We take a closer look at the benefits of both GPS watches and laser rangefinders to help you make an informed decision on whether to go for a GPS watch, a laser, or even add a launch monitor into your setup!
When it comes to purchasing a distance measuring device (DMD), golfers are often faced with the dilemma of choosing between a GPS watch or a laser rangefinder. Increasingly, golfers are also considering launch monitors as a way to better understand their game, both on and off the course.
Both products have their advantages and disadvantages, including the distances they offer and the method of obtaining those distances.
The primary difference between a laser and GPS watch is that a laser provides the exact distance to the location of the pin, whereas a GPS watch provides three distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, and in some cases, even to the pin itself. A launch monitor, on the other hand, focuses less on on-course targets and more on measuring how you hit the golf ball, delivering data such as ball speed, club speed, smash factor, carry, total distance, and more depending on the device.
Neither device is inherently better than the other, as it depends entirely on what you are looking for. Some golfers want precise on-course distances, others want strategic course management, and many want to understand and improve their swing mechanics and consistency.
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive golf setup, combining devices can be the ultimate choice. Pairing a GPS watch and a laser rangefinder gives you complete on-course coverage, while adding a launch monitor like the Shot Scope LM1 allows you to analyse your performance during practice sessions, warm-ups, or at the driving range.
By using multiple devices, you get every distance you need on the golf course, alongside in-depth performance data that helps you make better club and strategy decisions.
Ultimately, the decision to use one, two, or even all three devices depends on your personal preference and specific requirements for both on-course play and off-course improvement.
The combination of using a GPS device, laser rangefinder, and launch monitor ensures you have every distance and data point you could need to elevate your golf game.
Lasers / Rangefinders
Laser rangefinders offer golfers the exact yardage to the pin instead of the front, middle, and back distances that a GPS watch or handheld would provide.
A laser can be used to measure how far it is to a bunker, treeline, or hazard providing you can hit it with the laser. Effectively, a laser can provide you with an exact distance to anything that you can see.
Shot Scope lasers come with a compact carry case allowing for them to be attached to your bag, or, use the built-in cart magnet to securely attach it to a cart frame.
However, the caveat to being able to measure the distance to anything you can see is what happens when you cannot see anything?
Blind holes are the downfall of all lasers as there is nothing to measure to. You can still measure to anything you can see, but this involves adding in some guesswork.
Laser Features
Lasers like the PRO ZR, PRO LX and PRO LX+ offer Red/Black dual optics which makes it easier to see distances regardless of light conditions.
PRO ZR revolutionises the Shot Scope laser rangefinder lineup with its DuraShield Hardshell design, premium materials, and ultra clear LCD display – golfers will enjoy a superior look, feel, and performance with PRO ZR.
Other features that are now common amongst almost all laser rangefinders are; pin lock/vibrations, slope technology (turn off to comply with tournament regulations), accuracy to within a yard, clear display with high magnification, and yards or metres options.
Using a laser can take a bit of getting used to. Most top of the range lasers come with pin lock features but still require a steady hand to hit the target.
Lasers come with a replaceable battery which can be found in most large retail stores. Battery life is very good and lasts approximately 5,800 uses.
Depending upon weather conditions, a drawback of a laser rangefinder is that it can encounter difficulties in adverse weather conditions. Thick fog and extremely heavy rain can impact performance.
Thinking a laser is for you? Check out this review from Golf Insider where they look at the Best Budget Golf Rangefinders.
GPS Watches
A GPS watch provides front, middle, and back distances to the pin as well as to all hazards, layups, and doglegs on every hole, which are only one button press away.
Distances to hazards will be more insightful than that of a laser as they will be to the front and carry of the hazard as opposed to the point you have lasered.
Being on your wrist, a GPS watch is extremely quick and easy to get distances, simply glance at your wrist and plan your shot.
Distances are displayed in various ways including the large unit display of the G6 GPS watch, and are easy to read with daylight readable screens.
Watches are designed to be unobtrusive and are lightweight in design to minimise interference with golfer performance.
GPS Watch Features
When considering whether or not to purchase a GPS watch, the main features to look for are; a clear and readable display, preloaded courses, hazard information, subscription free.
Some GPS watches manufacturers require a subscription fee to play more courses, for example, if travelling abroad your watch may not work. Shot Scope provides courses worldwide at no additional cost to the user.
Another very attractive feature of some GPS watches is performance tracking. Some require manual input and can keep your score but hide premium statistics like Strokes Gained behind subscription fees. Other watches like the Shot Scope X5 offer all of this and more with no additional fees.
Course mapping accuracy can occasionally be an issue, especially when courses change layouts or add hazards. Shot Scope conducts in-house course mapping, allowing updates to be made quickly. Simply contact customer support with the details, and updates can be completed within 48 hours.
The main drawback of GPS watches is that they do not provide an exact distance to the pin. While features such as Green View and pin placement (available on the X5 and V5) allow you to adjust targets, this will never be as precise as a laser rangefinder. Additionally, GPS watches require charging, and some golfers prefer not to wear a watch while playing.
Launch Monitors
Launch monitors are designed to help golfers understand how they are hitting the ball rather than where to aim on the course. Devices like the Shot Scope LM1 provide accurate data on carry distance, total distance, ball speed, club speed, and smash factor.
A launch monitor is ideal for practice sessions at the driving range, indoor setups, or at-home net practice. By understanding your true carry distances, you can make better club selections on the course when using a GPS watch or laser rangefinder.
Unlike GPS watches and rangefinders, launch monitors are not limited by course layout or visibility. They provide consistent, reliable data regardless of whether you are practising on grass, mats, or indoors.
Launch monitors are particularly valuable for golfers looking to improve consistency, dial in yardages, and track progress over time. The LM1 offers a portable, easy-to-use solution without the complexity or cost of high-end professional systems.
A key additional benefit of launch monitors like the LM1 is speed training. Speed training focuses on increasing clubhead speed in a controlled and measurable way, helping golfers gain distance.
Speed training sessions typically involve swinging at higher intensities or using specific drills to maximise speed, before using launch monitor data to measure gains. Over time, this can translate into increased carry distances and more confidence with longer clubs.
While launch monitors do not replace on-course distance devices, they complement them perfectly by giving you confidence in your numbers before you ever step onto the tee.
What should you buy? A GPS Watch or Laser
With a laser, it can be difficult to identify the front, middle, and back of the green, and distances to hazards may involve guesswork on blind holes or undulating terrain.
With a GPS watch, you gain excellent course management and hazard information but sacrifice exact pin distance accuracy and may prefer not to wear a device on your wrist.
With a launch monitor, you won’t get on-course distances, but you will gain invaluable insight into how far and how consistently you hit each club.
Every golfer has different priorities. Some will prefer one device, others a combination. If you want the best of on-course distances, a GPS watch and laser rangefinder are ideal. If you want to improve your swing and distance control, adding a launch monitor like the LM1 completes the picture.
It’s important to note that no single device is superior to the others. The right choice depends on your goals, whether that’s better course management, precise pin distances, improved ball striking, or all of the above.
Check out our full range of golf laser rangefinders, golf GPS watches, and launch monitors.
Updated: Jan 2026 – Launch Monitors added
