You may be an avid golfer and know that there has been some contention with regard to the use of laser rangefinders in the golf course. Your confusion may actually have some merit. For a long time, the United States Golf Association (USGA), did not allow electronic devices on the golf course. However, in 2014, some players did start to use distance measuring devices during games. In 2019, there were further amendments to the restrictions, giving golfers a little more leeway with regards to the use of rangefinders and distance measuring devices such as GPS and other golf apps.
So are golf laser rangefinder legal?
Go on reading and you will get the answers.
Understanding the USGA Rule 14-3
Under the USGA rule 14-3, golfers will not use any devices that could give them an unfair advantage in the game. The rule comes under artificial devices and unusual equipment section. When on the greens, the assumption is that all the players are equal and must use their skills and abilities to compete against each other. This effectively made the use of laser rangefinders and distance measuring devices illegal. Any player found contravening the restrictions would face this qualification or other penalties.
In 2006 there was a revision to the rule. Players could now use the distance measuring devices but, only if they did not have certain features. In 2016, there was a further amendment to the rule, and the devices could have certain features as long as the player disabled them or turn them off during the game.
Under the 2019 rules, you can use the DMD even without the local rules. However, the committees still have a lot of power. The use of the distance measuring devices is subject to the local rules that the committee would come up with. In the case that the committee members feel uncomfortable, allowing the use of such devices, they were within their rights to prohibited. The local rules are specific to the different golfing events and can change from time to time.
Recommended Laser Rangefinder For Golf Without Slope
Rules to Using Laser Rangefinders as a Distance Measuring Device
There are specific rules that govern the use of distance measuring devices, such as laser rangefinders. Such include:-
- You can measure a straight line between two points
- Players can share DMDs and information. On the course, all the information, such as distance between markers and obstacles to avoid, is readily available. The players, therefore do not contravene any USGA rules by sharing such
- Players can measure, gauge and record distances
- Players can use features such as calendars, clocks, scorecards, email, and texts. You cannot, however, communicate with your coach during play
- Players cannot use any features that may give information such as humidity, wind direction, and angle of slope. You can, however, access the local weather forecast. Even if the features are on the device you are using, you must turn them off or disable them on the greens.
- When you finish the stipulating round, you can record the swings for future reference or reviews. You can, however, not recall or review any videos or images during the round.
- The USGA and PGA do not allow the use of DMDs during major tournaments such as the PGA. The players can, however, use them during the practice sessions. It is critical to note that the same applies to the caddie as well. The golfer may face penalties or disqualification if the caddy contravenes this rule.
Exceptions
In an interesting turn of events, the USGA allowed the use of two laser rangefinders, the Bushnell Tour x, and the Leopold GX-41 laser rangefinders. The players, however, needed to remove the brightly colored faceplate for the slope feature. Without the faceplate, the players cannot access the slope feature, making it legal to have on the greens.
Final Thoughts
A laser rangefinder is a fantastic tool to have whether you’re a beginner or advanced level. You get to measure distance without having to do it manually. It is easy to use and gives high levels of accuracy. You can use the results to pick the golf clubs you want to use based on the information you get. It is important to know the rules governing the use of DMDs, such as the rangefinders. If you are going in for a tournament, the committee organizing the event will probably have their own set of local rules.
