Expert: dan - 6/17/2009

Question
Entering college what is the rule for GPS or laser rangefinders duing competition

Answer
Hello PK:
Thanks for asking this question.


The USGA states in rule 14-3:

"Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:

The USGA allows the use of booklets by tradition even though such a booklet is an artificial device. Therefore, before play, a caddy can walk the course taking measurements with a rangefinder and then make a detailed booklet with illustrations of each hole, including specific trees, bunkers, and other landmarks. He can superimpose a yardage scale on each illustration, thus a player can estimate quite accurately the distance from his ball to the pin.

Now this.  A newer rule made by the USGA, 14-3/0.5, states; "Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance Measuring Device" In other words, a local committee could rule that it is permissible to use a measuring device. What is not allowed is the use of a device that measures other factors, such as gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.

Hope this helps you. Good luck for your endeavor.

Thanks.
Dan