R&A Ruling on Distance Measuring Devices
Published on 7th February 2013 in Golf NewsPlease be advised that the R&A have recently published a Flowchart for Distance Measuring Devices (DMD) designed to help golfers and/or officials determine the status of a particular device for use as a DMD ? when the Local Rule is in place.
As most people would be aware the use of distance measuring devices is not permitted under the Rules of Golf. However a committee or golf club may introduce a Local Rule permitting the use of devices which are capable of measuring distance, and distance only. Should a club wish to introduce this Local Rule, the following is recommended;
“In this competition, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used?.