Rangefinders: I think i'm changing my mind......

[KeefG]

Hang on though - I thought you couldn't use these in comps - so how would your handicap get reduced? (Not having a dig - just curious )

My clubs local rule is that all GPS & range finders are allowed in comps, but other devices such as units that measure wind speed, temperature, elevation etc are not allowed.

 

[USER1999]

There is provision in the rules for a local rule allowing these devices.

My club has allowed them for the men, but not the women. Not the clubs fault apparently, it is the womens Hertfordshire league who have not allowed them, and the club follows suit. Daft really. Played with a lady the other day, and had to hide it so she couldn't see.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My club has a local rule allowing them in club competitions. I've really found it useful with shorter shots in particular and knowing which wedge to take has seen me hitting a lot closer. Now if only I could putt....

 

[bobmac]

mmmmmmmmm

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Actually Bob you have been very quiet on that subject recently! What news?

 

[bobmac]

Slow but steady progress. Pm on its way

 

[bobmac]

I've just ordered the Sonocaddie V 300. I was going to nip up to Mid Yorks and pinch Vig's, but he's bigger than me.
Hope it works.

 

[Canfordhacker]

My clubs local rule is that all GPS & range finders are allowed in comps, but other devices such as units that measure wind speed, temperature, elevation etc are not allowed.

My club local rule allows "distance measuring devices, so long as they do not have the capability to provide other information". The other information is not specified but my unit measures altitude (where I am, not where I'm going!) so I haven't used it in comps (I should ask the pro really). However, Bushnell ads in GM show a picture which clearly indicates they show target elevation. Technically this is in fact a distance (ie height)measurement, but for me it seems a grey area. Just seems strange to me that where golf is so clear in terms of rules that my local rule (and it would appear others) are lacking clarity.

 

[Macster]

I think its only the 'Slope' models that actually calculate the effective distance up/downhill etc, and these are the ones that perhaps 'arent' legal in comps.

Not certain tho, perhaps someone else can clarify.

I'm not sure I'd want the unit to do that for me if I'm honest, would perhaps rather know the exact yardage and then adjust according to my own interpretation.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Another advantage of the SC. No grey areas. There are either allowed under local rules or not. None of this maybe if they only do this but not if they do that. Way too complicated. Turn on, stand by your ball check the distance and shoot. SC rules!

 

[Canfordhacker]

Chris - I don't want to use the info - I agree with you I'd rather eyeball and judge that one myself, but as the unit is capable of providing it I'm penalised even if I don't use it.

Homer - that's so 1 dimensional - I can use my unit for walking, cycling, driving, ski-ing and golf - Garmin rules!

 

[Imurg]

You can only use DMD's for exactly that - measuring distance. Anything that measures temperature, slope or anything else is illegal in competition. But nothing to stop you making your own yardage book with this info in it.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I never knowingly walk unless round a golf course (well twenty minutes to and from work but after two years I've worked out the way), don't cycle (not with the drivers round my way) and got no sense of balance so don't ski so Garmin are no use to me !!!!

 

[SammmeBee]

Chris - I don't want to use the info - I agree with you I'd rather eyeball and judge that one myself, but as the unit is capable of providing it I'm penalised even if I don't use it.

Homer - that's so 1 dimensional - I can use my unit for walking, cycling, driving, ski-ing and golf - Garmin rules!

Doesn't Garmin do altitude or temperature or something like that?

 

[Canfordhacker]

Sammee - there are about 50 different pieces of information on mine, all based around time and distance - rate of climb, moving average, time spentt moving, time to destination etc etc. They aren't golf units, and it would appear that this precludes them from being used. I only want the one piece of info (distance to pre marked targets), it just irks me that the capabilty of providing all the rest (which is useless when golfing)rules it out. My mates are happy for me to use it playing socially, so that's what I do.

 

[SammmeBee]

Thought so so really NFG for proper golf....that rate of climb on those uphill par 3's is such an advantage....

 

[bobmac]

I think you'll find the GPS's that show wind speed and direction are the ones that are banned in comps.

 

[Smiffy]

I was going to nip up to Mid Yorks and pinch Vig's, but he's bigger than me.

Where is Vig lately? Holiday? Hasn't posted for at least two weeks....

 

[SammmeBee]

I think you'll find the GPS's that show wind speed and direction are the ones that are banned in comps.

....and one of them Motocaddies that does temperature too....

 

[viscount17]

My club local rule allows "distance measuring devices, so long as they do not have the capability to provide other information". The other information is not specified but my unit measures altitude (where I am, not where I'm going!) so I haven't used it in comps (I should ask the pro really). However, Bushnell ads in GM show a picture which clearly indicates they show target elevation. Technically this is in fact a distance (ie height)measurement, but for me it seems a grey area. Just seems strange to me that where golf is so clear in terms of rules that my local rule (and it would appear others) are lacking clarity.

Not surprising at all. Almost all local rules use the exact wording in The Rules, so just a case of the R&A/USPGA bottling it.