There has never been more accurate shot distance information and data available to every golfer than there is now. The latest handheld devices collectively display exact yardages in an instant, factoring in ground slope, player ability, wind, humidity and temperature. They are conveniently small and lightweight, while most magnetically clasp to a golf car frame. In an ideal world, they should boost pace of play, as well.
However, many can be pricey. And if your course already offers distances on the GPS screens within your golf car fleet – or caddies and forecaddies – then regulars may be less likely to buy a handheld.
So, what approaches are golf shops taking in this category to perhaps sell more? We asked some PGA of America Golf Professionals who are very familiar with handheld distance measuring devices for their advice:
George Ancuta, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Out Door Country Club in York, Pennsylvania: “We create interest by merchandising these devices in various positions around the golf shop. I place them on the counter, on shelves behind the counter or in the manufacturer’s display.
“How much members are willing to spend on them really depends on the individual – but they’re generally in the range of $150 to $400.
“We find that they give players a more confident yardage to select a club. They do not slow down play – actually they probably speed it up a tad. Especially because we do not offer GPS on our golf cars.”
Morgan Jewell, PGA, Director of Operations at The Floridian in Palm City, Florida: “We merchandise handheld GPS devices and rangefinders in our shop by placing them on shelving units by our headwear. We also have them on an accessory shelving unit.”
Kevin Edwards, PGA, Director of Golf at Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania: “We have a Bushnell display in the golf shop that features handheld GPS devices and rangefinders. I feel they help the pace of play, especially for new customers who don’t know the course.
“Our customers are spending $300-$500 on them, but with that said we do see a lot of the less-expensive models, too.
“We have PACE Technology on our golf cars and that definitely reduces the sales of these devices to our members. Most of our sales are from players who travel to play and are competing in local amateur events.”
Selling Suggestions
• Bushnell’s A1-Slope ($300) is ultra-compact and gives slope-compensated distances. Tactile feedback via vibration means it is locked solely onto the flag.
• FlightScope’s i4 ($499) is a laser rangefinder that shows effective playing distance based on a golfer’s ball speed, launch angle and spin, as well as weather and wind speed. It taps AI and advanced ballistic calculations to accomplish the feat, and even suggests which club to hit.
• Garmin Approach G20 Solar ($300) is the first solar-powered GPS golf handheld. A built-in solar panel provides unlimited battery life under sunny skies, giving distances on its 2.2-inch display.
• GolfBuddy’s Aim L12 ($280) is a laser rangefinder that picks up accurate readings in 0.15 seconds. Its rechargeable Li-ion battery can be used 5,000-plus times per charge.
• MGI’s Sureshot SlimPRO compact laser rangefinder ($299) can track distances accurately from up to 800 yards away. Via advanced software, it reads distances in just three seconds while compensating for slope.
• Mileseey’s IONME 2 rangefinder ($400) offers advanced “Ball-to-Pin” technology that scores measurements between any two points from anywhere on the course. Centimeter-level distance measuring helps minimize the guesswork of a putt’s distance, as well.
• Nikon’s Coolshot ProII Stabilized rangefinder ($500) eliminates all shaking. Can be quickly set to four modes, including: slope-adjusted and actual distance; actual distance only; actual distance with height; and horizontal distance with height.
• Shot Scope’s PRO X ($200) laser rangefinder features a golf car magnet, lightning fast speed and slope technology. Its side panels can be customized with logos.
• SkyCaddie’s Pro 5X ($400) has a vivid 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen and is preloaded with 35,000-plus course maps. An ultra-fast, multi-core processor makes it respond instantly.
• Voice Caddie’s Laser FIT ($200) is compact size and features “Ball to Pin” that gives golfers the right distance without needing to be next to the ball. Delivers accurate yardage in 0.1 seconds.