bighairydel
Member
I know this year they have changed the rules so that range finders are allowed in competitions but just wondered if you're allowed to use your phone with a gps app during comps?
GPS apps / phone use in competition
- Thread starter bighairydel
- Start date
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
It depends on the app.
Basically anything that tells you what club to use or gives you distance based upon elevation would not be allowed.
Simple things like standard GPS such as hole19 are fine
Common examples of uses of equipment that are allowed and not allowed during a player’s round under this Rule are:
(1) Distance and Directional Information.
• Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
• Not Allowed.  Measuring elevation changes, or Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball).
• Not Allowed.
 Processing or interpreting playing information from the round (such as club recommendations based on current round distances), or Using any physiological information recorded during the round.
Basically anything that tells you what club to use or gives you distance based upon elevation would not be allowed.
Simple things like standard GPS such as hole19 are fine
Common examples of uses of equipment that are allowed and not allowed during a player’s round under this Rule are:
(1) Distance and Directional Information.
• Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
• Not Allowed.  Measuring elevation changes, or Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball).
• Not Allowed.
 Processing or interpreting playing information from the round (such as club recommendations based on current round distances), or Using any physiological information recorded during the round.
bighairydel
Member
Ah ok, the app I use has a google map that I use for distance to hazards etc but it doesn't recommend clubs etc. Would that be ok?
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
Yes.
This has been allowable for quite some time by Local Rule it not just part of the new rules.
bighairydel
Member
Nice one, thanks!
Scozzy
Medal Winner
I'm under the impression that because your phone/device can give you weather and wind info as well that it is NOT allowed in comp? Regardless of whether you use those apps or not you are using a device capable of giving you all sorts of info well beyond front back and middle of green/hazard distance.... that's my understanding anyway
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
That was the ruling at one time but is not the current one.
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
Does the club still have to have this as a local rule for competitive play? I would assume most have adopted the suggested example and allow DMD's for most normal club events but are they still banned in opens etc
doublebogey7
Head Pro
No, rule 4.3a(1) allows players to use a device that measures distance only. Though the committee may adopt a local rule prohibiting there use.
rulefan
Tour Winner
Normally such apps simply report information from a nearby weather station. That is permitted. With respect to jim8flog, it always was but was misunderstood so the authorities had to issue a clarification.
What is not permitted is the device actually measuring or gauging the conditions (including gradient/elevation).
