GPS and Laser Rangefinder Buyer's Guide

GPS and laser rangefinders are essential devices for serious golfers looking to improve their games. Check out our GPS and laser rangefinder buyer's guide to see which suits you best

GPS and laser rangefinder Buyer's Guide
GPS and laser rangefinder Buyer's Guide

GPS and laser rangefinders are essential devices for serious golfers looking to improve their games. Check out our GPS and laser rangefinder buyer's guide to see which suits you best

They're easy to use and offer quick, accurate distances. There has never been more choice in the Golf DMD and Golf GPS category, so whether you want a stripped-back model or one with lots of detail there's a device out there that's perfect for your needs and budget.

Golf Monthly Buyer’s Guide

GPS handhelds These are favoured by serious golfers that like to see the hole view from above and, in the case of the more basic models, are happy to find the centre of the green with their approaches. The higher price point devices will provide detailed hole maps, ideal if you play lots of different courses. They’re also useful on blind shots, plus you can input your score on most of them.

GPS watches Watches now come with many features including dog-legs, hazards and the ability to pair the watch to your phone so you can receive text and email notifications. They’re ideal for a quick and easy glance at a distance to the front, middle or back before selecting your club.

GPS smartphone apps These are much cheaper than handheld GPS devices and offer hole views, interactive distances via a movable cursor. They don’t tend to be quite as accurate as golf-specifice GPS devices and will drain your phone’s battery life quickly. The rule on using a smartphone with a GPS app capability is sketchy so check with your club before putting one in play for a competition.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x