Non laser rangefinders?

[I <3 Titleist]

I'm just wondering how well the rangefinder scopes actually work for a novice golfer looking to get a better idea of which iron to hit. It seems that most of the time, my local courses ranges are off by about 10 - 20 yds (according to a Nikon laser rangefinder I've used before) and I don't have the 250-400 dollars for one.

I've seen some Bushnell rangefinder scopes for like 15 bucks and I'm just wondering how much I can expect from one...

[David in FL]

Most of them use the apparent length of the flagstick placed within spaced reticles to estimate the distance. The problem is that all flagsticks aren't the same length and you can't always see the entire flagstick, especially on an elevated green.

Truth be told, I think you're better off honing your own distance estimating skills. Remember too, that sprinkler heads and yardage poles are measuring to the center of the green, so a laser rangefinder will usually differ from what they tell you. That's why it's so important to learn the rough pin position (at least front, middle, or back) for the day.

I have a lot of fun screwing with a buddy of mine that just loves his laser rangefinder by giving him yardages faster than he can get them from his new toy. I'm usually within 2 or 3 yards, and have often caused him to realize that he inadvertantly got a bad reading and had to re-shoot to get it right.

My .02.

[meeks7]

most scopes dont give you that precise of a reading but will give you an idea of how far away you are

[I <3 Titleist]

I always use fairway markers to gauge distance when I'm playing a par 4 or 5. However, on par threes, a lot of times, the tee markers are moved around due to tons of divots and in many cases I'll come up short.

[David in FL]

  I <3 Titleist said:

I always use fairway markers to gauge distance when I'm playing a par 4 or 5. However, on par threes, a lot of times, the tee markers are moved around due to tons of divots and in many cases I'll come up short.

If the par 3's don't have a marker on each tee box corresponding to the published yardage (again, to the center of the green), ask the pro where that yardage is measured from. It will likely either be from the center of each tee box or from the very back. Either way, you'll be able to pace off the distance and then adjust for the pin placement as usual.

Remember too, most of us schlub amateurs tend to over-estimate how far we actually hit each club. We tend to think in terms of the best shot we've ever hit and use that as the distance for which we plan. On average, we tend to come up short more often than not. You won't believe how much better you'll score if you consciously try to hit the back of every green.