The primary function of both golf GPS systems and laser rangefinders is to tell you the distance to the flag. So which one is right for you?
Laser rangefinders do one thing extremely well. They tell you the distance to any object on the hole that is in line of sight. The biggest benefits of a laser rangefinder are its accuracy, which is within one yard, and the ability to choose any object that is in line of sight. The major shortcoming is the inability to to find distances to objects that are not in sight such as blind tee shots for example. A laser rangefinder also does not have the additional features found on similarly priced golf GPS systems.
Even the least expensive golf GPS systems will tell you the distance to the front, middle and back of every green on the course. Most will tell you the distance to other points on the holes such as bunkers and hazards. Courses are downloaded, pre-installed or manually mapped. Some golf GPS systems require an annual subscription to download courses. Golf GPS systems are usually accurate to within three yards. They are not as accurate as a laser rangefinder. Golf GPS systems make up for the lower accuracy with features that laser rangefinders do not have. Almost all golf GPS systems will tell you the distance of your last shot. Most also show you the layout of the hole which will help plan how you play the hole. These additional features will help the middle and high handicap player improve their game.
Most amateur golfers do not need the accuracy of a laser rangefinder and will benefit from the features of a golf GPS system. A golf GPS system is the right choice for most amateur golfers. Scratch or low handicap golfers may be able to take advantage of the pinpoint accuracy of a laser rangefinder. Their game may also by at the level where they do not need the additional benefits of a golf GPS system.