Do rangefinders tell you what club to use?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Rangefinders are a valuable tool for golfers as they provide accurate distance measurements to the target, such as the hole. While they don’t directly tell you which club to use, they do provide you with crucial information that can help you make an informed decision.

When determining which club to use, there are several factors to consider, including the distance to the hole, the layout of the course, the weather conditions, and your own playing abilities. Rangefinders come into play by giving you an accurate measurement of how far away the hole is, allowing you to make a more informed decision on club selection.

For example, let’s say you are standing on the fairway and the rangefinder indicates that you are 150 yards away from the hole. Based on your own playing abilities and the course conditions, you may decide that a 7-iron is the appropriate club to use for this distance. However, if the rangefinder had shown that you were only 130 yards away, you might opt for a 9-iron instead.

The ability to accurately measure distances with a rangefinder can help you avoid under or overhitting the ball, leading to more precise shots and potentially better scores. It takes the guesswork out of club selection, giving you confidence in your decision-making process.

Of course, it’s important to note that while rangefinders provide accurate distance measurements, they do not take into account other factors such as wind speed and direction, elevation changes, or the condition of the course. These additional factors still require your attention and consideration when selecting a club.

In my personal experience, using a rangefinder has greatly improved my game. I used to rely on markers on the course or estimates based on previous shots, which often led to inconsistent results. By using a rangefinder, I am able to get an accurate distance reading and make more informed decisions on club selection.

While rangefinders do not directly tell you which club to use, they provide valuable distance information that can greatly assist in making the right club selection. By having accurate measurements, you can make more informed decisions, potentially leading to better shots and improved overall performance on the golf course.