The rangefinder vs. GPS watch debate has been running for a decade, and the honest answer has not changed: it depends on how you play. What has changed is the quality of both options at every price point, which makes the decision more consequential than it used to be.
Laser rangefinders give you exact yardage to the flag. That precision matters most when you are between clubs — when the difference between 147 and 153 yards changes your club selection. If you are a single-digit handicap who thinks in precise yardages and takes your time over club selection, a rangefinder is the right tool.
GPS watches give you yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green without having to stop and aim at anything. They also give you hazard distances, dogleg information, and in some cases shot tracking. If you play quickly, walk without a caddie, and want information at a glance rather than a precise number, a GPS watch fits your game better.
The case for owning both is real but only makes sense if you play competitively. In casual rounds, the GPS watch is faster and more convenient. In competitive rounds where you want to be certain about the number, the rangefinder earns its place in the bag.
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Canesh Arce
Canesh Arce is the Founder of The Par Report, covering the PGA Tour, major championships, and the business of professional golf.