade.
What’s New in the Approach R50 4.80 Update?
The headline addition is the innovative On Course Practice mode. This clever feature bridges the gap between raw driving range practice and full simulated play. It allows you to drop your virtual ball on any of over 42,000 courses worldwide and practice specific shots from real fairways, rough, or bunkers. Imagine working on your approach shot to the iconic 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass without leaving your garage—now you can.
For fans of the immersive Home Tee Hero mode, which lets you play full virtual rounds, Garmin has added several player-requested enhancements. You now have the freedom to select any specific hole to play, perfect for mastering a troublesome par-5 or a tricky short par-3 on your home course. Additionally, players can now disable the Lie Penalty, offering a more forgiving experience for casual play or when focusing on swing mechanics rather than punishment.
The post-shot experience is also improved. After any shot in Home Tee Hero, you can now easily access the mulligan, replay, and detailed metrics buttons for your previous shot, making it simpler to analyze mistakes or simply take a do-over without navigating through complex menus.
Expanding Simulator Compatibility and Usability
Garmin is also bolstering the R50’s functionality as a serious simulator component. The new keyboard simulator feature is a game-changer for tech-savvy golfers. When the R50 is connected via Bluetooth to a computer running third-party simulator software (like GSPro or TGC 2019), users can now control the software directly from the R50's interface, streamlining the simulation experience.
Beyond the flashy new modes, Garmin has included some practical refinements. There’s now an additional unit of measurement setting specifically for putting, giving users more customization. A new retail demonstration mode will also help in-store displays better showcase the device's capabilities to potential buyers.
As with any major update, user experiences can vary. Early adopters are already sharing tips and feedback on the Garmin community forums, which is a valuable resource for troubleshooting or seeing how others are leveraging the new features. You can follow the discussion on the official update thread here: Approach R50 Version 4.80 - 100% Release.
How to Get the Update
Software version 4.80 is now available for all Garmin Approach R50 owners. The update should install automatically when your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you’re eager to get it immediately, you can manually trigger the update by navigating to Menu > Settings > Software Update > Download and Install on your R50 unit.
This substantial free update reinforces the value of the Garmin Approach R50, ensuring the device continues to evolve long after purchase. For golfers invested in year-round improvement, it adds meaningful depth to an already powerful training tool.
The Garmin Approach R50 golf launch monitor and simulator is currently available for $4,999.99 at major retailers like Amazon.
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| The change log for system software 8.40 for the Garmin Approach R50. |