STOP Using Your Rangefinder + GPS Wrong (Shot Scope Pro L2 Review)

[@rich.e]

I've had range finder (without Slope) for quite a white. It has taught/told me how far I actually hit and has also given me a better feel for how much winds can affect shot distances.

[@collierellis553]

I use both rangefinder and gps. It helps me figure out how much room I have between the pin and the front or back of the green, so that I know what I need to carry and how much roll-out I can tolerate. Middle of the green is safer for sure, but I like knowing more about my landing area than what front/middle/back will tell me.

[@CoachLockey]

Awesome 👏 👌

[@robertcourt8593]

Played my best golf this year when I left the GPS at home and relied on the trusty old yardage book. Working out the distances in my head seems to help me get into the shot more.

[@stuart8200]

I go with both, so my Bushnell for gettable flags with scoring clubs, or hazards, bunkers etc. if I’m further out (or even just to check) then I will compare to my old GPS watch.

[@markpassell8379]

I haven’t used either one. On familiar courses I can estimate yardages pretty well and use feel for wind, slope and temperature. A watch would be my choice for unfamiliar courses because of the hazard info and front-middle-back data. Also, a watch doesn’t get left behind as often. I’ve played several rounds where someone leaves the thing and has to go back to find it.

[@fuquanali]

Thanks for asking the question, Zach. And thanks for making the video to answer it, Coach. Makes so much sense.

[@nicholaswhyte6532]

This is a great point. I use a gps watch. And always play the number which shows as the back of the green. I rarely flush my irons so playing the back usually helps me hit the green when I don’t strike it pure

[@glenburr6755]

I use both. Mostly use middle of green for yardage, range finder for wedges into greens. When using the gps, I just make sure I don’t have a club I can hit over the green. And gps for hazards in the fairway.

[@dirtyoffroader2093]

Like most on here I use my Range finder for distance to bunkers, trees, ponds etc.. but I mostly use it when I'm out practising at my golf club. We have an huge open practice range where I can dial in wedges from any set distance around them.. For that alone it's been priceless. I'm still a GPS watch guy for my normal shots though. Just find it quicker. 👍

[@shoooooooes]

I just bought a range finder over the winter, I've used a GPS app on my phone for a long time. I like using the front/ middle/ back along with the flag color to know where the flag may be. I like using the range finder doing what you do .. different targets and accurate yardage using slope. Best of both worlds, I think.

[@countryboy4559]

Bought a Nikon rangefinder years ago, I’m a sporadic golfer so use it in panic practice before a golf trip to find how far I’m hitting the ball. Then plod my way around the golf trip golf course. I’m constantly using it for hazard location.

[@amyedwards5076]

Just got an H4 two weeks ago and using it shot 5 rounds in 70s. But like you still pull the range finder inside 120 yds. Good video!

[@freakerdk]

I use both - Using the rangefinder, from roughly 150 meters or closer, to shot the flag and the forced carry like bunkers and water, giving me the intel to decide if I want to go directly towards the flag or not. Use the watch from 150+ meters and also use it to check my rangefinder number, so I know where the flag is positioned on the green (front - middle - back) and double check I didn't shot a three in the background.

[@robjelley1138]

I use both. Got a free gps app n my phone that’s really good. Use it off the tee, blind shots and for front, middle and back of the green. Love the range finder for knowing exactly where the pin is on the green as well as being able to zap trouble. Definitely using both is the best way to go.

[@GOLFADDICT65]

had the range finder and the gps watch....did not like using the rangefinder,,,,love just having a good gps golf watch...its all i need....cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@martyndaly1539]

GPS only. Following Mark's advice from a while back I took a lot more notice of the back yardage since, how often do we button it? I've been a very useful playing partner when my team has only got lasers and its blind!

[@nupezb]

I use both. I will zip the pint once I'm in approach range. However, depending on where the flag is located, I will usually try to land in a safe place to two-putt.

[@patrickscribner]

I initially bought my rangefinder for use at the driving range to shoot the targets. I use both on the course for different purposes(not both on every hole) but it’s a game changer on the range.

[@joethefish6234]

Great video coach! One of your best, you are such a natural and your enthusiasm and knowledge is second to none - thank you!!

[@CoachLockey]

Thanks Joe. Much appreciated 👍

[@seantongs3202]

I use a rangefinder & a GPS phone app so I can look at a full map of the hole if I need to, I zap trees, bunkers and what ever with the rangefinder to guide me because that just seemed the logical thing to do to help me hit the middle of greens. I bought the rangefinder after playing a Pro-Am, the pro said I should know the exact yardage I wanted to leave to a green.

[@patscholte2550]

I use both. I only zapp when exact yardages are relevant.

[@joeperez3520]

I use both. After stopping at my ball, I zap the flag with a laser. That gives the GPS time to "calm down" and "settle in" on the right yardages, and then I'll decide where I want to try to land my ball with the approach. From the tee a GPS is necessary to determine dog-leg runouts and distances to fairway hazards.

[@micko2007]

I use both the rangefinder to find the pin in relation to what part of the green it's on and then I check my GPS watch to find the front, middle and back of the green yardages. This is generally just for information so I know where the pin is in realtion to the FMB of the green. If the pin is on the front, I try and aim for the middle. If the pin is in the middle I try and aim for the back. If it's at the back I aim for the back. I rarely hit my clubs exactly to the distance I think so I always overclub and this usually works more often than not.

[@mglegacy012]

I mainly use GPS and have a rangefinder for special situations. Slope is one of them, maybe when the GPS is being wonky, when I’m within 60-70 yards and can attack the pin more. And at the driving range!

[@motodiaries8204]

I use both. I use the rangefinder more to check distances to the end of a fairway or a tree at the inside of a dogleg. I use the gps watch to decide on club choice.

[@stephenbateman7254]

I use both. GPS gets me front/middle/back, which I use for club picking. Range finder with I use for yardage adjustments and knowing things to clear or distance to target like bunkers, water, dog legs, etc.

[@markh9246]

I used to be a 18 handicap prior to having a rangefinder, once i bought a rangefinder and a watch after gapping all my clubs I dropped about 5 shots instantly. Was best thing I've ever purchased to help my game. Commiting to a precise yardage on every shot. Used to hit perfect 8irons and be a club short or long but not now. I now play to 9 but if i had choice of lose the driver or rangefinder it be the driver.

[@ryandeery6930]

Treated myself to the voice caddie SL3 and it’s superb. Best of both worlds but wasn’t cheap.

[@randycosgrove3608]

I use the Mark 1 eyeball. Has served me well for about 49 years. Every time I measure it against some electronic rangefinder that my partners use I seem to be within 5 yards of their readings. So why bother with the extra gear.

[@grahamdennis2115]

I have both, are use the watch to determine the centre of the green and the range finder to flag hunt and use an amalgam of these two figures to determine a club to use.

[@CoachLockey]

Love it

[@GodandBrooksFallsbears]

I’m still waiting to get to a golf course still dealing with a elbow injury, hopefully soon, when I do play golf I use both using a laser range finder for flag number and trouble numbers when in view, when out of view I still have gps, don’t always go for flag either way, just hitting the green makes me happy lol

[@lukpri84]

I recently got the Shot Scope Pro LX+ it’s great having both features and the ability to stat track.

[@legend9018]

My strategy when using my laser rangefinder is to add 5 yards to whatever number I shoot then play that yardage to the middle of the green. It’s worked out quite well. I also have a approach s62 watch that also helps with identifying hazards and distances to those hazards.

[@Docsharpie]

I use the GPS golf app on my phone so I can see a map of the hole and get yardage on how much is needed to clear or be short of hazards. I also use a range finder for slope and yardage, especially short wedge shots that I can go for the pin. One important thing is glancing at my GPS is quicker when I just want to play to the middle of the green and helps move things along. It might not take as long as when we use to have to find yardage markers on the fairway, but if I don't need exact yardage, why not take your shot 30 or 45 seconds sooner?

[@qwinn4911]

When your round is over, check the cart/buggy for your magnetic range finder. I must have left mine at 3 different courses.

[@dannyl3417]

I have a (budget friendly) slope rangefinder. I typically treat the flag as my "overall" distance, but then a check on slope-or-obstacle distances in front. With a limited budget, I'm hesitant to buy a watch but I know it would help determine the parameters of a green.

[@johnm900]

I use a shot scope watch and laser during rounds. I tend to use the laser when I’m within the 100-150 yard range to get a ‘closer’ look at the green and will shoot the pin as well as back edges of bunkers to gauge approximate landing areas. I don’t have the consistency to hit targets every time, but it takes the guess work out of the equation and sets a definite intention rather than hit ‘n’ hope.

[@keithfinley2939]

GPS watch. Middle distance is always a good target. Nice to know the distance to the back as well.

[@philballance9432]

Thanks Matt, interesting. I use a GPS App called GolfPad which works on my watch and give me front, middle and back and slope. Also can look at the map on my phone if i want to see distances to various points. Middle of the green is good enough for me as a 13 handicap

[@davevecht720]

I use both, but mainly rely on the GPS. The laser gets used for short par 3's and pitch shots under 100yds. I also use it for measuring dogleg distances, although the new watch will tell me that now. I'll also use it to verify the GPS. My ability to judge distance isn't great so it's not uncommon for me to question the GPS number... not that it's ever been wrong.

[@RichardCook-eu1qj]

Great review, just purchased the shot scope.

[@CoachLockey]

Great choice 👌 enjoy it.

[@petercrews3623]

I have a basic Garmin Approach S10 watch because it's instant for front, middle and back and doesn't hold up play. If I'm on a less familiar course, with time, I can use my phone with The Grint app for a full hole picture and distances to hazards etc.

[@2010LeeG]

Use a GPS watch and recently go off back distance for those not quite hit sweet and we can be guilty of thinking we hit each club futher than we actually do. Hitting more greens now

[@davee9887]

I have both but find myself more and more often leaning towards front/middle/back yardages. Really like my rangefinder for shots within 125 to try to match up with my wedge matrix.

[@Andredecan]

Is use GPS - Garmin G80 - and use front, middle and back of the green differences based on conditions.

[@neiltaylor1765]

Laser inside 130 + par 3's Watch for every shot, F/M/B so useful to know

[@petermitchell6420]

I use a Milessey range finder and 18 Birdies on my phone when I play. They both have their benefits

[@therealdavidowens76]

I use a slightly older Bushnell I've had for ages, still has slope if I need it and the jolt tech. I also use the Arccos app for gps...it's a must have to have a gps app/watch in the UK, there's so many courses with blind shots/holes

[@jameskent4453]

I have both but I usually use my watch it's easier, but I am not very good, trying to get better at breaking ninety.

[@simonhuss9619]

I use both, but where i find the laser comes in trumps is on practice range, i can shoot my yardages, then i know how far im hitting my clubs, then when on course i use gps to pick my yardage with wind ect, and shoot stuff im not quite sure of, laser also great for elevated par 3s

[@SolomonLi]

I could probably use a better range finder than my older one as well as a GPS… I pretty much use my laser eyes and my friends for course info to get all the yardages. It’s seriously helpful to have an idea “how” to use the data as much as just being able to get it. I like the review Coach! I do love my toys… 😊

[@grahamwilcox4027]

GPS watch is great, quick to use, reliable and less prone to operator error than a rangefinder. It gives me what I need to try to hit more greens, pin hunting? Nah! I found a rangefinder particularly useful in the winter when temporary greens etc are in use. Both good devices.

[@si777]

Obviously a combo is the best and I suggest everyone gets both over time. If I was to pick one though I'd go with the watch just because the stats you get from it will vastly improve you as a golfer if used right assuming you get the tags on your clubs. I personally bought a shotscope watch with the tags at first then I bought just a cheap range finder (£100 I think it cost me a year or so ago), Combining the 2 imo will only make you better.

[@hnasdad]

I usually use the gps as primary, then use the pin as a reference for the "perfect distance" I'm always crossing my fingers left to right anyway.

[@zeffneeson5214]

I use a range finder I zap the pin and try and zap the front of the green and bunkers it has definitely improved my game for sure . I’d like to try a watch but can’t afford one at the mo 🙄😂 Great info as normal dude 👊🏻

[@paulhorrocks4868]

Thanks Matt, yes I have both a Shot Scope X5 and a Bushnell range finder with the shift feature. I do use it to zap other potential hazards as well as the flag but your video has now made me even more aware what to use it for. Many thanks👍🏻

[@scott8210]

Great video 👍 i use a gps and on flag position most course i play have different coloured flags for front middle and back but usually play middle yardage anyway

[@Cornish_Maid]

I use a garmin gps, as I have a tremor in both hands, I cannot hold a rangefinder steady enough to use one. But the gps is great for me.

[@CoachLockey]

Glad you enjoy your gps 👍

[@HobboTube]

I love using a combination of GPS and rangefinder.... Golfshot on the phone for picking a spot on the fairway and knowing both distance from the tee and distance to the green, from that fairway spot. Rangefinder to pin and front/middle/back to work out where the pin is... then erring on the side of the middle of the green. Also like to ping a tree on my driving line.... just gives confidence coming into the shot that you can give it full beans without hitting it too far. So I have the rangefinder, golfshot app and shotscope v5..... oh, and a garmin running watch with a golf option.... too much tech? lol

[@jessyn76]

Well, the phone app I use The Grint has GPS on it. I have discovered that it isn't all that accurate. I don't weather a watch so that is out. I use my rangefinder most about 170 and in. It has slope which is a nice thing. I still eyeball the flag, look around for the yardage markers in the fairway, and estimate my yardage before I laser it. Rangefinder is perfect for an exact yardage, if the pin is tucked, I can still use the yardage just aim for the middle of the green.

[@mikeb3835]

I'm pretty good at judging when to club up or down depending on altitude changes, so my cheap GPS does the job. The thing a cheap rangefinder would be great for, is finding the distances at some of the driving ranges.

[@Dreyno]

I don’t trust driving range markers. And they often stick flags at in between distances that’s impossible to estimate. And if there’s a slope, have they compensated for that? When nobody is around, I pull out the rangefinder and check.

[@antd684]

Bushnell and Shot Scope H4 (just switched to this from phone app). Using both can be slow but I tend to only use the rangefinder in the scoring areas and tend to zap the flag and compare it to the GPS distance to green center and then use the laser for a plus/minus distance so if I'm waiting for a partner to play when I get to my ball I just check the GPS and I know the distance without re-zapping. I do Zap the flag on those short shots around the green so I know which of my clubs and shots to use. Seems to work well for me.

[@francoisdesmoulins-lebeaul4273]

I do use a laser but I do zap different things, not just the flag, to know if I should hit right at the flag, further or shorter (that's for distance) and I also open my eyes or memory and/or look up the yardage book with the map of the hole to figure out if I should aim left or right or at the pin, directionaly. For that reason, I've been tempted to use a gps watch in conjunction to my laser, but that's remained (and will likely remain) just a temptation!

[@Jags4lifeJames]

I have been looking as I am getting back into golf and this technology wasn't out when I played. I haven't committed yet because there is so many options it is hard to choose. I have been leaning to the Shot Scope 5 (I think the one you have) because I like the club tags. That is just one more part of improving your game you just don't get with a range finder, 100 yards is great to know but if you don't know your club ranges it doesn't help you much. I think I just convinced myself coach, great video and great question from the IG!

[@armstrc1]

I use an H4 but is the big advantage with that tech not also the tagging, shot tracking and the stats you get whereas you don’t get that with the rangefinder?

[@obrothernotagain4668]

I primarily zap, but find having a gps app on my phone to be also crucial for figuring out where to go off the tee. You can't zap the widest part of the fairway!

[@deanmitchell5967]

I paid $100AUD for my range finder and it’s never missed a beat.

[@djspider4410]

My course has yellow and white flags for middle and back of green. Being colourblind i cant tell the difference. I'm losing shots as a result of this. Hoping a rangefinder will solve this problem for me.

[@jonfowell9045]

Great video, like the banter to on puts😂

[@normlang1994]

Only use GPS. I wish my game was good enough to fire at pins. I'm typically playing to the center, sometimes center-right or center-left. The GPS on my phone has hole maps and you can select bunkers, streams, etc to find out distances.

[@mikevreeland8889]

I use a range finder but adjust my distance based on what makes sense for the shot.

[@ianburton9223]

All very well getting accurate distance information, which I do using a rangefinder and a GPS. But if you have little idea about just how far and with what dispersion you hit each club, then you will be struggling regardless of how accurate the distance information is. So then it was a big surprise that you did not mention the club distance and dispersion statistics available to you using the Shot Scope X5 watch you were wearing. The watch does not hold the club stats or suggest a club for a given situation. But, having all (almost all) your shots recorded for each round does offer you a lot of extra knowledge about your game that you can apply to shot choice.

[@CoachLockey]

I have done other videos on this.

[@adamhowells8494]

Are the optics good in lower light conditions?

[@davidfletcher6836]

Personally use a gps as it shows hazards and yardages to them. Front middle and back yardages are enough as often pins are put in sucker positions that cost shots if you go at them.

[@Stephenpettitt198]

Never been a fan of gps but you might have convinced me 🤔. Don’t suppose they give you a discount code do they?

[@epicragegaming2016]

i use gps watch and aim for middle of green, using that number. depending on flag position andwind, i might adjust. if im 165 out from the middle, im not good enough to worry about if the flag is 157 or 175, i just want to get on the green.

[@chrisengland1]

I have a top brand slope rangefinder but I find on overly sunny or misty cold days it can’t lock into the flag or inkers very well so thinking gps

[@davidhainsworth4811]

Both gives all the options, great content as ever.

[@martingraham8321]

Yep, a must have purchase in my opinion and a one time purchase to boot 👍🏾

[@simongosling7919]

Easy one - I use Garmin Approach Z82 - rangefinder and GPS combined.

[@forgotmyname4971]

Yeah, $150 American. Might buy one. Thanks for the review.

[@pierrebotha379]

Thanks for the video. How many people use yardage books when they play?

[@CoachLockey]

Very low % now I would say.

[@gordonmcshannock4610]

I use a watch easy to use generally try to aim for middle or back yardage coz i still think i hit my irons further than i do so find hitting back yardage i dont come up short as much.

[@CoachLockey]

Very nice 👌

[@donalddopp1257]

Is your new driver better them last years?

[@loumitchells73]

GPS watch. Aiming middle of the green and use the club that get me to the end of green.

[@ianscott6811]

Great video! I got my first GPS towards the end of last season, not a Shot Scope - sorry ☹😁. I love the front middle back options plus the hole maps, as that's what I grew up playing, occasionally pin seeking but usually playing to areas of the green. I totally get that a zapper can be useful, but my fear is that I'll start pin seeking and end up short siding myself amd getting into a lot of trouble. I wish I'd got the GPS sooner. How did I manage before? 👍

[@1976axerhand]

Remember the cheap ones with slope are not very good, i had a 200 dollar one with slope and ut eas off by as much as 9 yards compared to a high dollar one.

[@LuckyChevy430]

I use a gps app on my phone and a laser. I'm lost without them. They really help me plan my shots and shoot lower scores.

[@Beekeeper58]

Both, I shoot bunkers, front of green and back of green

[@VKBKK]

I simply download Hole19 n use it as confortable having my phone in my left back pocket. All I need are distances before or clear hazards, bunkers plus quick layout view on bigger screen.

[@stevepowers3824]

Gps for me. Basically playing to middle or back yardage. i try not to look too much at pins.

[@RizZy28]

Gps app on my phone, you could give me the yardage down to the mm & it wouldn't make any difference as I'm not good enough to take advantage of that much info.

[@jonathanmayes4731]

I use a range finder to look at the group infront when they are on the greens. Thanks left to right then. 😂

[@guybrown1865]

I use a GPS but I think a range finder to get distance of other things on the course. Guy Canada 🇨🇦

[@richardc6932]

I feel “lucky “, my home course has a gps installed in all of their electric carts. I feel a little lost without it on some of the other courses we play.

[@Aaronfps2]

I mainly use a rangefinder for practicing

[@jakelindsay6251]

1. Donkeys Years?!?! Brilliant. Thanks for that one. 2. Problem with GPS is the inconsistencies. My Garmin Z82 is rubbish. On a couple holes on my home course the GPS lines up with the markers in the fairway within a couple yards. But on the majority of holes it is off by 20 or 25 yards. Is that from tree interference? I guess, maybe but it doesn't seem to affect my Arccos app or Voice Caddy. And really I don't really care. At the end of the day I can't trust it. 3. If you have a GPS that lines up to the markers in your fairway, then YES it's extremely useful in conjunction with a rangefinder. If not, we have major trust issues.

[@ybach64]

I use the V3 as my course is full of blind shots.

[@davidvesseur]

Usually GPS until about 150 yd in, then I hit the range finder

[@Andy-kp9fs]

Back to Velcro shoes coach! Those laces can be tricky 😂

[@CoachLockey]

They are BOA not Velcro 😂