A rangefinder is in a priority mode if it reads only the first object in its view and ignores all other objects. It is in a second priority mode if it ignores the first object but sees beyond it to another object.
Priority differences
First priority rangefinders are extremely useful on the golf course. If the flag isn't hidden, there is usually nothing between you and it. All rangefinders have the first priority mode. If you want to range at a flag located about 100 yards away, the flag will display 100 and not 130 which could be due to the trees behind the flag.
Second priority rangefinders are more useful for hunting. The second priority rangefinder, as described in the previous paragraph, would read the trees at 130 meters and ignore the flag 30 miles closer. Hunting situations often require you to be in a blind, or partially covered by leaves or limbs. A hunting rangefinder, or second priority rangefinder would ignore the first object in its line of view such as the branches, and read the most distant object, which may be a deer.
You can use a rangefinder (first priority), for hunting. Absolutely. Can you use a hunting rangefinder (second priority) for golf? Certainly. The product that is most appropriate for your purpose will be easier to use and won't require multiple readings or switching modes in order to determine the distance. Some laser rangefinders allow you to switch between second priority modes temporarily using a "bullseye", "pinpoint" button, or semi-permanently by switching priorities semi-permanently.
Distance
Rangefinders can be sold under names that indicate the maximum distance that the unit is capable of reading. This causes the most common misconception that consumers have with these units. A unit may be labeled as a 1500 yard rangefinder, and it may be, but only under ideal atmospheric conditions on highly reflective large surfaces!
You may be able, for instance, to range a smooth, white metal pole barn at 1500 feet without too much glare, air pollution, heat waves, and heat waves, even if there is a lot more glare. Add sun or rain or snow or heat mirage, or lessen the size or your target, or darken the color, or increase the texture, then NO! You may see hundreds of yards less. In perfect conditions you may see your pole barn at 1500 yards, a dark rocky hill at an oblique angle at 1100 yards, a huge truck at 900 yards, a tree at 700 yards, and a deer at 450 and a flag on the green at even less. Most times a deer may be read at around one third of the maximum stated range, and almost always well under half the distance. Check the manufacturer's specifications.
Reticles and Aiming points
A Reticule is the crosshair or aiming point/circle that you see in your rangefinder. Some reticles are made of black lines that you superimpose over the object you want to range. These reticles are often impossible to distinguish against a dark background, or in low light conditions such as shadows. Some reticles, or aiming points, appear illuminated due to LED lights. The brightness of these LEDs is invariably adjustable. The issues with LED reticles is that in bright conditions they may be drowned out by the ambient light so they Laser Rangefinders cannot be seen, even at the highest settings, and in the evening, when your eyes are accustomed to the night, the reticles or circles are so bright that they destroy your night vision even at the lowest settings. The bright reticle is what blocks your vision. The aforementioned issues with reticles also pertain to other information within your viewing screen such as yardage numbers and modes.
A black reticle with information and a button for lighting is my choice. The backlighting is much less intense than in an LED, and gives you the capability to view your information in all light conditions.