Garmin Approach S12
About £180
Big, clear front, middle and back yardages, long battery life and almost nothing to learn. Scores 87/100.
Gift guide · Christmas, birthdays & retirement
Best golf watch gifts (UK, 2026)
A golf GPS watch is one of the most-used gifts a golfer can get, and one of the easiest to get wrong. These picks match the watch to the person, from simple yardages to a premium retirement present.
Updated 27 September 2026 by the Golf Gear Lab Team.
Pick by who you are buying for
Shot Scope V5
About £199–£240
Tracks every shot automatically with the 16 included tags, then shows strokes gained and real club distances. No subscription. Scores 90/100.
Garmin Approach S44
About £239–£260
A bright AMOLED touchscreen and up to 10 days’ smartwatch battery. It looks good at work as well as on the course. Scores 89/100.
Garmin Approach S50
About £319–£349
The Garmin we would recommend to most golfers who play weekly: a strong display, strong course guidance and fitness features. Scores 92/100.
Garmin Approach S70
About £449–£549
Garmin’s flagship golf watch, with the best mapping, a premium AMOLED display and polished course-management tools. Our top-scoring GPS watch at 96/100.
Shot Scope X5
About £280
Shot Scope’s premium touchscreen watch, with the same subscription-free shot tracking. Scores 91/100.
Prices are from approved UK retailer listings checked 27 September 2026 and will change, especially around Black Friday. We may earn a commission if you buy through “Check prices” links, at no extra cost to you. Retailer order does not change our picks.
The luxury option
If the brief is “something special to wear for years”, a golf GPS watch and a luxury watch are different purchases. Garmin’s MARQ Golfer uses premium materials, including a titanium case and a sapphire crystal, and costs several times more than an S70. It is a keepsake, not a value buy. We explain the trade-off in GPS watch vs luxury watch for golf.
Watch-gift checklist
Wrist size: check the case size if they have slim wrists. Screen: older eyes usually prefer the brighter AMOLED screens (S44, S50, S70). Phone: all of these pair with a smartphone app for updates. Subscriptions: Garmin Golf membership is optional, and Shot Scope has none. Returns: ask for a gift receipt and check the retailer’s Christmas returns window.
Compare before you buy: Shot Scope V5 vs Garmin S44 · Garmin S44 vs S50 · Garmin S70 vs S50 · best golf GPS watches · all golf gifts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best golf watch as a retirement gift?
For a golfer who will play several times a week, the Garmin Approach S70 is our top-scoring GPS watch (96/100), with the best mapping and display. The Garmin S50 gives most of that experience for less. For a luxury keepsake, Garmin’s MARQ Golfer is built from premium materials, but it costs far more.
Are there golf watches in premium materials like titanium or sapphire?
Yes. Garmin’s MARQ Golfer uses premium materials, including a titanium case and a sapphire crystal. It is a luxury tool watch rather than a value buy. See our GPS watch vs luxury watch guide.
Which golf watch is easiest for an older golfer?
The Garmin Approach S12 is the simplest, with big numbers and very little to learn. The Garmin S44 has a brighter AMOLED screen that is easy to read, and a touchscreen.
Do golf watches need a subscription?
Basic yardages never do. Shot Scope charges no subscription for its stats. Some of Garmin’s extra features, such as CourseView maps, Green Contours and PlaysLike distance, need a Garmin Golf membership.
What if they already have a smartwatch?
Consider a handheld GPS such as the Bushnell Phantom 3 or a laser rangefinder instead, so they are not choosing between two watches.
Editorial standards · reviewed September 2026
How we assessed this comparison
We compare the products against the buying decision on this page, including their intended use, practical setup, ownership costs, current market position and the specifications that can materially change the choice. Where Golf Gear Lab has not completed a controlled hands-on test, manufacturer claims are identified as published specifications rather than presented as independent test results.