The top 5 golf gadgets you need

These days, golf is no longer a game between you, your club and the ball.

Huge developments over the decades have produced clever gadgets of all kinds that can up your game immediately and help you become a better player. Golfing snobs might scoff, but this high-tech equipment works with you, not for you, to improve everything from your swing to your accuracy.

Intrigued? Here’s our pick of the top 5 gadgets you need to get further in golf…

A rangefinder
If you’re looking to upgrade from a GPS device, a rangefinder is the way to go. They’re generally more accurate thanks to the laser technology that most of them boast, which can help you determine exactly how far away a flag is from where you’re standing. The Bushnell Tour V4 Shift laser rangefinder includes slope-switch technology that compensates for gradient.

Simulator
For days when you can’t make it to the green, or if you just want to invest a bit more time in your swing away from the club, a simulator is a handy tool to keep at home. Play a variety of courses from your living room and, if you choose an advanced model, test your skill on a variety of course conditions. The Ernest Sports ES16 Tour features a simulator and launch monitor in one and includes 10,000 courses for you to play.

A GPS device
There’s debate over whether it’s better to get a GPS device or a rangefinder, and ultimately it comes down to what your priority is when it comes to gadgets. A GPS device will tell you yardage covered, as well as providing a course map –pretty handy if you’re new to the club and don’t want to hire a caddie. It might not have as many features as a rangefinder, but it’s a great tool if your budget is limited or you only want the basics. The Garmin Approach S20 watch is a great buy and boasts a 15-hour battery life.