Are rangefinders legal in competition golf?

Question

Does anyone know if rangefinders are legal in amateur golf? It would be really handy for playing in opens, medals etc. If so can you recommend a model?

Answer 1

They are allowed in many competitions, as long as the devise does not gauge wind speed or elevation.

For rangefinders to be permitted, the local rule must be listed on the rule sheet.

Answer 2

As mentioned above, Range Finders (GPS or Laser) are legal overall, but the use in sanctioned rounds is based on local rule.  The data obtained, can not include anything other than the distance to the target.  So some laser finders are not allowed due to their ability to give slope/elevation.  GPS finders are also required to just give that data in a sanctioned round.  

GPS range finders are the hot item and while they can't improve your stroke, they can in fact improve your rounds by giving you the information needed to chose the right club.  No different than having a local caddy that tells you about the hidden bunker, stream, the right landing area, etc.

Where GPS gets interesting is that when the individual user can review/map a course prior to playing they will develop an idea of course management that they might not use when given less info at the tee box.  As an example, when a shot goes out of the fairway, the Kirby markers are no longer of value.  Knowing how far you are to a target (eg the 100yd layup in the middle of the fairway) will allow you to make the proper club selection to get you out of trouble, and back on course.   Kirbys won't get you that info and unless you are willing to march off the yardage - you won't have that critical info.  

As for specific brands - I love GolfTraxx as it works on MY Blackberry.  Has versions for other PDA/Smart Phones.  FREE when you map a course for them, works all around the world.

Answer 3

While the USGA has ruled on this, some tournaments do allow them (i.e. the Skycaddie).  If you're not sure...ask the tournament committee.

Answer 4

Some of them are legal! Only the devices that measure distance, not wind, gradient or other factors. Golf's governing bodies allow a committee to permit the use of distance-measuring devices by Local Rule. So if such a Local Rule is not in effect, the devices would still be illegal for tournament play. Check the USGA website for the latest rules and regulations.

Answer 5

deffinatley not, if u were caught using it you would be disqualified sorry

Answer 6

Why would you want to use one in the first place, all you would be doing is taking away part of golf and therefore some of the fun in getting the distance wrong, you would never learn. My club has markers at 200, 150 and 100 yards from front of green as do most clubs.

Answer 7

Range finders are permissible if approved for use be the state golf association. It is up to the them to say which is permissible and which are not. Connecticut can use them.

Answer 8

Yes.  The PGA changed the regulations earlier this year in regards to the use of GPS systems within professional competitions, as a result local clubs are now starting to permit the use of these in their qualifying fixtures.  My club has given them the green light - but interestingly, the County is not permitting them in ladies competitions.  It's worth checking with the individual club to see whether they've adopted this change.

SkyCaddie seems to be the most popular make, and certainly the one stocked by most pro shops.  CaddyMaster is also worth taking a look at.  I guess it's down to what you can afford and which make has the most course plotted and available for download.

Answer 9

No they are not.

Edit: you can use them if you really want to in a friendly but you are not allowed to use them in club competition. Most clubs these days have markers from 200 yards out from the green, so there is really no need. Most golfers who use them are frowned up . . . beware !

No. Rule 14-3 provides that "during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment ... for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play". However, the Committee in charge of the competition can permit distance measuring devices by Local Rule.

Answer 10

No.