In golf, a rangefinder will let you know the distance between you and the target, thus helping improve your swing. Here’s how to use a rangefinder.
Skill will always play the biggest role in an athlete’s game. But there is no questioning the aid that a good set of tools can play.
Figuring out an accurate distance when playing a game of golf can be one of the most difficult tasks for a player. Thankfully there is a tool to help with that and build stronger skills—the rangefinder.
With the ability to accurately measure within a tenth of a meter learning how to use a rangefinder is a worthy undertaking
Types of Golf Rangefinders
There are three different types of golf rangefinders. Each, while arriving at the same goal, operating in a very different manner.
Laser
As expected by the name, a laser rangefinder uses a beam of light to determine distance.
A beam is projected onto the target and the device being used measures the amount of time that it takes to receive the light back. Using this number it measures the distance from the target.
GPS
These many times require a bit of prep before going out and playing a round of golf.
They require that the course you are on has a map set up when you connect to the GPS, the functionality will depend on the database your device has.
For example, Golf Buddy Voice 2, has a collection of over 400,000-course maps and will allow the player to load these and live update distances while they play.
Optical
A more manual device that is based on the sight of the player. They are focusing on the spot that is being shot at and the focus of one eye on the play spot.
The Optical device is considered obsolete by many despite still being effective.
Learn How to Use a Rangefinder
The rangefinders are separated only by the inner workings of how they arrive at the calculated distance. Using a golf rangefinder is not a difficult task but the steps must be observed closely for accuracy.
Laser
A fairly straight forward method, point, and shoot. Make sure that the target is properly visible and centered. When it is visible, press the button and the distance will be measured.
GPS
There are a few more steps to this device but it is still a relatively simple method to use.
The rangefinder is started and the course is loaded. The device must sync with the GPS satellite so that it can determine your specific location.
Now you select the hole that you are playing at and it will determine the distance based on those two pieces of information.
Optical
A much more basic piece of equipment the optical rangefinder utilizes clarity of picture through a viewfinder to determine distance from the player.
You view the spot that you are shooting at and make adjustments until that spot is clear in view. From that, the device will give a reading.
Making Par Is Less of a Struggle Now
Now that you have answered the question, how to use a rangefinder. Go and develop that stronger game on the course!
A quality rangefinder isn’t the only equipment to take to the course, check out the other listings we have collected on the site for recommendations to add to your arsenal and up your game today!