New research shows players are relying on both technologies for greater confidence, improved club selection and lower scores.
EDINBURGH, Scotland – As golfers continue to embrace technology to improve their games, recent survey data from Shot Scope reveals that an increasing number of players are using both GPS and laser rangefinders to make smarter decisions on the course.
The survey found that golfers value the unique advantages each device provides and are increasingly combining both technologies to improve course management, confidence, and scoring.
Among the survey findings:
80% use a GPS device
51% use a laser rangefinder
41% use both
88% check their device on every hole
An increasing number of golfers are using both a laser rangefinder and a GPS device during rounds, employing each situationally and strategically. The screen on the Shot Scope V5 GPS watch, for example, provides a view of the fairway and hazard distances as well as visuals of the green along with yardages to that green’s front, middle, and back, while rangefinders offer precision accuracy to visual targets, like the pin.
“On longer to middle-distance approach shots, I’ve gotten more accustomed now to making sure I always know the front, middle, and back yardages into the green with my Shot Scope watch versus just focusing on the yardage to the pin,” Shot Scope user Jeremy Dick from Michigan, who plays to a 4.1 handicap index, said. “My greens in regulation numbers have improved significantly, along with my scores, and my confidence in club selection is stronger than ever before. Focusing on hitting shots to the most accepting parts of the green has allowed me to hit a higher percentage of greens and shave strokes off my handicap.”
Similarly, Michael Winther, a 7.5-handicap player from central Wisconsin, uses both devices on the course and has found a number of situations in which the GPS device works more beneficially than his rangefinder, and vice versa.
“I have found that the GPS is very complementary for the laser rangefinder, but learning when to use them was my game-changer,” Winther said. “Just trying to hit the yardage to the pin, I found I was leaving way too many shots short of the green. Now, I’m using watch data (front, middle and back yardages) and trying to play to the middle, or back, of the green unless it’s a front pin. I’m hitting more greens and controlling my distances better as a result. I’ve even learned to trust the watch to give me the carry yardages to creeks and other spots on the course that are hard to see and shoot accurately with the rangefinder. The watch is so accurate, it really helps me trust those distances.”
Beyond yardages, both golfers rely on the Shot Scope mobile app to review shot performance and on-course statistics, helping them better understand strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
The survey also challenged common assumptions about who uses golf technology. Among respondents:
64% were age 55 or older
50% were mid-handicap golfers (10-19)
Shot Scope asked these golfers what matters most to them when they’re on the course and need to trust precise yardages. It’s almost no surprise that 88 percent said they care most about accuracy, and 84 percent reported that they value ease of use.
Survey data also revealed clear trends based on handicap level.
The findings indicate that lower- and mid-handicap golfers increasingly prefer a multi-device setup, while higher-handicap players often prioritize the simplicity and convenience of using a GPS device alone.
“Shot Scope makes it convenient and effective to confidently trust yardages in any situation on the course,” Winther said. “I’m hitting more greens and hitting scoring shots closer, and the data I collect in the Shot Scope app has made me more informed and intentional about every part of my game.”
As golfers continue searching for every possible advantage, the combination of a Shot Scope GPS watch and laser rangefinder provides players with the confidence to make smarter decisions, improve course management and ultimately shoot lower scores.
For more information about Shot Scope’s complete lineup of GPS products and laser rangefinders, visit shotscope.com.
About Shot Scope
Shot Scope Technologies, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Edinburgh Scotland, offers a range of industry-leading products that improve the way golfers access distances on the golf course, through both GPS wearables and laser rangefinders. Their innovative shot tracking devices record over 100 statistics, enabling every golfer to analyze their round, know their game, and help shoot lower scores. Shot Scope products have collected over 460 million shots and been used by hundreds of thousands of golfers worldwide, who enjoy lifetime free updates and no subscription fees – helping them to save an average of 4.1 strokes. The team consists of technology experts, golfers, and a former Walker Cup player who are passionate about driving game improvement and enjoyment through the most expansive and accessible lineup of golf products on the market. Visit shotscope.com.
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