Distance technology has changed the way recreational golfers approach their rounds. Knowing exactly how far you are from the pin, how your ball is flying, and what your swing is actually doing are no longer things reserved for players.
If you’re still learning more on this topic, Clarkes Golf is here for you. This guide breaks down the main types of distance technology, what each one is for, and which options are worth considering from our range.
Types of Golf Distance Technology
GPS watches sit on your wrist and give you distances to the front, middle and back of the green, as well as hazard locations, without you having to point anything at a target. They work off pre-loaded course maps and are always on.
Handheld GPS devices do the same job as GPS watches, but with a larger screen. They tend to show more detailed course info and are easier to read at a glance, particularly for golfers who’d rather not wear a watch.
Laser rangefinders use a laser beam to measure the precise distance to whatever you point them at, typically the flag. They’re fast, highly accurate and work on any course without needing pre-loaded maps.
Launch monitors measure what happens when you hit the ball: club speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, and more. They’re used for practice, club fitting and simulation, rather than on-course play.
Most golfers will find one or two of these categories genuinely useful on the course. Launch monitors are a different conversation altogether, aimed at players who want to understand and improve their swing in a practice environment.
How Distance Technology Changes the Way You Play Golf
Knowing your exact yardage changes the decisions you make on every approach shot. We’ve looked at this in detail in our post on how to judge yardage when out on the course. The short version: guessing distances is one of the most common reasons recreational golfers take the wrong club. Distance tech removes the guesswork entirely.
The practical impact is significant. When you know you’re 157 yards to the middle of the green rather than estimating somewhere between 150 and 165, you can commit to a golf club with confidence. That confidence alone tends to produce better contact. Over 18 holes, the cumulative effect on your score is real.
Why Buy a Golf GPS Watch?
If you don’t already own one, a GPS watch is one of the most straightforward upgrades you can make to how you play. We’ve put together 3 reasons you should pick up a new golf GPS watch, and the core argument is simple: it's always on your wrist, it doesn't slow down play, and the distance information is available on every shot without any extra steps.
GPS watches are also the most discreet option. You’re not pulling a device out of your pocket or raising a rangefinder to your eye. The data is just there when you need it. For golfers who want distance information without any additional faff, a watch is hard to beat.
Our Top GPS Watch Picks
Garmin
Garmin are the market leader in golf GPS watches and stocks a range that covers every budget. Their entry-level options give you the core yardages you need, while their premium models add shot tracking, green mapping and full smartwatch functionality. If you want a reliable GPS watch from a brand with a long track record in this space, Garmin is the obvious starting point.
Shot Scope
Shot Scope have built a strong reputation for its automatic shot-tracking technology. Their watches record every shot you play without you having to press a button, giving you detailed performance data across your round that builds over time. If you’re interested in understanding your game statistically as well as knowing your yardages, Shot Scope is well worth a look.
Golf Buddy
Golf Buddy offers some of the most user-friendly GPS watches on the market. They’re straightforward to set up, intuitive to use on the golf course, and come preloaded with a huge number of courses. A good option if you want reliable yardages without a steep learning curve.
Our Top Handheld GPS Device Picks
SkyCaddie
SkyCaddie are specialists in handheld golf GPS, and their devices are well regarded for the quality and accuracy of their course maps. Their ShotLink course intelligence system gives you detailed green mapping and precise target distances that go beyond what most watches can display. A strong choice for golfers who want the most detailed on-course information available.
Golf Buddy
Golf Buddy also produces handheld GPS units alongside their watches. Their handhelds offer large, clear screens and intuitive navigation, making them particularly good for golfers who want more screen real estate than a watch provides without moving to a full touchscreen device.
Browse our full range of handheld golf GPS devices.
Why Rangefinders Aren’t Just for Competitive Golfers
There's a common assumption that laser rangefinders are serious equipment for serious golfers. It's not accurate. We've covered this properly in our post on why golf rangefinders are an excellent tool for both beginners and experienced players, and the argument applies at every level of the game.
Rangefinders give you precise, to-the-yard distances to the flag in seconds. They work on any course, on any hole, without needing a pre-loaded map. For golfers who play a variety of courses rather than the same club week after week, that versatility is genuinely useful. They’re also a great learning tool: when you can consistently measure your carry distances accurately in practice, you develop a much clearer picture of what each club in your bag actually does.
Our Top Laser Rangefinder Picks
Bushnell
Bushnell is the dominant name in golf rangefinders and has been for years. Their Tour V series, in particular, is used by golfers at every level, from weekend club players to tour caddies. We’ve reviewed the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Limited Edition in detail. The Slope technology adjusts your yardage to account for elevation changes, giving you a more accurate club selection decision on hilly courses.
If you’re looking for a rangefinder you can trust on any course, in any conditions, Bushnell is the benchmark. Their optics are excellent, and the speed of lock-on to the flag is reliably fast.
Blue Tees
Blue Tees have made a strong case for themselves as a value alternative to the premium names. Their rangefinders offer slope-adjusted distances, magnetic cart mounts, and solid, optical quality at a price point that makes the technology accessible to more golfers. A sensible pick if you want reliable performance without paying for the flagship brand name.
Pinned
Pinned is a newer name in rangefinders, but it has quickly developed a following for its clean design and accurate readings. Worth considering if you want something a little different from the usual options.
Browse our full range of golf laser rangefinders.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
GPS watches, handheld devices, and rangefinders all solve the same core problem - knowing your yardage - but they do it differently. The right choice comes down to how you play and what you’ll actually use.
Browse our full GPS and rangefinder range online, or get in touch with the Clarkes Golf team for straightforward advice.