We often hear this question before the start of a competition or during its development, and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation frequently receives inquiries about their use. 

In order to try to clarify their use, when it is allowed and when it is not, as well as what type of functionalities these meters can have installed, a series of clarifications regarding distance measuring devices (DMD) are listed, along with the answers.

Can I use a distance measuring device in a competition?

The use of a distance measuring device during a round is permitted by the Rules of Golf under Rule 4.3a(1). However, a Committee may restrict the use of such devices through a Local Rule. It is common practice for major men's and women's professional tours to prohibit their use.

What types of distance measuring devices are permitted by Rule 4.3a(1)?

A GPS, a laser, a smartphone—really any device, as long as it meets certain guidelines and recommendations. The important thing to remember is that the device should only be used to access and measure permitted information. 

A player would be in breach of the Rules if the device is used to access prohibited information, such as elevation changes and club recommendation functions. Even if a device has the capability to provide prohibited information, a player only—and this is important to note—breaches Rule 4.3a(1) if they use the device to access prohibited information.

What about multifunctional devices, such as a mobile phone, with an application for measuring distances?

Unless there is a Local Rule restricting the use of DMDs, a multifunctional device may be used as long as it is not for accessing information that, if used, would cause the player to breach the Rules.

What is the penalty for using them when they are not allowed?

We would incur the general penalty the first time we used the device, and using it a second time would result in disqualification.

As always, the RFEG Rules Committee encourages you to carefully read the Local Rules we have implemented when you are going to take part in a competition to avoid unpleasant surprises.

By Vicente J. Olmos

Member of the Technical Committee of Rules of the RFEG