• A golfer attempting to figure out the distance of his shot without a range finder.Driving Range image by Ryan LeBaron from Fotolia.com
  
  Golf range finders help golfers determine their distance to the pin from anywhere on the course. They come in a couple of different models. Range finders are small, fitting in your golf bag for convenience, and surprisingly accurate. Many models are accurate to one yard to the pin, allowing the golfer to select the appropriate club to reach the pin.
  
  

Laser

• Laser range finders are self-contained binocular shaped devices that transmit a laser to the target, reflecting it back to show the range. These finders are often cheaper to buy than other types. The purchase is the only price you pay, ever. Their greatest advantage is simplicity. Regardless of what course you are playing they will be able to read the distance.
  
  The downside of these products is weather conditions and hazards on the course. If it is raining, a laser range finder will usually be unable to locate the flag through the falling precipitation. Also, if there is a hill or dog-leg, the laser will not be able to hit off the pin, resulting in an inaccurate reading.
  
  

GPS

• The GPS range finder is the other popular option and allows the golfer to view every hole on the course. This range finder gives him an advantage of knowing the distance to every hazard, as well as the distance to the pin.
  
  However, the GPS has several large issues. Many range finders of this type require a paid subscription to use their service, a hidden cost not found in the laser version. The GPS version also comes with no courses on it; the golfer must download each course they wish to play. Some courses may require a payment or may not even be available for download.
  
  

Others

• Modern smart phones can be used as range finders if the owner is willing to purchase golf GPS applications. The course may not be available and each course requires an additional purchase, potentially making the option more expensive than buying an actual range finder.
  
  Some courses have GPS range finding on their golf carts. These models feature the advantage of custom software for the specific course.
  
  GPS models provide an extraordinarily accurate depiction of distance to the pin regardless of location or weather conditions. Unfortunately, not every golf course offers them, making it difficult for golfers to rely on this technology for every round of golf.