While golfers have used their golf rangefinders since the 1990s, they aren’t always using them to their full potential. This article will provide seven tips on how golfers can use their rangefinder more effectively.
These rangefinder tips include making sure you keep your device in good shape, as well as practicing with your rangefinder before you need it on the course so that you know exactly how long each of your clubs is hitting. So let’s get started with the golf rangefinder tips.
7 Best Golf Rangefinder Tips
Golf Rangefinder Tips #1: Know the basics
There are two important factors to keep in mind when using a golf rangefinder: distance to target and elevation. Golfers need to know how high they are above sea level, where they’re standing (for example, on a hill), and what device they’re using (are you on flat ground or an incline?).
To understand these elements of your surroundings and account for them, practice aiming at targets at various distances with your rangefinder.
You’ll get more accurate with practice. And don’t forget that GPS function! Don’t rely on it exclusively; always double-check your numbers against other methods.
If you think you’re 150 yards from a pin but your handheld is saying 125 yards, that means you’re closer than expected—you might just reach the green in two! Not only does knowing how your equipment works allow better use of its features, but also it may give you added confidence on every hole.
Trust yourself and you’ll trust your rangefinder more. Just make sure you read all your rangefinder’s user manuals before taking it out on the course.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right: rangefinders come with customer service lines that are happy to help with any problem or question you have. This is the main golf rangefinder tips for beginners.
Golf Rangefinder Tips #2: Improve your accuracy over time
If you’re using a handheld rangefinder, remember to periodically check its accuracy by measuring something you know is roughly a yard away—say, your club or putter.
If your readings aren’t in line with what you expect, it may be time to calibrate your device. The good news: You can typically do so in seconds without much effort.
Some higher-end models will also automatically calibrate themselves whenever they sense that they’ve deviated from their ideal performance level.
Handheld devices will drift over time, but not so dramatically that you should worry about regular calibration; if your handheld drifts more than five yards per 100 shots, it’s probably time to get a new one. (Incidentally, golfer distance preferences are all over the map; here are some factors to consider.)
As you improve and start tackling longer distances, just remember: A handheld model isn’t going to be able to measure a shot beyond several hundred yards (if at all), while most units designed for use on golf carts have little trouble measuring shots up to 1,000 yards.
Golf Rangefinder Tips #3: Where should you place your golf target?
The simplest way to use your rangefinder is to place your target 50 yards away from where you stand and look at what yardage it says. This is also one of the best golf rangefinder tips.
Most likely, that’s how you’re currently using your rangefinder. But, if you want a more accurate reading when determining distance, it might be worth placing your target further than 50 yards away.
Some golfers say that their best results come from placing their targets up to 100 yards away. If you know what distance you need – but aren’t sure about measuring it accurately – just move your pinout further on the fairway or green until your rangefinder reads what you need; this will help ensure an accurate reading every time.
You can also hold your device steady and try aiming slightly above or below your intended target for another variation. Experimenting with your shot placement may make things easier in both professional and recreational settings.
Tips #4: Know the type of terrain you are targeting
The type of terrain that you are targeting can be an important factor when looking at a golf rangefinder. Golf rangefinders with slope compensating capabilities will be able to give a more accurate reading if you know what kind of surface you will be hitting off of.
If you are playing in a grassy field, then chances are your distance readings will be more accurate than if you were hitting hard ground such as concrete or rocks.
Knowing your terrain is essential for getting accurate golf rangefinder readings. Don’t use it for measurements outside of golf.
A golf rangefinder is designed for one thing and one thing only, measuring how far away objects are. Using a golf rangefinder outside of golfing purposes could lead to inaccurate readings due to objects you may not have expected causing interference with your laser technology.
For example, light reflecting off the water could throw off readings on target distances and also confuse other players around you who may think they saw something different happen as well!
Tips #5: Rangefinders have limitations
The most common mistake that golfers make is not understanding how their rangefinder works. Golf rangefinders are great tools that can provide you with accurate distance to hazards and flagsticks, but they do have limitations.
Because of these limitations, it’s important to understand how your particular model works to take full advantage of it during a round of golf.
Most rangefinders work best when held horizontally and at eye level when scanning for distances, so always be sure to scan from left to right (rather than vice versa) to see all available distances.
You should also avoid scanning over water or other background clutter because doing so will confuse your device.
Tips #6: Go beyond 300 yards
It’s one thing to be able to hit 300 yards, but your rangefinder can take you well beyond that.
Practice long-distance shots with your friends and family, as well as professional golfers on TV and YouTube.
Try using different clubs (like a 3-wood or 5-iron) to see what distance you get with each club at certain angles.
Tips #7: Practice makes perfect
One of the best ways to master your rangefinder is by practicing with it.
Try walking up to different objects and measuring their distance, then double-check by holding your club out in front of you to see if you’re right.
If not, try again until you are confident that you’ve measured an object within a few yards correctly.
Conclusion
If you want to improve your game, there’s no better tool than a golf rangefinder. These gadgets offer accurate measurements at longer distances and can help golfers decide which club to use in their next shot.
A rangefinder isn’t just a powerful training tool, though; it’s also an effective measure of distance that you can use from hole to hole during your round.
With these seven tips, you can get more out of your rangefinder every time you take it out on the course. Hope this 7 golf rangefinder tips is helpful to you.
