Garmin watch or Rangefinder?

[Zman56]

I have an old Garmin golf watch and thinking about getting a rangefinder.  What do people thing about golf watch vs a range finder.  What is the best rangefinder I should consider?  Thank you!

[Fieldrj]

I still use my Garmin Approach S20 watch which ive had for many years now. I have debated upgrading to a newer watch with more features or buying a rangefiner. But i keep going back to the S20 because it has all i need. It gives me the back middle and front of the green distances, layup distances, hazard distances, and i can move the pin around to find more precise pin distances if i want. I dont need more functions like a touch screen or color display of the hole layout. I wont leave it in the cart and lose it like a rangefinder. Also, a new watch/rangefinder costs more than im willing to spend. 

The downside to my watch, ive had to replace the rubber strap and rubber loops to keep the tag end inplace, the battery doesnt last as long as it used to, and my course has a green with a lower left pin position that Garmin does not recognize on the watch display, but golf GPS apps like the GRINT allows me to find that distance when needed. 

I do like the abilility to look at my watch for a distance to hit without having the extra equipment or forgetting the rangefinder in the cart, especially when its cart path only, or when my cartner and I arnt playing good cart golf. 

Those are all my reasons why i personally prefer my simple golf watch

[rkj427]

I have a Garmin S62 and also use a Nikon Coolshot rangefinder.

For exact distances to pins, I find the rangefinder to be more accurate, and really just use my watch to get approximate distances where there may be some room for error on distance required for that particular shot.

I typically find them accurate to each other within 3 - 5 yards, with the rangefinder being more accurate rather than relying upon a GPS satellite.

[Golf2Much]

Count me in for those who use GPS and laser rangefinder. 

In my case, I've used the Shot Scope LX+ which has the LX rangefinder and the H4 GPS/shot tracking system for two years.   I use the H4 for getting general distance to the greens, helping calculate layup distances and (with the included RF tags) collecting data on my golf game.  The big advantage is there's no additional fee (annual or otherwise) to access the data and analysis.  I tend to use the rangefinder for a specific distance to the pin when I'm close and for accurate distances to hazards.  

The original LX+ (LX rangefinder, H4 GPS unit and club tags) is roughly $300 while the updated version that has a cart magnet and updated stabilization is roughly $370.  The LX rangefinder has stabilization, target lock vibration, adaptive slope technology and 900 yard/7X optics.  The H4 is a full functioning GPS unit and shot tracker for less than the annual fee for some shot tracking systems.   Individually, the LX runs about $300 and the H4 at $150 (but I've seen it as low as $129).  So, the bundle is a good deal.  

[TMG_Golf]

I use both but since buying my Shotscope I rarely use the rangefinder anymore. The only thing to use it for now is to laser the group in front of me to see if it’s safe to hit. I’m also not a good enough golfer to pin hunt so the front middle and back distances on the watch work great for me. 

[BreakfastBall15]

I use my Garmin Fenix 7. Distances are pretty reliable, within a few yards of my playing partners Range Finder, and even has a ”plays like” feature that factors in slope and wind. Been using Garmins ever since I left my Range Finder in a cart and haven’t gotten a new one. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I have both but use the laser more often. My course has a lot of dog legs so knowing the exact distance to the tree line is important. You now know how far you can hit to get the best position for your next shot. My laser also has slope. All the greens are elevated. This also helps. 
If you are interested in a laser look at the Cobalt. Absolutely the best I’ve had and tried. It’s pricey but also has a lifetime warranty.  Check out the forum testing thread for these. I golf twice a week 52 weeks a year and still am on the original battery two years later. My other lasers batteries would only last a half season at best.

I have a magnetic laser pocket on my bag. Open flap, shoot target, put it back and pull the club needed. I never put it in or on the cart. You will forget it eventually.

[cnosil]

I am primarily a GPS person and only really need F/M/B distance and the pin position.  I’ll occasionally use a rangefinder for doglegs or hazard carry or for slope calculation when there is a large height difference.    Learned that good course management means you seldom  end actual pin distance.   

[Stuka44]

I use the Garmin S40, or S42, its one of those two.  First like others have said, I have found when I start to believe, and that is what having an "exact" number to the pin, prompts in me, that I can hit a golf ball an exact number, especially if the distance to the flag is the exact number I think I fly one of my clubs, then bad things happen.  I  immediately begin to have wholly unrealistic expectations of where this shot is going to end up, and most of the time the results are not good AT ALL.

I am entirely comfortable with I got 140 to the middle, my 9 iron goes 135, the front is 130, don't want to risk 145 yard 8 iron, because over the green is NEVER GOOD, at any of the places I play.  C'mon baby hit the putting surface!! Is good enough for me!!

I will say I NEVER thought of what someone said earlier.  All groups should be required to have one range finder, for the sole purpose OF LASERING THE GROUP IN FRONT, to prevent undue waiting when, AS OFTEN HAPPENS, the group in which nobody has hit a drive 225 yards, is waiting to tee off, even though the group in front of them is at 285 already.

P.S.

And as Tom mentioned I am freaking terrible at leaving, or almost leaving things behind, haven't left anything behind YET, that is attached to my wrist.

Edited April 25 by Stuka44

[Hacker60521]

Like a lot of people here I use both. I’ve had a Garmin S62 but switched to a ShotScope X5. Same basic ideas as everyone else, I use this mostly for F/M/B. My course gives us pin sheets which I’ll look at on occasion but for me FMB is fine. know it can do more. I just need to take the time to learn. Laser is for things like dog legs, edge of a hazard, carry over hazard, etc.

I don’t worry too much if the two distances aren’t exactly the same. First, my shot dispersion is probably more than the discrepancy. Haha. Second, I’ll trust the laser over GPS

[VernL4]

I absolutely love my Garmin Fenix 7. I'm not good enough to need an exact distance to the pin. Distance to the center of the green is good enough for me. I use the Fenix for so much more than just golf, so it serves many purposes for me. A rangefinder only does one thing. 

[StrokerAce]

just picked up the shotscope x5 and only used it once but really like the course map feature. I still use the LRF to get distances to hazards but the shotscope is quickly making that a rarely used instrument.

to answer your question - I would say get both; you'll find instances where you'll want one or the other.

[higherplane]

I use both, first had Garmin watch that I used with a Leopold ( great customer service and wont die) Range Finder I got years ago. Now do the same with Apple watch.  The range finder is faster to get true distance than looking at the green view on a watch, also it is part of a routine that calms me before the shot in 10 seconds.          

[mward0516]

I have a Garmin S20 and rangefinder.  Initially I was using both.   But one day rangefinder batteries were dead.   Put back in bag and have never gotten back out.   Need to get batteries and use again.   I really used it more for layup distances.   Rely on watch for distances to green.

[Ray Eaton]

I use the Tec Tec Tec rangefinder with slope. Super nice and accurate plus the price was great.

[JackieMoon_LMS]

I use Shot Scope V3 and a 10 year old Bushnell that I’ve had forever. The rangefinder only comes out when I want to see how far a tree/corner is or if it is a very cloudy day and my watch may be a few yards off. 

[Digiburdie]

My setup: 

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 using Arccos app for distances on the watch and suggested clubs via the virtual caddie feature as well as a ton of other reasons to use Arccos.
• Bushnell Pro X3 for exact distances on par 3's and approach shots. 

This setup seems to be working, BUT I'm always willing to try something new and I've been considering moving over to ShotScope X5 or Garmin S70 (but then I lose the shot tracking). I guess a total golf nerd setup would be:

• Garmin S70 watch
• Arccos with Link to track (no phone in pocket guy)
• Bushnell Pro X3

[trike11]

Started using Arccos, I typically quickly look at the app but then use my laser for the real distance. I find the GPS distances are not accurate all of the time but granted, this is my phone/watch not a GPS watch.

[GolferXY]

I'm one of those who use both.  Watch is Garmin S62 which I use to keep score, scope is Caddytalk Cube.  On shots without trouble or complication I glance at the watch to get yardage to the middle, hazards and the like, and to see the layout of the hole and/or the green.  I usually follow that up with a scope to get a look at the green complex, or to get definitive carry distances to hazards, especially from the tee and on approaches.  I especially like the Cube if riding a cart on cart path only courses where I can range the ball, then the flag and get a triangulated distance to the pin.  Works great!  Plus, I will sometimes hit into a spot where I need yardage to a tree or spot on the fairway to lay up to.  Can't do that with a watch.

[poolpartypost]

Question for those who use the watch. Im just a smuck with a range finder.
Do you use the other features that come with the watch outside of distances.
Kind of an open ended question... For garmin are you using the app as well to track everything and getting strokes gained etc ?
I also think some watches have a tempo trainer.
Maybe there are other things your watch does as well (golf related) that i am not aware of.

[flsw19]

Belts and suspenders. FBM is fine for smaller greens, but larger or oddly shaped greens need additional information. 

[Big Jan]

I definitely prefer rangefinder. I think where rangefinders really have an advantage is if you’re playing a course with a lot of slope and you need adjusted yardages as well as on pitch shots where exact yardages are needed. If you’re looking to try out a range finder, I’d recommend getting one off of Temu first. You can get a decent one off of there for around $40. I recently purchased one and it’s worth the price. It’s definitely not as high quality as a nice, big name range finder, but it gives adjusted yardage and more importantly gives accurate numbers (within 1-2 yards of my dad’s nice range finder).

[jolter1]

I use both a Garmin S12 along with  a rangefinder and find just using the Garmin when it is cart path only means one less thing to carry with me.  Never got the hang of using the apps on my smartphone.

[VernL4]

On 4/26/2024 at 8:12 PM, poolpartypost said:

Question for those who use the watch. Im just a smuck with a range finder.
Do you use the other features that come with the watch outside of distances.
Kind of an open ended question... For garmin are you using the app as well to track everything and getting strokes gained etc ?
I also think some watches have a tempo trainer.
Maybe there are other things your watch does as well (golf related) that i am not aware of.

Yes, I use all of the shot tracking and club tracking stuff. I personally like the Virtual Caddie feature that suggests which club to use. It's a nice suggestion when dealing with wind, hazards, and elevation changes. All of the stats automatically show up on the Garmin Connect website and/or the Garmin Golf app on your phone. Since I love numbers I go through them all after each round and then again before a new round. My watch does not have the tempo training feature. I think the S70 has that, though. I like the pinpointer feature as well. It points to the green so you know where to aim. You can also tap on the hole map to get distances to specific hazards. It's incredibly helpful when helping to decide if you can carry a hazard or if you need to layup.  

As far as other things- I enjoy the leaderboard feature. There are weekly tournaments that are automatically created for all courses. You can see how you performed when compared to other Garmin users that play that course during the week. You can also create tournaments. This feature is nice for when you can not get to a course at the same time as friends. 

[Güter McJunior]

Rangefinder for me. I use a PrecisionPro NX9 slope. I tried using a watch/app but like making a Frosty at home, it just wasn’t the same. I find I’m better at judging distance as well, since I only take out the rangefinder sometimes. With the watch I used it before every swing. 

[Parshooter36]

I use a Garmin S70 watch and a Bushnell V5 Shift rangefinder. I like having both, but if I had to choose only one, it would be the rangefinder. 

[Beakbryce]

Sky Caddie SX 400. I have used several Sky Caddie products and love them. Can really help if you play holes backward from the green to figure out where to place t shots. Can't be beat when yardage is needed where a laser wouldn't work. It does require payment. I have a 3 year plan. With the proliferation of app products out there for the phone that not only show the hole with yardages etc, but also track shots, probably will be my last Sky Caddie product unless there is a serious upgrade to track shots etc. 

That being said I also have a laser. Shot Scope Pro 2 L2. Highly rated by several different web sites for under $150. Have had it for 3 months and love it. Replaced a 20+ year old Bushnell hunting laser.

Lasers have become very cheap on Amazon. No idea of the quality or accuracy. Would make an interesting long term test.

[FallenSaber]

I've been slowly upping my tech on the course. For most of my playing career, I used no tech at all, unless a golf cart had a GPS. Then maybe 2 years ago, I started to use apps on my phone that had GPS. I don't mind having my phone in my pocket so was never an issue. Last year, I was selected as a MGS tester for the Garmin Approach S70. I've been very happy with the watch and it's now the only tech I use on the course.

I've never really seen the need for a range finder. The watch can give you fairly precise yardage. If I'm off 2 or 3 yards for the exact location of the pin, I really don't think it'll change how I'd play the shot.

[Middler]

Rangefinder is unquestionably more accurate, so that's what I rely on. GPS watches are pretty accurate to the center of the green (unless you want to fiddle with pin position, still a guess and PITA), but on some courses (probably just a couple % overall) the files are way off, as much as 20 yards IME. I look at my Garmin S20 for a general idea of distance, but mostly I just use it for keeping score and stats. The only downside of a rangefinder is you have to have line of sight. I have never had an issue getting distance with my rangefinder, though I sometimes have to step sideways to sight - I am sure there are some courses with blind approach shots that could be more of an issue.

Edited Monday at 06:41 PM by Middler

[hack62tpi]

I prefer my Garmin approach S20 because it is very simple to use and get the information I need.