Do you use a rangefinder?

[StrayCat]

I don't want this to be a poll, just looking for comments and opinions.
Do you use one?
More on the course or more on the range?
Do you think you benefit?
Can you quantify those benefits?

Thanks for any input, obviously I'm thinking about getting one.

[golf_junkie27]

I tried one, yesterday. Unfortunately, it was really windy and tough to get a reading. (Stabilizing it in the wind can be a real pain). That said, it was nice to have accurate distance and not worry about club selection.

This makes me want to get one, soon.

[Doctorfro]

I don't believe in all the technology to find distances. I guess I'm a purist.

[The Gill]

I absolutly use one.

[1] To speed up play. No more searching for sprinkler heads.
[2] I love it off the tee. I can shoot a trap and decide to lay-up or carry
[3] I like playing different courses, so I don't really remember yardages that much.

[golf_junkie27]

I absolutly use one.

Which one do you currently use?

[larlev]

I use a $3.95 range finder called a "stintz"

You hold it at arms length and line up the flag in the circles...it is +/- 5yards off from a bushnell that I tested it with...It works great, cheap, and basically trains your eyes to judge distances. Of course you need to be able to see the flag, which doesn't always happen,

I got it off E-bay...figured for 4 bucks why not, I would recommend trying it.

[The Gill]

Which one do you currently use?

Bushnell 1500 PinSeeker

I had the 500, but the PinSeeker is well worth the extra money. It has a bit more zoom and the "scan" feature. The scan feature is SWEET when you're on an unfamiliar tee-box and looking to see how much you have to a corner or getting an idea of how much it takes to carry a trap.

[andre112]

has anyone tried the golf scopes?
it's about $15.
you have to see the whole flag sticks to measure distance.
just wondering how these work.

[YogiTKE]

Personally I would never use a range finder. I don't like how electronics are becoming part of the game. I enjoy the challenge of club selection as it causes one to know his/her game, course conditions, and wind perception. The next thing you know Jack Hartounian will have his radar putter on the 18th at Augusta putting to save his country club/amusement park.

[kregan]

I use a Sonocaddie GPS.

[Wisco-Kid]

I dont use one but have always been curious about them. I am a member at my club so I tend to play the same course most of the time and know the yardages like the back of my hand. It sure would be an advantage though on a new course though.

Do Range Finders work as well as GPS is there a big difference?

[lefttoright]

I carry the legal Bushnell 1500 pinseeker w/o slope. I don't always pull it out on my home course, but wouldn't live w/o it on others courses that i visit. It really helps to speed the decision making up, which speeds up play. In my opinion, it is no different that looking at a yardage book, reading sprinkler heads, or stepping it off. You still have to get a feel for the shot based on yardage, wind, elevation and still put a swing on the ball. When i first started playing golf in the '60's there was not any yardage markers on the golf course other than a pine tree at 150, so you reall had to get a "feel" for the distance.

[shortgame85]

I use a Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Tournament Edition. I use it almost every round I play on my home course ( when I use it almost exclusively for approach shots ), and always on courses away from home. It is so simple to use, so accurate and I don't have to look for yardage markers anymore. I am pleased to have the technology to assist me in selecting the correct club; unfortunately, I still have to make a good swing to insure a pleasing result.

[Mr Eagle]

No I dont .The 150 marker is enough information for me to chose the right club.

[immts007]

What are the reasons to choose a rangefinder over a gps unit?

[wardamneagle]

rangefinders take away from the game, imo

[Fastrack]

I think I'm using Nikon prostaff raser 440....I'm away from my bag
It has been checked against golf cart GPS and fairly accurate.
Within 200 yards, it's been very helpful in making confident decision, especially in not so familiar courses.

[immts007]

rangefinders take away from the game, imo

You must feel the same way about caddies and yardage books?