Range Finders on the PGA Tour to Speed Play

I am for it. I always find it ironic that the on-course commentator will walk to the ball and tell the TV audience exactly what the yardage is (with their GPS or rangefinder), and then we watch the pro and his/her caddy go through 5 minutes of banter on what they think the yardage is. Frankly, I don't watch or go to the tournaments to see the skill the caddy has in interpreting the yardage book and pacing off from sprinklers; I watch the skill and talent of the player hitting the necessary shot. I don't see how using rangefinders on Tour would in any way diminish the player's or viewer's experience, and increasing pace of play could instead improve it.

With that said, my caveat is that I don't think that the yardage guessing is what slows the pace the most, as it seems much of their yardage determination is done while waiting for players on the green. If we could just teach these guys to be faster on the greens instead of mimicking Jack Nicklaus' old deliberate style the pace would pick up significantly.

I see no reason not to. It takes pressure off caddies and, if anything, speeds up play (or at least it won't slow play).

I wonder who would institute it though, the TOUR or the USGA? Most of the USGA's recent rule changes have been to make the game harder for top players, while rangefinders would (presumably) do the opposite. Then again, I would find it hard to believe the TOUR would do something like this alone.

There must be at least one professional caddie on this forum.

I like the idea. If the sprinkler heads are accurate then they are going to get the yardage anyway. If they are incorrect then there is no sense in making the yardage a guessing game.

I don't see why they wouldn't. They are already allowed to walk the course and mark distances in a notebook using landmarks. The rangefinders would be more accurate than the notes taken while walking the course, but the speed up in play would be worth it.

Why not? If you use Range Finder does not mean you are cheating or improve your game skills using Technology.

Would not matter after they have the distance they would then have a conversation about the wind and what club to hit. Speed of play really isn't and shouldn't be an issue. TV just shows the shot and the fans are just watching certain players.

OK, I am starting to agree with you on this topic. I don't see a downside, and I think it could save a small amount of time. With all the tools at their disposal, what is wrong with having a gps or rangefinder? It will not give them different information, just give them the same information in a different way.

In a recent Bushnell ad online it stated that the tour caddies already use rangefinders before tournaments to verify yardage books, is this just a load of bs trying to sell their product, or is it true?


ps i saw this ad on Golfsmith.com

They makes yardage notes in their yardage book with a rangefinder.

It wouldn't bother me but what would the caddies really do that a pull cart couldn't replace besides maybe advise on what shot to hit. It could really change the dynamics of Professional golf which could be a good thing.

I'm all for it, although my reasons have pretty much been stated already.

Rake the bunkers, clean the clubs, be a good psychologist (keep the player focused, from getting down after a bad shot, etc). There's lots that caddies do that doesn't figure directly into hitting the next shot.

It's not that I don't think caddies are important. I understand the Peping up there players, helping with club selection and general maintenace but yardage is a huge part of there job. With Range finders we could be seeing more and more doctor Phils carring bags :)