Range Finder vs. GPS

[eschultz406]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed ad nauseam but I'm going to give it a rip anyway. When playing a round of golf what do you prefer to use a Range Finder or GPS Unit whether it's a watch or handheld device? I play with a Range Finder but I have been entertaining the idea of switching over to a GPS unit. I really like the Garmin Approach S62. I was wondering if anyone as information on the Garmin Approach S62 or information on switching over? Or what y'all prefer to use. 

[SteddyGolf]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed ad nauseam but I'm going to give it a rip anyway. When playing a round of golf what do you prefer to use a Range Finder or GPS Unit whether it's a watch or handheld device? I play with a Range Finder but I have been entertaining the idea of switching over to a GPS unit. I really like the Garmin Approach S62. I was wondering if anyone as information on the Garmin Approach S62 or information on switching over? Or what y'all prefer to use. 

I find the range finder difficult to use and often throws me off rhythm. For most holes you have to shoot several different end points before getting the quantity and quality of information you get from a good gps system at a single glance. Whether you are a walker or rider you can watch your GPS as you move to your ball.

My pet peeve? A guy standing 40 yards from the pin with a range finder in hand.....


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[palvord]

I have only used a GPS system on the course and appreciate the ability to see multiple distances to various targets or hazards quickly compared to the need to shoot a range finder at each specific obstacle or target.

I would like to have a range finder for the driving range though. The GPS is useless there.

[eschultz406]

47 minutes ago, palvord said:

I have only used a GPS system on the course and appreciate the ability to see multiple distances to various targets or hazards quickly compared to the need to shoot a range finder at each specific obstacle or target.

I would like to have a range finder fro the driving range though. The GPS is useless there.

That is a very valid point about having a range finder on the driving range.

[eschultz406]

1 hour ago, SteddyGolf said:

 

I find the range finder difficult to use and often throws me off rhythm. For most holes you have to shoot several different end points before getting the quantity and quality of information you get from a good gps system at a single glance. Whether you are a walker or rider you can watch your GPS as you move to your ball.

My pet peeve? A guy standing 40 yards from the pin with a range finder in hand.....


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I am right there with you about seeing someone pull out a range finder from less than 50! Thank you for the feedback!

[LeftyHawk]

I used a range finder for years and was comfortable with it on the course. A couple of years age I really got to wonder if I was missing out not switching to a GPS. I got one of those that showed you an over view of the hole, would zoom in on the green when with in a specific distance. I have also tried one of those little GPS units that give you front, middle and back of the green. I used them both for 1 season and left the range finder to home.

For me the GPS units were more of a hassle for me than the range finder. The small GPS giving me front, middle and back was just to general, especially on large greens. The one with the over view of the entire hole was giving me the same info I could get from my range finder, the only issue was connecting with the satellite at times when it was cloudy out.  Not to mention if you forget to charge it before going to the course, My rangefinder can go an entire season on one battery.

So I'm back to my range finder exclusively, I can shot a distance just as fast as someone looking at a GPS unit and feel more confidence when shooting at the pin knowing exactly the distance to the pin itself.

I also keep track of the yardage markers (200, 150, 100 and such) located on the course and really only pull out the range finder when going at the pin, even inside 100 yards. I know I can shoot a distance under 5 seconds, and feel confident in that reading. I would agree that at times there are those who feel it necessary to shoot the distance multiple times or shoot distances at multiple objects, that can be frustrating when trying to maintain a pace of play. For par 3's I don't step up on the tee box to shoot the distance, that takes too much time as far as I'm concerned, I shoot it from my bag either on the cart or from the pull cart these days. That gets me a distance I can work with.

Chris

 

[Kanoito]

I've always preferred LRF over GPS for its accuracy. Problems with satellites, cloudy days and my course redesigns 1-2 holes every couple of seasons and most GPS units do their mapping with satellital images that haven't been updated in years.

But... I prepurchased the ShotScope V3 and look forward to testing both on the course.

 

[Gurra]

I use both a range finder and gps in my samsung watch (via arccos). I think they compliment each other nicely. I can shoot the distance to the pin or hazard with the rangefinder and with my gps on a par 5 I glance at it to see if I have the chance to get to the green in 2 or not. Closer to the pin I use the rangefinder to get the exact distance to the pin, and if I can't see the green very well I use that number with my front/middle/back on the watch to see if the pin is close to front or back to adjust accordingly. Also I use it on the range to verify the distances from my exakt spot as the flags/distance markers can differ quite much depending on what spot on the range I stand at.

[Pandaman]

I use a GPS watch (Garmin S60).

My distance control is far from perfect, so knowing the 'exact' distance to the pin isn't really going to help me that much.

I like being able to just glance at my wrist and get good enough info to choose my club and shot.  I can use the 'map' easily enough if i need to know more details, and it's great on unfamiliar courses too.

I used phone GPS apps initially, but was forever fiddling with my phone.

[bwclark174]

Have you looked at the Garmin Approach G80?  It is kinda pricey, but it has a GPS function for the course and is a personal launch monitor.  Also, I am a GPS guy.  I have had rangefinders and while they are a bit quicker to use I like having distances to different targets.  Most GPS units allow a "demo" mode that I like to use to check out a course before I play it for the first time.  Can also sometimes help me determine bag setup in terms of whether I should carry a 5 wood or extra wedge.

[cciciora13]

Will be able to test my rangefinder out friday because now I can golf!! woooooo

[palvord]

12 hours ago, LeftyHawk said:

I used a range finder for years and was comfortable with it on the course. A couple of years age I really got to wonder if I was missing out not switching to a GPS. I got one of those that showed you an over view of the hole, would zoom in on the green when with in a specific distance. I have also tried one of those little GPS units that give you front, middle and back of the green. I used them both for 1 season and left the range finder to home.

For me the GPS units were more of a hassle for me than the range finder. The small GPS giving me front, middle and back was just to general, especially on large greens. The one with the over view of the entire hole was giving me the same info I could get from my range finder, the only issue was connecting with the satellite at times when it was cloudy out.  Not to mention if you forget to charge it before going to the course, My rangefinder can go an entire season on one battery.

So I'm back to my range finder exclusively, I can shot a distance just as fast as someone looking at a GPS unit and feel more confidence when shooting at the pin knowing exactly the distance to the pin itself.

I also keep track of the yardage markers (200, 150, 100 and such) located on the course and really only pull out the range finder when going at the pin, even inside 100 yards. I know I can shoot a distance under 5 seconds, and feel confident in that reading. I would agree that at times there are those who feel it necessary to shoot the distance multiple times or shoot distances at multiple objects, that can be frustrating when trying to maintain a pace of play. For par 3's I don't step up on the tee box to shoot the distance, that takes too much time as far as I'm concerned, I shoot it from my bag either on the cart or from the pull cart these days. That gets me a distance I can work with.

Chris

 

I do think that part of the preference may have to do with what you first use on a course. As it becomes a part of your routine, switching to anything else can be a hassle, especially if it does not give you the same information you are used to receiving.

I've only ever used a GPS watch, and now, Arccos. I find that my routine with Arccos has become quick and doesn't hamper my golf routine. I do wish that I didn't have to carry my phone around though. For that reason alone, I've been thinking of trying a rangefinder.

[bwclark174]

15 minutes ago, palvord said:

I do think that part of the preference may have to do with what you first use on a course. As it becomes a part of your routine, switching to anything else can be a hassle, especially if it does not give you the same information you are used to receiving.

I've only ever used a GPS watch, and now, Arccos. I find that my routine with Arccos has become quick and doesn't hamper my golf routine. I do wish that I didn't have to carry my phone around though. For that reason alone, I've been thinking of trying a rangefinder.

I have some cobra irons on order with Arccos.  I have talked to several people that use Arccos through an Apple watch and say they don't have to carry their phone.  I plan to try that.

[palvord]

3 minutes ago, bwclark174 said:

I have some cobra irons on order with Arccos.  I have talked to several people that use Arccos through an Apple watch and say they don't have to carry their phone.  I plan to try that.

If I had an Apple watch, I would probably be using that and leaving the phone tucked away for sure.

[DiscipleofPenick]

I am perfectly happy with a rangefinder. I started making my own yardage books for courses I play often, or if I'm going there for a tournament. Google maps has an interactive tool so you can find distances that way and make notes.

Take Dead Aim

[txgolfjunkie]

21 hours ago, palvord said:

I have only used a GPS system on the course and appreciate the ability to see multiple distances to various targets or hazards quickly compared to the need to shoot a range finder at each specific obstacle or target.

I would like to have a range finder fro the driving range though. The GPS is useless there.

Unless you're fortunate enough to practice on a range with retail golf balls (Pro V1s, etc), then a range finder won't do you much good out on the driving range. The typical range ball flies no where near what a retail golf ball would fly when struck...distance or accuracy. The limited flight range balls, scuffed range balls, water-logged range balls, all of which don't fly the distance or travel the line a ball in your bag would travel. So for that, does it really matter if the flag out on the range is lasered at 143 but the sign says 150 and now you're frustrated that your 8 iron, that normally carries 152, is coming up short? For me, I'm not too concerned on distance at the range. 

I will say that after using a range finder for years, I prefer my GPS watch (Garmin S60). I remember listening to Tom Watson challenge regular golfers to hit towards the middle of the green and see what happens to their scores. Unless I'm out on a course with large greens (>35 yards deep), then I'll just look at the watch and add 7 for back pin or subtract 5 for a front pin. My GIR % has improved a decent amount for playing a bit more conservative instead of trying to get cute with yardages. One added benefit to the Garmin S60 is being able to move the pin position on my watch to get a more accurate reading if I'm playing well and hitting the approach shots I want. I also found it speeds up play if I have all the yardage info on my watch instead of trying to laser the front of the green or a bunker. 

[HeathS16]

Unless you're fortunate enough to practice on a range with retail golf balls (Pro V1s, etc), then a range finder won't do you much good out on the driving range. The typical range ball flies no where near what a retail golf ball would fly when struck...distance or accuracy. The limited flight range balls, scuffed range balls, water-logged range balls, all of which don't fly the distance or travel the line a ball in your bag would travel. So for that, does it really matter if the flag out on the range is lasered at 143 but the sign says 150 and now you're frustrated that your 8 iron, that normally carries 152, is coming up short? For me, I'm not too concerned on distance at the range. 
I will say that after using a range finder for years, I prefer my GPS watch (Garmin S60). I remember listening to Tom Watson challenge regular golfers to hit towards the middle of the green and see what happens to their scores. Unless I'm out on a course with large greens (>35 yards deep), then I'll just look at the watch and add 7 for back pin or subtract 5 for a front pin. My GIR % has improved a decent amount for playing a bit more conservative instead of trying to get cute with yardages. One added benefit to the Garmin S60 is being able to move the pin position on my watch to get a more accurate reading if I'm playing well and hitting the approach shots I want. I also found it speeds up play if I have all the yardage info on my watch instead of trying to laser the front of the green or a bunker. 

Spot on with the range ball analysis here! Range is for tuning in adjeustments IMO less about distance.

I prefer a range finder myself. Started out using a golf buddy gps that was fine but I like being able to laser anything I want and not just front middle back. It doesn’t take more than 10-15 seconds and I play fast enough as it is!


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[Kaplack]

I am a Laser Guy now but am thinking of going to GPS. Why because I kind of doubt I am good enough to benefit from grater accuracy of the laser

Knowing front and Back green yardage’s will be of more help.

[ChitownM2]

8 hours ago, txgolfjunkie said:

Unless you're fortunate enough to practice on a range with retail golf balls (Pro V1s, etc), then a range finder won't do you much good out on the driving range. The typical range ball flies no where near what a retail golf ball would fly when struck...distance or accuracy. The limited flight range balls, scuffed range balls, water-logged range balls, all of which don't fly the distance or travel the line a ball in your bag would travel. So for that, does it really matter if the flag out on the range is lasered at 143 but the sign says 150 and now you're frustrated that your 8 iron, that normally carries 152, is coming up short? For me, I'm not too concerned on distance at the range. 

I've found that a lot of ranges don't post the distance to all of the targets out on the range. A lot have one measurement only and it is taken from the center of the range. In that instance I always use my range finder to find out how far away the targets really are. When you have 30 or 40 bays set up and you are near one of the ends, aiming at the target on the left side may add 30 yards to the distance on the card. 

Knowing that I'm hitting range balls, I can do the adjustment in my  head when I come up 5-10% short, but when a flag isn't directly out in front of you it can be very difficult to estimate how far away it is.

[tony@CIC]

I am perfectly happy with a rangefinder. I started making my own yardage books for courses I play often, or if I'm going there for a tournament. Google maps has an interactive tool so you can find distances that way and make notes.

Take Dead Aim

That sounds intriguing, maybe a separate thread on how to do that with google maps?


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