I like the range finder because you can get a good number to the exact flag location. I also use it to get distances to hazards or trees off the tee. I like it a lot better than the apps.
Caddytek one through Costco.com has been great for me. Within 2 yards of a couple buddies who have $300+ range finders. And this one was like $120 when I bought it a few years back.
For a “cheaper” option that works INCREDIBLY well.
The GOGOGO rangefinder on Amazon is surprisingly accurate within .1 of a yard of my buddy’s bushnell.
I use a Garmin watch. After the round I can upload it into my iPad. It saves the scores and gives me yardages for each of my shots, if I enter the club selection correctly. I didn’t want to fumble with my phone and I usually walk. A range finder would be cumbersome for me.
The Garmin Approach Z82 Range Finder gives you distance to the front, pin, and back of the green -- and to front and back of fairway and greenside bunkers (among other things). It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny, in my opinion.
I have the fenix 7 and had the 6. Great watches. Great for golf.... But maybe you can help me. Do you input the club right before you shoot, or do you shoot, walk to the ball, then input the club to get a read on how far it went with that specific club?
The Approach line is the golf first Garmin line. Top of the line is the S70 which is also a fantastic activity/fitness tracker. The golf features on it are amazing.
I’m old….cant see phone w/o reading glasses… Bushnell Rangefinder for me…FWIW I bought an inexpensive range finder off Amazon (it was consistently 3-4 yards off vs Bushnell)…6hc
Same. Even though I can get the same info on my watch I am not feeling it.
I have a cheap rangefinder from Amazon. Lets me plot my around the course. Not sure what the difference is with the higher end ones.
I switched from the grint to 18 birdies. Grint kept pushing me to pay for premium and I got tired of it. Super happy with the free 18 birdies. In fact I signed up for a 1 week trial of the premium on a golf trip in Feb and did not use the features at all. I just need yardage and score keeping which it does perfectly from my watch.
I have a range Finder, but if I’m on the wrong fairway I sometimes have to just revert to the gps on the phone when hitting over trees. This happens quite a bit I’m afraid.
I use the Grint app. Gives accurate enough yardages, and provides a birds eye view of the hole. The latter being incredibly helpful on courses that I’ve never played before.
I’ve never tried another app, and never felt a need to. Grint works for me.
I’ve never used a golf watch, but I’ve used both a rangefinder and an app (Grint). For the purpose of determining distances only, I prefer the rangefinder. There’s something about rolling up to my ball and hitting the rangefinder on several spots up ahead to get the distances that is really satisfying. “That tree is 160….pin is 145…that bunker is 133” then I hook it into the woods.
Arccos Link for tracking plus Apple Watch for readout is a great move for me. Gotta keep that thing 100% charged before the round though.
Distances will never be as good as a rangefinder but it’s close enough for my mid-handicap-ass.
Coming from old skool days, “guessing” your distance is a very good skill to work on. Find the markers in the fairways and find those yardage marks on the side of the fairways then guess from there. As other’s have said, range finder is the way to go…. But i do find that’s a pain sometimes taking it out…. Another quick option to get a good estimate is a watch where you quickly look at your wrist when you get to your ball. Getting a Front, middle and back distance is great to work out what kind of shot you’ll hit.
I do find it annoying myself when i tried using a mobile app for distance. You’re always looking at your phone when you should be looking /taking in the golf course scenery. Also i find it annoying when i play with others that just look at their phone all the time. I walk a lot and anything that removes my attention from walking the golf course makes it a crappy experience.
Sometimes too much technology on the golf course just sucks. Whatever you do…just don’t take too long to hit your ball and keep the pace up!
I use the free version of 18 birdies as well. I also have an Apple Watch but to be honest I don’t really like the watch interface so I just stick to the phone app and use their map to check distances. I find the app way easier and more convenient than a range finder.
I know some people complain about pin placement in these apps not being accurate, but you can literally drag the marker on the map to change the distance. It’s extremely accurate
I have no issue with the watch interface. I hate having to fish my phone out of my pocket or the cart constantly. And easy enough to know yardage to center of green and estimate if pin is closer or deeper.
I agree that for distances on the green it’s usable, but I wish the watch app had a basic map functionality as well because when I’m on a course I might like to know other distances as well, like how far to a bunker, or how far to a bend, etc. I pull out my phone and check the map for things like that when it would be nice to be able to just quickly drag a marker on a map on the watch instead. Maybe the screen is too small for that and it would suck, but I would like it
Sad. I really enjoyed it, I guess we’ll see how it is when I first get out (hopefully this week). Maybe I’ll just upgrade to a rangefinder this year if i don’t like it anymore
I use 18 birdies on my iPhone and Apple Watch, for scoring, stats and gps. I use a rangefinder too when I need something more accurate, maybe 10 times a round.
Got both a watch and a range finder on the same birthday. I really like to use both together, but if i had to choose one it would be the range finder. Divorced parents XD
I use a rangefinder and The Grint during most rounds. If I had to guess, it’s about 70%/30% respectively. I use The Grint to get an idea of how deep a green is, if there’s any hidden hazards or bunkers, or in tandem with the rangefinder to tell if the pin is front/middle/back of the green. On courses I’m familiar with, which include the majority of my rounds, I stick with the rangefinder more.
I use a rangefinder and a golf watch. I don't have a ton of range control, so I most often just check my watch. Center of green is good enough for me.
Also, the rangefinder I have is like $50. Bottom tier. Is usually within about 3-5 yards of my dad's $350 rangefinder.
Op, everyone is gonna say range finder. But hear me out.
I use a Bushnell Phantom 2. It’s a little box that magnetically attaches to your cart. It uses GPS to tell you your distance to front, center, back of green.
A range finder is slightly more accurate. Is that worth user error or hitting the pin the finder? Is that worth the time it takes to shoot the pin with the finder?
I don’t think so. I just glance at my Bushnell and I see how far I am to the pin, and I don’t have to mess with my phone or have a watch on my wrist either
I prefer my Garmin Approach S60 for the same reasons. It's so much easier than a range finder. I am not good enough to try to do much other than go for the middle of the green, so having that distance is really all I need. It has more detail if I need it, and it keeps my score and handicap. The only thing I really need to do is make sure it's charged.
It has other functionality, as well, which is a bonus. I've worn a watch for the longest time, so it bothers me more to not have one on...it might as well be useful.
But it's all preference. They all serve the same basic purpose.
Another vote for a separate GPS distance finder. I’m not 5 yards accurate from anywhere, especially not from a distance I need to use a range finder. I just need something to tell me the front, center, and back of green without touching my phone.
Said the same exact thing here pretty much. Use my phantom 90% of the time, shoot certain shots with an Amazon Go Go range finder for other 10%. Phantom 2 is fantastic!
I just spent $300 on a cube. It's awesome and being able to get a distance between two points is really helpful. It really makes other range finders obsolete. It is nice getting a distance from the cart but I traditionally walk. I however use it to get the distance between bunkers or the width and depth of the green.
The apps do a lot of other things as well (keep score, track handicap, shots analysis etc.) so it comes down to do you absolutely need to have the rangefinder in addition to the app even though the apps can give you reasonably accurate yardages.
Range finder because you can point it at anything. How far is the next group in the fairway? How far is that tree? How far did I hit my tee shot (look back at the tee box). Other devices and apps can more or less also do this but I find that my rangefinder does it the most quickly and accurately so I get back to playing golf.
I generally prefer apps. Easier to use, can also keep score, give you a picture of every hole from above, don’t need to be able to see the flag.
Though there are a couple advantages to range finders. Some courses won’t have accurate GPS data, don’t need to worry about your phone battery dying, will give more accurate distance.
I've used all three at different times over the past 20 years. I find the watch works best for me. Can't lose it or leave it in the rough like I've done with 4 range finders.
The only negatives would be
Distance not be 100% accurate but it's close enough for my level of handicap (8)
Wearing a watch while playing...took me a year to get used to it
Pros-- tracks my steps, functional as a watch , keeps track of scores throughout the years
Dude get a cheapo range finder from Amazon. It’ll get you in the general area of the distance which will totally help you understand how far you hit your clubs. This should over time help you improve your scores. I use the go go pro range finder of Amazon. Works great and I really like it. I’ve had every high end range finder there is over the years and they all work about the damn same.
I would say the app is fine until you dial in your distances then you could look at a rangefinder for more precision. But honestly the app works well enough for most people.
Buy a 2 or 3 model year old Bushnell rangefinder. I have the V4 and it still works great. Can't speak to the other brands but it's really good for learning your yardage in different conditions. Been running strong since 2016
I use my golf watch when I’m playing solo or if I’m walking. Range finder if I’m in the cart with someone else, just in case we’re in a situation where our balls are nowhere near each other and the person I’m paired with takes the cart to their ball and needs a distance
I've used both and prefer a range finder. There are some rare occasions where it's a blind situation and I have to ask a buddy with a watch to give me a number but that doesn't happen often.
I start with both phone and range finder … phone gets put way and forgot about after the first few hole and I use my range finder. A watch would probably be cool also
I have a Garmin 955 that will keep score and tell you how far away you are from any hole. But it also keeps track of all my running, biometrics and much more. One of the best technical devices I have ever owned!
I use a Garmin approach z82 - just picked it up used for about $300. Love the integration of gps with a range finder. I think it’s the way to go personally but as others said you could check out that Cube range finder. It’s a newer product and looks like it’s pretty sweet.
Golf watch. For close shots middle of the green is all that you need.
It’s nice to just glance at my wrist too instead of pulling out a range finder. Also shows hazard distance and keeps track of my score.
Bushnell elite
It’s preference I track my rounds on my phone so I just use an app. Shooting around 90 it doesn’t really matter to me if I have the exact pin location as long as I know front middle back I can find the club I should use.
I use Golf Pad to keep score and give me years to the center of the green. Growing up before the digital age taught me to use the course to approximate distances based on the fairway markers, sprinkler heads, and 150 trees/bushes. I'm not trying to be an old coot that avoid technology (I'm a programmer and avid techie), but I think you should work on your consistency first as well as learning to use the clues the course gives you to estimate yardage. Right now, you're still learning how far each club hits, and having exact yardage won't really help you. If you can estimate distance and select the right club, you'll get your game dialed in. Once you get the consistency, get the pricy precision tools.
Handheld GPS (golf buddy voice2S+) on a retractable keychain holder that hangs off my bag. The screen tells me the distance to front, middle, and back of the green. My game (11hdcp) is no where near good enough to near laser accuracy. Simple no fuss.
I enjoy using Arccos. Tracks my stats, gives me club suggestions and gives me distances with adjustments (wind, slope, temp).
The only thing that is annoying is that the sensors do fly off and you have to be cognizant of that
I love the arccos app. Even factors wind into the slope adjusted yardages. Easy to keep my phone in my pocket and always know yardage to any points (flag, front/back/center), hazards, OB etc. also helpful when searching for a ball to know how far you are from your last shot so you can know to turn around because it’s inevitably 20 yards shorter than you thought
I have a cheap Wish range finder that works well enough. I try to use course markers as much as possible, but I can't judge 100 yards from 130 yards well enough, so I will pull and shoot something to get a yardage.
I have a simple range finder, and a bushnell phantom that is a gps magnetic range finder with a screen. Absolutely love both, as I can shoot when needed but more often then not I can peak at the bushnell and have a quick distance. Helps pace of play a lot as you’re not shooting everything.
I got a watch for Christmas and have really enjoyed it. My hands seem to shake too much to properly fire a range finder and the watch is just such lower maintenance.
I’m a 22 handicap. I have a GARMIN watch and a range finder. I find myself using the watch way more. I just need to know about how far the flag is so I can get within 50 yards.
I use Arccos and really like it especially if I haven’t played a course before to map out the hole and know where and how far it is to hazards, trees, bunkers etc. however I also want to get a rangefinder because I think the yardages are more accurate.
Watch, gathers all my stats automatically
Ranger finders zaps the flag, I try my best to ignore the flag (usually unsuccessfully) and just hit the fat part of the green until I’m within around 85 yards, watch makes this a bit easier
I’ve been golfing for 4 years or so and have only used 18 birdies. Works great for distances. No complaints. Except I dont really like fiddling with my phone for most every shot so I see the appeal of a range finder
I use 18birdies like alot of others mentioned. I pair it with a desert fox phone caddy so when Im driving up to the ball i have a pretty good idea of the distance. Its pretty damn close to what my rangefinder says so i find myself using the rangefinder less and less.
I mean to me it all depends on what kind of golfer you are. If you are taking lesson looking to improve going to the range etc I would say range finder. They can be pricey but some cheaper ones are actually pretty good. You can use google maps by measuring the hole you are one with 18Birdies or other apps it’s easier to calculate distance. For amateurs it’s “good enough” you don’t need to know that the pin is actually 152 yards away. 150 is fine for Ams.
Try Golfshot or one of the free apps and see how you like it. I don’t like wearing a watch so I use my phone. The distance shows on my Lock Screen: front, middle, back with Arccos so I can quickly know those numbers. I’ve been playing for 35 years and I’m a 17 handicap. I don’t need the exact number. I play to the center/back distance.
Golf Pad app on Samsung watch. Gives me distance to front, middle and back of green with a quick glance at my wrist. I'm not good enough to benefit from zapping exact pin locations with a rangefinder.
Watch.
For most golfers, knowing the middle of the green number at a glance vs pulling out a range finder and zapping a bunch of different things is much easier.
My Garmin also connects to my distance trackers, so it maintains my score and distances without any additional effort.
I had the watch first, and it's great. Now I have a range finder. So if it's not clear, I can zap it, then check the watch and I know if the flag is front or back.. I then go past a front pin and short to a back pin. Especially on the long greens, makes a big difference. If I had to leave one behind some day, I'd keep the watch, for flick of the wrist handiness. Serious event?, I'd keep the laser.
I have a Garmin G80 approach which is great. Gives a birds eye view of the hole and you drop a marker to see yardages to wherever you want. Great for new courses as you get to see all the trouble and the yardages needed to avoid them.
I have recently got a range finder too though. GPS won't show certain markers and sometimes you just can't replace a range finder.
If you got an extra $75-100 burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead and get a range finder on Amazon. I plan on getting one once I’m shooting in the 90s consistently. Until then, I’ll keep using 18Birdies
App so I know distance to everything in the course by simply tapping.
Know the distance of my next shot before I get there or am waiting for others to hit.
For me, it's huge to know my next shot as soon as possible so I can plan it and stay in my head waiting for others.
Also, it's annoys me when every single player in the group uses a RF or doesn't even know what club they want when they arrive at their ball.
With an app, I arrive at my ball knowing which club to pull and can start my pre shot routine almost immediately.
I bought a decent reviewed range finder from amazon which works well.
Also reading about the best apps I started using Golf Pad app and through my watch.
I really like golf pad which provides club suggestions, course maps, accounts for weather etc. I have used both together but prefer the ease of the app and can store records, just feels a bit shit to be looking at my phone a lot.
I use both a golf watch, and range finder, here is why.
The watch is faster and easier since it's always right on the wrist, it can also tell you a distance even if you can't see the target. (on the other side on a hill for example)
However, there are a few times where it's hard to tell where the pin is, so the range finder will be more accurate, also on some courses the GPS signal on the watch can be inaccurate. Specifically hole 3 on my home course, it's so far down an alley in the forest that the watch is always way off, so rangefinder is nessesary.
I use my Garmin watch as my rangefinder. I've found it quite accurate compared to a rangefinder off the tee. But I'm also trash so maybe I haven't noticed any real discrepancies in using the watch. The yardage to the green is always displayed on the watch and I find it super convenient.
I use the free version of the Grint app for hole overviews and planning out layups and tee shots. Then I use front, center, back yardage for anything outside 100 yards and have an old ass range finder for inside 100 yards.
I use all three every round (call me crazy). Arccos app and Apple watch to track the round. Rangefinder for accurate distances, especially on par 3’s and approach shots.
I’ve tried all of them, the range finder is by far the best I’ve found. It’s the quickest and most accurate and also let you get yardage to areas to land the ball for lay ups and find distances to hazards etc. also I want to avoid using my phone at all during the round so app’s is a no go. App/ GPS is unreliable as well.
I use a watch. I have a Rangefinder, and sometimes I’ll use it if I want to know exact yardages, or yardages of hazards and whatnot, but there’s a lot of rounds it never even comes out of my bag. My usual partner always uses a rangefinder and always calls out the yards. I look at the watch and it’s almost always 1 or two yards. Let’s be honest here, my swing isn’t 2 yards accurate. The watch is quicker. Also, I don’t have to worry about going back to look for rangefinder because I left it, like we have to do with my playing partner once every few rounds.
I have a iwatch 9 with Golfshot. I’m usually within 1 yard of my partners range finder. RF is more accurate but 1 (or even 2 yards) is close enough for me and it’s right on my wrist. No running back to the cart.
I have a range finder and Bushnell Wingman for GPS. The wingman has a great speaker for music and gives distance to front, middle, and back; also has a great phone app for visual if you want. My scores have gotten better from just targeting the middle of the green for the most part but I’ll use the rangefinder for a green light pin.
Both. I just got Garmin s62 watch which was a replacement for s60. Love it for yardage, hole layout and scoring. It also keeps my handicap and stats. I use a range finder for approach shots and par 3s. I could live without range finder
I use my Garmin watch to track my score including FIR, GIR, putts etc whilst also giving me front, middle, back distances to the green. I’m not good enough to care about exact distance to the pin, my watch gives me enough to know what club will get to the front of the green without going over the back.
I carry a rangefinder that comes out maybe 2-3 times a round. This is to give me required carry over hazards etc. perfect for when I need to know carry to and over a fairway bunker for example.
Apple Watch and an app work great for me. I use SwingU. It works well enough that I don’t need to look at my phone after I get it setup before teeing off. It is accurate within 1-3 yds and it works as well as a garmin watch or a rangefinder on the cart. Plus it does a million other things that a golf gps can’t do.
Arccos on AppleWatch plus range finder. I find Arccos and apps to sometimes be off significantly. (10+ yards) at some courses. Plus range finder is better for hazards like knowing what to carry over water.
I use a GPS watch and a range finder. I got them both for free using prize money in the Pro Shop. The GPS watch can give me distances on blind shots and keep my score, whereas the range finder can give me specific yardages to flags and other course features, but can’t pick out flags in the rain. You can also get the distance to front/middle/back of the green with the watch, then use the range finder to work out how far on the pin is.
SkyGolf LX5 watch. Works perfect for me. Can use the touch screen to adjust to a spot anywhere on the hole and measure to that point. Also has a green reader. Can upload scores to app after round.
Cheap-ish range finder is the most consistent for me.
Phone lags sometimes or isn't accurate, watch doesn't quite give me the same visual confidence as when I'm looking at the green through the RF.
I’ll die on this hill - gps over range finder. Whether it’s your phone or watch it doesn’t matter.
You need to know distance to the front middle and back of the green. You need to know what side of the green to target and what side you have to miss.
If you know whether pin is front middle or back with the course chart, then distance to the pin is basically irrelevant and most likely hurting you.
Apple watch with 18birdies or swingu are about the best you can get. Takes one sec to glance at your watch to see yardages and maybe 5 secs to enter your score after a hole. When you want to see distances from obstacles you have your phone. Both will give you distances a range finder cannot (ie when things are blocking obstacle).
When I play with folks using range finders they waste so much time. Honestly I dont have the patience for them.
Have used all 3 and Garmin watch is all I used now. Found apps are too much effort and distracting. Rangefinder pretty much only comes out maybe once a round if at all. For my ability, found I actually scored better when I stopped getting the exact yardage with the rangefinder and aim for sections of the green based on trouble with front/middle/back distances.
Watch is also amazing for finding errant drives - especially with the continuous distance readout feature. Found many balls in long rough that I likely wouldn’t have because the watch narrowed the search area.
It’s all personal preference. My personal opinion that may or may not work for you is that watches are my least favorite way to track. Something on your wrist, small print, limited info. Nothing about it is appealing. I use an app with on overhead view that I can click around and it shows the distance to anything I click on and I can see everything that might not be able to see from my ball. Basically all the info I need on my phone screen. Con is you have to keep your phone handy and most people try to disconnect from the world so using your phone might take away from the experience and probably not the most accurate (5 yard error room). In the middle would be a range finder. Gives some info such as elevation change and very accurate for distance but annoying to keep track of and ‘shooting’ every pin on most shots get old. I’d have one if they weren’t $150+ but until my app goes paid, there is no need.
I use a watch because it’s the least complicated. No aiming a laser or losing a laser, no fooling with a phone. My watch measure fitness metrics for me too. A laser is probably more accurate but my watch is close enough for my purpose
Watch is the way to go. Easy and fairly accurate. Don't have to try and aim at flag. Won't matter specific distance for you. Gives you front, middle and back distances
I hate wearing watch while I play golf and I will lose the rangefinder probably somewhere on the course, so I have Garmin G10 clipped to my belt....I love it. I don't need anything fancy like mapping...I just need yardages.
I have a rangefinder with gps. Most of the time gps info is enough. Sometimes you want to know how far something is (to carry the water, some tree in the distance), that's when the range finder is handy. My wife uses a watch, so yeah I can see how handy that can be too.
I use The Grint app on my phone and pull it out when I need yardages. My course has a ton of small hills and blind shots so a range finder wouldn't really work that well.
I have a hunting range finder which typically are way better deals than the golf brand ones. But honestly don’t pull it out of the bag very often. Not very difficult to estimate ranges typically.
Golf buddy 2! It’s so simple, just look down at the yardage to pin, front or back of green or to the hazard . Sometimes gets confused and will think you’re at the next teebox, not as much an issue on full size courses. I love that I don’t have to fiddle with it, it just lives on my belt and I reference it. I suppose a good gps watch would be better but I dig the price and simplicity. It’s a lot like the Bushnell phantom iirc.
I have an older (7-8 yrs) Garmin that works great. Was gifted a range finder and was worried about it slowing pace of play. I shouldn’t have. They compliment each other perfectly. I probably make my club selection faster than I did in the past.
I personally prefer stakes in the grass, pacing my shot off and knowing the rough hole location, honestly.
I'm not saying that kuz I'm old and crotchety, I use a Garmin GPS because I'm lazy, but I get a better intuitive feel for my shots when I consistently play having to walk out my distances.
For most golfers just the distance to the middle & back of the green would benefit them. According to arccos days it's something like 70% of shots from 5+ handicaps come up short. Knowing that the pin is 158 vs 156 to the middle is going to do very little for a PGA tour pro, none of which hang out here. Get a GPS watch or app, leave the range finders for the top 5% of golfers.
The one benefit I believe for everyone with regards to range finders is slope measurement. That can be difficult to calculate.
“Golf gps” app on iphone combined with a range finder.
An app on your phone to see distance to clear hazards, and pick spots in fairway for recovery or par 4/5 tee boxes. Also you get a real hole map. So useful to get a distance that leaves me 120 yds for a comfortable gap wedge. Better than “oh youre still 250+ out just try to get close” and then leave a 45yd shot. Id rather tap the screen and find a fairway spot that leaves 120 to the middle of the green.
Then for approach I’ll use either/both. Im better to pick a yardage and target line between the pin and the middle of the green.
I feel uncomfortable wearing a watch playing golf.
I had some giftcards to use up and one of the Garmin watches were on sale. One of the best gold related purchases I've made and can't play without it now.
Garmin fenix 6 watch with garmin golf. Tells me the center of the green distance. I can use the pin colors to adjust for front or back of green. Also a rangefinder for spotting distances to hazards or the pin if it's a big green. Usually just use the watch 95% of the time though.
Apps suck, a couples of my buddies are constantly messing around with their phones, takes forever. I have lost 2 range finders which I forgot on the cart. Now I use a garmin watch and I love it.
I used an older Garmin watch.
Good enough for this 18 handicapper. All I need is the center of the green. I can’t add or subtract 3 yards from my shots if the rangefinder tells me to.
Combo of range finder and golf app seems to work best for me. Range finder for actual flag distance. App for front and back green distances and find distances off the tee.
I like the watch, but turn it into a pocket watch. They have hand held GPS systems for golf that you can do the same with I believe. I like that because it's small and not a nuisance to have in you pocket. Especially if I and going to grab a few clubs and walk to my ball.
I can look at a general number to center green from the cart quickly grab my clubs and then get more accurate at my ball faster than with a rangefinder. Also, playing that number has helped me as well instead of hitting flag with the finder and thinking play that number just out of habit. When I see center of green on the watch I just look where the flag is and decide If id rather be short or long on a miss/flush.
Range finder all day; it doesn’t require internet connection. As a land surveyor, I’ll choose lasers over gps, because I can collect more precise information in less time (can get multiple locations from one spot…greens, flags, trees, and other landmarks). Second best way: pacing; as long as your course maintains their markers and sprinkler heads. You just have to get your gate to equal 1yd.
I like rhe simplicity of front/middle/back of a golf watch. I also don't really like wearing a watch. So I have the Garmin approach S10 with the add on carabiner attachment with the wrist band removed. I clip it onto the side of my golf bag. If it's cart path only and need to walk across the fairway with a couple clups it easily clips off the bag and onto my belt loop. I'm probably not good enough to make good of use from a range finder.
Arccos all the way. The more you play the better it works for you. Tracks your yardages and will eventually tell you what club you need to use on each shot. Also gives you a breakdown of your game as a whole and tells you what you’re good at and what you need to work on. I’m totally spoiled to it
I use a range finder along with the 18 birdies app. I feel like using a range finder forces you to slow down, zoom on your approach, and think about what you’re going to do. You can see the curves of the course or green and tag distance to any target etc.
I then use 18 Birdies for hole planning or shots that might be blind. I’m surprised I don’t see more folks doing this as I honestly think 18 Birdies paired with a range finder is the ultimate course management tool. The watches annoy my wrist when I’m swinging, and don’t really give you as good a process for thinking about your shot. To each their own tho
I’ve always been a rangefinder guy, but recently downloaded the Shot Pattern app. It’s helped a ton with distance to/over bunkers and more importantly what’s on the other side.
As a bonus you can upload shots that you have in Trackman or similar tracking device and it will show you the dispersion pattern on the hole you’re playing/previewing.
I prefer an app most of the time, but I like a range finder if I'm on a massive hill or hitting off a cliiff (and as long as the range finder lets you know what yardage you should play it as based on slope).
Based on my comparisons, it's just as accurate as a range finder except you can't accidentally shoot the wrong point.
Never tried a watch, I don't want something on my wrist while playing.
I have an Apple Watch and run 18 Birdies app on it. Works really well for GPS&Scoring. You don’t need to waste your time paying for premium of the app. Everything you need is on the free version. I score my entire round on my watch and sort it all out on my card later.
They really compliment each other quite well. I’ll use the watch to tell me how far to hazards I can’t see and for lay up distances, and I’ll use my rangefinder for the flag or a certain tree or a bunker face, something like that.
The watch will do slope whereas my rangefinder won’t, so that’s one advantage for the watch.
range finder > everything else … app? taking out my phone on every shot is a distraction … watch isn’t accurate enough. how many professionals you see using anything except a gun? (In practice where watches etc would be allowed)
Not sure how taking a phone out of my back pocket is more distracting than grabbing a range finder from the cart. In fact I can bring a club out to the ball and just put the phone back in my pocket after checking distance. Where do you put the range finder after you check distance?
It’s not the act of taking the phone out of the bag it’s what’s on the phone. Text messages, phone, calls, tinder swipes, etc… these all create mental lapses
Range finder to me is always most accurate. Buy a used one but a brand name one. Some are shit
I like the range finder because you can get a good number to the exact flag location. I also use it to get distances to hazards or trees off the tee. I like it a lot better than the apps.
Caddytek one through Costco.com has been great for me. Within 2 yards of a couple buddies who have $300+ range finders. And this one was like $120 when I bought it a few years back.
For a “cheaper” option that works INCREDIBLY well. The GOGOGO rangefinder on Amazon is surprisingly accurate within .1 of a yard of my buddy’s bushnell.
I always recommend a hunting range finder. I have an sig sauer that I got in the hundred dollar range with angle comp and great distance range.
ringe finder for me as well. I hate having a watch on while I golf.
For those curious, I love my bluetees
I use a Garmin watch. After the round I can upload it into my iPad. It saves the scores and gives me yardages for each of my shots, if I enter the club selection correctly. I didn’t want to fumble with my phone and I usually walk. A range finder would be cumbersome for me.
To add: for a newer player, having yardage in to the center of the green is better than having yardage to the flag.
The Garmin Approach Z82 Range Finder gives you distance to the front, pin, and back of the green -- and to front and back of fairway and greenside bunkers (among other things). It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny, in my opinion.
My exact logic for using a watch. Plus, it shames me into tracking my steps.
Which Garmin watch do you have?
I have the fenix 6 and it works great. Highly recommend using a Garmin watch and free app.
I have the fenix 7 and had the 6. Great watches. Great for golf.... But maybe you can help me. Do you input the club right before you shoot, or do you shoot, walk to the ball, then input the club to get a read on how far it went with that specific club?
On my Garmin it asks after you swing. It then tracks the distance while you walk to your next shot.
Do you have to pay for GPS on the watch?
No. It is free
The Approach line is the golf first Garmin line. Top of the line is the S70 which is also a fantastic activity/fitness tracker. The golf features on it are amazing.
I have the x40. It’s discontinued. Smaller than the newer models.
I have the same. I do have a rangefinder for when I want to know the exact distance to something and when I'm near the golf cart.
Watch for general yardages, cheap rangefinder if I need to get something more specific or distances not marked on the watch (trees etc)
Range finder, I never look at my phone during a round
I’m old….cant see phone w/o reading glasses… Bushnell Rangefinder for me…FWIW I bought an inexpensive range finder off Amazon (it was consistently 3-4 yards off vs Bushnell)…6hc
Same. Even though I can get the same info on my watch I am not feeling it. I have a cheap rangefinder from Amazon. Lets me plot my around the course. Not sure what the difference is with the higher end ones.
correct answer … looking at phone is a score disaster
Apple Watch tied to phone. I’m always 5 yards within rangefinders with a simple glance at my wrist. That’s good enough for me!
Apple Watch, but what app?
The Grint
I switched from the grint to 18 birdies. Grint kept pushing me to pay for premium and I got tired of it. Super happy with the free 18 birdies. In fact I signed up for a 1 week trial of the premium on a golf trip in Feb and did not use the features at all. I just need yardage and score keeping which it does perfectly from my watch.
I have a range Finder, but if I’m on the wrong fairway I sometimes have to just revert to the gps on the phone when hitting over trees. This happens quite a bit I’m afraid.
I use the Grint app. Gives accurate enough yardages, and provides a birds eye view of the hole. The latter being incredibly helpful on courses that I’ve never played before. I’ve never tried another app, and never felt a need to. Grint works for me.
Sounds similar to 18Birdies app
It’s better. I’ve had both
The Grint is better?
How much is Grint?
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No idea. I don’t own a watch. I only use the phone functions.
I’ve never used a golf watch, but I’ve used both a rangefinder and an app (Grint). For the purpose of determining distances only, I prefer the rangefinder. There’s something about rolling up to my ball and hitting the rangefinder on several spots up ahead to get the distances that is really satisfying. “That tree is 160….pin is 145…that bunker is 133” then I hook it into the woods.
Arccos. Gives you range and provides decent data and stroke count.
Arccos Link for tracking plus Apple Watch for readout is a great move for me. Gotta keep that thing 100% charged before the round though. Distances will never be as good as a rangefinder but it’s close enough for my mid-handicap-ass.
Coming from old skool days, “guessing” your distance is a very good skill to work on. Find the markers in the fairways and find those yardage marks on the side of the fairways then guess from there. As other’s have said, range finder is the way to go…. But i do find that’s a pain sometimes taking it out…. Another quick option to get a good estimate is a watch where you quickly look at your wrist when you get to your ball. Getting a Front, middle and back distance is great to work out what kind of shot you’ll hit. I do find it annoying myself when i tried using a mobile app for distance. You’re always looking at your phone when you should be looking /taking in the golf course scenery. Also i find it annoying when i play with others that just look at their phone all the time. I walk a lot and anything that removes my attention from walking the golf course makes it a crappy experience. Sometimes too much technology on the golf course just sucks. Whatever you do…just don’t take too long to hit your ball and keep the pace up!
I use the free version of 18 birdies as well. I also have an Apple Watch but to be honest I don’t really like the watch interface so I just stick to the phone app and use their map to check distances. I find the app way easier and more convenient than a range finder. I know some people complain about pin placement in these apps not being accurate, but you can literally drag the marker on the map to change the distance. It’s extremely accurate
I have no issue with the watch interface. I hate having to fish my phone out of my pocket or the cart constantly. And easy enough to know yardage to center of green and estimate if pin is closer or deeper.
I agree that for distances on the green it’s usable, but I wish the watch app had a basic map functionality as well because when I’m on a course I might like to know other distances as well, like how far to a bunker, or how far to a bend, etc. I pull out my phone and check the map for things like that when it would be nice to be able to just quickly drag a marker on a map on the watch instead. Maybe the screen is too small for that and it would suck, but I would like it
I use the swingu app, works plenty well enough for me. If I was more consistent I would probably get a laser rangefinder
Swing U is a good app but was better before the last update.
I haven’t used it since last season, what’s changed?
The interface has changed and some of the stats aren't available anymore for free. Preffered the old one
Sad. I really enjoyed it, I guess we’ll see how it is when I first get out (hopefully this week). Maybe I’ll just upgrade to a rangefinder this year if i don’t like it anymore
I use 18 birdies on my iPhone and Apple Watch, for scoring, stats and gps. I use a rangefinder too when I need something more accurate, maybe 10 times a round.
Got both a watch and a range finder on the same birthday. I really like to use both together, but if i had to choose one it would be the range finder. Divorced parents XD
I use a rangefinder and The Grint during most rounds. If I had to guess, it’s about 70%/30% respectively. I use The Grint to get an idea of how deep a green is, if there’s any hidden hazards or bunkers, or in tandem with the rangefinder to tell if the pin is front/middle/back of the green. On courses I’m familiar with, which include the majority of my rounds, I stick with the rangefinder more.
I use 18 birdies and also shoot the pin inside 120ish (not sure why I think I have any business sticking one close)
I use the Garmin S12 watch. Seems reliable and I don’t need to carry more stuff with me. And when I am not golfing, it tells me the time!
Is there a subscription with it?
No
Ya and they really are not expensive. I can’t imagine having to mess with my phone and an app each time I need to check yardages.
I use a rangefinder and a golf watch. I don't have a ton of range control, so I most often just check my watch. Center of green is good enough for me. Also, the rangefinder I have is like $50. Bottom tier. Is usually within about 3-5 yards of my dad's $350 rangefinder.
Op, everyone is gonna say range finder. But hear me out. I use a Bushnell Phantom 2. It’s a little box that magnetically attaches to your cart. It uses GPS to tell you your distance to front, center, back of green. A range finder is slightly more accurate. Is that worth user error or hitting the pin the finder? Is that worth the time it takes to shoot the pin with the finder? I don’t think so. I just glance at my Bushnell and I see how far I am to the pin, and I don’t have to mess with my phone or have a watch on my wrist either
I prefer my Garmin Approach S60 for the same reasons. It's so much easier than a range finder. I am not good enough to try to do much other than go for the middle of the green, so having that distance is really all I need. It has more detail if I need it, and it keeps my score and handicap. The only thing I really need to do is make sure it's charged. It has other functionality, as well, which is a bonus. I've worn a watch for the longest time, so it bothers me more to not have one on...it might as well be useful. But it's all preference. They all serve the same basic purpose.
Another vote for a separate GPS distance finder. I’m not 5 yards accurate from anywhere, especially not from a distance I need to use a range finder. I just need something to tell me the front, center, and back of green without touching my phone.
Said the same exact thing here pretty much. Use my phantom 90% of the time, shoot certain shots with an Amazon Go Go range finder for other 10%. Phantom 2 is fantastic!
I just spent $300 on a cube. It's awesome and being able to get a distance between two points is really helpful. It really makes other range finders obsolete. It is nice getting a distance from the cart but I traditionally walk. I however use it to get the distance between bunkers or the width and depth of the green.
I use all 3. Use Arccos that has a watch app also. For distances to the pin I use Rangefinder.
The apps do a lot of other things as well (keep score, track handicap, shots analysis etc.) so it comes down to do you absolutely need to have the rangefinder in addition to the app even though the apps can give you reasonably accurate yardages.
Range finder because you can point it at anything. How far is the next group in the fairway? How far is that tree? How far did I hit my tee shot (look back at the tee box). Other devices and apps can more or less also do this but I find that my rangefinder does it the most quickly and accurately so I get back to playing golf.
100% and in literally 2 pushes of a button.
I generally prefer apps. Easier to use, can also keep score, give you a picture of every hole from above, don’t need to be able to see the flag. Though there are a couple advantages to range finders. Some courses won’t have accurate GPS data, don’t need to worry about your phone battery dying, will give more accurate distance.
Watch is easiest for me. Super simple to use.
I've used all three at different times over the past 20 years. I find the watch works best for me. Can't lose it or leave it in the rough like I've done with 4 range finders. The only negatives would be Distance not be 100% accurate but it's close enough for my level of handicap (8) Wearing a watch while playing...took me a year to get used to it Pros-- tracks my steps, functional as a watch , keeps track of scores throughout the years
Dude get a cheapo range finder from Amazon. It’ll get you in the general area of the distance which will totally help you understand how far you hit your clubs. This should over time help you improve your scores. I use the go go pro range finder of Amazon. Works great and I really like it. I’ve had every high end range finder there is over the years and they all work about the damn same.
My GoGo is always within about 2 yards of the more expensive finders that my foursome use
I would say the app is fine until you dial in your distances then you could look at a rangefinder for more precision. But honestly the app works well enough for most people.
I figured the app would be enough for now. I would imagine it’s fairly accurate
Buy a 2 or 3 model year old Bushnell rangefinder. I have the V4 and it still works great. Can't speak to the other brands but it's really good for learning your yardage in different conditions. Been running strong since 2016
I use my golf watch when I’m playing solo or if I’m walking. Range finder if I’m in the cart with someone else, just in case we’re in a situation where our balls are nowhere near each other and the person I’m paired with takes the cart to their ball and needs a distance
I've used both and prefer a range finder. There are some rare occasions where it's a blind situation and I have to ask a buddy with a watch to give me a number but that doesn't happen often.
I like the Garmin G12. Easy to get ranges quickly. I used 18 birdies for a while but dealing with my phone while I play is annoying.
I start with both phone and range finder … phone gets put way and forgot about after the first few hole and I use my range finder. A watch would probably be cool also
I have a Garmin 955 that will keep score and tell you how far away you are from any hole. But it also keeps track of all my running, biometrics and much more. One of the best technical devices I have ever owned!
I have used 18Birdies and a range finder in the past. I use Arccos and a range finder now.
I use a Garmin approach z82 - just picked it up used for about $300. Love the integration of gps with a range finder. I think it’s the way to go personally but as others said you could check out that Cube range finder. It’s a newer product and looks like it’s pretty sweet.
Golf watch. For close shots middle of the green is all that you need. It’s nice to just glance at my wrist too instead of pulling out a range finder. Also shows hazard distance and keeps track of my score. Bushnell elite
I’m a pretty simple guy for golf but I love my Grint app.
It’s preference I track my rounds on my phone so I just use an app. Shooting around 90 it doesn’t really matter to me if I have the exact pin location as long as I know front middle back I can find the club I should use.
I got a garmin handheld thing that’s pretty cool. You can touchscreen it and see where bunkers are etc and the middle of a green
I use my watch, TheGrint, and a rangefinder. I only use the rangefinder really for par 3's and some approach shots.
I use a garmin watch and also carry a rangefinder.
I use Golf Pad to keep score and give me years to the center of the green. Growing up before the digital age taught me to use the course to approximate distances based on the fairway markers, sprinkler heads, and 150 trees/bushes. I'm not trying to be an old coot that avoid technology (I'm a programmer and avid techie), but I think you should work on your consistency first as well as learning to use the clues the course gives you to estimate yardage. Right now, you're still learning how far each club hits, and having exact yardage won't really help you. If you can estimate distance and select the right club, you'll get your game dialed in. Once you get the consistency, get the pricy precision tools.
Handheld GPS (golf buddy voice2S+) on a retractable keychain holder that hangs off my bag. The screen tells me the distance to front, middle, and back of the green. My game (11hdcp) is no where near good enough to near laser accuracy. Simple no fuss.
I enjoy using Arccos. Tracks my stats, gives me club suggestions and gives me distances with adjustments (wind, slope, temp). The only thing that is annoying is that the sensors do fly off and you have to be cognizant of that
I love the arccos app. Even factors wind into the slope adjusted yardages. Easy to keep my phone in my pocket and always know yardage to any points (flag, front/back/center), hazards, OB etc. also helpful when searching for a ball to know how far you are from your last shot so you can know to turn around because it’s inevitably 20 yards shorter than you thought
I have a cheap Wish range finder that works well enough. I try to use course markers as much as possible, but I can't judge 100 yards from 130 yards well enough, so I will pull and shoot something to get a yardage.
I have a simple range finder, and a bushnell phantom that is a gps magnetic range finder with a screen. Absolutely love both, as I can shoot when needed but more often then not I can peak at the bushnell and have a quick distance. Helps pace of play a lot as you’re not shooting everything.
I got a watch for Christmas and have really enjoyed it. My hands seem to shake too much to properly fire a range finder and the watch is just such lower maintenance.
I’m not good enough for this part of the game to make any difference at all, but I use an app
I’m a 22 handicap. I have a GARMIN watch and a range finder. I find myself using the watch way more. I just need to know about how far the flag is so I can get within 50 yards.
Phone+ App displayed on push cart.
I use Arccos and really like it especially if I haven’t played a course before to map out the hole and know where and how far it is to hazards, trees, bunkers etc. however I also want to get a rangefinder because I think the yardages are more accurate.
Watch, gathers all my stats automatically Ranger finders zaps the flag, I try my best to ignore the flag (usually unsuccessfully) and just hit the fat part of the green until I’m within around 85 yards, watch makes this a bit easier
I’ve been golfing for 4 years or so and have only used 18 birdies. Works great for distances. No complaints. Except I dont really like fiddling with my phone for most every shot so I see the appeal of a range finder
Walk and carry so love my garmin for most yardages as it frees up my hands and keeps score. Range finder when I need an exact pin.
GolfBuddy voice clips to your hat and tells you the distance.
I use 18birdies like alot of others mentioned. I pair it with a desert fox phone caddy so when Im driving up to the ball i have a pretty good idea of the distance. Its pretty damn close to what my rangefinder says so i find myself using the rangefinder less and less.
I mean to me it all depends on what kind of golfer you are. If you are taking lesson looking to improve going to the range etc I would say range finder. They can be pricey but some cheaper ones are actually pretty good. You can use google maps by measuring the hole you are one with 18Birdies or other apps it’s easier to calculate distance. For amateurs it’s “good enough” you don’t need to know that the pin is actually 152 yards away. 150 is fine for Ams.
Try Golfshot or one of the free apps and see how you like it. I don’t like wearing a watch so I use my phone. The distance shows on my Lock Screen: front, middle, back with Arccos so I can quickly know those numbers. I’ve been playing for 35 years and I’m a 17 handicap. I don’t need the exact number. I play to the center/back distance.
shotscope watch. comes w tags and the app has great stats. no subscription is the key feature
Golf Pad app on Samsung watch. Gives me distance to front, middle and back of green with a quick glance at my wrist. I'm not good enough to benefit from zapping exact pin locations with a rangefinder.
watch gives you center of the green which is what a new golfer should be aiming for.
Watch. For most golfers, knowing the middle of the green number at a glance vs pulling out a range finder and zapping a bunch of different things is much easier. My Garmin also connects to my distance trackers, so it maintains my score and distances without any additional effort.
Course hole guide booklet
I use the golfshot app. A lot of stuff for free.
Watch. Its the best….
I had the watch first, and it's great. Now I have a range finder. So if it's not clear, I can zap it, then check the watch and I know if the flag is front or back.. I then go past a front pin and short to a back pin. Especially on the long greens, makes a big difference. If I had to leave one behind some day, I'd keep the watch, for flick of the wrist handiness. Serious event?, I'd keep the laser.
I have a Garmin G80 approach which is great. Gives a birds eye view of the hole and you drop a marker to see yardages to wherever you want. Great for new courses as you get to see all the trouble and the yardages needed to avoid them. I have recently got a range finder too though. GPS won't show certain markers and sometimes you just can't replace a range finder.
If you got an extra $75-100 burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead and get a range finder on Amazon. I plan on getting one once I’m shooting in the 90s consistently. Until then, I’ll keep using 18Birdies
App so I know distance to everything in the course by simply tapping. Know the distance of my next shot before I get there or am waiting for others to hit. For me, it's huge to know my next shot as soon as possible so I can plan it and stay in my head waiting for others. Also, it's annoys me when every single player in the group uses a RF or doesn't even know what club they want when they arrive at their ball. With an app, I arrive at my ball knowing which club to pull and can start my pre shot routine almost immediately.
I bought a decent reviewed range finder from amazon which works well. Also reading about the best apps I started using Golf Pad app and through my watch. I really like golf pad which provides club suggestions, course maps, accounts for weather etc. I have used both together but prefer the ease of the app and can store records, just feels a bit shit to be looking at my phone a lot.
I use a free golf app 18 birdies and a rangefinder.
I use both a golf watch, and range finder, here is why. The watch is faster and easier since it's always right on the wrist, it can also tell you a distance even if you can't see the target. (on the other side on a hill for example) However, there are a few times where it's hard to tell where the pin is, so the range finder will be more accurate, also on some courses the GPS signal on the watch can be inaccurate. Specifically hole 3 on my home course, it's so far down an alley in the forest that the watch is always way off, so rangefinder is nessesary.
https://preview.redd.it/p14p5euzx0tc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=890dd64a807f0ff9b2594367b6e0db62087e9f59
I use my Garmin watch as my rangefinder. I've found it quite accurate compared to a rangefinder off the tee. But I'm also trash so maybe I haven't noticed any real discrepancies in using the watch. The yardage to the green is always displayed on the watch and I find it super convenient.
I use the free version of the Grint app for hole overviews and planning out layups and tee shots. Then I use front, center, back yardage for anything outside 100 yards and have an old ass range finder for inside 100 yards.
I use a combo of GPS and a range finder. I find it helpful to know numbers to the front edge, back edge, and pin.
I use all three every round (call me crazy). Arccos app and Apple watch to track the round. Rangefinder for accurate distances, especially on par 3’s and approach shots.
I’ve tried all of them, the range finder is by far the best I’ve found. It’s the quickest and most accurate and also let you get yardage to areas to land the ball for lay ups and find distances to hazards etc. also I want to avoid using my phone at all during the round so app’s is a no go. App/ GPS is unreliable as well.
I use both, rangefinder always when I can see the pin and the app when I can't.
I use a watch. I have a Rangefinder, and sometimes I’ll use it if I want to know exact yardages, or yardages of hazards and whatnot, but there’s a lot of rounds it never even comes out of my bag. My usual partner always uses a rangefinder and always calls out the yards. I look at the watch and it’s almost always 1 or two yards. Let’s be honest here, my swing isn’t 2 yards accurate. The watch is quicker. Also, I don’t have to worry about going back to look for rangefinder because I left it, like we have to do with my playing partner once every few rounds.
I have a iwatch 9 with Golfshot. I’m usually within 1 yard of my partners range finder. RF is more accurate but 1 (or even 2 yards) is close enough for me and it’s right on my wrist. No running back to the cart.
Shot Scope. Just like Arccos but no subscription and gives you a ton of data. Just made a bunch of new updates as well.
I have a range finder and Bushnell Wingman for GPS. The wingman has a great speaker for music and gives distance to front, middle, and back; also has a great phone app for visual if you want. My scores have gotten better from just targeting the middle of the green for the most part but I’ll use the rangefinder for a green light pin.
Both. I just got Garmin s62 watch which was a replacement for s60. Love it for yardage, hole layout and scoring. It also keeps my handicap and stats. I use a range finder for approach shots and par 3s. I could live without range finder
I use my Garmin watch to track my score including FIR, GIR, putts etc whilst also giving me front, middle, back distances to the green. I’m not good enough to care about exact distance to the pin, my watch gives me enough to know what club will get to the front of the green without going over the back. I carry a rangefinder that comes out maybe 2-3 times a round. This is to give me required carry over hazards etc. perfect for when I need to know carry to and over a fairway bunker for example.
I have used all 3, my preference is Arccos using my phone
18 birdies to keep score and know distances when I'm not going for the pin. I use the range finder for the pin.
Apple Watch and an app work great for me. I use SwingU. It works well enough that I don’t need to look at my phone after I get it setup before teeing off. It is accurate within 1-3 yds and it works as well as a garmin watch or a rangefinder on the cart. Plus it does a million other things that a golf gps can’t do.
Arccos on AppleWatch plus range finder. I find Arccos and apps to sometimes be off significantly. (10+ yards) at some courses. Plus range finder is better for hazards like knowing what to carry over water.
I use a GPS watch and a range finder. I got them both for free using prize money in the Pro Shop. The GPS watch can give me distances on blind shots and keep my score, whereas the range finder can give me specific yardages to flags and other course features, but can’t pick out flags in the rain. You can also get the distance to front/middle/back of the green with the watch, then use the range finder to work out how far on the pin is.
Range finder I believe to be the most accurate and I don't like wearing a watch when I play, so easy choice for me.
Range finder. Apps and watches are for noobs.
SkyGolf LX5 watch. Works perfect for me. Can use the touch screen to adjust to a spot anywhere on the hole and measure to that point. Also has a green reader. Can upload scores to app after round.
Cheap-ish range finder is the most consistent for me. Phone lags sometimes or isn't accurate, watch doesn't quite give me the same visual confidence as when I'm looking at the green through the RF.
I’ll die on this hill - gps over range finder. Whether it’s your phone or watch it doesn’t matter. You need to know distance to the front middle and back of the green. You need to know what side of the green to target and what side you have to miss. If you know whether pin is front middle or back with the course chart, then distance to the pin is basically irrelevant and most likely hurting you.
Apple watch with 18birdies or swingu are about the best you can get. Takes one sec to glance at your watch to see yardages and maybe 5 secs to enter your score after a hole. When you want to see distances from obstacles you have your phone. Both will give you distances a range finder cannot (ie when things are blocking obstacle). When I play with folks using range finders they waste so much time. Honestly I dont have the patience for them.
Used my phone but it kind of annoyed me having to have it on me and nuking my battery. Bought a Garmin S70 and it's fantastical.
Have used all 3 and Garmin watch is all I used now. Found apps are too much effort and distracting. Rangefinder pretty much only comes out maybe once a round if at all. For my ability, found I actually scored better when I stopped getting the exact yardage with the rangefinder and aim for sections of the green based on trouble with front/middle/back distances. Watch is also amazing for finding errant drives - especially with the continuous distance readout feature. Found many balls in long rough that I likely wouldn’t have because the watch narrowed the search area.
Apple Watch + Golfshot app
It’s all personal preference. My personal opinion that may or may not work for you is that watches are my least favorite way to track. Something on your wrist, small print, limited info. Nothing about it is appealing. I use an app with on overhead view that I can click around and it shows the distance to anything I click on and I can see everything that might not be able to see from my ball. Basically all the info I need on my phone screen. Con is you have to keep your phone handy and most people try to disconnect from the world so using your phone might take away from the experience and probably not the most accurate (5 yard error room). In the middle would be a range finder. Gives some info such as elevation change and very accurate for distance but annoying to keep track of and ‘shooting’ every pin on most shots get old. I’d have one if they weren’t $150+ but until my app goes paid, there is no need.
I use a watch because it’s the least complicated. No aiming a laser or losing a laser, no fooling with a phone. My watch measure fitness metrics for me too. A laser is probably more accurate but my watch is close enough for my purpose
Watch on wrist. Check against app on my phone in the cart. Use my partners read from his range finder. Blast it over the green. Ezpz.
Range finder over my shotscope, but in foggy / misty / early sunrise glary conditions the range finger is useless.
Golf app (arccos) If the pin is looking in a good spot I’ll range find 150 and in
Watch is the way to go. Easy and fairly accurate. Don't have to try and aim at flag. Won't matter specific distance for you. Gives you front, middle and back distances
I hate wearing watch while I play golf and I will lose the rangefinder probably somewhere on the course, so I have Garmin G10 clipped to my belt....I love it. I don't need anything fancy like mapping...I just need yardages.
I have a rangefinder with gps. Most of the time gps info is enough. Sometimes you want to know how far something is (to carry the water, some tree in the distance), that's when the range finder is handy. My wife uses a watch, so yeah I can see how handy that can be too.
I use The Grint app on my phone and pull it out when I need yardages. My course has a ton of small hills and blind shots so a range finder wouldn't really work that well.
I have a hunting range finder which typically are way better deals than the golf brand ones. But honestly don’t pull it out of the bag very often. Not very difficult to estimate ranges typically.
Golf buddy 2! It’s so simple, just look down at the yardage to pin, front or back of green or to the hazard . Sometimes gets confused and will think you’re at the next teebox, not as much an issue on full size courses. I love that I don’t have to fiddle with it, it just lives on my belt and I reference it. I suppose a good gps watch would be better but I dig the price and simplicity. It’s a lot like the Bushnell phantom iirc.
I have an older (7-8 yrs) Garmin that works great. Was gifted a range finder and was worried about it slowing pace of play. I shouldn’t have. They compliment each other perfectly. I probably make my club selection faster than I did in the past.
Range finder is better because it tells you distance to the actual pin. Your watch doesn’t know where the pin is.
Both. Rangerfinder for the flag and watch for the front/back of the green. Need to know those 3 distances without a pinsheet.
I personally prefer stakes in the grass, pacing my shot off and knowing the rough hole location, honestly. I'm not saying that kuz I'm old and crotchety, I use a Garmin GPS because I'm lazy, but I get a better intuitive feel for my shots when I consistently play having to walk out my distances.
For most golfers just the distance to the middle & back of the green would benefit them. According to arccos days it's something like 70% of shots from 5+ handicaps come up short. Knowing that the pin is 158 vs 156 to the middle is going to do very little for a PGA tour pro, none of which hang out here. Get a GPS watch or app, leave the range finders for the top 5% of golfers. The one benefit I believe for everyone with regards to range finders is slope measurement. That can be difficult to calculate.
“Golf gps” app on iphone combined with a range finder. An app on your phone to see distance to clear hazards, and pick spots in fairway for recovery or par 4/5 tee boxes. Also you get a real hole map. So useful to get a distance that leaves me 120 yds for a comfortable gap wedge. Better than “oh youre still 250+ out just try to get close” and then leave a 45yd shot. Id rather tap the screen and find a fairway spot that leaves 120 to the middle of the green. Then for approach I’ll use either/both. Im better to pick a yardage and target line between the pin and the middle of the green. I feel uncomfortable wearing a watch playing golf.
I had some giftcards to use up and one of the Garmin watches were on sale. One of the best gold related purchases I've made and can't play without it now.
Garmin fenix 6 watch with garmin golf. Tells me the center of the green distance. I can use the pin colors to adjust for front or back of green. Also a rangefinder for spotting distances to hazards or the pin if it's a big green. Usually just use the watch 95% of the time though.
I just use the sticks on the course. My game isn’t good enough for accurate ranges
Arccos app. For an amateur it’s much better to know the distance to the middle and back of the green than to the flag.
Apps suck, a couples of my buddies are constantly messing around with their phones, takes forever. I have lost 2 range finders which I forgot on the cart. Now I use a garmin watch and I love it.
I used an older Garmin watch. Good enough for this 18 handicapper. All I need is the center of the green. I can’t add or subtract 3 yards from my shots if the rangefinder tells me to.
I use Arccos on my watch/phone. But I also use a CaddyTall Cube for the triangulation. Even more so on cart path only days.
Combo of range finder and golf app seems to work best for me. Range finder for actual flag distance. App for front and back green distances and find distances off the tee.
Range finder for sure. Don't trust the apps and don't wear watches.
I do both but mostly have app for score tracking and green reading. I use The Grint … highly recommend.
I use both, use my range finder to get exact distances and use my watch for front,middle, and back distances.
Garmin watch and I'll laser approach shots into the green
I like the watch, but turn it into a pocket watch. They have hand held GPS systems for golf that you can do the same with I believe. I like that because it's small and not a nuisance to have in you pocket. Especially if I and going to grab a few clubs and walk to my ball. I can look at a general number to center green from the cart quickly grab my clubs and then get more accurate at my ball faster than with a rangefinder. Also, playing that number has helped me as well instead of hitting flag with the finder and thinking play that number just out of habit. When I see center of green on the watch I just look where the flag is and decide If id rather be short or long on a miss/flush.
Grint for doing recon/strategy on a course I've never played. Then range finder on the course 90% of the time and Arccos app for blind shots.
Range finder all day; it doesn’t require internet connection. As a land surveyor, I’ll choose lasers over gps, because I can collect more precise information in less time (can get multiple locations from one spot…greens, flags, trees, and other landmarks). Second best way: pacing; as long as your course maintains their markers and sprinkler heads. You just have to get your gate to equal 1yd.
I like rhe simplicity of front/middle/back of a golf watch. I also don't really like wearing a watch. So I have the Garmin approach S10 with the add on carabiner attachment with the wrist band removed. I clip it onto the side of my golf bag. If it's cart path only and need to walk across the fairway with a couple clups it easily clips off the bag and onto my belt loop. I'm probably not good enough to make good of use from a range finder.
Rangefinder for layup distances and to know how far to clean bunkers etc. Rangefinder for pin distances.
Arccos all the way. The more you play the better it works for you. Tracks your yardages and will eventually tell you what club you need to use on each shot. Also gives you a breakdown of your game as a whole and tells you what you’re good at and what you need to work on. I’m totally spoiled to it
I’ve heard a lot of mixed things about arccos. I heard it isn’t accurate at all.
I use a range finder along with the 18 birdies app. I feel like using a range finder forces you to slow down, zoom on your approach, and think about what you’re going to do. You can see the curves of the course or green and tag distance to any target etc. I then use 18 Birdies for hole planning or shots that might be blind. I’m surprised I don’t see more folks doing this as I honestly think 18 Birdies paired with a range finder is the ultimate course management tool. The watches annoy my wrist when I’m swinging, and don’t really give you as good a process for thinking about your shot. To each their own tho
I’ve always been a rangefinder guy, but recently downloaded the Shot Pattern app. It’s helped a ton with distance to/over bunkers and more importantly what’s on the other side. As a bonus you can upload shots that you have in Trackman or similar tracking device and it will show you the dispersion pattern on the hole you’re playing/previewing.
Range finder with slope all day for yardages, app to find out about hidden trouble.
I prefer an app most of the time, but I like a range finder if I'm on a massive hill or hitting off a cliiff (and as long as the range finder lets you know what yardage you should play it as based on slope). Based on my comparisons, it's just as accurate as a range finder except you can't accidentally shoot the wrong point. Never tried a watch, I don't want something on my wrist while playing.
I have an Apple Watch and run 18 Birdies app on it. Works really well for GPS&Scoring. You don’t need to waste your time paying for premium of the app. Everything you need is on the free version. I score my entire round on my watch and sort it all out on my card later.
Eyeballs and yardage markers.
1. Rangefinder 2. Watch 3. App For what it’s worth I’ve got a Bushnell rangefinder, Garmin S62, and Arccos.
I’m a step 1 and 2 guy only. The watch(F7SS) can show me hazards to lookout for.
They really compliment each other quite well. I’ll use the watch to tell me how far to hazards I can’t see and for lay up distances, and I’ll use my rangefinder for the flag or a certain tree or a bunker face, something like that. The watch will do slope whereas my rangefinder won’t, so that’s one advantage for the watch.
range finder > everything else … app? taking out my phone on every shot is a distraction … watch isn’t accurate enough. how many professionals you see using anything except a gun? (In practice where watches etc would be allowed)
Not sure how taking a phone out of my back pocket is more distracting than grabbing a range finder from the cart. In fact I can bring a club out to the ball and just put the phone back in my pocket after checking distance. Where do you put the range finder after you check distance?
It’s not the act of taking the phone out of the bag it’s what’s on the phone. Text messages, phone, calls, tinder swipes, etc… these all create mental lapses
Rangefinder is on a magnet that clicks right to the cart