How to Use a Golf Rangefinder

2 September 2022

Golfing rangefinders come in many different shapes and styles, but fundamentally they all aim to provide the golfer with useful distance information to greens, hazards and other course features such as doglegs. Equipped with this knowledge, the user can then make an informed club selection decision and formulate the best strategy for each shot.

While there are many different variations and brands to choose from, there are two main types: laser rangefinders (such as the Shot Scope PRO L1 and PRO LX+) and GPS rangefinders (like the Shot Scope V3 watch). Although both aim to do similar jobs, they achieve their results in slightly different ways.

In this handy guide you will discover how to properly use both types of rangefinders on the course, as well as learn the key differences between laser and GPS units, and why using one can be so beneficial to your game.

So, how do you use a golf rangefinder?

Whether you opt for a GPS or laser-based rangefinder, the good news is that they are very simple to use. In the case of the former, very little set-up or pre-requisite knowledge is needed. For the Shot Scope V3 GPS rangefinder and performance tracker, all you need to do is power on the device and select the course which you are playing. The watch will then automatically recognise which hole you are on and provide 3 highly accurate yardages to the front, middle and back of the green – as well the distance to any hazards.

For laser rangefinders, things are just as easy. With a laser like PRO LX+, simply power on and use the focus ring on the eyepiece to bring your target into focus. You can then choose to use the golf mode – allowing you to lock on to a specific target like the pin by pressing the power button. The device will then vibrate to confirm you are locked on to your target and display a precise yardage through the eyepiece. While a scan mode can also be used which displays a continually updated distance value to wherever the laser is pointed.

It is also worth noting that the PRO LX+ laser benefits from Shot Scope’s Adaptive Slope technology – providing the golfer with a second yardage which considers the elevation of the target. However, you must ensure this innovative feature is deactivated during tournament play – this is done by flicking the switch on the side of the device so that it no longer displays green.

To make the most out of the yardage information provided by either type of rangefinder though, it is important to first have a firm grasp of how far you hit each club. This can be easily achieved by purchasing a rangefinder with built-in performance tracking. Not only will this feature aid your club selection, but you will also be able to delve into a detailed post-round overview of your game and view over 100 different performance stats to discover your areas of strength and weakness.  

Which type of rangefinder is better?

Ultimately, neither type of rangefinder is “better” than the other, they both just excel in slightly different areas. If you are looking for distances to specific targets such as the pin or trees, then a laser is the only type of rangefinder which can provide this. Whereas a GPS device is more useful for dogleg holes, as a laser can only show distances to what it can see. For the best of both worlds, why not try a combined laser and GPS unit like the Shot Scope PRO LX+?

In conclusion…

Operating a laser or GPS rangefinder requires minimal skill and effort, and in reward you receive instantaneous real-world distances which ensure you never select the wrong club again. If you’re looking to add this powerful performance aid to your golfing set-up, then Shot Scope has an award-winning range of lasers and GPS units to choose from. Developed by golfing experts and endorsed by professionals, our rangefinders are the best in the business.