. The use of a distance measuring device during a lap is permitted, but a Competition Committee may restrict its use through a Local Rule

A year ago, two disqualifications of professional players on the elite circuits generated considerable interest. On one hand, Justin Leonard, the former 1997 British Open champion at Royal Troon, disqualified himself during the first round of the Rogers Charity Classic, held from August 16-18, 2024.

After playing eight holes that first day, Leonard realized that the distance meter he was using - distance meters are allowed on the Champions Tour - had the slope function activated, a utility that allows measuring slopes, which is prohibited. 

Upon noticing the infraction, Justin Leonard decided to disqualify himself, a gesture that demonstrated great sportsmanship and exemplary professionalism, for which he deserves to be congratulated.

On the other hand, almost at the same time, Spain's Ana Peláez was disqualified after the second round of the British Open, held in this case at the legendary Saint Andrews course from August 22 to 25, 2024.

Violation of local rules

The disqualification occurred after her caddie used the sprint meter twice during the second day, violating local rules. It is noteworthy how the Spanish player took full responsibility for her mistake, acknowledging that neither she nor her caddie had read the tournament's specific rules—an act that demonstrates great integrity and professionalism. 

As a result of these disqualifications, and with the aim of clarifying when the use of these devices is permitted and what functionalities they may have installed, a series of clarifications on distance measuring devices (DMD) have been prepared, along with their respective responses.

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. 

The 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 ability to provide information that is prohibited, a player only – and this is important to note – breaches Rule 4.3a(1) if he or she uses the device to access the 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 everyone to carefully read the Local Rules implemented when participating in a competition to avoid unpleasant surprises like those experienced by Justin Leonard and Ana Peláez.

By the RFEG Rules Committee