The first thing to be aware of is that a laser rangefinder is much different than a GPS. It is an optical device that is a cross between a pair of binoculars and a laser gun that is used to catch speeding drivers by a highway patrol officer.

The optical system (like a rifle scope) allows you to select and lock onto the target that you want to determine the distance for (a flag stick on a green for example).

Here are the 5 facts that you need to consider before picking up a laser rangefinder to improve you golf game.

1.    The object must be in view: a rangefinder can only target object that it can lock onto. High magnification optics can make it easier to spot flags, but can make it harder to hold the device steady enough to get a good reading.

The latest models have technologies, like Bushnell’s PinSeeker, which make locking on to distant pins much easier.

Many courses now, aware of the popularity of rangefinders have begun to install mirrors or prisms on top of their flag sticks. It makes picking up the yardage a lot faster.

2.    If you are shooting over a hill or over a bunch of trees, you won’t get any yardage information, since the flagstick will not be in view.

3.     The latest model Range finders have a powerful 7x magnification monocular. This can be very useful, not only for guiding the laser to get accurate yardage measurements to your target, but also for locating landing areas.

For example, it is impossible to locate a ridge on a green that could that should be avoided from 175 yards with the naked eye. With a range finder, you could spot it easily and play safely to the other side of the green, resulting in an easier birdie putt.

4.     Another great feature of a laser rangefinder is that it can be used on the practice range to see how far you are hitting each club. This data can be club selection much more precise when you are playing a real round of golf.

5.     The size of the lens in millimeters determines how much light comes through the lens and makes the unit easier to use, especially in low light situations. The best units will have a 27mm lens.

Is the Rangefinder Tournament Legal?

When you decide on the model you like, either rangefinder or GPS, make sure you know whether or not it is handicap and tournament legal.

The short answer is that yes, most GPS and rangefinders can now be used legally in tournaments and for handicap rounds, however rangefinders that go beyond simple distance measurement and calculate compensations for uphill or downhill shots (these are called “slope” rangefinders) are not legal.

They are perfectly fine to use for practice, but cannot be used for tournaments or handicap rounds, even if the “slope” features are turned off.

The information supplied should at least get you started in selecting the right type of rangefinder to suit your golfing game.