PGA to Allow Distance Measuring Devices (Lasers) in 2021!

[turtleback]

5 hours ago, iacas said:

Three things:

1. Of course non slope. Slope is against the Rules.
2. Kessler should use a version that doesn’t even have a slope switch.
3. Remember they also magnify 6x or 7x. You can watch someone else from farther away, watch putts from the fairway, etc.

Is it currently legal to use, e.g, binoculars, to watch the players ahead of you?

[Golfingdad]

13 minutes ago, turtleback said:

Is it currently legal to use, e.g, binoculars, to watch the players ahead of you?

I don't know the answer but I'm guessing no simply because we haven't seen Bryson try this yet. 😉

 

[jlbos83]

20 hours ago, Sandy Divot said:

They use them in practice rounds, and I guarantee they have an extra battery. 

I even have an extra battery!  Somewhere amidst the junk in my bag!

[TourSpoon]

30 minutes ago, turtleback said:

Is it currently legal to use, e.g, binoculars, to watch the players ahead of you?

Tom Kite used to. Or maybe those were his glasses. 

 

[StuM]

13 minutes ago, jlbos83 said:

I even have an extra battery!  Somewhere amidst the junk in my bag!

And those batteries last a heck of a long time.  Also so light weight I doubt the Caddie would even notice if there were 3 spares in the bag.  It is not an issue.

[saevel25]

Rangefinders on tour is hot topic for debate among pro caddies | Golf News and Tour Information | GolfDigest.com

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Just some different takes on the subject. Maybe I don't know the exact details of a caddie's job. 

 

[iacas]

1 hour ago, turtleback said:

Is it currently legal to use, e.g, binoculars, to watch the players ahead of you?

Binoculars are allowed.

[Double Mocha Man]

3 minutes ago, iacas said:

Binoculars are allowed.

Then I'm watching the girl behind the 16th green...

[StuM]

3 hours ago, saevel25 said:

Rangefinders on tour is hot topic for debate among pro caddies | Golf News and Tour Information | GolfDigest.com

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Just some different takes on the subject. Maybe I don't know the exact details of a caddie's job. 

 

The point in this article I need to listen to is that they only aim for the pin 5% of the time.

[Double Mocha Man]

9 minutes ago, StuM said:

The point in this article I need to listen to is that they only aim for the pin 5% of the time.

To get a reading you aim for the pin, and then add or subtract yardage depending on the spin package you're applying and the firmness of the green.  Unless I'm looking almost straight down at the green I'm unable to get readings for different areas on the green... at least accurate ones.

[StuM]

5 minutes ago, Double Mocha Man said:

To get a reading you aim for the pin, and then add or subtract yardage depending on the spin package you're applying and the firmness of the green.  Unless I'm looking almost straight down at the green I'm unable to get readings for different areas on the green... at least accurate ones.

I understand aiming the DMD at the pin and accounting for roll/spin.  I took the article to mean they are not aiming their shot directly at the pin.  All too often I try aiming for the pin and, since I am not at the level of a tour pro, I am often off line.  It would be better for me to aim at the center of the green to give maximum allowance for dispersion and still be on the putting surface.  That is what I was alluding to.   

[Double Mocha Man]

13 minutes ago, StuM said:

I understand aiming the DMD at the pin and accounting for roll/spin.  I took the article to mean they are not aiming their shot directly at the pin.  All too often I try aiming for the pin and, since I am not at the level of a tour pro, I am often off line.  It would be better for me to aim at the center of the green to give maximum allowance for dispersion and still be on the putting surface.  That is what I was alluding to.   

Got it.  My misunderstanding.  The pros/caddies take into account the putting break of the green when they make an approach shot, among other things, and they don't want to short-side themselves.

My standing quip, when I miss a hole out on my approach is: "Arrgh, I mis-read the break!"  (So I say that alot)

[iacas]

32 minutes ago, StuM said:

I understand aiming the DMD at the pin and accounting for roll/spin.  I took the article to mean they are not aiming their shot directly at the pin.  All too often I try aiming for the pin and, since I am not at the level of a tour pro, I am often off line.  It would be better for me to aim at the center of the green to give maximum allowance for dispersion and still be on the putting surface.  That is what I was alluding to.   

Do you have a copy of LSW? I only ask because… I don't see the badge, and because you just said all that stuff. 🙂

[StuM]

On 2/10/2021 at 5:19 PM, iacas said:

Do you have a copy of LSW? I only ask because… I don't see the badge, and because you just said all that stuff. 🙂

I've been meaning to purchase it, just need to do it.  Thanks for the reminder.

[Rulesman]

A statement from the PGA Tour:

“The PGA Tour conducted a four-tournament test of Distance Measuring Devices on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2017, with varying results,” the Tour said in a statement released Tuesday. “We decided at the time to continue to prohibit their use in official competitions on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour for the foreseeable future. We will evaluate the impact rangefinders have on the competition at the PGA of America's championships in 2021 and will then review the matter with our player directors and the Player Advisory Council.”

[StuM]

18 hours ago, iacas said:

Yes, that's the best link. Why couldn't you send me a PM?

Erik,

I know this is OT but I am getting a message that "@iacas cannot receive messages" when I try to PM you.  Here is a screenshot of the error message.

[iacas]

I think it’s because you’re putting the @ symbol in.

[Zippo]

I am not clear on how this change benefits pro golf or me as one who watches (and thereby supports) pro golf.