Effectively Using a Golf Range Finder
Many golfers use range finders to determine the yardage to the flag for golf these days. The distance to the flag is obviously key but utilize other yardages to the green to help you determine the right approach to play.
Besides the distance to the flag, incorporate these other two numbers into your pre-shot routine when determining yardages:
- Cover Distance: Figure out the "cover distance" or the distance to the front of the green. This is particularly important if a bunker is guarding the front of the green. This is the disance you must carry it to get a consistency hop on the green.
- Room Left or Right: If your course has pin sheets available, try to understand how many yards are available on each side of the pin. To the extent a pin is tucked in the corner of the green, perhaps it is a "red light" situation and you need to aim a little more to the center of the green.
Greg Norman once said that he hits one perfect shot per round. (Hopefully the PGA Tour commissioner ignores our reference to him.) Golf is all about playing your misses. Aim accordingly.
Pro-Tip
For big tournaments or for your home course, check out the yardage and green reading books provided by our friends over at PuttView. It is basically a cheat sheet for helping you lower your golf scores. The PGA Tour decided that these green reading books made players too good so they are now banned for putting on the PGA Tour! Nothing stopping you from using them in your local tournaments, the club championship, USGA events or to beat your buddies.
Check out the PuttView Book images below. Learn more.
