There are three types of golfers: Those who prefer laser rangefinders; those who rely on GPS devices; and those who "feel" how far they are form the hole. If your dad is that third type, tell him to snap out of it. If he chooses laser technology over GPS, two new devices might make his day.
Bushnell's Tour V3($300) vibrates when a golfer zeroes in on the right target, leaving all uncertainty behind, and the device uses the company's reliable PinSeeker technology, which is accurate to within one yard.
Leupold's Gx-4i rangefinder ($500) will hit the target from as far as 300 yards away and, along with offering actual yardage measurements, can factor altitude to offer effective measurements. It can even suggest which club a golfer should use, and it has a "fog mode" that ensures it works in nasty weather conditions.