Tracking a golf shot with a range finder includes just a few simple steps. All you have to do is focus the range finder on any object. Now press and hold the power button, and the display screen will show the distance. You can also use a GPS range finder with the courses mapped and show you all the information with a few clicks.
How To Track A Golf Shot With A Range Finder?
Depending on the type of the range finder, the function to track a golf shot can differ. However, it is a pretty easy thing to do. There are generally two kinds of rangefinders in the market- laser rangefinder and GPS rangefinder. Let’s take a look at how to use them and track a golf shot properly.
Laser Range Finder
The laser range finder is the most commonly used range finder used in golf. This type of range finder looks like a small camera with an adjustable eyepiece. It helps sharpen the views, and the users can focus on the place they want to know the distance to. Besides, it comes with a handy case to help carry it around.
The laser range finder has four different operating modes- Normal, scan, Pinsensor, and Pinslope. Each of these modes is used in different situations and in different ways.
Normal Mode
Normal mode is the default mode used when there’s not much around the object at a distance. Also, it’s the quickest method to calculate the distance. Simply aim at the object that you need to measure the distance to by looking through the eyepiece.
Now press the power button once, and the display screen will show the distance of the targeted object. Make sure to keep the rangefinder steady while aiming. Otherwise, it may have some error in the result if it’s shaky.
Scan Mode
Scan mode is the elaborated version of normal mode. It’s used when there’s a need to calculate multiple distances on the course among multiple objects, such as from object A to object B and so on.
To use this mode, look through the eyepiece and aim the crosshairs at the first object. Now press and hold the power button and sweep the rangefinder to the second object. Continue the same process from the 2nd object to the 3rd object. Finally, the display will read the distances on the screen in a continuous way.
Pinsensor Mode
As the name suggests, Pinsensor can sense the pin, which is the flagstick. It calculates the distance between overlapping targets and the pin when the background has a wooded area. This mode helps to make accurate calculations by crossing out the possibility to measure false distances of any object behind the pin.
First, look through the eyepiece to aim at an object behind the pin. Now press and hold the power button while sweeping the rangefinder slowly over the flagstick. At this point, the rangefinder should lock in the nearest and most valid target, which is the flagship. Finally, the display screen will show the distance to the pin.
Pinslope Mode
Pinslope mode is a more upgraded function that allows you to calculate angle-compensated distance. So, you can easily measure any elevated distance as well as direct distance. However, this mode is not available in all range finders. Generally, TecTecTec range finder models ending with S have this mode available.
Pinslope mode uses the same procedure as Pinsensor mode. It just shows additional information regarding the elevation changes so you can adjust the club selection accordingly. This mode helps to make accurate shots on hilly areas with slopes.
GPS Range Finder
GPS range finders are the more advanced ones on the list. It generally comes in the shape of a watch or a small device that you can hold in hand. The distance is shown on the small screen. You can see the distance from all sides as well as an overview of the course, which includes potential hazards and landmarks.
Unlike laser range finders, GPS range finders require you to map the course you are playing on. Some devices have thousands of courses already mapped on them, whereas you need to download them yourself from the internet for the rest. Also, you may need to pay a monthly fee for access to the course maps.
First, you need to load the course you are playing on from the menu. It will give you all the distances to the pin from each hole. You can also get information about the size and shape of the green for better management of the course. Now, use this information accordingly to plan out short and improve them.
Can I Track A Golf Shot On My Phone
You can also use your phone to track a golf shot instead of a range finder. But in this case, you need to take the shot first to track it. However, you can also calculate the distance to the pin. But for that, you will need to cross the distance from start to end to measure it. So, it’s a little time-consuming and difficult.
Nowadays, most androids and iPhones have shot tracking features available. First, go to the option and enable shot tracking. There are also different additional options, such as club selections and tracking putts. Choose the options you prefer and tap the track shot button before hitting the tee shot.
At this point, a screen should appear for the preference of clubs and gears. Make the choices accordingly to record the position of your tee shot. Now, walk to where your ball has landed on the course and record this position to calculate the distance between two shots. Repeat this process until you reach the pin.
Laser Range Finders Vs. Golf GPS Apps
Both laser range finders and GPS range finders have their pros and cons, so you can’t say with certainty that one is better than the other. The best way is to compare the two and see which one fulfills your requirements better.
Laser range finders are commonly used because of their fast and easy application. They are considered the most accurate range finders available in the market and can be used to calculate distances to any objects, including hazards and trees. They are also more affordable than GPS range finders. However, one of its drawbacks is it doesn’t work if you can’t see the green.
On the other hand, GPS range finders tend to be the most highly rated range finders available in the market. But they have more advanced features available and can work even if you can’t see the green. They are also slower than laser finders and can be technically challenging to use for some. Some budget GPS finders also have imperfect battery lives.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What’s the best golf range finder app?
Ans: There are a bunch of golf range finder apps available for both androids and iPhones. However, according to most sources, GolfShot is the most popular and most expensive range finder app out there for its tremendous and accurate performance.
Q: How far can a range finder measure?
Ans: A long-range laser range finder can measure distances up to 20 km while mounted on a tripod.
Conclusion
Laser range finders are generally more straightforward as they don’t need any mapping and all you need to do is point to an area to know the distance. At the same time, GPS range finders are more automatic and complicated. The whole course is mapped on the device to give you much more information to increase the accuracy of the shot.
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