New Rules for 2019 - Distance Measuring Devices
Over time club selection has been made much easier through the introduction of distance markers on the golf course and more recently technological advancements in the form of Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs).
Since 2006 the use of such devices has been allowed, but only under a Local Rule put in place by the relevant Club or Competition Committee. Now, the 2019 Rules of Golf allow the use of DMDs without the need for a Local Rule. Although the Rules of Golf allow the use of DMDs, players must ensure that the device they use complies with the restrictions in Rule 4.3a(1). For additional guidance, please see the do’s and don’t’s below:
Do’s
You may use a DMD to:
- Measure straight line distance between two points
- Access a club yardage chart based on historical information
- Enter shot information – for later analytics
- Access a local weather forecast
Dont’s
You may not use a DMD to:
- Measure elevation changes
- Calculate effective distance based on changes in elevation or other conditions
- Interpret distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection)