How To Use A Golf Rangefinder | Everything You Must Know

If you are a beginner golfer, you may consider using a golf rangefinder is as simple as reading ABCs in your childhood days, but the reality is completely different.

For every amateur and beginner-level golfer, it is essential to have a complete knowledge on how to use a golf rangefinder.

Although it is true that you get a handful of information while reading the instruction manual, it becomes more realistic when you practically use the rangefinder in the course.

In my early days of golf life, I struggled a lot while using the rangefinder for the first time. I can’t even describe how difficult it was for me to find out the correct way of using different types of golf rangefinders.

However, I became very skilled in using my golf rangefinders because of my hard work and dedication.

In today’s post, I will be solely talking about everything related to how a beginner golfer can make the best use of a rangefinder in the course.

Throughout this discussion, I will be describing different types of rangefinders, how to use them in the proper way, how to read a golf rangefinder, and also the best way to use a golf rangefinder.

At the same time, I will also share some ‘Secret Tips’ regarding the use of a golf rangefinder so that you can use your golf rangefinder to take your golfing skills to a completely new level.

So, without further ado, let’s get this discussion started….

Types of Rangefinders

At the very beginning, it is essential to let you know about the types of rangefinders. Actually, every golfer would like to own the perfect golf rangefinder for them.

And, to get the best golf rangefinders, you definitely need to know about the rangefinder types in the first place.

A rangefinder is a compact device packed with lots of features like pocket-friendly, water-resistant body, and many more. Additionally, some high-end rangefinders have features like shock-absorbing capability which make them usable under all weather conditions.

Depending on the type of the golf rangefinder, the features and functions may vary. So, let’s get to know about the rangefinder types.

There are basically 3 different types of golf rangefinders available in the market which are as follows

Laser Rangefinder

A laser golf rangefinder is a type of rangefinder that mainly works using the working principle known as laser beam technology. The light beam of this rangefinder reads and measures the distance between your target and your position.

The working principle used by this type of golf rangefinder is as follows –

The rangefinder sends its laser beam to the targeted position and efficiently calculates the time taken by the beam to return from the target.

In this case, one of the most important things to consider is the surrounding temperature conditions. Actually, the light speed may vary due to varied conditions of the surrounding temperature.

You have to keep in mind that using a laser golf rangefinder for aiming the target requires sufficient practice for mastering the art of using such type of rangefinder.

At the initial stage, it is quite common to find it a challenging one. But with hard work, dedication and practice, you can learn how to aim with this type of rangefinder.

Here, you should also keep in mind that not all laser golf rangefinder models come with the same features and functions. In order to make the most out of your laser rangefinder, it is essential to own one of the best laser golf rangefinders.

In this regard you can read the detailed reviews of Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder, one of the best laser golf golf rangefinder for buying.

GPS Rangefinder

Almost all the GPS rangefinders used in golf come with a very modern technology called the Pin Sin Technology.

This technology called “Pin Seeking Technology” is more like a target locking feature that works by pointing at a small pin and locking the target for measuring the distance.

The most beneficial thing about this rangefinder is that you get the option of pressing a designated button to lock your target. As a result, even you have shaky hands, the locked target would remain locked which will lead to giving you the most accurate result.

Using the Pin Seeking technology, this type of rangefinder can measure the distance between your targeted object and every other obstacle that you would like to point at.

Optical Rangefinder

There is another type of rangefinder used in Golf which is known as the Optical rangefinder.

Although this rangefinder type is not that popular, it can provide you with the accurate result while measuring the distance between your position and your target.

The working principle followed by this golf rangefinder type is mentioned below –

The optical golf rangefinder mainly uses the Optical Principles where there is an operator that determines the distance between the user and a visible object. Although the outlook or exterior appearance of each of these rangefinder types is more or less the same, the technological differences are too the ones to be considered in order to get the best golf rangefinder for you.

How To Use A Golf Rangefinder – Step By Step Guideline

In this section, I will be talking about all you need to be aware of about how to use a golf rangefinder. Actually, there are some basic steps that you need to follow while using a golf rangefinder when you are out there in the golf course.

The basic steps of using a golf rangefinder are as follows –

• Determining the target.
• Aiming at the target with your rangefinder.
• Activating the rangefinder.
• Getting the measurement of the distance

The above-mentioned basic steps will always be the same for using any kind of golf rangefinder.

However, you may need to make some modifications depending on the type of rangefinder you will be using during the game.

I have already explained the differences between each of the rangefinder categories. And I believe that you are aware of these basic differences.

But if you still have any confusion, you should scroll up and check the differences of the rangefinder types so that you can understand each rangefinder type and the way you need to operate the devices.

Now, let’s talk about the modifications you have to apply while using each of these rangefinder types –

How to Use Optical Rangefinders

Although this rangefinder type is an obsolete one at the present time, it can be used as basic equipment for estimating the distance between the user and the target.

When you use an optical rangefinder, you just need to view through this rangefinder’s sight. In order to get a higher level of clarity, you can just make adjustments by moving the knobs (for the models that come with knobs).

Note:

The optical golf rangefinder will not give you results as accurate as GPS Rangefinders or Laser Rangefinders.

How to Use GPS Rangefinders

At the present time, you can find the maps of almost all the golf courses on the internet. Keep in mind that if you use a GPS rangefinder and the map of the golf course is not available on the internet, then your GPS rangefinder will be completely useless.

Actually, the GPS golf rangefinders require the establishment of a connection to the satellite feed in order to determine the current location of the user or golfer. Then, this device reads data of other necessary things like flagsticks, slopes, and flags.

To be honest, it is quite easy to understand how to use a GPS golf rangefinder –

• First, load the golf course’s map on your GPS rangefinder.
• Next, you have to turn the GPS function of your rangefinder on in order to allow the device to establish a connection to the satellite feed for determining the user’s location.
• After your rangefinder reads and accumulates all the necessary data, you have to select the option called “Target Hole” in order to get the data regarding the distance along with the slopes.

Here, I must aware you of the fact that the accuracy of the GPS rangefinder entirely depends on the internet connection and the GPS signal. So, it is essential for you to always update your GPS rangefinder and also download and update the latest version of the golf course maps so that you can get the best data regarding your targeted distance and slopes.

You can check details of Garmin Approach Z82, Golf GPS Laser Range Finder in this regard

Note:

This feature of using the internet connection and reading maps can be regarded as the major drawback of the GPS golf rangefinders because poor internet connection and outdated maps won’t help you much while measuring the distance.

How to Use Laser Rangefinders

The laser rangefinder mainly works using the working principle of laser beam technology. With this laser beam technology, the light beam mainly reads the distance between your target and your position. In order to get more accurate results with your laser rangefinders, it is vital for you to practice aiming through this laser rangefinder type.

If you want to use the laser rangefinder the right way, you have to follow these steps –

• First, turn your rangefinder on.
• Based on your situation or surrounding environment, you have to select the right mode. With this rangefinder, you get the flexibility of changing the sights or mode or making adjustments considering the slopes.
• When you are done with making all the adjustments, you just need to view the target by aiming through the sight using your eyes.
• Then, you have to press the designated button and you will be able to view your target clearly.

Here, you have to keep in mind that the accuracy of your laser rangefinder heavily depends on the amount of reflected laser beam on your target. When the surface is a bit reflexive, you will get an improved level of accuracy from a laser golf rangefinder.

At the present moment in time, you will find a small reflective piece at the top portion of almost all the flagstick. So, this will help you get an accurate result of the distance between the flag and your position.

The main challenge faced by all beginner-level golfers is selecting the right mode while measuring distance using a golf rangefinder.

In this case, I would like to make you aware of the fact that even if you know how to use a laser golf rangefinder, you won’t be able to get accurate results unless you have one of the best laser golf rangefinders from a reputed brand.

You can go also through detailed reviews of Bozily Golf Laser Rangefinder, for buying one of the best brand Laser Golf Rangefinder.

What Is The Best Way To Use A Golf Rangefinder?

Most amateur golfers think that a golf rangefinder should be used only for playing medium-ranged shots. But I would say that it is a completely wrong approach.

Instead, I would recommend you to use a rangefinder for playing all of your shots at your initial stage. Actually, this will help you get an accurate idea about the distances you want to measure. And having the appropriate idea about the distance lets you choose the right golf accessories to play a particular shot.

Using the golf rangefinder the right way will not only help you with giving accurate distance result, but it will also notify you about the obstacles you will face while playing a shot.

Tips On How To Make The Best Use of A Golf Rangefinder

As I have mentioned, it is now time to share the ‘Secret Tips’ regarding how to make the best use of a golf rangefinder.

In the following, I will only mention the tips that can really help you play your game more efficiently using a rangefinder –

• No matter what happens always try to look for a golf-designed rangefinder in order to get your desired result.
• Always compare the limitations of each golf rangefinder type before you buy any golf rangefinder.
• Make sure to choose a golf rangefinder that comes with easy accessibility.
• Try to study the golf rangefinder tutorials as much as you can in order to learn new tips and tricks.
• To be honest, there is no alternative to practice. So, always do these 3 things – Practice, Practice & Practice.
• Always read the entire Instruction Manual of your golf rangefinder before you start using the device in your game.
• Lastly, don’t get too much dependent on your golf rangefinder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, we have reached the ending part of this discussion which is ideally focused on how to use a golf rangefinder.

All beginner-level golfers do know the importance of using a golf rangefinder in order to measure the distance accurately.

So, I have tried to describe almost everything that you should know regarding how to use a golf rangefinder in the most efficient way.

This is just a recap of what we have gone through in this discussion –

• Rangefinder Types.
• Working Mechanism of Each Rangefinder Type.
• How to Use a Rangefinder.
• The Best Way to Use A Golf Rangefinder.
• Tips on How You Can Make the Best Use of a Golf Rangefinder.

I think that you have got a clear idea of how you should use your golf rangefinder in order to accurately measure the distance.

Still, if you face any confusion, you can feel free to ask for my assistance.

I will be happy to extend my helping hand.

This is all for today!

Take Care!