Rangefinders Get the OK from USGA, R&A

Golf's governing bodies, the United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, have announced new interpretations of some Rules of Golf, including a decision to allow distance-measuring devices by Local Rule.

The changes, updates, clarifications and new decisions are part of the biennial update to the "Decisions on the Rules of Golf," and take effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

In all, the 2006-2007 edition of the "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" includes 37 new decisions and 66 revised decisions. Eight decisions have been dropped.

The one likely to fuel the most discussion and debate is new Decision 14-3/0.5, which sanctions the use of distance-measuring devices (laser rangefinders, GPS systems, and so on).

The decision only applies to devices that measure distance, not wind, gradient or other factors. In the new decision, golf's governing bodies allow a committee to permit the use of distance-measuring devices by Local Rule. So if such a Local Rule is not in effect, the devices would still be illegal for tournament play.

A news release from the USGA explains several other significant revisions and additions. To see a full rundown of Decisions created or affected by these changes, see this list (link opens a Word document) from the R&A.

The 2006-2007 "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" will be available for purchase from the R&A in mid-November or from the USGA in mid-December.

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