Going The Distance: Seven of the Best Distance-Measuring Devices You Can Buy

By Keely Levins

It has been 10 years since the USGA allowed distance-measuring devices on the course if a Local Rule is enacted. Their popularity with golfers led to a surge of innovative and versatile products that are all primarily designed to answer one of golf's age-old questions: How far? Here’s a rundown of the newest DMDs.

ARCCOS DRIVER

Put this sensor in your driver grip, and an app tracks the distance and accuracy of your tee shots. Another fun feature: It lets you compete against the drives of other users. It’ll even handicap the competition by factoring average tee-shot distance.
$80, optional $40 yearly subscription

GOLFBUDDY VOICE 2

Clip this device to your hat or bag, or put it on a band for your wrist, and it becomes a handy reference tool for distances to the front, middle and back of greens. Can’t be bothered to look at it? Hit a button, and a voice tells you the yardage.
$130

BUSHNELL TOUR V4 SLOPE

This range finder can calculate how long a shot will play based on elevation. This function is legal for practice rounds only but can be turned off so the device can be used for tournament or handicap play.
$400

LEUPOLD GX2I2

This range finder calculates how far to play a shot based on your ability (you have to input your average shot distances first), the weather, and the terrain. It even suggests a club (you still have to swing).
$430

TOMTOM GOLFER 2

The watch provides distances to hazards and greens plus an image of the putting surface. The device also senses when you hit a shot and calculates how far the ball traveled. Review your rounds on its MySports app.
$250

SKYCADDIE LINX GT

This package comes with a watch, sensors for your clubs, and an app. When synced to a smartphone, you can look at an overhead view of the hole you’re playing. It also records shot data and has a fitness function—tracking steps and calories burned.
$350

GOLFLOGIX

The free version of the app has basic functions like stat-tracking. The Premium version lets you preview a course in 3-D. It’s like playing a practice round without forking over an extra green fee.
$30, yearly subscription