GPS & Rangefinders

Finding the Right Distance Device

Knowing your exact distance to the pin takes the guesswork out of club selection and is one of the simplest ways to lower your scores. A GPS device or laser rangefinder gives you accurate yardages on every shot, helping you commit to the right club with confidence. At Tony Valentine Golf we stock GPS units and rangefinders from the leading brands in golf technology.

Below you will find everything you need to choose with confidence, from understanding the difference between GPS and laser to the features worth looking for in each.

GPS vs Laser Rangefinders

The two work in different ways. A GPS device uses preloaded course maps to show distances to the front, centre, and back of the green, along with hazards and layup points, the moment you reach your ball, with no aiming required. It is quick, easy to use, and gives a great overview of the hole, which makes it especially useful on unfamiliar courses. GPS comes as handheld units, watches, and clip-on devices.

A laser rangefinder measures the precise distance to whatever you aim it at, usually the flag, by firing a laser and timing the return. It is pinpoint accurate to the exact target, which GPS cannot match, though it requires a steady hand and line of sight. Many keen golfers end up owning both, using GPS for a quick overview and the laser for an exact yardage to the pin.

What to Look for in a GPS Device

The most important things are clear, accurate course mapping and the number of courses preloaded, ideally covering the courses you play with free worldwide updates. Battery life matters, as you want it to last a full round and ideally more, and the format is a personal choice between a handheld with a larger screen, a discreet watch you can wear all day, or a clip-on that attaches to your cap or bag.

Useful extras include hazard and layup distances, a hole map view, shot distance measurement, and on some watches, everyday smart features and step tracking. An easy-to-read screen and simple controls make a real difference in use, so look for a device that gives you the information you want at a glance without fuss.

What to Look for in a Rangefinder

Accuracy and quick target acquisition are the priorities, so you can lock onto the flag fast and confidently. Look for slope functionality, which adjusts the distance for uphill and downhill shots to give a true playing yardage, and a slope lock-off switch so the device is legal for competition use, where slope readings are not permitted. Pin-seeking technology with a vibration or visual confirmation that you have locked onto the flag is very helpful.

Clear, sharp optics with good magnification make targets easy to find, and a stable, comfortable feel in the hand helps you hold steady. Some rangefinders add a magnetic mount to attach to a trolley or cart frame, and many golfers like to keep theirs handy on a trolley accessory holder for quick access.

Practice Technology

If you are interested in measuring more than just distance, the same technology that improves your on-course decisions can transform your practice. Our launch monitors measure ball speed, launch, spin, and carry distance, giving you the data to dial in your game at home or on the range.

Frequently Asked Questions About GPS and Rangefinders

Should I get a GPS or a laser rangefinder?

It depends on how you like your distances. A GPS gives quick distances to the green and an overview of the hole with no aiming, which is great on unfamiliar courses. A laser rangefinder gives a pinpoint distance to the exact target, usually the flag. GPS suits speed and overview, lasers suit precision, and many golfers eventually use both.

What is slope on a rangefinder?

Slope adjusts the measured distance to account for uphill and downhill shots, giving you the true playing yardage rather than the straight-line distance. It is very useful for club selection on undulating courses. Because slope is not permitted in competition, most rangefinders with slope have a lock-off switch that disables it to keep the device tournament-legal.

Are GPS devices and rangefinders allowed in competition?

Distance-measuring devices are permitted in most competitions under standard rules, but features that measure slope or other conditions are not. This is why rangefinders with slope include a lock-off mode. Always check the specific rules of your competition, but a device used purely for distance, or with slope switched off, is generally allowed.

Do I need to pay for course updates on a golf GPS?

Most modern golf GPS devices include free course maps and updates, with thousands of courses preloaded and new ones added regularly at no cost. A few older or budget models charge a subscription, so it is worth checking before buying. For the devices we stock, free worldwide course mapping is the standard you should expect.

Visit Tony Valentine Golf

If you would like help choosing between GPS and a rangefinder, or picking the right model, our team is happy to advise. Browse our full range below, or get in touch and visit us in store at our Corsham or Swindon centre.