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Technology has been changing the way we experience sports for decades, especially in the wake of the digital and internet revolutions. Golf is no exception and players on golf courses all over the world have been able to lower their scores and enjoy more exciting rounds thanks to advancements in golf technology.
Golf rangefinders are a great example and help fine-tune a golfer’s decision-making so they can sink their shots faster and with fewer mistakes along the way. But while some would argue rangefinders should be reserved for golfers who are just starting out, there’s also an argument to be made that they make a handy tool in the bags of players of any experience level.
So if you’ve been looking at some of the best golf rangefinders and are wondering whether they’re right for you, here are a few things you should know.
What is a golf rangefinder?
Golf rangefinders are distance-measuring devices used to tell players how long they have to go until they reach a certain point on the hole, or to reach the pin. Adopting a similar appearance to binoculars, players look through the lens of the rangefinder and are greeted with relatively precise measurements to their target of choice. With this information, they can then choose the appropriate club to reach their desired distance, lowering their chances of under or overhitting their shot.
How do golf rangefinders work?
There are a few different styles of golf rangefinders that use different technology:
Optical rangefinders
The most traditional form of rangefinder, optical rangefinders work simply by offering the user a crystal clear view of their surroundings through two lenses, with analogue suggestions of yardage. While once very popular, they’ve been replaced with more modern digital tools.
Laser rangefinders
These are by far the most popular rangefinders you’ll see on the golf course today. Utilising laser technology, a golfer will point the laser rangefinder at the target while the in-built laser hits the target and bounces back to the device, offering a reasonably accurate length between the two.
Golf GPS rangefinders
While technically not “rangefinders” in the strictest sense of the term, many players opt to use golf GPS devices to determine the distance between themselves and the pin. These tools use satellites, much like other navigational systems, to provide the distance between the player and the pin.
But these don’t look like binoculars - they more often than not consist of a small, simple screen and can easily be placed into a golf bag or even your pocket. Many players also use golf GPS watches which offer the same accurate distances with the convenience of a watch.
Why are rangefinders good for beginners?
Beginner golfers are in a daunting position, needing to become proficient in all areas of the game relatively quickly if they want to progress. And one area many of them struggle with more than any other is club selection.
Over time, players with experience pick up the skills to determine distance and club selection as if it were second nature to them. But beginners don’t have this experience which can only come with time, which is why they sometimes need a helping hand.
By using a golf rangefinder, beginners can take their time and remove the guesswork from their club selection, allowing them to better understand which clubs can reach which lengths as they are starting out. Not only will this help them reach the pin faster, but it will also cut the risk of them picking up bad habits in their club selections early on, which won’t serve their game well if they continue.
In a little time, these beginners will be able to choose the appropriate clubs for their shots without the need for a rangefinder, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be a welcome tool in their bag for when things get tricky!
Why are rangefinders good for experienced players?
As we just mentioned, experienced players are relatively good at choosing the right club for the job, because they’ve been doing it for a long time.
But now and again, courses and holes can present challenges which make club selection all the more difficult. Oddly shaped fairways, hilly terrain and even poor sight can make choosing the right club a bit tougher, which is why golf rangefinders come in handy.
Plus, players with a lot of experience - who aren’t necessarily playing to lower their score and just want to have some fun - won’t see using a golf rangefinder as “cheating”, but instead something they can use to reach the pin in good time and have a more enjoyable game than the alternative. Either way, having a golf rangefinder in your bag always proves to be a welcome addition when challenges come your way.
Grab the best golf rangefinder at Clarkes Golf
If you want to treat yourself or the special golfer in your life to a new tool that could boost their game, check out the selection of golf laser rangefinders and golf GPS rangefinders at Clarkes Golf.
With multiple styles to choose from, there’s something to suit every golfer, whatever their experience level. Or feel free to get in touch with the team if you need a hand in making a decision - we’ll help find the right rangefinder for you!
