Which one is best for your game?

Navigating the golf course can be like putting together a puzzle as distances, hazards and slopes must be taken into account to get a good score. However, drawing circles instead of squares may be easier thanks to two modern devices: golf GPS devices and laser rangefinders. While both are designed to provide accurate distance measurements, they do their job in different ways and both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your style, level of play and budget.

How golf GPS devices work

Golf GPS devices connect to a network of satellites to measure distances to various points on the golf course, much like the GPS system in your car determines where you are while driving. By comparing your location with a pre-loaded map of the golf course, your GPS device can determine the distance to the front, center and back of the green, as well as any hazards or doglegs along the course. Modern GPS devices are now available in the form of watches, handheld devices, and even mobile applications that can be downloaded to your smartphone.

GPS: advantages

There are several distinct advantages to using GPS as your preferred ranging system, the first of which is convenience. Whether you choose a watch, a standalone device or a smartphone app, golf GPS devices will continuously show you your distance from hazards, specific areas of the hole and different areas of the green. As you move, these numbers are automatically updated.

Golf GPS devices usually come with other useful features, such as the ability to record scores and manage the games you play with your partners. In some cases, golf GPS devices can be paired with tags on your clubs to track your performance over time and generate statistics about your play.

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GPS: disadvantages

The downside to using a GPS device can be the level of accuracy. We’ve all been behind the wheel when the GPS device in our car shows on the map that we need to turn now, but the road we’re turning onto is 30 or 40 feet ahead of us. This small margin is not a big deal when driving, but golfers are demanding and want the highest level of accuracy possible. The technology that powers GPS devices has improved significantly over the years, but can still lag by several meters.

There is also a small chance that the course you are playing on has not been mapped on the map, although most GPS units come pre-loaded with tens of thousands of courses, so this is probably not a big problem.

However, subscription fees can be a big deal. Some higher-end devices require paid subscriptions to unlock all features, so take this into account before making a purchase.

How laser rangefinders work

Pointing the laser rangefinder at a target and then pressing a button fires a beam of light from the device. Then, by measuring the time it takes for the laser beam to reflect back to the device, it calculates the distance. So no, you’re not Luke Skywalker, but you do shoot laser beams using a golf rangefinder.

Laser rangefinders: advantages

First of all, laser rangefinders are the most accurate way to measure the distance between you and the target. Most units are accurate from a yard out further than Bryson DeChambeau can hit a golf ball.

When using a laser rangefinder, you also don’t have to worry about whether the golf course has been mapped, and several models now come with a slope function that can measure the angle up or down to the target and then determine “game-like” distances. Some of them can even connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth to add wind, altitude or atmosphere information to your pitch calculations.

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Laser rangefinders: disadvantages

Laser rangefinders can’t measure what they can’t see, so you have to be able to see the target for them to work, and that can be difficult for blind shots.

Lasers can also have problems in rainy or foggy conditions because water droplets and steam can scatter the laser beam and make it difficult for the device to reach the reflected light beam.

Holding the device steady enough to hit the target can be a challenge for golfers who have unsteady hands, which makes using laser rangefinders frustrating. And for inexperienced players, finding and locking on to a target can be difficult. Anyone who has ever used a laser has accidentally shot a distance at a tree or object behind the green instead of at the flag.

Golf GPS or laser rangefinder: which is right for you?

Your decision ultimately depends on your playing style and preferences. If you prefer quick and comprehensive information and threat management, a golf GPS may be a good choice. For beginners and golfers who lack consistency and precision, GPS devices also provide more than enough accuracy.

If you are an elite golfer or player who requires the highest level of accuracy, a laser rangefinder is your best option.

Below are some golf GPS and laser rangefinders you may want to consider.