Golf

5 reasons why a rangefinder helped dial in my course management skills

Here’s how the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII helped our Instruction Editor enhance his sport.

GOLF / Nick Dimengo

For so long as I can keep in mind, my ball-striking technique was primarily hitting and hoping — which proved to be a depressing plan when it got here to shaving strokes off of my sport.

As I proceed on my quest to interrupt 80 for the primary time in my 27 years as a golfer, one a part of the sport that has grow to be uber necessary is course management. This implies that, slightly than simply staring down the spot I’m aiming for and hitting my ball, I’m truly placing collectively a plan of assault earlier than every swing.

I analyze my membership selection, depend on my carry distances, determine spots on the course which are doubtlessly dangerous (or useful!) and do my greatest to optimize my sport plan.

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Believe it or not, this wasn’t the case for the previous 26 years of my golf sport…and it confirmed on the scorecard.

But in current months, I’ve dialed in my course management skills with a fairly easy golf software: A rangefinder, with the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII being the one in every of selection (which is on the market for $50 off till October eighth).

With the assistance of the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, I’ve seen enhancements in many elements of my sport — so right here’s how this rangefinder may also help you do the identical.

5 reasons each newbie wants a rangefinder

Sure, the choice to lastly use a rangefinder might sound so primary to a lot of you, however I had by no means used one earlier than and simply tried estimating distances by counting on sprinkler heads.

Sound acquainted?

That could be the quickest method to get yardages, however it’s not the easiest way — so right here’s why I made the selection to take a position in the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII rangefinder.

Distance management

OK, so that is the obvious motive to get a rangefinder, however it nonetheless makes all of the distinction in the world when attempting to shoot decrease scores.

As talked about earlier, I had all the time simply relied on sprinkler heads to assist decide the yardages. But the issue with that technique is two-fold.

First, a sprinkler head doesn’t keep in mind any climate circumstances, so how are you going to actually get an correct gauge of the yardage if there’s any wind? This kind of issue will actually affect your shot’s final result.

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While a rangefinder doesn’t inform you the wind’s velocity, it does offer you a higher information to really feel the shot as soon as you recognize the suitable distance.

Second, it’s uncommon to be proper on the sprinkler head mark, so even when you recognize it says it’s 150 to the center of the inexperienced, that’s not dependable whenever you’re standing a few yards in entrance or behind it. In essence, you’re simply guessing — and if you happen to’re off by a few yards, that may be the distinction between being 5 toes from the pin and being buried in a greenside bunker.

Point and click on – then shoot your shot

Prior to getting the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, I all the time thought utilizing a rangefinder can be inconvenient. I didn’t wish to trip between taking it in and out of my bag, or battle with any inaccurate readings.

But I’ve received a small pocket on the facet of my golf bag that’s devoted to holding my rangefinder, so it makes it straightforward to entry the rangefinder anytime I would like it.

All I have to do earlier than every shot is level and click on, counting on the COOLSHOT PROII’s “Hyper Read” expertise to present a constant measurement — all in about 0.3 seconds.

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII has been like having a pro-level caddie by my facet.

GOLF / Nick Dimengo

Easily keep away from hazards

Another advantage of a rangefinder is knowing how the course is laid out, which may also help you resolve how aggressive or conservative it’s essential to be on a gap.

For occasion, the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII has one thing referred to as “measurement mode”, which exhibits every part from timber to bunkers to different hazards.

Sure, dialing in my distance to the flag is a large advantage of a rangefinder, however so is realizing about a bunker that’s in play ought to I mishit my shot.

Slope-adjusted distance readings

Living in Seattle, I play loads of programs which have nasty slopes, so having a rangefinder that gives slope-adjusted readings is clutch in order to dial in my course management.

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With the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, you’ll be able to select from totally different modes relying on the golf shot you’ve received.

By turning on ID mode (incline/decline), the rangefinder will lock in the gap by factoring in the slope, supplying you with a higher concept for learn how to assault difficult uphill and downhill photographs. Yeah, it’s type of a sport changer.

Grow your confidence

When you have got all types of knowledge at your disposal, you’ll naturally achieve the mandatory confidence to hit good photographs! At least I discovered that to be true, with the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII appearing as a de facto caddie on the golf course for me.

Instead of questioning if a pitching wedge or a 9-iron is the way in which to go, seize your rangefinder, belief the studying and assert your self previous to hitting a shot. You’ll be impressed with the outcomes — and so will your taking part in companions.

So if you happen to’re in search of an A+ rangefinder that may assist enhance your sport, give the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII a attempt — and keep in mind, you’ll be able to rating one for $50 off till October eighth!

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Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Rangefinder

$399.95


Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor


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