How Rangefinders Are Ruining Golf: The Real Pandemic in the Golf World

Something that has been on my mind lately: how much do we rely on rangefinders and smartphones on the golf course?

How Rangefinders Are Ruining Golf: The Real Pandemic in the Golf World

Tech | May 17, 2024

Patrick Hardy

Patrick Hardy

Coffee & Golf

Rangefinders have been revolutionizing the way we measure distances on the golf course since they started being used in the late 1990s. No more pacing off yardages or squinting at distant markers. With a quick press of a button, we can accurately pinpoint the exact distance to the pin or hazards, allowing us to make more informed club selections and better strategic decisions. It's like having a caddie in your pocket!


Andrew Redington


But it's not just rangefinders that are making waves. Smartphones have also become indispensable tools for golfers, offering a treasure trove of apps and features designed to enhance our golfing experience. From GPS mapping apps that provide detailed course layouts to swing analysis apps that help us fine-tune our technique, there's no shortage of digital resources at our fingertips.



However, as much as I love embracing new technology, I can't help but wonder if we're losing something in the process. Golf has always been a game of skill, strategy, and camaraderie. It's about connecting with nature, challenging ourselves, and forging lasting friendships on the fairways.



But with the rise of rangefinders, are we becoming too reliant on technology? Are we sacrificing the essence of the game for the sake of convenience and data? These are questions worth pondering as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern golf.


Christoph Keil - UNSPLASH


Don't get me wrong; I'm all for using technology to improve our game. After all, innovation is what drives progress. But let's not forget the intangible aspects of golf that make it so special—the thrill of sinking a long putt, the joy of a well-struck drive, the satisfaction of walking the course with good company.


Mike Cox


So, what's the verdict? Are rangefinders a blessing or a curse for the golf world? Well, like most things in life, it's a bit of both. Used wisely, these tools can undoubtedly enhance our golfing experience and help us reach new heights on the course. But let's also remember to embrace the timeless traditions and values that have defined the game for generations.


Bryson DeChambeau of the United States checks his yardage book on the eighth green during the third round of the 2019 TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club.Streeter Lecka/Getty Images


As for me, I'll continue to enjoy my rounds of golf, armed with my trusty rangefinder, but always mindful of the bigger picture. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the numbers on the scorecard or the gadgets in our bags—it's about the memories we create and the connections we make along the way.


So here's to the timeless game of golf, where tradition meets technology, and where every swing tells a story. Cheers, my friends, and may your drives be long and your putts be true!