The ultimate golf tech guide: launch monitors, range finders, simulators, golf watches

You've been working on your swing and quite frankly, it's looking good. The time you've been putting is been paying off. Now you're inspired (maybe it was that Steph Curry hole-in-one) to up your game and take it to the next level.

That means bringing in the golf cavalry by way of the latest golf tech.

From simulators, to launch monitors and range finders from top brands like Callaway and Rapsodo, technology has the potential to become your own personal golf guide, there to kindly offer correction and guidance to help you reach your golf goals this summer.

Offering real-time feedback on everything from choosing the right clubs to distance to the flag and wind conditions, adding golf tech to your arsenal of tools can drastically improve your game (as well as the fun).

In this article, we'll focus on golf launch monitors, like the CBS Sports readers' favorite Rapsodo launch monitor (now 40% off on Amazon), range finders like Callaway's top-selling 300 Pro offering, golf simulators and golf watches like the Garmin Approach S62.

A golf launch monitor is as doppler radar or camera-based portable device that measures metrics on your shot. Gather data from the moment your club hits the ball, a launch monitor offers feedback so you can improve your swing, choose the right clubs and have better control of your game.

Launch monitors offer insight into carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, spin rate and more. That means a launch monitor can drastically improve your efficiency, which will ultimately lead to quicker improvements. Ranging in price for hundreds of dollars to thousands, there are quality launch monitors at every price point.

Rapsodo's launch monitor (6.85 x 7.72 x 2.28 inches), a favorite of Amazon shoppers and CBS Sports readers alike, is pocket-sized and pairs with a mobile device for immediate swing replay.

Top features of Rapsodo Launch Monitor:

Why we like it: We like that this launch monitor fits in your pockets, pairs with an iPhone, offers many metrics generally saved for more expensive devices and the price (especially Amazon's sale price) can't be beat.

Rapsodo Mobile Golf Launch Monitor, $300 (reduced from $500)

FlightScope's 4.2-star rated launch monitor (3.5 x 1.5 x 2.4 inches) is lightweight and portable, allowing you to get feedback on your game anywhere you go.

Top features of FlightScope Mevo:

Why we like it: We like the eight-hour battery life which lasts a full day on then some on the course. A highlight here are the PGA and LPGA challenges, which keep you on your toes and up your game.

FlightScope Mevo Portable Gold Launch Monitor, $449 (reduced from $500)

Amazon buyers lauded this 4.4-star rated launch monitor (6.5 x 4.5 x 1 inch), calling it a terrific buy for the price.

Top features of Swing Caddie SC300i:

Why we like it: The voice commands offering distance data is a big plus here, keeping players focused on their swing and choosing the right clubs. The extended battery life is a top feature as well.

Voice Caddie PlayBetter Swing Caddie SC300i Golf Launch Monitor, $410 (reduced from $510)

Range finders vary in size from small handhelds to large, still portable, devices that assess distance to the flag, incline and decline, while some can even track hazards and wind conditions to help the user better choose their clubs. Cost for a quality range finder is $100-$400 and many can be mounted on a stand bag or looped around the wrist for easy transport.

A top choice with CBS Sports readers and Amazon buyers, Callaway is one of the most trusted names in golf gear and golf tech. Verified buyers say you should "just get this one," praising the quality construction of this range finder.

Top features of Callaway Golf 300 Pro Rangefinder:

Range finders: Callaway Golf 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder, $200 (reduced from $300)

Like Callaway, Bushnell is a highly trusted name in golf gear and equipment, giving us ease-of-mind when purchasing tech intended to up our game. But what sold us was reviewers' continual comments on this range finders' ease of use. Bushnell's 4.6-star rated laser golf rangefinder bundle includes: divot repair tool, lens cloth, two (2) CR2 batteries.

Top features of Bushnell Laser Rangefinder:

Bushnell Tour V5 / Tour V5 Shift Laser Golf Rangefinder, $305

Buyers have come to rely on Garmin for their top-tier GPS smart watches. The brand applied that GPS technology its range finder, which comes with a microfiber cloth.

From wind speed displays to adjusted yardage for uphill and downhill slopes, Garmin levels up with its range finder. Well worth the price, in our humble opinion.

Top features of Garmin Approach Z82:

Garmin Approach Z82 Golf GPS, $600

A golf simulator takes the boredom out of practice. They allow you to virtually practice on thousands of courses around the world, day or night. No broken windows here.

Easy to set up and use, this ultra-realistic simulator features a smart sensor that gives the feeling the user is really striking the ball. Just attach the Bluetooth sensor to your own golf club for practice. As if the words "easy setup" aren't enticing enough, we like the simulator's pre-set courses. Rated 4.0 stars.

Top features of Phigolf 2 Simulator:

Phigolf2 Golf Simulator, $300

Createad by golf pro Scottie Scheffler, this all-in-one golf swing trainer kit focuses on a safe approach to improving a golf swing that focuses on core strength and mobility. We were impressed by its 4.6-star review, even more impressed by the buyer who called this durable and lightweight product "life changing."

Top features of Golf Forever Swing Trainer:

GolfForever Swing Trainer Aid & Kit, $200

Golf watches are a category of smart watch that's part range finder, part fitness tracker. Golf watches can track distance to the flag like a range finder, assess wind conditions to better help choose the right clubs, all while tracking fitness data like heart rate, calories burned. Some offer course maps and green contour data -- all on a small, stylish wearable.

A leader in golf tech, Garmin scores again with its 4.4-star rated golf smartwatch watch. This feature-heavy golf watch comes at an approachable price point. We like that it's lightweight as well, and won't get in the way of the game at hand.

Top features of Garmin Approach S10:

Garmin Approach S10, $130 (reduced from $150)