range finder?

[sasquatcho69]

is it worth the money to buy a range finder?

[goblue107501]

If you want to know exact distances and not have to guess, then yes.

[Lovgoel]

It depends on what your expectations are and what your current level of specificity is with your yardages.

if you are the type of player that hits his/her clubs consistent distances, but doesnt really care to measure your yardages, then a rangefinder will help you immensely because it will help you reign in your margin of error over guessing. If you generally aim to hit the green rather than hitting near the pin, you wont really do much good getting a range finder.

That being said, they are immensely helpful for helping you get your distances on your clubs at the range in the first place, so it could be a chicken and egg kind of thing. I am not the most consistent ballstriker, but i feel more confident over the shots that i have a specific number in mind for because i've probably tried to hit a shot to that number before on the range and saw it happen.

The companies all advertise that you will drop strokes if you play their rangefinder, but consider your level of skill already. If you're coming up short a lot or airmailing the green, you clearly dont have you distances down and probably need some help determining distances. That being said, more accurate information generally leads to better results. I don't think you'll lose 5 strikes by buying one, but it can help you reign in your practice session and learn your numbers which, in turn, should help your ballstriking to be more efficient and goal oriented.

The best thing you can do is try one out on a course you dont usually play, or on the course you usually play, but from a different set of tees than usual (just so you're not hitting the same numbers you always do). It's a very personal thing. If you do try one, I'd highly recommend trying both laser rangefinders and the GPS. I took the rangefinder for a number of reasons, but that's a totally different thread!

good luck!

[iacas]

That's kind of a question only you can really answer.

I answered it for myself. That's why I have one (I obviously answered "yes.").

[mdvaldosta]

If your course doesn't currently offer a GPS (if you ride a cart) then most definately your game will improve. By knowing the exact yardages you'll be able to hit the right club. If you're a solid player. you can pretty much be close to pin-high most every time. I use a laser rangefinder, whether I walk or ride (with GPS in the cart).

[gogolfing]

I've had mine since Christmas and I really like it; it really helped with club selection and knowing how far I hit my irons.

[deafheaven]

Absolutely. It's value is in the confidence it gives you. Being able to stand over your ball knowing you have the correct club in your hands enables you to concentrate on execution.