Electronic range finders have become popular among golf players since the emergence of GPS, pinpointing exact locations. Naturally, this improvement in navigation also boiled over to the golfing world. This has resulted in many golf players from rookies to professionals opting to use range finders to get the most out of each shot. There are however prominent differences between GPS range-finding and laser range finding. Competitive golf has for the last eight years allowed the use of range-finding equipment and has exploded into a tech-savvy market, where buyers have multiple options to choose from, depending on preference from each side of the electronic range-finding equipment.
The advantages of electronic range finders are many and can give each competitor the edge when playing. This also can factor out any other environmental or physical barriers for the player, leaving the player with their body and club synchronizing which is the only pivotal role in the perfect shot. The one main advantage of many range finders is that the laser finding range finders particularly offer pin-point distance accuracy from your current tee-off point to the target, provided that the hole is insight on the laser. The GPS range finders also offer a geographical location to the hole with accurate distance, using coordinate geometry to tag the location of the target.
Most laser golf range finders also provide wind speed, slope compensation, and location to the closest yard, amongst other features available depending on the model. Certain models can also be attached to the golf caddy for a greater vantage point or maneuverability.
One disadvantage of range finders is that it could be viewed as an unfair advantage amongst competitors, as golf as a whole may become more of a technological sport rather than a mental and physical one. Each competition, from professional events to open events, somewhat allow range finders to a limited extent. For example, some competitions may allow range finders for distance calculation, but not the use of certain features such as wind speed direction or slope compensation. Once again each allowed piece of equipment depends from competition to competition. Some players choose to avoid technological range finders and prefer using mathematical calculations to determine all the relevant factors such as wind speed, slope variation, and distance.
One of the advantages of using mathematical calculations is that players avoid all possible regulations that could forbid them from being competitive. Another advantage of using mathematical calculations is for players that mentally calculate the relevant factors, especially with changing environmental factors such as changing wind direction. Like a competition sniper, they can choose when the best chance is to hit, and which club to use at the correct time, and at what intensity the player feels they should hit, which would have the best impact on reaching the hole.
One disadvantage of using feeling or mathematical calculations is that the player or assistant may not be able to calculate the change in certain environmental factors fast enough, causing a waste of time and possible victory opportunity.
In conclusion, each range-finding method has pros and cons and preference is dependent on the player, but each player should try to understand the beautiful game without the technology to completely understand and value the benefit of technological range finders.