Using Your Golf Rangefinder – Avoid these 3 mistakes that lead to higher scores when you get your first golf GPS

You did all the research, placed the order and finally have in hand your first GPS golf rangefinder. Your instinct might be to grab your clubs and head straight to the golf course and who could blame you. There is a good chance this device is going to help you lower your scores over the next few weeks.

golf scorecard with broken pencil

Hold on a minute though before you run out the door. Here are three mistakes you will want to avoid on your first day, so you don’t end up frustrated, disappointed and paying your buddies after losing your bets.

  1. Don’t let your new GPS distract you from actually Playing Golf… Seriously, this happens all the time. Playing golf should be your main focus and your golf GPS should just enhance that experience.
    • Make sure you are familiar with your new unit before you start the round. Before you leave home, read the instructions. If they are not included, you may want to download them from the company website.
    • Turn it on and get really familiar with the basics. Most of these units have some type of demo mode or preview mode.
    • Make sure you know which number is the one that’s to the center of the green. That’s the one you’ll need the most.
    • Get really comfortable moving between screens and holes. Some of these units have lots of features, which means you need to know how to navigate your device. If you accidentally end up on the scorecard when you need a yardage, you’ll want to be able to get there quickly.
    • KEEP IT SIMPLE – On the first day, commit to using only the basics. Knowing your distance to the middle of the green will generally help you more than anything else. If you try doing more than the basics, you’ll probably end up taking a little focus away from playing the game and lose your rhythm. Just keep it simple at first and work on using other features after you’re super comfortable with it. There are some features you may never need and that’s okay.
  2. Remember that golf GPS devices don’t give distance to the pin – At this point, handheld golf GPS devices don’t know where the flag is on the green. To be honest, most of us would do well to always shoot for the middle of the green. However, if you’re playing a course with large greens, it can be helpful to consider the pin position before selecting your club. Most courses now have some way of letting you know the area of the pin. If you’re not sure, ask in the golf shop before you begin
  3. Trust yourself – If what you already know about your golf course does not  jive with your GPS, trust yourself. Although GPS on the golf course is pretty darn accurate most of the time, it’s not always perfect. If you find it to be consistently giving you bad information, check with others using the same device and check online reviews. It’s possible you just got a lemon and should return it for a replacement.

If you haven’t purchased that golf GPS just yet, let us help you discover which golf GPS is best for you.

Recently Reviewed

September 3, 2012
We recently reviewed or updated the following GPS and laser rangefinders…

    https://www.golfrangefindershop.com/news-tips/reviewed/

  • Garmin Approach G6 – User reviews and ratings put the latest Garmin golf GPS at the top of our full-featured list.
  • SkyCaddie SGXw – The ratings for the SkyCaddie SGXw just aren’t that strong. We suggest taking a look at the Garmin G6 instead.
  • The Callaway uPro MX+ – Again, the reviews suggest this device isn’t worth your money. Again, we’re suggesting the Garmin 6.

Solar Golf Charger

“Izzo Solar Charger”

izzo-golf-solar-charger-2
Order Now

Is anyone using a solar charger for their golf GPS or for smartphone charging?

I have a ReVive Solar Restore charger, but it will only charge to 50% from the sun. That’s not enough power to charge an iPhone and I doubt it would work on a golf GPS… but I will try it out and let you know. You can use a wall charger or USB charger to get the Revive Solar Restore up to 100%, but I’m looking for something I can keep in my golf bag between rounds.

My ideal solution is something that can charge itself from the sun during my round of golf, while at the same time be charging my golf GPS. Wouldn’t it be cool if I never had to take either one home to charge!

If anyone knows of any solutions, please leave a comment below. If you don’t have solution and are interested in hearing when I find one, just provide your email address below.

Is Using a Golf Rangefinder Cheating?

Golf Rule BookEvery once in a while, I still hear someone say that using a golf rangefinder is like cheating. I suspect most who feel this way have been playing golf for a long time and resist changes that might make the game easier. I get that. I was disappointed when some of the state Opens that I caddied, started allowing rangefinders during tournament rounds. The edge I’d always had was pre-tournament preparation. Rangefinders in tournament rounds leveled the playing field a bit for the less experienced caddies and players.

But is there a solid argument to be made against the legal use of golf rangefinders? First there were 150 bushes, then 100, 150, and 200 yard markers in the fairway became common. Next were the marked sprinkler heads. Each of these made it easier to choose the right club. The difference of course, is that these markers are available to all players. You must bring your own laser or GPS to get the advantage they provide… Or play with someone who owns one and is willing to share information. 

Still, yardage is readily available on most golf courses and I bet most of those who complain about rangefinders, use those markers. So is the only real difference that rangefinders speed up play? Well not exactly… both GPS and laser rangefinders provide a little extra information… Laser gives exact distance to the pin or other visible targets, something that yardage markers can’t do yet. GPS can provides yardage to the front and back of the green, which isn’t available on most yardage markers, although I have seen it. Many GPS units also allow you to find out how far it is to any point on a hole. 

Is that why don’t the major tours haven’t made them legal. The USGA made the rule to allow rangefinders via a local rule, but they won’t allow them in their own tournaments. This is a bit of a mystery to me… At the highest levels of golf, players and/or caddies WILL have exact yardage to every target they need. Rangefinders would make it easier and faster, but if they are not allowed during the competition, top caddies and players will do their homework ahead of time. The biggest stages in golf are the least likely places for golf rangefinders to give an advantage. They could speed up play a bit though.

For the average golfer, laser and GPS devices will not only speed up play, but will probably improve scores. So yes, they probably it “easier”, but for most of us, the game still scrapes by as tough enough to hold our attention. Technology has changed golf in many ways and let’s be honest, even the so-called purists have a giant 460cc driver in their bags!

 Also see: Is Your Golf Rangefinder ‘Legal’?

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Discount Bushnell Hybrid – Laser and GPS

The Bushnell Hybrid Retired has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

'Bushnell Hybrid Retired'

Bushnell Hybrid Retired
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The Bushnell Hybrid Golf Rangefinder has been retired. Check our current picks for Best Hybrid Golf Rangefinder.

If you are looking for a discount Bushnell Hybrid laser GPS rangefinder, you’re in the right place. Or should we say “on the right place”. The Internet will generally be your best bet for finding the lowest prices on golf rangefinders.

We have three suggestions for getting a discount Bushnell Hybrid…

SUGGESTION 1

Create Your Own Hybrid Rangefinder – Try pairing a budget-friendly golf GPS with a budget-friendly laser. You will get all of the same functionality, save money AND if you are a multi-player family, you can split the set for days when you are not playing in the same group.

SUGGESTION 2

Wait until winter. Last year, the Bushnell Hybrid price dropped way down,but when Spring arrived, it jumped back up and stayed there most of the summer. We can’t guarantee it will drop, but if you can wait it out, ther might be good deal to be found in the colder months. 

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