There are many golf course measuring devices to choose from; but
which type is the best? that all depends on what you need on the golf
course. A GPS device (Global Positioning System) will find you on any
golf course, anywhere in the world; but you must register the course you
are playing on with the system you bought, and in a lot of cases with
GPS devices you will have to pay a monthly membership fee.
But the
use of
laser rangefinders for golf, above other measuring devices, are
in my opinion superior. That is to say, for the everyday golfer who is
not actually playing in a Pro tournament, it is a great asset to be able
to read the course distances and keep an eye on where your ball lands.
And once bought, you do not have to pay any fees nor register with home
base, you just point and go. There are rules in golf that say, you are
not allowed to use range finders in tournaments. But there is also a
rule that allows these devices to be used at local level, with
permission.
Rule "USGA, 14-3/0.5, states; "Local Rule Permitting
Use of Distance Measuring Device" This means that in Local tournaments
Local Rules come into play. Therefore a local committee can rule that it
is permissible to use a measuring device, but this device must only
measure distance; it may not be a device that measures say wind speed,
gradients or temperature or for that matter any other measurements that
assist your play. If the device is capable of these other measurements,
even if you honestly do intend to use your device for distance only, you
may not use it. The device must only be capable of distance measuring.
The
Golf professional is permitted the use of binoculars or basic
eyeglasses with no rangefinder capabilities. What happens with
professional golfers is that the caddie will walk the course, prior to
the tournament starting, with a
laser range finder and will measure
distances, gradients, hazards and shapes of the greens how far it is to
the front and back of the greens and to the pin locations. He will
record all this information in his little pocket book. The pro will then
have a practice round to familiarize him with the course and the pocket
book measurements and then will be all set to begin the tournament. The
caddy who is well versed in his players game will in a lot of cases
recommend which club would be suitable for certain shots, although
ultimately it is the pro's decision for the club selection.
If you
are just a regular golfer playing golf with your friends, and in need
of better course management and feel that with more information about
the course you are playing your game will improve then I suggest you
purchase one of these devices. There is nothing in the rules that says
that you cannot use the device for every day golf with your friends, you
could even share your information with your golf partner, just to make
it fair, unless you both have these GPS or
laser range finder units,
then I cannot see a problem.
By rule of thumb, if you intend to
play in your local golf course team or official competition, you will no
doubt have to play a variety of courses around your area. The rule
states, that if the particular local rules say you can use a device to
assist your golf game, you are only allowed to measure distance. If your
device is capable of anything more than that, you are not allowed to
use it. And believe me almost every official knows what each device can
do, that means it's not worth the risk of disqualification.
Other
options include GPS devices, and although these do have their place in
the hearts of golfers, in that they can find you anywhere in the world
via satellite technology; and unless you do not mind monthly
subscriptions to a GPS system. It is of my opinion that the
Laser Range Finder is still the most useful, take anywhere, distance measuring
device for the regular golfer.
