In last week’s issue of GolfWeek, James Achenbach breaks the news that the USGA and the R&A are set to bust up one of the dumbest rules in modern-day golf: rule 14-3b, the “range finder rule.”
The rule currently prohibits a player from using “any artificial device or unusual equipment for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play.” This includes range finders, which are artificial measuring devices.
The stupidity of this rule was, of course, not always evident. Golf existed long before yardage markers and yardage books. However, with many courses publishing yardage books or marking sprinkler heads, the rule has become long in the tooth.
Achenbach reports that rule 14-3b will be modified to allow for range finders as a “condition of competition.” In other words, the competition committee can determine whether or not to allow players to use range finders during competition. Range finders are currently legal in handicap rounds but not in any competitive rounds. Don’t expect the rule change to affect the PGA Tour – they’ll likely continue to disallow range finders not described as “caddies” – but other tours, like the Tight Lies Tour, and your local club may allow you to use range finders.
Our thoughts mimic those of average golfers everywhere: changing this rule will not change the professional game at all – they’ve had pinpoint accurate yardages for decades. However, it will speed up play for the average golfer as we won’t be forced to wander around looking for sprinkler heads.
Besides, as I said in both the SkyCaddie and PinSeeker reviews, knowing the exact yardages have helped me shoot lower scores.
The USGA and R&A considered changing this rule at their last meeting in the fall of 2003 but ultimately decided against it. The next scheduled rules meeting is not until the fall of 2007, but USGA and R&A officials are going to meet the week of the Walker Cup, August 13-14, in Kohler, Wisconsin. Page 44 of the USGA rules say that “The United States Golf Association reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices and unusual equipment and make or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.” In other words, they need not wait until 2008 to change this rule, and any rule change that is made is expected to go into effect immediately.
It’s not a done deal yet, so keep your fingers crossed. Here’s to hoping common sense – and a quicker round of golf – prevails.
The new rule would only allow distance, not slope measurements, correct?
Correct. Things that measure slope, wind speed, etc. are not going to be allowed.
scew rangefinders,,,I never met anyone that could play that used one
Well i played with a +3 handicap on st andrews devlin couse, he went round in -1 in bad conditions thats proof that it does work.
If its good enough for him its good enough for me. I will get one for couses i have not played before. If you can do without one you must be a mind reader or have a caddy.
To the contrary, I played a round of golf with a member of the ASU golf team last week, and she carries a range finder. I think the device really helps her with shots inside of 120. She shot -2 under for the 9 holes that I played with her.
what is the rule on range finders? can you use them or not?