why use range finders in golf

Golf rangefinders

are designed to help the golfer estimate distance and accuracy of their shot. The estimation will help improve their game by letting the golfer know how hard they should hit the ball. There are two types of rangefinders GPS and laser; both have their benefits.

Full Answer

Why are golf rangefinders so popular?

The explosion of golf technology over the last 20 to 30 years has led to a huge advancement in golf ‘accessories’ as well as golf clubs. And one of the main items which have become hugely popular in recent years as a result is the golf rangefinder.

How does a laser golf rangefinder work?

The laser golf rangefinder allows you to survey critical shots, and this positively enhances your accuracy by using a laser beam aimed at the target, like a pin which reflects back to the rangefinder to determine and calculate the distance.

Is it illegal to use a golf rangefinder?

Golf purists hate change and when it comes to golf rangefinders they will consistently put forward the view that using one is illegal according to the rules of golf and therefore cheating.

How does a GPS rangefinder work?

This is dependent on the GPS rangefinder getting signals from different satellites, which in turn makes a calculation of the location of the device and infers the distance of the location to the target. This is the most progressive of technologies as it gives you precise and exact measurements.

What is the purpose of a rangefinder in golf?

Golf Rangefinder Technology The basic purpose of a golf rangefinder is to measure the distance from where you are standing to a target as accurately as possible.

What are range finders good for?

Proper use of a golf rangefinder will lead to better distance control, and ultimately, better scores. It also makes life easier during your rounds. Without a rangefinder, obtaining yardages can be very difficult for the average golfer, and this is why we recommend owning one if you can afford it.

Is it worth getting a range finder?

Laser Rangefinders are definitely worth the money if you are looking to improve you game. There are budget options for under $100 that will give you a reliable and accurate reading of distance and if you play regularly, you will get value for money from the rangefinder.

Do professional golfers use rangefinders?

While professional golfers still cannot use rangefinders in most competitions, they do use them during practice. For best performance during competition, training should closely relate so the athletes get the best transfer from training.

Story Time

You are walking to the 18th tee with a one stroke lead over your buddy whom you have never beat. You stand at the back of the tee box and you see a 470 yard dog left with trees on the right, a fairway bunker on the right, and water on the left up to where the dog ends.

The Benefits of a Rangefinder

If you would have had a rangefinder standing on the 18th tee, you would’ve been able to determine how far that carry is over the water. You would’ve known the distance to the edge of the fairway bunker so you know driver would bring the bunker in to play.

The Benefits from the Fairway

Green complexes these days are becoming larger with more slopes in them. The old style courses have relatively flatter greens and the square footage is fairly small. Par 3’s might have a little bigger green and the par 5’s will most likely be smaller greens.

The Benefits of Being Pin High

Hitting the ball pin high is one of the best ways to start taking strokes off your game (next to putting but is that is for a different site). When you hit the ball pin high, you generally will be within 20-30 feet of the flag if your direction is off a little. But, you are still in a position to two putt at worst and walk away with an easy par.

What is a rangefinder in golf?

Golf rangefinders are designed to help the golfer estimate distance and accuracy of their shot. The estimation will help improve their game by letting the golfer know how hard they should hit the ball. There are two types of rangefinders GPS and laser; both have their benefits. A GPS rangefinder uses signals from various satellites ...

Why is a rangefinder important?

A golf rangefinder is essential for improving your game. In case you are new to the world of golf, let us explain what a golf rangefinder does and some of the reasons why you should be using one to level up your golf game. Golf rangefinders are designed to help the golfer estimate distance and accuracy of their shot.

What is a laser rangefinder?

Laser golf rangefinders mimic the size of small camcorders and can be worn around the wrist. Most rangefinders also come with a small, compact carrying case that you can slip into the side of your golf bag. If you still find this an inconvenience, there are some GPS rangefinders that clip to hats.

How accurate are laser rangefinders?

But it should also be stated that they are not as accurate. Laser rangefinders use a laser beam to determine the distance between you and your target. The rangefinder uses the time it takes for the laser to reflect back to it to determine the scope. Golf novices and seasoned veterans both agree that laser rangefinders are more accurate ...

Is a rangefinder easy to carry?

But you may be concerned about lugging around another piece of equipment. Well, we are here to tell you not to worry, rangefinders are easy to carry. The small and compact design will add little to no weight to your load.

What is a rangefinder in golf?

These devices can now do all sorts of things but at it’s most basic level a golf rangefinder will give you an exact yardage to any point on the golf course you choose – for example to the hole, the front of the green, a hazard, ...

Why do golfers use laser rangefinders?

Laser rangefinders are so-called for the simple reason that they use a laser to calculate the distance to a specific point on the golf course. When the golfer presses the button the rangefinder emits a pulse of light in a wide beam which is then reflected back to the device when it hits an object.

What are the pros and cons of a rangefinder?

So here is a list of main pros and cons of golf rangefinders whatever the make or model: Another con which is often levelled against golf rangefinders is that at best they distract players from the core essence of the game – which is a golfers battle against themselves and the course – and at worst they are a form of cheating. ...

Why are rangefinders important?

For a growing number of golfers today therefore golf rangefinders are a key component of their golf bag as they offer an additional way, beyond the tried and tested method of more practice on the range, to improve their golf scores.

Why is the PGA local rule?

The reasoning behind this PGA Tour ‘local rule’ is that the PGA think that it is part of the skills of a player and their caddie to work out exact yardages during tournament play, taking in account wind, weather and course undulations for example, without the use of a technical aide.

Is a rangefinder good for golf?

Golf rangefinders can provide clear benefits and although some of the top models can be costly there are gains to be made by golfers using them in the right way and at the right time.

Can you use a rangefinder in a golf course?

So when a golf club, golf course or tournament wants to restrict the use of rangefinders it today needs to put in a local rule prohibiting their use. Therefore unless you get told about a local rule at the club or event or tournament where you are playing saying rangefinders are not permitted you can use them.

What is a rangefinder in golf?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A Rangefinder is a device used to measure the distance from the observer to a target, in a process called ranging. It can be used on different fields like golf, hunting, forestry etc.

Why is a rangefinder important?

Rangefinders are one of the most valuable pieces of equipment golfers can buy to improve their game.

What is a laser rangefinder?

A laser rangefinder is used to provide golfers with accurate yardages from long distances. Rather than estimating the yardages from yardage markers and the angle you are playing the golf hole. It is important to know your yardages if u want to be a better golfer.

What is slope edition rangefinder?

A slope edition Rangefinder gives you the distance to the flagstick, and the degree of elevation to the target. When choosing a Rangefinder one should consider many aspects such as price range functionality and durability.

What is the advantage of a rangefinder with slope?

Advantage of a Rangefinder with slope. A Rangefinder with slope has the potential to improve your score but it still heavily depends on your playing ability. The main premise behind a rangefinder with slope is that it takes variation of elevation into account when it calculates the distance between you and your target.

Why do rangefinders require less time?

GPS Rangefinders: Require less time to determine your distance to the hole or other points on the golf course because they measure to know points about the course. GPS and because it makes use of GPS technology, users do not have to focus the unit at a stable pace to find the target.

Can rangefinders be used in golf?

The USGA has also declared that Rangefinders and other devices can be used and shared by golfers using a local rule exception. Basically, what this means is that local clubs and courses can lift USGA rule 14-3 for tournaments allowing players to use distance-measuring devices.

Why use a rangefinder in golf?

This can make golfers dependent on it and the game becoming more mechanical. The use of rangefinders is limited in competition play therefore you must maintain a balance between the use of it and be able to determine accurate distances on your own.

How to use a rangefinder?

How to Use a Golf Rangefinder? 1 Turn it on 2 Find your target 3 Aim the rangefinder at your target 4 Activate the rangefinder 5 Get your yardage

How many golf courses are preloaded on a rangefinder?

GPS rangefinders require a map of the golf course to be loaded on the device before you can use it. Many brands have up to 41000 golf courses pre-loaded and this can be updated regularly. The upgrades cater to any changes made to the golf course and new courses added.

How far can a rangefinder read?

Not all golf rangefinders can read the same distance. Some will only read up to four hundred yards while others can read up to one thousand yards. The type of rangefinder you purchase should depend on how far you plan on measuring.

How does an optical rangefinder work?

With an optical rangefinder you just simply look through the sight and adjust the focus to obtain the clearest vision of your target. You have to concentrate on the target with only one eye to the distance. Optical rangefinders use the height of the pin to convert it to a distance reading.

What is the most accurate rangefinder?

1. Laser Rangefinder. Laser rangefinders are the most popular and accurate rangefinder. It works with laser beam technology to read the distance to your target. The laser beam zooms in on the target and measures the time it takes a beam to bounce back off the target.

How to stabilize a rangefinder?

Breathing in a relaxed manner will enable you to stabilize the rangefinder. Create a solid base to hold the rangefinder in one hand by resting your elbow on your chest. When the rangefinder is ready to operate it should lift the eyepiece to eye level. Now you can aim right at the target and push the button.

Golf Rangefinders, a Perfection Tool for Perfectionists!

Golf is a sport of perfectionists in constant search of better performance and improvement. When you think of golf, you imagine golf clubs, balls and bags. But there is a technology that can improve your score and give you a whole new experience.

For whom are Golf Rangefinders Intended?

Most of the time, golf is more of a relaxing activity that takes place on beautiful grounds. But in reality, it is a sport that requires precision and a constant search for perfection for better performances.

Do Golf Pros Use Rangefinders?

As with everything else, technology takes a certain period of acclimatization, and the golf rangefinder is no exception to this rule. And, using it doesn’t hurt your integrity or pride.

Types of Golf Rangefinders

The operating mode of this rangefinder is through the GPS. To allow synchronization of the instrument with the course map, you must download it via a computer. All details of the round of golf (target, course, holes and others) must be selected and mapped.

Conclusion!

By introducing the rangefinder into your game, you may first be a little lost and need to learn how to use it correctly. However, once you’ve got your bearings, you will not be able to do without it, and your game will take a step ahead of your competition.

Do you need to see the greens book to shoot a practice round?

“I think it takes away an advantage of having a good caddie that maybe goes out there and does the work beforehand as opposed to someone, especially now between the yardage books, the greens books and range finders, you technically don’t even really need to see the place or play a practice round, ” Thomas said. “You can go out there and know exactly what the green does, you know exactly what certain things are on certain angles because you can just shoot it with the range finder.”

Can you use a rangefinder in a major?

For the first time ever at a major, rangefinders are allowed in competition. It’s not easy to make major championship history. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the 2021 PGA Championship. In that case, merely beginning play was enough to make history.

Will rangefinders be allowed in the 2021 PGA Championship?

Unless, of course, you’re talking about the 2021 PGA Championship. In that case, merely beginning play was enough to make history. For the first time in major championship history Thursday, rangefinders were allowed for use in competition.