Bushnell Medalist Rangefinder

- Knowing the yardage is critical to enjoying the game of golf. Nothing is more aggravating than estimating your yardage and then executing the shot perfectly, only to see the ball fall short of the green or watch it disappear over the back of the putting surface.

Enter the Bushnell Medalist Rangefinder with Pinseeking technology. Just point and click to fire the laser at your target and you instantly have the yardage. The distance is displayed within a couple of seconds and its accuracy is exceptional. With the Rangefinder, there is no more pacing off yardage from infrequent markers and no more errors in estimation. So if you execute your shot, you will be at the yardage of your intended target.

A mode feature allows the user to shift from yards to meters as well as to switch to the pinseeking aspect to ensure you are bouncing the beam off the flag stick and not some other nearby target. Its 4X magnification power displays distant objects clearly and the unit will measure from 5 to 1000 yards provided the target is reflective.

Though it is the Pinseeker attribute most will use, it is also great at determining lay-up yardages. A mis-hit that leaves the player with a decision regarding laying up before a stream or ravine but definitely out of range of the pin can select their shot by bouncing the beam off of trees left and right of the ravine and then beyond to get a variety of distances. In the end, the player will ultimately know what shot is best.

The device is easy to focus though users will find propping an arm on some part of a golf cart keeps it steadier than holding it freely. The unit clips easily to the golf bag, making it easy to carry but those who carry their clubs will no longer be able to simply drop their clubs on the ground without fear of damaging the Bushnell.

One improvement would be a taut strap or ergonomic design that makes it easier for the user's fingers to find the buttons. Because the buttons barely protrude, finding them can be a challenge unless the user turns the Rangefinder sideways to look at it from that angle. Still, these shortcomings are minor compared to the critical knowledge of having exact yardages at one's fingertips.

The Bushnell Medalist Rangefinder may be unnecessary if you consistently play at one course or at high end courses that have carts installed with GPS. However, if you like to play many different public venues or courses where yardage markers are infrequent, the Bushnell is a must-have.