Rules and Rants

R&A to allow distance measuring devices at amateur championships

Since 2006, committees have had the option of adopting a Local Rule under the Rules of Golf to allow players to use Distance Measuring Devices (DMD’s) that measure or gauge distance only. See note to Rule 14-3 of the Rules of Golf.

Since the introduction of the Note to Rule 14-3, the use of DMD’s has not been permitted at Golf Canada championships.  That decision has been ratified at the Rules Committee meeting held during the Golf Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year and their use will again be on the agenda next month.

Golf Canada’s Rules Committee will meet in London, Ont. during the association’s AGM in early February, where they will discuss if DMD’s will be allowed at Golf Canada’s 2014 amateur events. The decision will be shared following the conclusion of that meeting.

Recently, the R&A’s Championship Committee has decided it will allow the use of distance measuring devices (DMDs) in R&A amateur events in 2014.

This Local Rule will be introduced for The R&A’s amateur events only.  It will not be introduced for The Open Championship or any qualifying event for The Open Championship.


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