No, the PGA Tour does not allow rangefinders. You will find caddies that use the rangefinders as they are now allowed in practice rounds. Rangefinders are not allowed for tournament play, as some feel it would give players an unfair advantage as they already have a caddie.
Is it illegal to use a golf rangefinder?
Golf purists hate change and when it comes to golf rangefinders they will consistently put forward the view that using one is illegal according to the rules of golf and therefore cheating.
What are the pros and cons of golf rangefinders?
So here is a list of the main pros and cons of golf rangefinders whatever the make or model: Another con that is often levelled against golf rangefinders is that at best they distract players from the core essence of the game – which is a golfer’s battle against themselves and the course – and at worst they are a form of cheating.
How do golf rangefinders work?
When the golfer presses the button the rangefinder emits a pulse of light in a wide beam which is then reflected back to the device when it hits an object. By measuring the time it takes the light to travel that distance, the processor in the device can determine the distance.
What are the different types of golf rangefinders?
But if we start by simply looking at the main high-level pros and cons of golf rangefinders, rather than focusing on specific types (GPS and Laser are the 2 main types) and functionality you can get a better view of whether they are something that will help you with your own golf game.
Do you really need a rangefinder for golf?
A golf rangefinder is essential for improving your game. In case you are new to the world of golf, let us explain what a golf rangefinder does and some of the reasons why you should be using one to level up your golf game. Golf rangefinders are designed to help the golfer estimate distance and accuracy of their shot.
Are golf Pros allowed to use range finders?
Under the Rules of Golf, players are able to use laser rangefinders and GPS units in competition, provided they only provide pure distance to the hole. The PGA of America decided, then, to allow the 156 professional golfers in their championship to use laser rangefinders during the championship itself.
Are PGA Tour players allowed to use rangefinders?
The PGA of America, the tournament's organizing body, permitted rangefinders to be used for measuring distance only, even though many of these devices can measure elevation change as well with the flip of a switch.
Why are pros using range finders at PGA?
Rangefinders let you measure the distance from your golf ball to the pin or other target area on the golf course. The aim was to increase the pace of play but it was met with mixed emotions from players, caddies and commentators.
Do caddies use rangefinders?
Even though professional golfers probably have more confidence than your co-worker hitting the links, most golfers — or their caddies — at the PGA Championship chose to use a rangefinder. This typically happened when golfers found themselves off the fairway or confirming their own distance estimation.
When did rangefinders become legal on the PGA Tour?
2006Though the Rules of Golf have allowed for the use of laser rangefinders and GPS devices in casual play and amateur tournaments since 2006, a local rule gave tournament committees the ability to ban the devices.
How do caddies know yardage?
The yardage book are ubiquitous on the PGA Tour. Players and caddies carry them in their pockets and consult them before each shot. They show yardages to various targets on each hole, different points of elevation, and a close-up of the green that shows detailed contours and yardages.
Are distance-measuring devices legal in golf?
Beginning on January 1, 2019, distance-measuring devices (DMDs) are allowed under the Rules of Golf.
Can LPGA players use rangefinders?
Rangefinders will first be put into LPGA Tour competition in two weeks at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Players will then be permitted to use rangefinder technology at most LPGA Tour and LET events for the first time in the history of both Tours.
Are rangefinders allowed on the Korn Ferry tour?
While rangefinders have been allowed in the U.S. Amateur since 2014, top professional events, including the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open, do not permit such usage. As well, the PGA Tour conducted a four-tournament test of distance-measuring devices on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2017 but did not change its view.
How to use a rangefinder?
First, make sure that the batteries are in and then turn it on. Hold your rangefinder up to your eye like a scope; you will need both of your hands at this point. Once you have done so, select an object or pin and do not move the rangefinder from this position so you can get a reading off of that object. If you have it in slope mode, it will give you the actual distance and account for the slope as well.
What is the best rangefinder for beginners?
The best type of rangefinder for you is the one that meets your needs. If you are a beginner, an entry-level model would work just fine because it will have all the features and functions necessary to make accurate readings on targets from close distances.
What is a rangefinder in golf?
These devices can now do all sorts of things but at it’s most basic level a golf rangefinder will give you an exact yardage to any point on the golf course you choose – for example to the hole, the front of the green, a hazard, ...
Why do golfers use laser rangefinders?
Laser rangefinders are so-called for the simple reason that they use a laser to calculate the distance to a specific point on the golf course. When the golfer presses the button the rangefinder emits a pulse of light in a wide beam which is then reflected back to the device when it hits an object.
What are the pros and cons of a rangefinder?
So here is a list of main pros and cons of golf rangefinders whatever the make or model: Another con which is often levelled against golf rangefinders is that at best they distract players from the core essence of the game – which is a golfers battle against themselves and the course – and at worst they are a form of cheating. ...
Why are rangefinders important?
For a growing number of golfers today therefore golf rangefinders are a key component of their golf bag as they offer an additional way, beyond the tried and tested method of more practice on the range, to improve their golf scores.
Why is the PGA local rule?
The reasoning behind this PGA Tour ‘local rule’ is that the PGA think that it is part of the skills of a player and their caddie to work out exact yardages during tournament play, taking in account wind, weather and course undulations for example, without the use of a technical aide.
Is a rangefinder good for golf?
Golf rangefinders can provide clear benefits and although some of the top models can be costly there are gains to be made by golfers using them in the right way and at the right time.
Can you use a rangefinder in a golf course?
So when a golf club, golf course or tournament wants to restrict the use of rangefinders it today needs to put in a local rule prohibiting their use. Therefore unless you get told about a local rule at the club or event or tournament where you are playing saying rangefinders are not permitted you can use them.
