Holding rangefiner steady

[jrjones60]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to hold the rangefinder steady on the flag? I'm 61 and I didn't realize that I had the shakes as bad as I do. Any suggestions would help. Thanks in advance.

[Dolphin]

You need one that has a "scan" mode, which gives you distances that's constantly changing.
Without the scan mode, it is really hard to measure the distance to the flag, especially when the flag is far away.

[EnglishBob]

Pull your elbows in tight to your chest, as close together as possible, brace one hand under the rangefinder and the other against your cheek.

I use this method with good success for shooting photographs in low light without a tripod.

[hydroslyder]

I try to lean against the cart, or set the range finder against the steering wheel, windshield, or even the roof. I generally only do this on really windy days when its hard to stay steady, but it will probably work for you. However if you're a walker then this post is of no help to ya lol.

[taskerc]

[quote name='EnglishBob' post='1916904' date='Aug 27 2009, 02:07 AM']Pull your elbows in tight to your chest, as close together as possible, brace one hand under the rangefinder and the other against your cheek.

I use this method with good success for shooting photographs in low light without a tripod.[/quote]

+1 on this. I also helped this by moving to a Bushnell model with the pinseeker technology - worlds better for steady target acquisition.

[Hateto3Putt]

It may be to late, but you should get a rangefinder with no more than 4X magnification. The higher the magnification, the more movement is noticeable.

Bushnell Medalist has 4X and Pinseeker technology.

[stevestrike]

If you ride, brace yourself and the unit against the cart. If you walk, there is a pole mount that you can get for the umbrella holder on the push-cart that holds the unit very steady.

If all else fails, get a GPS! (*Just make sure you get one with big enough letters on the screen. My father cannot read my iGolf Neo)

[dpa1]

I actually try to remain still and hold my breath for just a second or so. I know it sounds funny but it works for me. If I'm riding I use the steering wheel of the cart.

[InTheHole]

Also, don't forget to spread your feet further apart also... the wider your feet, the more stable your base.

[ronbo]

Here's a great Tip, Go buy a Skycaddie GPS, You can be shaking like a leaf on a tree and still get all the info. you need, and the best part is you don't even have to hold your breath, ha,ha Good luck!

[drsage]

If you wear a hat - put the top of the rangefinder against the bottom bill of the hat and then hold the rangefinder/hat as a unit - should help to steady things.

[Spumoni]

While you are doing all that, can I play thru.... Like said above just get a skycaddie

[mickw]

[quote name='Babaganoosh' post='1939221' date='Sep 8 2009, 12:41 PM']While you are doing all that, can I play thru.... Like said above just get a skycaddie[/quote]

Don't worry, his course probably isn't mapped (correctly, if at all)...so you won't be playing there anyhow

[bigred90gt]

[quote name='jrjones60' post='1916857' date='Aug 27 2009, 12:10 AM']Anyone have any suggestions on how to hold the rangefinder steady on the flag? I'm 61 and I didn't realize that I had the shakes as bad as I do. Any suggestions would help. Thanks in advance.[/quote]
I never thought I would run across another member on any of the sites I frequent from Baytown! Do you play here mostly, or do you try to play a bigger variety of courses? I play Evergreen once, sometimes twice a week. Perhaps we can get a round one day.

[stevestrike]

Me and another Golfwrx member play Evergreen fairly often, and Baytown too on occasion.

[bigred90gt]

[quote name='stevestrike' post='1939815' date='Sep 8 2009, 05:06 PM']Me and another Golfwrx member play Evergreen fairly often, and Baytown too on occasion.[/quote]
What exactly are you referring to as "Baytown"? Are you talking about Goose creek country club? I had a membership there for a few years, but just got tired of playing that course. The greens are nice, but really slow. The fairways are horrible with the mogles everywhere. You hit a shot in the middle of the fairway, and you have a terrible stance and lie. Those are the only 2 courses in Baytown.

Eagle Pointe in Mont Belvieu is my favorite course in the entire Houston area that I have played, and I've played quite a few of them. If you are ever looking for another person to add to your group, shoot me a PM. I play all over the Houston area, usually on weekends, and if nothing much is happening at work, I'll get out during the week for an afternoon round.

[stevestrike]

I guess I was refering to Bay Forest as "down that same way" as Evergreen. I've played Goose Creek too, and I think you're spot on about that one. They are a cheap deal for a last minutes tee time on the weekend though--hardly anyone goes out there anymore.

Eagle Pointe is a great course to play, the only problem for us is that it is almost an hour each way to get there and back. We'll play Southwyck, Timber Creek, Wildcat and Beacon as well.

[bigred90gt]

[quote name='stevestrike' post='1940111' date='Sep 8 2009, 07:55 PM']I guess I was refering to Bay Forest as "down that same way" as Evergreen. I've played Goose Creek too, and I think you're spot on about that one. They are a cheap deal for a last minutes tee time on the weekend though--hardly anyone goes out there anymore.

Eagle Pointe is a great course to play, the only problem for us is that it is almost an hour each way to get there and back. We'll play Southwyck, Timber Creek, Wildcat and Beacon as well.[/quote]

I played Southwyck a few weeks ago, Timber Creek this past Saturday, a tournament at Wildcat a few weeks ago, and I used to play Beacon lakes once a week. That's a fun course at night, simply for the challenge of playing under the lights. Not a huge fan of it in regular hours, but I have played it a handful of times during the day. I take it you live on the south side?

Bay forest is not a bad course. I have been contemplating a membership there. It is $500 down and $60 per month for unlimited golf. A cart fee applies if you ride, otherwise no fee. Evergreen is $900 per year, and Eagle pointe is cheaper, but both require a cart fee regardless of walking or riding. Bay forest is only about 15 minutes from my house, so being that cheap I can justify it. I'm willing to play any of those courses, or really anywhere in the houston area. Hell, I played Houston National a couple of weeks ago, and that is out 290 past highway 6.

[My2Dogs]

Instead of going out and spending more money you can try to also hit the ground in front/around the flag. that might help as it is a larger area and you do not have to be as precise. Hoefully that will help.

[golfingnut300]

I have problems with hitting the flag from over 175 yards. What I do is hit the guy pulling the flag when the group in front of you is putting. Its really easy and works everytime.