A laser golf rangefinder measures the exact distance to the flagstick, while a GPS golf watch shows distances to the green and hazards without any aiming. We explain which device suits your game, what to look for when choosing one and what the Rules of Golf say about distance-measuring devices. An exact distance is the basis of good club selection – but only if you know how far you hit each club.
Laser or GPS: the key differences
Both types of device answer the same question: how far is it to the target? A laser measures to the point you aim at. A GPS watch calculates the distance from your position and a map of the course, so there is nothing to aim at.
| Feature | Laser rangefinder | GPS golf watch |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Distance to the target you aim at: flagstick, hazard, tree | Distance to the front, middle and back of the green and to hazards on the course map |
| Operation | Aim and press the button | A glance at your wrist is enough |
| Distance to the flag | Exact, as long as you can see the flagstick | Only estimated from the front and back of the green; on some models after moving the pin position on the map |
| Blind shots | Cannot measure, needs a direct line of sight | Can measure, takes the distance from the map |
| Accuracy | High on the point you aim at | Depends on the quality of the map and the signal |
| Statistics and shot tracking | Usually not | Yes, depending on the model |
| Power | Battery, usually CR2 | Rechargeable, battery life depends on model and mode |
Laser rangefinder: exact distance to the flag
You hold the laser up to your eye, aim at the target through the viewfinder and press the button. The device measures the distance to exactly what you are aiming at: the flagstick, the front edge of a bunker, the edge of the water or a tree at the corner of a dogleg. Viewfinder magnification is typically 6–7×.
A direct line of sight is essential. If the flagstick is hidden behind a rise in the ground or behind trees, the laser cannot measure it. So that it measures the flag rather than the trees behind the green, a laser usually has a flag-lock function: as soon as it locks on to the flagstick, it confirms this with a short vibration.
Slope adjusts distance for elevation: uphill it usually shows a longer “playing” distance, downhill a shorter one. It is useful in practice outside a round played under the Rules. Switch it off for any Rules-compliant round, including general play for handicapping, and choose a model that allows this.
What to look for in a laser
- Range to the flag. Maximum range is quoted for large, highly reflective targets; to a thin flagstick it is shorter. If the manufacturer states the range to the flag separately, go by that figure.
- Magnification. Higher magnification makes it easier to pick out a distant flagstick, but it also exaggerates any hand shake.
- Display. Check how easily you can read the figure against a bright sky and against dark trees.
- Stabilisation. It reduces image shake and helps you keep the flagstick in the crosshairs, especially over longer distances.
- Magnet. A magnetic laser can attach to a suitable steel surface, such as a cart frame. It will not attach directly to aluminium or carbon fibre. When choosing trolley accessories, check that the holder is compatible with both your trolley and laser.
- Water resistance. It does rain on the course from time to time, so check the specifications for water resistance.
- Battery. Some lasers use a replaceable CR2 battery; others have a rechargeable battery, for example via USB-C. Check your model: carry the correct spare or charge the laser before your round.
Manufacturers of golf lasers include Bushnell and Nikon, for example. You can compare models of both types in our rangefinders and GPS watches category.
GPS golf watch: the whole hole at a glance
A GPS watch determines your position and compares it with the course map. The display then shows the distance to the front, middle and back of the green and to hazards such as bunkers or water. You do not aim at anything – a glance at your wrist is enough, and it works for blind shots too.
However, the watch does not know where the flag is on the green on any given day, because the pin position changes regularly. You therefore estimate the distance to the flag from the front and back of the green. The accuracy of the figures depends on the quality of the map and on signal reception: if the course alters a green or its hazards and the map has not yet been updated, the numbers will be off.
Statistics are where watches come into their own. Depending on the model, they keep your scorecard, record your shots and, over time, show how far you hit each club.
What to look for in a watch
- Display. It must be easy to read even in direct sunlight, with numbers large enough to take in at a glance.
- Battery life. Look at battery life in GPS mode, not just in normal watch mode. A round of golf takes several hours, and the watch should last it with plenty to spare.
- Course maps and updates. Check whether the database includes the courses you play, how the maps are updated and whether any features require a subscription.
- Green view. It shows the shape of the green. On some models you can move the pin to its actual position and get a more accurate distance to the flag.
- Shot tracking. The watch records where you played each shot from, either automatically or after you confirm the shot. Some systems recognise your clubs using sensors screwed into the end of the grips.
- Smartphone connection. The app shows your statistics more clearly, and you can often update the maps through it as well.
GPS golf watches are made by Garmin, for example.
GPS on your phone and handheld GPS
You can also try GPS distances with a golf app on your phone. It works on the same principle as a watch, but you have to take the phone out for every shot, and a whole round with GPS switched on drains the battery noticeably.
A handheld GPS is a standalone device with a display that you carry in your pocket or clip to your golf bag. It suits golfers who want distances without aiming but do not want to wear anything on their wrist.
Who should choose a laser and who a watch?
It comes down to how precisely you play and what you expect from the device. A rough guide:
| Golfer | What to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | GPS watch or a phone app | Distances to the front and back of the green are enough, and it is easy to use |
| Recreational golfer playing different courses | GPS watch | You know the distances to hazards even on an unfamiliar course |
| Low-handicap golfer | Laser | Exact distance to the flagstick and to hazards |
| Golfer who wants statistics | GPS watch with shot tracking | Score, shots and distances for individual clubs |
| Golfer who plays competitions | A device on which the elevation adjustment can be switched off, or one without it | Elevation changes must not be measured in competition |
| Anyone who wants both | Watch and laser | The overview from the watch, laser precision for approach shots |
A beginner is usually fine with the distance to the middle of the green: as long as shots are not landing within a few metres of the target, the pin position matters less than the spread of shots. Golfers with a low handicap, on the other hand, value an exact number to the flag. Many golfers combine both devices: the watch for quick orientation, the laser for approach shots.
Choosing a device as a gift? Find out discreetly whether the recipient plays competitions and likes wearing a watch. You will find more ideas in our guide to gifts for golfers.
Distance-measuring devices and the Rules of Golf
Under the Rules of Golf, distance-measuring devices are allowed unless a Local Rule prohibits them (Rule 4.3). Before a competition, read the Local Rules and the Terms of the Competition.
The ban on measuring elevation and using slope applies in every round under the Rules, including general play rounds for handicapping. Disable these functions on both lasers and watches. You must also avoid club or line-of-play recommendations calculated from your current ball position.
For a first breach of Rule 4.3 you get the general penalty (two penalty strokes in stroke play, loss of the hole in match play), and for a second breach, disqualification. Our guide to the Rules of Golf in brief covers other situations on the course.
How to get the most from a distance device
- Know your distances. The number on the display is only useful once you can turn it into a club choice. What matters is carry, the distance the ball travels through the air, and a launch monitor measures it precisely. In our fitting studio we use TrackMan iO and Uneekor EYE XO simulators, which measure ball flight including carry and spin. A fitting shows you how far you really hit your clubs.
- Watch the gaps between clubs. A watch with shot tracking and measuring on the course will soon show whether two of your clubs go almost the same distance. Our guide to golf club lofts explains how to build a bag without gaps.
- Do not just measure to the flag. Also check the distance to the front of the green, to the bunker in front of it or to the water you have to carry. Sometimes it is more important to know where you must not hit it than where the flag is.
- Measure while others are playing. When it is your turn, have your distance measured and your club chosen. That way measuring does not slow down play.
- Set the units. Devices can usually switch between metres and yards. Choose the unit in which you know your distances.
- Prepare before your round. Charge your watch, check the course map and, depending on the model, charge your laser or pack a spare battery.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a rangefinder in a tournament?
Yes, unless a Local Rule or the Terms of the Competition prohibit it. However, the slope function and any other elevation adjustment must be switched off.
Is a laser more accurate than a GPS watch?
To the target you aim at, yes: it measures the distance to a flagstick or hazard you can see. A GPS watch is only as accurate as the course map and the signal reception, but in return it shows distances without aiming, even to places you cannot see.
Which golf watch is the best?
There is no model that is best for everyone. Compare how readable the display is in sunlight, the battery life in GPS mode and the coverage of the courses you play. If you want to improve your game using statistics, choose a model with shot tracking.
Does a beginner need a rangefinder?
Not necessarily, but it makes it easier to judge distances and therefore to choose the right club. A GPS watch or a phone app is enough to start with.
Summary
- A laser measures precisely to the target you aim at, but it needs a direct line of sight.
- A GPS watch shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green and to hazards without aiming; its accuracy depends on the map and the signal.
- Beginners and recreational golfers are usually well served by a watch, low-handicap golfers value a laser, and many golfers combine both.
- With a laser, look at range to the flag, magnification, display, stabilisation, magnet, water resistance and battery; with a watch, at the display, battery life, maps, green view and shot tracking.
- Distance-measuring devices are allowed unless a Local Rule prohibits them; do not use slope in a round under the Rules, including general play for handicapping.
- A distance device helps you most when you know your distances with each club.
Compare lasers and watches in our rangefinders and GPS watches category, and alongside the brands mentioned, take a look at Zoom or Voice Caddie, for example.
You’ll find more topics in the overview of our golf guides.