Scott Watkins Golf
Scott Watkins
Scott's Tip of the Month

Selecting The Right Range Finder

 

Once you've decided to purchase a range finder to improve your game the next step is deciding on whether to purchase one based on laser technology or GPS.  The basic differences between them are as follows:

 

Laser Technology: Lasers require you to aim at a specific target such as the pin, a tree, a bunker, etc, and provide the exact yardage to the target. Regardless of the manufacturer the technology is the same and options are limited but prices vary from $300 - $400. Range capability is an important consideration, along with the warranty and manufacturer.  The better brands are Callaway, Leupold, Bushnell, and Laser Link. Tour players prefer Bushnell when they practice.

 

GPS: GPS devices use satellites and only work if the course you are playing is loaded into its database. The device provides yardage without aiming, and a complete view of the hole design. There can be significant differences in models from various manufacturers, particularly as to database capacity, download and monthly access fees. Prices range from $150 - $400.

 

My personal preference is a laser because it is more accurate, works anywhere, and there are no continuing costs.  Regardless of the technology you select,  your game will improve so start shaving off strokes and have fun.


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August 2010 Newsletter
Dear :

Yours truly writing again from the beautiful Pacific Northwest... and I really mean beautiful. When I arrived in early June the locals told me that the area was like an adult summer camp complete with breath-taking scenery, magnificent vistas, unlimited outdoor activities - boating, hiking, fishing, and they were right. 


BR 11th grn

               This says it all


I'm enjoying The Club at Black Rock very much. Its first class all the way with a course designed by Jim Engh that's challenging and delightful to play. My stay was made even better during the first week of July when my lovely bride, Stephanie, visited me.

 

Now on to golf. One of the least talked about and most important aspects of better golf is controlling the distance that your ball flies with each club. 

 

Common Mistakes About Ball Flight: Each club flies and rolls the ball a different distance in varying conditions. The two most common mistakes amateurs make when selecting the club to hit are as follows:

 

  • Using the same club to hit a specific distance regardless of playing conditions
  • Round the distance they fly the ball to a 0 or 5 - 150 yds or 175 yds

 

This works well if shooting lower scores is not a goal because approximating the distance your ball flies and rolls is not a formula for wining. Professionals have these distances down to feet because there cannot be guesswork or approximation in their calculations.

 

The Next Level: As your game evolves to the level where you're consistently striking the ball well and can maintain a shot pattern with each club the next level of improvement should be knowing the distance each club will fly the ball with reasonable certainty. Begin this process on your home course under calm conditions and on flat terrain in order to get the best read on each club's flying distance. This information will make it easier to select the right club when conditions change. 

 

How To Measure Ball Flight: To measure the distance your ball flies calculate how far it is from the pin or center of the green being used as a target. For optimal accuracy use a range finder and measure to the pin. If you don't have one most courses have accurate markers to the center of the greens located on sprinkler heads. Regardless of how you measure follow this process for each club:

 

  • Hit your shot,
  • Find the ball mark
  • Measure the distance between your ball mark and target
  • Do the math relative to your ball mark and target then you will know how far the club being hit flies
  • Log the results for each club and monitor them for consistency

 

Having more precise information on the distance your ball flies will significantly improve your game because the chances of selecting the right club for each shot will be increased.


My Return To AZCC: My stint here will be over the end of this month and I'll be back on the range teaching September 4th.  Please contact the pro shop to schedule time with me to start improving your game.


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I look forward to seeing you at the club in early September.

Sincerely,
PGAScott
 
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