GPS vs RangeFinders and the Future?

The leading makers of range finders (Bushnell) and GPS systems for golf courses (Sky Caddie) are heavily promoting their respective products to a golf audience that has grown significantly since my last blog on this subject (May 14, 2006).  Recent articles in the trade publications trumpet the growing use of and demand for both types of devices despite the price.

Our experience has been that a rangefinder is better suited for the golfer who has steady hands, likes the flexibility of a mechanical device and can take advantage of accurate yardages.  The GPS units work best for golfers who find holding up binoculars are too difficult or time consuming (rangefinders require some adjustment for viewing properly), are comfortable with electronic gadgets and more variability in distance measurement.

Someone using a GPS and another person using a rangefinder on the same course at the same spot will get different yardage readings for reasons that are not clear to me.  The variability, however, is small and the majority of golfers cannot hit their clubs within three yards of their target most of the time anyway. 

Do GPS and rangefinders save time?  The jury is out on this question and some tournament directors suspect these devices add time to a round.  Many tournaments now allow rangefinders and GPS units, and a golfer may ask another golfer using such a device what yardage he got. 

It’s easy to find reviews and comparisons of golf GPS units, which include an upfront price and yearly fees.  Most of these units cost at least $300 and require annual fees for course downloads.  Klees Golf Shop carries the Sky Caddie, which makes a good Father’s Day gift for the right kind of golfer.

Bushnell has the most number of rangefinder models priced from $240 to $500. Nikon also offers a couple of models priced from $200 to $600 each.  The more expensive units can measure distance in more conditions, include slope measurement (illegal in tournament play) and features that are probably better suited for a professional player.
Klees Golf Shop carries the Bushnell Medalist and Pro 1600 and both are great gifts for Father’s Day. 

What’s the future for these devices?  Many tournaments allow either a GPS or rangefinder, or both, and that number is expanding. The use of something that measures distance accurately will continue to grow because its utility and convenience are beneficial even for the weekend golfer. Will that something be a rangefinder, a GPS unit or another product?  Probably all three.