Golf Watch or Rangefinder – Which Suits You?

Having the right tools to measure distances on the golf course can significantly improve your game. Two of the most popular options are golf watches and rangefinders. But which one should you choose? In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also discuss the importance of knowing your club distances to effectively utilize these tools. I believe every golfer should have either a golf watch or a rangefinder, as they are essential tools that enhance your game without requiring changes to your swing or extra practice time.

Golf Watch

Advantages: A golf watch is conveniently worn on your wrist and is always accessible during your round. Golf watches provide detailed course maps and show distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as to various hazards. Many golf watches come with additional features like step and activity trackers, heart rate monitors, and scorecard functions. Many models automatically update your position on the course and adjust distance information in real time.

Disadvantages: Golf watches have limited battery life, especially when all features are active, which can be an issue during long rounds. They may be less accurate than laser rangefinders, particularly at longer distances or in hilly terrain. The smaller screen on a watch can make it harder to quickly read detailed information.

Rangefinder

Advantages: Rangefinders, especially laser models, offer extremely high accuracy and can measure distances precisely to the pin or other specific targets. It’s simple to aim and press for a quick distance reading, saving time on the course. Rangefinders work on any course without needing downloaded maps or GPS signals. Some laser rangefinders also account for elevation, providing an accurate measurement even on uphill or downhill shots.

Disadvantages: You must manually aim and measure distances, which can be less convenient than the automatic updates of a golf watch. Rangefinders don’t provide the same comprehensive course overview as a golf watch, which may limit your strategic planning. You need to carry the rangefinder separately and take it out for each measurement, which can be less practical.

Know Your Distances

To truly benefit from a golf watch or rangefinder, it’s critical to know how far you hit each club in your bag. Without this knowledge, these tools lose their effectiveness. Here’s how you can learn your club distances:

Practice Sessions: Use a driving range and a Trackman system to measure your distances under controlled conditions.
Track Distances on the Course: During play, note how far you hit each club and under what conditions (wind, temperature, etc.).

By knowing your exact distances for each club, you can better plan your shots and leverage technology to your advantage, leading to improved results on the course.

Your Choice – Golf Watch or Rangefinder?

Both golf watches and rangefinders offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between them depends on your personal preferences and needs on the course. Regardless of which tool you choose, remember that they are most effective when you know your club distances. With proper use, these technologies can help you improve your game and lower your handicap.

I strongly recommend that every golfer uses either a golf watch or a rangefinder. These tools are vital for enhancing your game without requiring you to change your swing or spend extra time practicing.

Golf Watch or Rangefinder – Which Suits You?