The Golf Monthly debate - two forumers wanted...

[JezzE]

Afternoon all,
Readers of the magazine will know that we run a monthly debate on various golf-related topics/hot potatoes and that up to now this has been written by two staff members.
From the May issue that's all changing, and going forwards we have decided to use a variety of people in the industry with strong views one way or another, and from time to time (haven't yet decided how frequently) two readers/forumers.
The June issue's debate will be on GPS devices with a working title along the lines of:
"Should GPS/distance measuring devices now be made legal for all competitive golf?"
If you feel strongly one way or the other (no fence-sitting here please) and would like to see your argument in print, please email me (jezz_ellwood@ipcmedia.com) with no more than five bullet point themes/lines of argument you would want to use.
I will then select the two best ones with a view to having a 10-minute chat with each from which to draft up their respective arguments.
We would also need a good, face-on head shot of the two debators.
Any queries, please post here, but please submit your actual ideas to me via email

 

[HRC99]

On its way!

 

[viscount17]

if I thought it would speed up the pro games I'd say yes.

 

[brendy]

Whopper! emailed.
Not a fan, makes my mate laugh when he has a gps device, asks me what do I think it is and can reply with an answer within 2-3 yards max of his reading just by using the information around me. It really sends him to the fair.

tune in next month, hybrids!

 

[daymond]

My Son in law always uses his distance gizmo. Before he sights it I will let him know the distance. I too am rarely more than 5 yards out!Why? because I've paced the distance from the course markers or course planner.
Anyway the subtraction calculations stave off the onset of senile dementia.Now where did I put my slippers.

 

[Crazyface]

Whopper! emailed.
Not a fan, makes my mate laugh when he has a gps device, asks me what do I think it is and can reply with an answer within 2-3 yards max of his reading just by using the information around me. It really sends him to the fair.

tune in next month, hybrids!

LOL!

Ban 'em

 

[Losttheplot]

Despite my gps issues I would not argue strongly for or against them. I'm happy using one but also if all gps devices were banned it wouldn't be too much an issue for me.

 

[njc1973]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

 

[chrisd]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

Agreed! Why would anyone contemplate banning them anyway, since they have been ok'd for a few years now?


Chris

 

[brendy]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

Agreed! Why would anyone contemplate banning them anyway, since they have been ok'd for a few years now?


Chris

Why would it be a problem to ban them? wedges and drivers have been scrutinised and some have been banned.

 

[JezzE]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

Just to clarify in case anyone is unclear, distance-measuring devices are actually banned under the Rules of Golf (Rule 14-3) for competitive play, unless your club or the tournament-organising committee has expressly permitted their use via an appropriate Local Rule.

So talk of a 'retrospective ban' is not quite right given that technically they are still banned...

 

[njc1973]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

Agreed! Why would anyone contemplate banning them anyway, since they have been ok'd for a few years now?


Chris

Why would it be a problem to ban them? wedges and drivers have been scrutinised and some have been banned.

I think its a different sceanario banning some of the drivers on the market as opposed to banning every distance measuring device (the ban on drivers probably helped the manufacturers increase sales whereas a ban on dmd's would cancel out a chunk of the market).

 

[Ethan]

I don't see how gps devices can be banned retrospectively since many people have bought them because they can be used in competition, you'd have a lot of disgruntled golfers if the rules were changed.

Just to clarify in case anyone is unclear, distance-measuring devices are actually banned under the Rules of Golf (Rule 14-3) for competitive play, unless your club or the tournament-organising committee has expressly permitted their use via an appropriate Local Rule.

So talk of a 'retrospective ban' is not quite right given that technically they are still banned...

True. It is an opt-in system, basically. Absurd situation which just gives more powers to the usual Committee types. They should be allowed or not allowed. One or the other and I could live with either.

 

[MashieNiblick]

My gut reaction is they shouldn't be allowed as I feel judging distance by eye, reading the landscape etc are part of the game and a skill that should be intrinsic to playing golf. The old course architects built in dead ground and cross bunkers etc deliberately to make the game more challenging. GPS devices undermine all that.

Even with with stroke savers, yardage markers, and pacing the course there is still some human judgement involved but I can see the argument that there isn't really a lot of difference and if that's the way people want to play the game, and especially if it speeds up play, I'm not gonna get too upset if they are permitted.

 

[Tommo21]

Whopper! emailed.
Not a fan, makes my mate laugh when he has a gps device, asks me what do I think it is and can reply with an answer within 2-3 yards max of his reading just by using the information around me. It really sends him to the fair.

tune in next month, hybrids!

Can you do that on a course you've not seen.

 

[Tommo21]

My gut reaction is they shouldn't be allowed as I feel judging distance by eye, reading the landscape etc are part of the game and a skill that should be intrinsic to playing golf. The old course architects built in dead ground and cross bunkers etc deliberately to make the game more challenging. GPS devices undermine all that.

Even with with stroke savers, yardage markers, and pacing the course there is still some human judgement involved but I can see the argument that there isn't really a lot of difference and if that's the way people want to play the game, and especially if it speeds up play, I'm not gonna get too upset if they are permitted.

Its club selection and hitting the ball you need to judge, not the distance.

 

[brendy]

Whopper! emailed.
Not a fan, makes my mate laugh when he has a gps device, asks me what do I think it is and can reply with an answer within 2-3 yards max of his reading just by using the information around me. It really sends him to the fair.

tune in next month, hybrids!

Can you do that on a course you've not seen.

Pretty much Tommo, I dont do it by sight, I take in all the markers/card distances etc and check out how far the flag is up the green (if yardage is to the fronts). Its not anything anyone else cant do.

 

[Dodger]

How do you manage for blind shots?

Just jump up and doon?

 

[brendy]

How do you manage for blind shots?

Just jump up and doon?

Pretty much!

Every course I have ever played has yardage markers, its not rocket science to get within a yard or two really.

 

[Tommo21]

I've got a yardage marker...it's got a battery in it.