How to Use a Golf Rangefinder Scope?
Golf rangefinders can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re in a position where you want to start improving your handicap. These unique tools give you the ability to measure the distance between you and a specific target, such as the flag on the next hole, so you can accordingly adjust your shot or club selection.
On top of that, a rangefinder helps you to calculate the distance over obstacles such as steep hills and slopes; however, not everyone knows how to use their rangefinder right out of the box.
If you’re interested in learning how to use a golf rangefinder scope, here are a few important steps to follow as well as some tips and tricks to make using one much easier.
Step 1: Purchase the Right Rangefinder
The very first thing you’ll need to do is purchase the correct rangefinder for your needs, otherwise, you’ll never be able to learn how to use one for your average golf game. It’s important to think about the distances you may be faced with on the green, as a device that measures too short of a distance will be useless and one that works at too much of a distance will be difficult to use.Ideally, your rangefinder should measure at least 600 yards from your position.
Step 2: Prepare the Rangefinder
The second thing you’re going to need to do is to take the time to prepare the scope so that it’s ready to use. Depending on the model you purchase, it may or may not come with a battery, which is a necessary accessory that powers the unit. If you have a battery, install it in the right compartment and if not, you’ll have to read the instructions to see what size battery you’ll need.Once the battery is installed and you’ve confirmed that the rangefinder is in working condition, you can move onto step three.
Step 3: Practice Using the Scope
It’s recommended that the first time you try to use your golf rangefinder you do so either directly on the green or at a range so you can get an idea of how it works before using it in a game. According to “golf etiquette,” it’s best if you stand away from the tee, allowing other people to play ahead while you’re adjusting your rangefinder.Once the unit has been turned on, hold it to your eye, start looking around the course to get an idea of what you can see through the lenses, and ensure that you have a clear picture of what is in front of you. At this point, you can make any adjustments such as using the focus wheel for a clearer picture or adjusting the eyepiece to accommodate your glasses, if you wear them.
Step 4: Measuring With an Unobstructed View
Next, you’re going to want to get an idea of how well the device works and now you can test it out to gauge the distance between you and your marker. Depending on the measuring function you want to use, for example, slope, generic yardage, angles, etc., you’ll be able to get a reading on how far away you are from your target.You’re going to want to stand close to your ball with an unobstructed view of where you want to hit it, and hold the rangefinder to your eye. Line the crosshairs in the lenses up with your target and press the measuring button or wait for the vibration or audible sound to alert that the target has been acquired. You must now wait a few seconds as the device calculates the distance, which should appear as numbers either at the bottom or top of the scope.
Step 5: Measuring with an Obstructed View
Again, depending on the type of golf rangefinder you’ve bought, it may or may not perform well when it comes to dealing with a target surrounded by obstructions such as trees. In most cases, your rangefinder will be able to single out exactly what it is that you’re looking at, as long as you focus on it properly by aligning the crosshairs. This may take a little bit of time and patience because as a first-time user, you’ll have to get an idea of how to accurately line up the rangefinder.
Step 6: Play a Round of Golf
Now that you know exactly how to use the device, you can begin choosing the right clubs and power behind your swings with ease. Every time that you’re working on a new hole, you can pull your rangefinder out of your pocket and measure the distance so you can start hitting better shots than ever before. It’s important to play around with the other functions of your rangefinder to learn how useful these tools can be when playing a game of golf.
Step 7: Clean and Pack the Rangefinder
As arguably one of the most important parts of learning how to use a golf rangefinder scope, it’s important that you properly clean and store your rangefinder at the end of every game, otherwise it will be susceptible to damage. You can use the lens-cleaning cloth that came with the device or a gentle cloth that you would typically use to clean your glasses. You’ll also want to make sure that you secure the scope in a carrying case that will protect it until you take it out for your next round.
FINAL VERDICT
Whether you’re gearing up for a professional tournament or if you’re simply looking to get into golf as an enthusiast, using a rangefinder can be a great opportunity for beginners and veterans alike. With numerous different models to choose from, it’s important to do some research to determine which model is the best for you based on its features and ease of use.
