Best Golf Rangefinders 2024: The most precise devices for pinpoint accuracy
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Nail those yardages once and for all. Today’s Golfer sets its sights on the best golf rangefinders in 2024.
Millions of golfers across the globe depend on one of the best golf Rangefinders, GPS, or Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs) to provide them with a specific yardage to their desired target, hazard, or layup.
While many will opt for the speed and useability provided by GPS handheld devices, trolleys, Apps, and watches, nothing beats rangefinders for sheer accuracy of yardage to the flag. That is why you will see the World’s leading players and caddies carrying lasers to check their distances during practice rounds, and now they can even be used at the PGA’s three Major Championships – the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Rangefinders, or golf lasers as they’re sometimes known, are often regarded as the most accurate DMDs, although the GPS market is absolutely inundated with quality GPS watches and handheld devices that provide the same or similar information. However, for many golfers, having insight into the exact number massively helps – even if it’s just psychologically.
The importance of an exceptional rangefinder cannot be overstated. After all, if you’re putting on an absolute stripe show but getting nowhere near the hole because you don’t know how far you’ve got, what’s the point in hitting good shots? Pretty outrageous statement I know!
Depending on your ability and exactly what you want to get out of a rangefinder you can spend under $150 or over $500. Before departing with any of your cash, it’s important to understand exactly what to expect from a rangefinder no matter how much it costs.
Our favorite golf rangefinder is the Voice Caddie SL3 which is inundated with technology and functionality being a hybrid rangefinder that features a touchscreen display as well as delivering highly accurate and quick yardages. It shows green undulation, course layout, has a putt view with elevation and distance measurement, and exudes luxury.
Best golf rangefinders at a glance
Best overall: Voice Caddie SL3 GPS Laser | Buy Now
Best for accuracy: Garmin Approach Z82 Golf | Buy Now
Best for magnification: Bushnell Pro X3 Golf | Buy Now
Best for performance tracking: Shot Scope PRO LX+ Laser, GPS & Shot Tracking | Buy Now
Best of compact: GolfBuddy Aim Quantum Golf | Buy Now
Best for stability: Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized Golf | Buy Now
Best for optics: Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Golf | Buy Now
Best looking: Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf | Buy Now
Best value: Shot Scope Pro L2 Golf | Buy Now
A key feature of a rangefinder that is very handy – but illegal in competition play – is slope. Rangefinders that come equipped with scope as standard have the option to be used with or without the feature – making them legal for competition play.
Slope is extremely beneficial because it tells you how much elevation change there is and how much it affects the distance of your shot. Rangefinders fitted with a slope feature do tend to be more expensive but if you can stretch your budget it’s well worth opting for a rangefinder with this function.
If you’re trying to choose between a golf GPS watch or a rangefinder, both are brilliant pieces of equipment that will help you play better golf. After looking through the best rangefinders, read through the buying guide and it should assist you in making a decision.
The main difference between the best golf rangefinders and the best golf GPS watches is that a rangefinder provides you with specific and accurate yardages to whichever target you choose, whereas a golf GPS watch can only offer yardages to known targets on the device. A couple of the best golf rangefinders have the functionality to be used in the same way as a golf GPS watch, but none of the best golf GPS watches have the capability to work like a golf rangefinder.
It’s important to consider how accurate you need your yardages to be. All of the best golf rangefinders provide astoundingly accurate yardages to exactly where you want to land your shot – but for some golfers this may not be necessary. If after taking a look through the best golf rangefinders you’re still unsure as to whether a rangefinder or GPS watch would serve you better on the golf course be sure to check out the best golf GPS watches.
Whatever your budget, there’s a golf rangefinder out there for you. Here’s our pick of the best in 2024.
Best Golf Rangefinders:
A laser rangefinder, GPS, and shot-tracking device in one
Best for performance tracking
The first golf rangefinder of its kind, the Shot Scope Pro LX+ is three products in one: a laser rangefinder, a GPS, and a shot-tracking device.
With 7x magnification, a range of 900 yards, adaptive slope technology, and rapid-fire detection, the rangefinder stands its own against any other, but it's the extra features that make the Shot Scope stand out.
You get 16 plug-n-play tags which allow you to track every shot you play and then analyse each round you play across hundreds of performance statistics, including strokes gained. Shot Scope's data shows that golfers improve by 4.1 shots on average, which is impressive.
If you have the patience required to get fully set up by screwing in all the tags to the top of your clubs, then the three-in-one functionality of this rangefinder will more than satisfy your data cravings.
| Range | 900 yards (accuracy +/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | 15+ hours |
A premium laser GPS hybrid providing the most accurate yardages on the market
Best for accuracy
The Garmin Approach Z82 is a great option for anyone who can’t decide between a golf rangefinder and a GPS, as it effectively gives you the best of both worlds.
As a straight-up laser rangefinder, it provides what Garmin say is the most accurate reading on the market, to within 10".
But there's so much more to the Garmin Approach Z82 than that.
You can see a map of the hole, with distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as any hazards.
There's wind speed and direction, as well as a "plays like" distance which adjusts the yardage based on whether you're playing up or downhill.
Blind shots, normally a problem for golf laser rangefinders, are no problem for the Z82 thanks to a 'PinPointer' feature which tells you the direction to the pin so you know where to aim.
The Z82 can even help you hole more putts thanks to a Green Contour feature, though this does require a Garmin Golf app membership (£8.99 per month or £89.99 per year).
There's a 'tournament mode' switch that turns off features that aren't allowed to be used in competition.
Read our How to get the most from your Garmin GPS guide.
| Range | 450 yards (+/- 10") |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX7 rating) |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours |
Never miss the pin with Nikon's flagstick confirmation technology
The Dual Locked-On Quake flagstick confirmation technology provides a visual cue plus a gentle vibration to let you know you are measuring the pin, so there’s also no danger of accidentally getting a yardage for something directly behind your intended target.
Another useful feature of the 50i is the continuous measurement mode that enables you to see distances for trees, water, bunkers, and other hazards in real-time (for up to 8 seconds) as you scan your surroundings.
Slope-adjusted distances tell you how long an uphill or downhill shot will actually play, helping you adjust your club selection accordingly. This feature can be turned off to make the rangefinder legal for use in competition, with the clever addition of a green LED on the front that flashes so others know the slope function is not in use.
The 50i is also Nikon's first rangefinder with a built-in magnet enabling you to 'grab and go' straight from your trolley or cart.
| Range | 1,200 yards (+/- 2 yards) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Rainproof (IPX4 rating) |
| Battery life | Approx. 13,000 measurements |
Highly accurate with slope and element-adjusted functionality
Best for magnification
It also offers 7x magnification, the best of any golf rangefinder on the market, making it even easier to focus on the flag. A red ring around the target flashes while the rangefinder unit vibrates slightly to let you know you have locked on to the flag.
The Bushnell Pro X3 comes with a magnetic mount that allows you to stick the rangefinder to the frame of a golf buggy or your trolley (assuming it’s made of metal, of course).
But perhaps the cleverest part is the Bushnell Pro X3’s ‘slope with elements’ feature, which means it will take into account not just how uphill or downhill your shot is, but also the air temperature and pressure. A change in elevation may mean your shot is playing 10-20 yards longer or shorter than the actual yardage, so it’s vital information.
The Bushnell Pro X3 is fully waterproof and comes with a two-year warranty.
| Range | 600+ yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX7 rating) |
| Battery life | Replace every six months (suggested) |
A tech-packed laser rangefinder offering impressive value
A 650-yard range combines with six-times magnification and accuracy to 0.5 yards, while the bright clear contrasting display captures a 7° field of view for unprecedented visual range. The eyepiece of the unit is also adjustable, bringing the view into focus for different eyesight.
The Focus S has a slope-adjusted distance option which is easily toggled on or off with a button on the side of the unit to make it eligible for tournament play. Flagpole scanning mode helps locate targets with impressive speed, with confirmation that you’re locked on coming via vibration and a flag icon appearing in the display.
The Focus S is very user-friendly, offering everything you need and nothing less, and is very difficult to ignore at this price point.
| Range | 650 yards (+/- 0.5 yards) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Splashproof |
| Battery life | 50 rounds per charge |
The most accurate and consistent rangefinder Bushnell has produced
The Tour V6 is accurate to within one yard with up to 1,300-yard range performance (400+ yards to a flag) and six-times magnification.
The IPX6 weather-resistant device features Bushnell’s PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology which encircles the flag with a flashing, vibrating red ring to give you even greater confidence that you have locked onto the pin.
Slope-adjusted technology can conveniently be switched on and off to conform with tournament regulations, and Bushnell's exclusive BITE technology allows golfers to securely attach their rangefinder to a golf cart or trolley.
The Tour V6 comes with a premium carry case, a three-volt battery, and a ball marker.
| Range | 1,300 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Waterproof (IPX6 rating) |
| Battery life | <meta charset |
A pocket rocket of a rangefinder that punches above its weight
Best compact / pocket rangefinder
Don't be fooled into thinking its functionality will be compromised due to its diminutive size, however, this is a serious laser with all the features you need to inform your shot selection.
The ZST+ technology incorporated into this model has reduced measurement speed down to 0.15 seconds once you have the pin in sight which is made straightforward thanks to the Easy Pin Finder mode. You can even measure distance while putting!
Slope-adjusted measurements can be toggled on/off, with a red light indicating that the function is switched off, particularly useful in tournament play.
A final perk here is the leather magnetic carry case that protects your rangefinder against any potential damage while remaining highly accessible.
| Range | 880 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Light rain (IPX4 rating) |
| Battery life | At least 5,000 measurements |
Trust your distance with this class-leading rangefinder for accuracy
Weighing just 196 grams, the Pro 3000 is quick and easy to use, features PinLock technology with vibration and visual confirmation, and offers accuracy to less than a yard with class‑leading 7X magnification at a range of 1,300 yards.
It has a high-resolution LCD display and can lock on to pins from 450 yards away. Slope readings are included but can be switched off to make the device competition legal, while background noise filtration makes it easier to lock on to a target.
The Pro 3000 has textured rubber grips, making it easy to hold in any condition, while an adjustable eyepiece provides clearer visuals. It can display distances in yards or meters and automatically goes into standby mode after 10 seconds.
A premium hard-shell carry case with a carabiner bag clip comes as standard, as does a 24-month warranty. The case also attaches to a Motocaddy Accessory Station on the brand’s trolleys for quick and easy access out on the golf course.
| Range | 1,300 yards (+/- 0.5 yards) |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Rainproof (IPX5 rating) |
| Battery life | 10+ hours |
A premium performing rangefinder at an unbeatable price point
Distances are impressively quick and accurate. I compared the Pro L2 with my playing partner’s Bushnell across 18 holes and the Pro L2 was always within a yard of its more expensive rival and fired back the distance in an equally impressive time.
Shot Scope’s adjustable focusing ring ensures you can bring any target into sharp view, or adjust the device to suit your eyesight, and the ability to swap between sloped and non-sloped distances at the flick of the side switch ensures the Pro L2 is usable in competitions.
It’s a compact rangefinder (about two-thirds the length of my iPhone 14 Pro and half the width), but the rippled texture to the outer casing meant I never felt at risk of losing grip, and I was able to get measurements easily using just one hand.
For those of you who use buggies, the Pro L2 has a ridiculously strong magnet, allowing you to attach it to the side of your cart.
Overall, if there’s a better rangefinder at this price than the Shot Scope Pro L2, I’m yet to use it.
Read our full Shot Scope Pro L2 rangefinder review.
Pros
- Incredible value
- Easy to use
- Accurate yardages
- Robust case
- Good warranty
Cons
- Plastic button and battery cover impact premium feel
| Range | 700 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | Replaceable CR2-3V battery |
A user-friendly rangefinder with adjustable brightness for varying conditions
Its useability is a huge selling point with a larger-than-average eyepiece designed for a bolder display of the information on offer. The adjustable OLED brightness is also particularly useful, enabling you to optimize the brightness of the screen for varying weather conditions.
The Easygreen Vision Pro offers 6x magnification, which rivals most of the leading brands and makes it easy to lock on to the flag. The unit's pin-tracking technology will vibrate to let you know it’s locked on. The maximum yardage is around 275 yards to a flag, which isn’t as long as some, but should be plenty far enough for even the biggest of hitters.
A green LED flashes on the front of the unit to indicate that slope-adjusted measurements are not being used (for tournament play), but can be activated simply by holding down the slope button for four seconds.
Be aware that unlike some of the higher-priced rangefinders, the Vision Pro is only water-resistant, but unless you’re planning to use it in the bath, you should be fine. It comes with a carry case and clip to attach to your golf bag, which will help keep the rangefinder safe and dry.
| Range | 1000 yards (+/- 0.5 yards) |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Water-resistant (IPX4 rating) |
| Battery life | Not available |
An affordable, lightweight, and speedy rangefinder
This second iteration of the Laser Lite features a thinner and more compact design, shaving 15g in weight from its predecessor.
Weighing just 140g, this compact rangefinder can read distances from 2-800 yards and is accurate to one yard. It has a six-times magnification lens to make finding the target easy and easy-to-read wide LCD display.
The Laser Lite 2 has three targeting modes (standard, scan, and pin) and, thanks to both its pin finder vibration and ZST speed technology, you will easily and quickly lock on to your target. Slope-adjusted readings can also be powered on and off as required.
An IPX4 rating makes it suitable for use in light rain, while the hard-wearing carry case has a belt hook so you can attach it to your bag and an easy-access toggle so that you don’t have to zip the case up between shots. For the price, it’s a brilliant piece of kit.
| Range | 800 yards (+/- 1 yard) |
| Magnification | x6 |
| Protection | Water-resistant (IPX4 rating) |
| Battery life | 3,000 to 5,000 measurements |
A stylish newcomer to the market with an adaptive color display
Best looking rangefinder
A unique feature of this model is the Auto-Ambient display, stated to be the first of its kind in the rangefinder space. The colour of the display automatically changes to provide a crystal clear reading that has been optimized for the specific brightness of the conditions you are playing in.
The flag-lock vibration function produces pulses vibrating bursts to confirm you are locked on to your intended target with pin-point accuracy, saving you time spent on having to re-shoot distances.
As with the majority of the best golf rangefinders, the Series 3 Max offers slope-adapted measurements that can easily be toggled off at the side of the device to comply with tournament regulations.
With a built-in magnet for accessibility, this rangefinder with premium functionality and an eye-catching design is bound to keep the market on its toes.
| Range | 900 yards |
| Magnification | 7x |
| Protection | Water-resistant |
| Battery life | 3,500 to 4,000 measurements |
A vibrant, pocket-sized rangefinder that will (literally) never leave your side
Best colour options
The KLYR has a more than comprehensive measurement range of 800 yards and retrieves distances quickly using target lock vibration in the same manner as many premium-priced models. A slope-adjusted measurement function can easily be toggled on and off through a sliding button.
The unit itself measures the approximate dimensions of a credit card, making it around 30% smaller than the average rangefinder and ideal for those with smaller hands, or looking for something small enough to slide into a pocket.
The KLYR comes complete with a premium water-resistant case, magnetic belt clip, ball maker, and two-year warranty. If you're a fan of Westerns, and always fancied shooting from the hip, look no further!
| Range | 800 yards |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Protection | Case is water-resistant |
| Battery life | 40-50 rounds |
Best Golf Rangefinders: Buying Guide
Despite being a relatively small and compact piece of equipment, the rangefinder is a tech-packed and function-filled shot-saver that will require you to spend a not insignificant amount of your hard-earned cash. For this reason, it’s important to do your research before settling for any model in this crowded marketplace. Here are some of the key considerations you should be aware of before making your decision.
Accuracy
When we talk about accuracy, we are referring to how close a known distance is to one measured with the device being tested. For example, if a gold-standard calibrated measurement device calculates tee-to-pin distance to be 150 yards, you should expect a quality rangefinder to reflect that yardage within one or two yards. Golf rangefinders are generally considered to be more accurate than GPS devices, as these depend on the availability and strength of satellite data, and therefore providing you have locked in on the right target, you will have the best information from which to inform your club selection.
Range
Range is important in the respect you require a device that is accurate up to the maximum distance you are interested in on the hole you are playing. Ranges of 900+ yards are useful for bird watching, but perhaps over-kill if the longest hole on the course is 525 yards. Prioritize accuracy over range, and it’s worth ensuring your chosen device has a suitable magnification level that allows you to hone in clearly on your intended target.
Features
The more premium models tend to pack a few more features in addition to the basic distance-measuring function. These may include pin-locking, adjustable focus, more comprehensive display configurations, and slope-adjusted technology. If you are interested in slope-adjusted distances then make sure the device allows the slope function to be switched off easily as use is not permitted in tournament play. It’s your choice as to which features are most important to you, but we suggest pin-lock functionality and a clear, easy-to-read display as being essential.
Usability
Rangefinders will always finish second to GPS devices when it comes to speed and convenience, and that is why it’s important your rangefinder is proficient in this department. Getting it out, locking onto your target, reading the display, and putting it away again needs to be as effortless as possible so you are not discouraged from using it. We recommend trying out some models at the retailers or in the pro shop before committing to the purchase.
Practical
Unfortunately, we can’t play every round under sunny skies and therefore waterproofing is an important element to consider. Some models may only be water-resistant meaning they are susceptible to damage in heavy rain. You may want to think about durability also. Some of the models listed in this guide have a rubberized grip on the side to prevent slippage and come with a robust clip-on case to prevent them from repeated knocks. Also, if you use a cart regularly, some models have magnetic components allowing you to pin the rangefinder directly to it, saving you a significant amount of time.
Battery Life
As you only use your rangefinder for a matter of seconds at a time, battery life is not typically something you should be overly worried about, in addition to the fact that putting a number to this is not an exact science. From the manufactures specifications available we have tried to provide you with an indication in this guide as to what you can expect in terms of the number of measurements, hours of use, or when you should expect to replace or re-charge.
GPS or Laser?
As mentioned, alternative measurement tools to laser rangefinders use GPS technology to instantaneously provide a plethora of information derived from positional information. Furthermore, this data can be stored and downloaded after your round, enabling you to analyse your game with Tour-level attention to detail. Watches and trolleys are the most common hardware incorporating GPS technology, whilst GPS smartphone Apps provide the most affordable way of accessing this level of information. For those of you driven by data, why not check out our guide to the best shot trackers?
However, for those players looking to prioritize accuracy when it comes to yardages, the laser-based technology inside a golf rangefinder remains the gold-standard on-field measurement device available.
Best Golf Rangefinders: FAQs
Is it worth having a rangefinder?
A rangefinder is incredibly beneficial to players who want to know the exact distances to points of interest on the course such as flags and hazards. This allows you to make better-informed decisions when it comes to shot selection as providing you know how far you can hit each of your clubs, you will be able to plot your way around the course more effectively without under or over-clubbing.
How do I choose a rangefinder for golf?
With more golf rangefinders on the market than ever before, choosing your ideal model can be tricky. A good starting point is to read Today’s Golfer buying guide which suggests the key features and functionality that you should look for in your new rangefinder. These include accuracy, magnification, ease of use, water protection, and battery life amongst others.
What is the difference between laser and GPS golf rangefinders?
While laser and GPS rangefinders aim to provide you with the information you require to make better-informed shot selections, they achieve this outcome in slightly different ways. GPS data (Global Positioning System), is provided from the availability of satellite data, and while being great for providing instantaneous distances on the fly, they lack the accuracy that laser rangefinders can provide.
Why don’t pros use rangefinders?
Professional golfers playing on the PGA Tour are not permitted to use rangefinders to calculate distances on the course. Instead, they rely on yardage books and information obtained from their caddies prior to the round. The exception to this rule is the PGA Championship, where players are allowed to use rangefinders, although slope-adjusted measurement functions must be switched off. There is nothing stopping players from using measurement devices during practice rounds.
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Best Golf Rangefinders 2023
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Best Golf Rangefinders
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Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder (d)
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Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder
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Bushnell Pro XE golf rangefinder.
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Bushnell Tour Shift V6 Golf Rangefinder
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Easygreen Vision Pro Golf Rangefinder (d)
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garmin-Approach-Z80
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Golfbuddy Laser Lite 2 Golf Rangefinder
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Bushnell Tour Shift V6 Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Bushnell Tour Shift V6 Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Motocaddy Pro 3000 Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Motocaddy Pro 3000 Golf Rangefinder
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Motocaddy Pro 3000 Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Nikon Coolshot 50i Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Nikon Coolshot 50i Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Golfbuddy Laser Lite Golf Rangefinder
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Golf Buddy Aim Quantum Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Golf Buddy Aim Quantum Golf Rangefinder
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Golf Buddy Aim Quantum Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Easygreen Vision Pro Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Easygreen Vision Pro Golf Rangefinder
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Easygreen Vision Pro Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Blue Tees Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder
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Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder
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Mileseey GPF12 Golf Rangefinder
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Mileseey Laser Golf Rangefinder
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Nikon Coolshot 50i Golf Rangefinder (c)
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Nikon Coolshot 50i Golf Rangefinder
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Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized golf rangefinder.
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Rory McIlroy and Charley Hull check yardages with a golf laser rangefinder during practice rounds.
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Shot Scope Pro L1 rangefinder.
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Shot Scope Pro LX Golf Rangefinder
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TecTecTec KLYR Golf Rangefinder (b)
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TecTecTec KLYR Golf Rangefinder
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The Volvik V1 golf rangefinder.
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Zoom Focus S Golf Rangefinder (b)
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Zoom Focus S Golf Rangefinder
