Quick Answer
Choose a golf GPS if you want fast course information, front, middle and back green distances, and hazard awareness. Choose a laser rangefinder if you want the exact distance to the flag or another target. If you want the best of both worlds, many golfers carry both a GPS and a laser rangefinder.
One of the most common questions I get asked as a PGA Professional is whether a golf GPS or laser rangefinder is the better choice. If you've ever wondered the same thing, you're not alone. Both are excellent tools, but they provide different information and suit different styles of play. The best option depends on how you play, what information you value most and whether you prioritise strategy or precision.
What Does a Golf GPS Do?
A golf GPS uses satellite mapping to display distances to the front, middle and back of every green. Most modern GPS devices also provide hazard distances, lay up yardages and a full hole overview to help you make smarter decisions before every shot. The Pinned Golf Caddie GPS Tablet combines all of this information on a large, easy to read touchscreen that mounts directly to your golf cart or push trolley, giving you instant access to course information throughout the round.
Pros
- No line of sight required.
- Front, middle and back green distances.
- Hazard and lay up information.
- Full hole layouts for better course management.
- Fast and easy to use.
Cons
- Doesn't provide the exact distance to the flagstick.
What Does a Laser Rangefinder Do?
A laser rangefinder measures the exact distance to a target by aiming directly at it. Most golfers use laser rangefinders to measure the flagstick, but they are also useful for measuring bunkers, trees and other course features. The Pinned Golf Prism+ Laser Rangefinder provides fast target acquisition, flag locking technology and slope functionality, making it an excellent choice for golfers wanting precise yardages.
Pros
- Extremely accurate.
- Exact distance to the flag.
- Great for approach shots.
- Measures any visible target.
Cons
- Requires a clear line of sight.
- Doesn't provide hole layouts or strategic course information.
Golf GPS Advantages
- Front, middle and back green distances.
- Hole layouts.
- Hazard information.
- Better course management.
- Works even when the flag cannot be seen.
- Fast decision making.
Laser Rangefinder Advantages
- Pinpoint flag distance.
- Exceptional accuracy.
- Measures trees, bunkers and hazards.
- Ideal for approach shots.
- Excellent for competitive golf.
Which One Helps You Shoot Lower Scores?
Many golfers assume a laser rangefinder is always the better choice because it gives the exact distance to the flag. In reality, most amateur golfers lose more shots through poor course management than slightly inaccurate yardages. Knowing the front, middle and back of the green, the carry distance over a bunker and where trouble begins often leads to better decisions than simply knowing the flag is 147 metres away. As a PGA Professional, I regularly see golfers attack pins they shouldn't simply because they know the exact distance. Understanding where to miss and having a complete picture of the hole is often more valuable than one precise number.
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. Many low handicap golfers carry both a GPS and a laser rangefinder. They use their GPS to understand the hole and plan their strategy, then use a laser rangefinder to confirm the exact distance to the flag before hitting the shot. The two products complement each other rather than compete.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose a Golf GPS if you:
- Want complete course information.
- Enjoy planning your way around the course.
- Ride in a cart or use a push trolley.
- Prefer quick access to distances.
Choose a Laser Rangefinder if you:
- Want exact flag distances.
- Play competition golf regularly.
- Like aiming at precise targets.
- Already have strong course management skills.
Final Thoughts
There isn't a single "best" option for every golfer. If your goal is to play smarter golf and make better decisions, a golf GPS can become one of the most valuable pieces of equipment in your bag. If you love precision and want exact yardages to every target, a laser rangefinder is hard to beat. Many golfers eventually choose to carry both, using each where it provides the greatest advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a golf GPS better than a laser rangefinder?
Not necessarily. A golf GPS is better for course strategy and quick distances, while a laser rangefinder is better for measuring exact distances to a target.
Do I need line of sight with a golf GPS?
No. GPS devices use mapped course data and satellite positioning, so they can display distances even when you cannot see the green or target.
Do I need line of sight with a laser rangefinder?
Yes. A laser rangefinder must be aimed directly at the flag, bunker, tree or other target.
Can I use slope during competition?
Slope adjusted distances are generally not permitted where the Rules of Golf or local competition rules prohibit them. Most modern laser rangefinders allow slope mode to be turned off.
Should I carry both a GPS and a laser rangefinder?
Many golfers benefit from using both. A golf GPS helps with course management, while a laser rangefinder confirms the exact target distance before each shot.