What it actually does
Golf is a game of distances - a golfer's club choice depends on knowing how far away the green is. A GPS watch answers that automatically. It uses satellite positioning and a built-in map of the course to show the yardage to the front, middle and back of the green the moment the golfer looks at their wrist. Most also show hazards like bunkers and water, and many count the round's stats along the way.
How it differs from a rangefinder
The two tools solve the same problem differently. A laser rangefinderis aimed at the flag like a small telescope and gives an exact distance to that precise point. A GPS watch gives distances to the green automatically, with no aiming, but to the green's zones rather than to the pin itself. We lay the choice out in full in GPS watch vs rangefinder, but the short version is: the watch is easier and more convenient, the laser is more precise.
Why it makes a good gift
A GPS watch has two things going for it as a gift. First, it needs no aiming and no skill to use, which makes it friendly for beginners and older golfers who might find a laser fiddly. Second, it's worn like a normal watch, so it gets used off the course too - a gift that shows up every day rather than living in the bag. It also needs no size and no knowledge of the recipient's swing, which removes the usual gift-buying risks.
The one thing to check
Like a rangefinder, a GPS watch is a device a keen golfer might already own - so it's worth a quiet check before buying. Glance at their wrist on the course or look for a sporty watch in the golf bag. It's not as commonly duplicated as a laser rangefinder, but at this price a second one is still awkward. If they wear a plain watch and rely on guesswork for distances, it's an excellent surprise.
Simple or full-featured?
GPS watches range from simple models that just show the number to full smartwatches that track fitness and everyday notifications too. For a golfer who mainly wants distances, a simpler model is cheaper and less to learn. For someone who'd wear it all day, a full-featured one earns its keep off the course. Both sit in the bigger-gift bracket - see golf gifts under $300 for where they land on price.