For years I've steered away from these gadgets, then earlier this year I played 2 separate rounds of golf:
First was with a former Amateur Champion who used a laser rangefinder. On discussing it, he said he thought it would save me one if not two shots a round...
Second was against a 3 handicap member at our home club, who is an ex Physics teacher, and it was all about the data! He has a standard laser rangefinder for exact distance to the flag, a second that shows slope (only for use in practice rounds), he makes note of the plus or minus elevation in a yardage book and other notes for reference, and lastly a GPS watch for front, middle and back. Despite all this he doesnt take much time to calculate what he has in front of him and is a quick golfer.
One airmailed green from an over aggressive wedge where I'd overestimated the distance, that lead to a double that ruined an otherwise decent round, and I'd joined the dark side (no cookies yet!)
[size=78%]and purchased a laser rangefinder![/size]We play a lot of medal and competition golf at our place so with guys taking it as serious as that mentioned above, I just couldn't help myself. I certainly think its probably saved me a shot a round at least, but I only use it in these comps and very rarely in social golf, so if you see me using it at Buda you can shoot me!
Cheers,
James