Use of apps during medal/competition?

[TigerTime]

Are you allowed to use GPS/distance apps in medals or competitions?

I usually use Golfshot when I play. Am I allowed to use this in a medal or is it up to local rule?

 

[Orikoru]

Yes. As long as it doesn't show the slope or suggest to you what club to use (I think). If it just shows you the pure yardage and overview of the hole it should be fine.

 

[TigerTime]

Yes. As long as it doesn't show the slope or suggest to you what club to use (I think). If it just shows you the pure yardage and overview of the hole it should be fine.

It does give club recommendations but you can turn that off at the start of your round on it. It has a list of yardages to front, center, back of greens and yardages to bunkers.

 

[rulefan]

It does give club recommendations but you can turn that off at the start of your round on it.

You must.

 

[doublebogey7]

Fine to use just for yeardages, providing there is no local rule in place saying otherwise.

 

[rosecott]

Fine to use just for yeardages, providing there is no local rule in place saying otherwise.

I wonder how many clubs are using that Local Rule.

 

[LincolnShep]

I wonder how many clubs are using that Local Rule.

We don't use it for club comps but our County uses it for inter-club competitions.

 

[TigerTime]

Do I need to declare to my partners that I'm using it for yardages?

 

[LincolnShep]

Do I need to declare to my partners that I'm using it for yardages?

Nope.

 

[TigerTime]

Cool thanks folks.

 

[LincolnShep]

Rule 4.3a gives you the full lowdown.
https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4

 

[Orikoru]

Do I need to declare to my partners that I'm using it for yardages?

You could tell them as more of a conversational thing though, if you don't want them to think you're just using Whatsapp for the entire round or something.

 

[Alan Clifford]

Only use a rangefinder (no slope features)
Even if your phone app has ability to turn off features USGA says it’s still illegal.look up USGA rule 14-3

Rule 14.3 is about "Dropping Ball in Relief Area"

In rule 4.3a(1) https://www.randa.org/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4, I could find the restriction you mentioned.

 

[jim8flog]

Only use a rangefinder (no slope features)
Even if your phone app has ability to turn off features USGA says it’s still illegal.look up USGA rule 14-3

Looks like you are looking at the pre 2019 rules. It was the rule before then.