This Simple Gadget Can Help Improve Anyone’s Golf Game

The Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder is our absolute favorite rangefinder, offering excellent range of up to 1,300 yards, 400 yards to a flag, and an easy-to-view display that provides up to 6x magnification. Its clever tournament mode indicator light makes it easy to comply with tournament regulations and let your playing partners know you’re following the rules. It works exceptionally well within Garmin’s ecosystem, but is still one of the absolute best on its own.

The most impressive and beneficial feature of the Garmin Approach Z30 is its Range Relay feature. It pairs with your compatible Garmin smartwatch, Garmin launch monitor, or mobile phone’s Garmin Golf app via Bluetooth to provide precise pin locations on each green, allowing you to dial in your yardage with unmatched accuracy. Not only can it tell you exactly where the pin is located on the green, Range Relay utilizes real-time course data and factors like wind, elevation, and temperature to deliver accurate distances, helping you make informed shot decisions Setup requires a few extra steps, but the process is simple and the results are well worth it.

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The RedTiger Rangefinder with Slope is a budget-friendly option that packs a lot of features for its easy-to-stomach price. It offers a range of 1200 yards to reflective surfaces and a magnification of 7x, providing accurate distance measurements and a clear view of the target.

It also includes features like slope compensation, a magnet for easy attachment to your golf cart, and a vibration function for pin-lock confirmation, keeping you from playing a guessing game with your distances. The RedTiger Rangefinder is an excellent choice for beginner golfers looking for their first rangefinder or experienced players searching for a reliable backup.

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The Bushnell Pro X3+ rangefinder is the ultimate upgrade for golfers seeking precision and elevated features that most rangefinders do not provide. Bushnell is one of the absolute best in the game and utilizes its state-of-the-art technology to offer lightning-fast readings and unparalleled accuracy, ensuring you have the most thorough yardage information at your fingertips.

The Pro X3+ boasts an impressive pin-lock distance of up to 600 yards, allowing you to lock onto the flag with confidence, even in challenging conditions and under grey skies. Its advanced slope compensation feature automatically calculates the angle and distance to the target, providing you with accurate readings that take the guesswork out of your shots. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring amateur, the Bushnell Pro X3+ is the ultimate tool to elevate your game and take your performance to the next level.

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When one of the best camera brands in the world makes a rangefinder, you know it’s gonna be a good one. The PowerShot Golf digital laser rangefinder blends fast, accurate distance measurements with something no other major rangefinder offers: The ability to shoot photos and videos directly through the device. With built-in optical image stabilization, a digital zoom that doubles from 6x to 12x, and slope-adjusted measurements, it gives you the tools to lock onto the flag quickly while also capturing swing footage or any golf memory. Despite its tech-forward design, it remains surprisingly compact at just 150 grams and fits easily in a pocket or your golf bag.

Canon’s digital viewfinder and stabilization make it easier to hold steady than many traditional lasers, especially in windy conditions. It offers a measurement range of 700 to 800 yards with +/- 2-yard accuracy and includes a pin lock vibration function to confirm when you’ve picked up the flag. An IPX4 water-resistant rating means it can handle light rain without issue, and a simple menu lets you toggle slope mode on or off—complete with an LED indicator for tournament play.

The Bushnell A1-Slope packs the brand’s tour-trusted accuracy into its smallest laser rangefinder ever, making it a perfect pocket-friendly design. Despite its size, it delivers the same patented slop tech trusted by over 98% of PGA Tour pros, giving you reliable “play-as” distances whether you’re hitting into elevated greens or playing downhill approaches. It locks onto the flag with accuracy within one yard out to 350 yards and can read up to 1,300 yards overall, all shown clearly through its 6x magnification optics.

It also includes its signature PinSeeker with a “jolt” to confirm when you’ve locked onto the pin, and its protective magnetic skin lets you stick to your cart’s metal rails or bars. The integrated rechargeable battery lasts 50+ rounds on a single charge—no CR2 batteries required—and its IPX6 water-resistant build ensures trustworthy performance in unpredictable weather. For golfers wanting a lightweight, ultra-portable rangefinder without sacrificing accuracy or durability, the A1-Slope is one of the best values Bushnell has ever produced.

The Callaway 300 Pro rangefinder is a mid-tier option that offers a great balance of features and price. With a range of 1,000 yards to a reflective surface and 300 yards to a flag, it provides accurate distance measurements for most golfers. It also features 6x magnification for a clear view of the target.

Other features of the Callaway 300 Pro include rain/fog resistance, a slope switch, and a scan mode. The slope switch allows you to compensate for elevation changes, while the scan mode lets you quickly measure multiple targets. We think it is a great choice for avid golfers who want a reliable and affordable rangefinder.

The Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized rangefinder is a premium tool designed for professional golfers and serious amateurs. With a stabilized image viewfinder, it eliminates blur caused by hand movement, making it easier to lock onto the flag or other targets. The rangefinder has a long range of 1200 yards to a reflective surface and 6x magnification for precise aiming. It also features water-resistant construction for use in all weather conditions, a fast measurement speed of 0.3 seconds, and ID (incline/decline) technology that calculates the horizontal distance to the target.

It provides improved accuracy and reliability for better shot selection and club selection, leading to increased confidence in your golf game. By eliminating the need to pace off distances, it speeds up play and reduces frustration by avoiding penalty strokes due to inaccurate distance measurements. The rangefinder is the perfect tool for the less steady-handed golfers among us who are looking for optimal accuracy and performance.

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Packed with tech, the latest model from Blue Tees offers fast, ultra-accurate yardages and a bright OLED display that’s easy to read in any lighting. With this model, you can flag-lock precision up to 350 yards, use its 6x magnification, and it has an IP56 dust- and water-resistant build—making it reliable in everything from rainy rounds to windy afternoons. It features a toggle that lets you switch between tournament-legal mode and slop-adjusted distances, and it even includes a filter to isolate the flag by removing background distractions.

Additional features like vibration for lock-on confirmation, active tracking for accurate reads even while moving, and a powerful Ultra MagStrip for secure cart mounting make it one of the most tech-forward options in the category. It measures up to 1,200 yards with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. It comes with a weather-proof case, three batteries, and a two-year warranty, making it a strong, ready-to-play option for golfers who want premium reads.

How Do I Use a Rangefinder?

To use a rangefinder, simply point it at the target you want to measure and press the button. The rangefinder will then display the distance to the target. It really is that simple.

Some rangefinders, though, will be more stable than others, while others provide more detailed information based on the conditions you’re playing in. These features help you get faster, more accurate readings, but in the end, it’s as simple as a point-and-shoot camera.

And one big tip when using a rangefinder? Most come with one side magnetized so you can attach it to your cart for your round. If you do this, make it a habit of leaving it’s case somewhere that will prompt you to check the cart for the rangefinder at the end of the day—we learned our lesson once the hard way.

What Are the Different Types of Rangefinders?

There are two main types of rangefinders: laser rangefinders and GPS rangefinders. Laser rangefinders use a laser beam to measure the distance to a target, while GPS rangefinders use satellite signals to determine the distance to a target. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but generally, if you play in standard, well-lit conditions, a laser rangefinder will easily do the job. If you frequently play in bad weather or in the fog, you may want a rangefinder that incorporates GPS. Better yet, pick one up that does both, like the Garmin Approach Z30.