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Why a GPS or Laser Rangefinder Should Be the 15th Club in Your Golf Bag

Posted on by darion

The way we play golf has changed forever.

Go to a golf course and chances are the people you’re playing with have some kind of device that shows them how far they are from the hole.

I recently returned to golf after a long break due to injury and still use 150-yard markers to judge distances – but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a dinosaur and need to get into the 2020s like every other man and woman I play the game with. I’m increasingly asking my playing partners for exact distances – and more often than not, I end up grabbing one more club than I have in my hand.

There are a variety of devices available on the market. Some will simply tell you how far you need to go, while others will allow you to record exactly how far you hit each club in your bag. Honestly, I agree that using a GPS device or laser rangefinder is completely obvious.

And it’s pretty clear that most of you agree with that.

Could this be the golf equipment you need to lower your handicap?

In our latest study, we wanted to find out what apps, services, and devices you use to play golf. With technology now playing such a big role in our daily lives, it was no surprise that the data confirmed the benefits when it came to golf.

Our research shows that the use of GPS devices on golf courses is on the rise 80% of golfers own some type of GPS device. That number is up from about 60% seven years ago, underscoring the continuing importance of technology in golf. In addition, 45% responded that they have a golf laser rangefinder. These are staggering numbers and show how differently we approach the game now.

Upon closer examination of the data, it becomes apparent which golfers are using DMDs (distance measuring devices). 85% of mid-handicap golfers have GPS and 78% of low-handicap golfers, compared to just 70% of high-handicap golfers. In addition, only 13% of high-handicap golfers own a laser rangefinder, compared to 37% of mid-handicap golfers and more than two in three – 64% of low handicap golfers own a laser rangefinder.

Golf GPS Survey Data

Can all these golfers be wrong? I don’t think so.

One of the biggest advantages of these devices is that they will not only show you how far you are to the hole, but also how far you need to hit the ball to get to the lake in front of you.

While it could be argued that high handicap players are most likely new to golf and are likely spending their money elsewhere or waiting until they get the hang of it, the data suggests that if you want to improve your performance, you may want to consider purchasing some type of golf distance measuring device.

Age doesn’t play a big role, but younger golfers are more likely to have a laser rangefinder.

Golf GPS Survey Data

What GPS devices do golfers use?

The survey results further confirmed the importance of technology, and the internet in particular, with 33% of respondents saying that reading online reviews helped them decide which product to buy. Being a previous customer was key for one in four people surveyed. When all is said and done, once we find a brand we like, we are more likely to stick with it.

But GPS devices are no longer just physical, individual devices. The study found that more and more golfers are accessing GPS data from their electric golf carts, with Motocaddy and Powakaddy now offering premium models with built-in GPS functionality. In addition, 33% of respondents over the age of 45 said they use a GPS app on their phone – a figure that rose significantly to 53% for those under 45.

When it comes to what device to use, it’s a matter of personal preference, whether it’s a GPS on your phone that’s integrated into your electric cart, a small device that you can attach to your golf cart or put in your pocket, a large portable device that offers full, detailed visualizations of the holes, or a golf watch that serves multiple purposes. The options for golfers are endless, with a wide range of products and prices to suit every budget.

One thing that is clear from our research is that there is a clear leader in the GPS device market.

59% of people who said they had a GPS device for golf said they had a Garmin deviceThe closest competitor was Bushnell with 15%, followed by relative newcomer Shotscope with 14%. It was also interesting to see some lesser-known brands with lower prices, such as Izzo and TecTecTec.

Is it worth buying a GPS or laser rangefinder?

So should you take the plunge and buy a golf GPS instead of a laser rangefinder? It depends on your personal preference, what you want to use the device for, how much you’re willing to pay, how much accuracy you need, and whether you need any extra features. In my experience, almost everyone I play with uses a wrist-worn GPS device.

Advantages – Golf GPS

  • Golf Course Visualization – Most devices have some form of visual image that shows details of the hole, hazards, green shape and a possible map/course route.
  • Distance Options – GPS devices not only provide simple data such as the front, middle and back of the green, but often provide distances to hazards. You can even use the positioning feature for any location on the hole
  • Ease of use – GPS devices typically only require access to GPS satellite data to provide data.
  • Enhanced features – Many GPS devices integrate with smartwatches and phones and offer additional performance and stat tracking features.
  • Mobility – GPS devices come in all shapes and sizes; they can be watches worn on the body, small pocket-sized devices, or all singing and dancing big screen mobile devices

Disadvantages – Golf GPS

  • Battery – you have to remember to charge the device, but most batteries last a few hours and will easily be enough for a 36-hole golf game.
  • Software – Your device may require a software update or downloadable courses. Don’t get caught out when playing a new course or taking a golf trip abroad.
  • Subscription Fees – Pay attention to any additional services that require a paid subscription upgrade, as well as those that require annual updates.

Advantages – Laser rangefinders

  • Accuracy – The precision of a location measurement, usually to within one yard.
  • Ease of use – no need to load or update software.
  • One-time cost – no additional subscription fees.

Disadvantages – Laser rangefinders

  • Battery – Laser rangefinders often require a battery to operate, although newer devices usually come with a battery included.
  • Accuracy – A measurement can only be achieved if you can see it.

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