Golf courses can be icy at this time of year, but that simply means it can be easier to get a tee time, so why not make that game even better by getting one of the best golf watches of the season to give?
These wonder watches can literally improve a golfer's game. They work much like the conventional best smartwatches and best fitness trackers, using GPS and motion sensors to track heart rate, fitness data and movement, only with extra features tailored specifically to golf. From course maps that help you decide on a shot or club, to swing tracking that measures your distance and gives you the next layup – they offer a lot. Many are also heavily discounted in the Christmas sale.
While that all sounds great, these watches have traditionally been unaffordable or, to put it bluntly, ugly. However, the last few generations have improved by leaps and bounds and the latest options, including some of Garmin's best, are now more affordable than ever and more stylish too.
We've also added extra accessories, from laser rangefinders to club sensors, to ensure you have the right gift for every golfer.
Do you want more options? You can benefit from a closer look at the best Christmas sales in the US and Sales on Boxing Day in Great Britain, for more great holidays and Christmas gift ideas.
The best golf watch gifts
Garmin Approach S12
Reduce costs and number of shots
Get some of the best golf watch features at a reasonable price. The S12 looks great, has over 42,000 built-in golf courses, automatically keeps score, measures shot distances and provides distances for upcoming shots. Plus, you get plenty of Garmin lifestyle features, like smartphone notifications and other sports tracking.
Another affordable option? Attempted GolfBuddy Goal V11
Shot scope V3
Mid-range price, premium performance
Raising the price gets you some more specs, including true automatic shot detection, a huge range of stats and battery life that can easily last two full rounds. This also comes with club tags so you can track your shots more accurately – something you have to pay extra for with other brands.
Need a round look? Go for the Riflescope G5
Garmin Approach S62
The best of the best
This is the best golf watch available today because it has all the features a professional or novice golfer could want. That means pre-loaded color maps, a virtual caddy, automatic shot detection and tracking, plus this will also do plenty of other sports tracking and smartphone notifications.
Need cheaper? Attempted Garmin Approach S60
The best golf watch accessories gifts
Bushnell Tour V5 circuit
Premium rangefinder power
For truly accurate range measurements, this is one of the best rangefinders you can get right now. Give the gift of knowledge. This optical rangefinder will show your golf gift recipient that excuses can no longer be used for misjudging shot distances or club types.
Too pricey? Attempted Mileseey Pro Precision 660
Garmin Approach R10
Train anywhere
This wonderful gadget from Garmin tracks your golf swing strokes, wherever you are. This can be for use at the shooting range or while practicing shots at home or in the garden. A great gift for anyone who is serious about improving their game, but can't always find the time to get to the court.
Too pricey? Attempted Blast Wave Analyzer
Golf path tags
Follow all clubs with any phone
These golf tags screw into the butt of any golf club to track swings during a game with a paired iPhone or Android smartphone. It provides a quick and easy way to improve tracking, accurately and with automatic detection, without a huge price tag.
Brand-specific alternative? Attempt Arccos Caddy Gen 3 smart sensors
More holiday sales in the US
- Amazon: 70% off Kindle, TVs, tablets and clothing
- Apple: AirPods, Apple Watch and iPads from $79
- Adidas: 40% discount on running shoes and clothing
- Beauty: 51% discount on makeup, skin care and hair tools
- Best Buy: $800 off TVs, laptops and headphones
- Cheap TVs: Big screen 4K TVs starting at $269.99
- Christmas: 40% off decor, pajamas and trees
- Del: Inspiron and XPS laptops starting at $260
- DreamCloud: 40% discount on all mattresses
- Family pajamas: Christmas Pajamas starting at $12.99
- Gaming: console bundles starting at $289.99
- Lenovo: 76% discount on laptops, desktops and printers
- Lowe's: up to $800 off major appliances
- Nectar: mattress deals starting at $359
- Noordstrom: 40% discount on Nike, Levi's and UGG's
- Patagonia: sweaters starting at $64.99
- Samsung: $2,000 worth of TVs, phones and appliances
- Shopbop: 25% discount on the entire site with the code Holiday
- Goal: 40% discount on Christmas decorations, TVs and toys
- Toys: Disney, Barbie and Lego starting at $14.99
- Walmart: cheap TVs, air fryers, PS5 and toys
More Christmas sales in Britain
- Amazon: up to 65% off technology and gifts
- Adidas: up to 60% discount on outlet clothing, shoes, clothing
- AO: up to 40% discount on vacuum cleaners, appliances and technology
- Argos: up to 70% discount on toys, Christmas decorations and technology
- Boots: half-price gift sets, gift vouchers and fragrances
- B&V: cheap christmas trees, lights, decor, wreaths
- Car Phone Warehouse: 120GB data for £12 per month
- Curries: up to 40% discount on TVs, air fryers, laptops and more
- Cotswolds outside: up to 50% discount on Patagonia, Rab, North Face
- Debenhams: up to 70% discount on home, fashion, gift sets
- Disney: up to 60% discount on Christmas sweaters, toys, decorations
- Ecopper: up to 40% discount on laptops, desktops and components
- John Lewis: £300 off TVs, Apple and Christmas decorations
- Jessops: up to £1,000 off Sony, Canon, Nikon and Fujifilm
- O2: up to £600 off iPhone, Samsung and Google
- Samsung: up to £600 off TVs, phones and appliances
- Shark: up to €100 discount on the best-selling vacuum cleaners
- Terribly: discounts on technology, appliances, furniture and beauty
- Vodafone: Six-month half-price SIM cards from £11.50