7 Myths About Golf Rangefinders

Here are 7 myths about golf rangefinders:

1. Myth #1: Laser rangefinders are hard to use… The truth is that most golfers will have much less trouble steadying their rangefinders, than steadying their nerves over a 2 foot putt to win the hole. Today’s laser rangefinders do a great job of recognizing the flag and letting you know that you’re locked on the target. Most will let you scan, so you don’t have to have it right on the target when you push the button. Not everyone will be able to use a laser effectively, but for most golfers, it’s a very quick learning curve.
2. Myth #2: The more features the better… Well, that may be true for a few golfers, but for most of us, more features means more ways to distract ourselves from focusing on playing golf. I’m not saying that more features isn’t good, but it’s really important to learn which features are most useful to you on most shots. Occasionally, you may want to use some additional features, so be familiar with how to use all the features, but only use them when you really need them. Some golfers will do best using the simplest GPS or laser, so there is no temptation to be distracted.  
3. Myth #3: GPS gives distance to the pin... GPS gives distance to fixed targets. Since pins are moved to different locations every day, your GPS can’t provide exact distance to the pin. Let’s first say that middle of the green on every hole would be a great target. Of course our brains think we’ll do better by knowing more about the hole location, so most golf courses have started giving some indication of daily pin placements. You can use that information along with your GPS distance to the front, middle or back of the green to improve your club selection. Some GPS devices even give you a graphic of the green and allow you move the flag to provide you a good estimate of the distance.
4. Myth #4: A golf rangefinder can cure the shanks… Ah, maybe not, but should you ever have the misfortune of getting the shanks, I suggest using all of the features of your GPS before your next shot in an effort to temporarily distract yourself.
5. Myth #5: Golf Rangefinders are legal unless you’re a pro… The USGA prohibits the use of rangefinders, but allows for an exception via “local rule”. That means that if you’re playing in an event, the committee could have a local rule allowing distance measuring devices to be used.  Check the rules of any events in which you are competing before using your rangefinder. Chances are your regular golf partners will be okay with rangefinder use and the USGA has no problem with you posting scores for your handicap from rounds where you’ve used a rangefinder. Even with the local rule, not all rangefinders are allowed in competition. Whether using GPS, laser or smartphone app, the device must only measure distance.  Most smartphones are not legal. For more information, see: https://www.golfrangefindershop.com/golf-talk/is-your-golf-rangefinder-legal/
6. Myth #6: If you have a smart phone, you don’t need a rangefinder… As mentioned above, most smartphones are not legal for competition because of features like the compass. Even if your weekly foursome doesn’t care, there are a few other reasons that using a smartphone is not ideal. 1)  Using your GPS on the course kills the battery pretty quickly. 2) Smartphones tend to turn themselves off frequently which makes it annoying on the golf course. You can change your settings, but that’s a pain and besides battery life will drain even more quickly. 3)  Some smartphones take too long to settle on the correct distance. With my iPhone 3GS, it is rare that the correct yardage is showing before I chose a club. When I check back after hitting, it has finally settled on the right distance. 4) By pulling out your phone 45-50 extra times a day, you are adding to the chances that you’ll drop it on a cart path or in a puddle. No worries if your contract is up!
7. Myth #7: GPS is as accurate or more accurate than laser… the truth is that laser rangefinders are accurate to within a yard or two every time you use them.  Although golf GPS devices are generally “pretty accurate”, they are not as accurate as laser.  This myth is perpetuated by marketing departments such as those at SkyGolf and Izzo. SkyGolf commercials tout some survey, but if you listen closely, it says users believe GPS is more accurate than laser. Clearly perception is not reality.  Izzo’s website states that Swami is more accurate than laser and goes on to clarify that the accuracy of laser “is highly dependent on how the unit is held and how far you are from your target”. Really? I think most users can figure out how to hold laser binoculars. Accuracy at longer distances is just as accurate as at short distances, although it’s a little harder to get the target in your sites.

One thing that is not a myth… you’ll probably improve your scores if you add a golf GPS or laser rangefinder to your arsenal.