School of Rules

DIRECTOR OF GOLF

I hope you have enjoyed your summer breaks and managed to spend some time away from the desert heat!

In this month’s rules article, I would like to address a couple of rules queries that came up here at Emirates Golf Club during the summer. There have been some discussions, and debates, on equipment that may or may not be used on the golf course when playing a competitive round of golf.

Rule 4 in the R&A and USGA Rules of Golf covers the player’s equipment and details what may or may not be used during a round of golf. The essence of this rule is that it permits the use of equipment that does not take away from the natural skill and judgment that a player must employ when playing the game.

Distance Measuring Devices

The use of distance measuring devices (DMD’s) has been a hot topic in recent years, particularly due to the advances in technology seen used in these devices. Importantly, DMD’s can be used as long as slope information is not obtained. So, anyone using slope readings on their rangefinders is only permitted to do so in practice sessions. To be more practical, most tournament local rules will allow these devices to be used, provided the players do not use the slope readings in assisting them, and they only use the distance measurement readings. In this case, slope measurements should be switched off.

As an example, here is an excerpt from our Tournament Local Rules for the Emirates Amateur Open staged at EGC every season:

“A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.”

Another topic of discussion was the use of ball markers that may offer slope information. Such ball markers cannot be used in golf.

Here is an example of the type of ball marker in question:

My understanding about the rule is that because the ball marker could be used in judging a slope or contour, it is therefore not allowed. It essentially takes from the skill and judgment required from the player’s side when, in this case, playing on the putting greens.

This is primarily based on Rule 4.3a(I)/I, which is an interpretation on Rule 4.3a in the latest version of the official Rules of Golf.

Because the ball marker in question offers the ability to gauge slope, it is not legal.

This is also backed up by Part 6 of the Equipment Rules book.

Part 6.7 refers to Rule 4.3 and also notes that “features designed to measure, gauge or interpret slope” are illegal.

Part 6 of the Equipment Rules also covers tees, gloves, shoes, clothing, use of tape, distance measuring devices (DMD’s) and the use of alignment devices. It is quite an extensive section on permissible equipment in the game and gives a real insight into the mindset and framework used when equipment is being considered for use within the rules. Other relevant points in line with this Rule of Golf:

- It is very important to remember that training aids are not permitted to be used on the golf course, during a competitive round of golf.

- One must be careful about reading articles online about the Rules of Golf – often they are misinterpreted which is why I would advise only to follow the rules book and/or discuss with a rules official if necessary.

- The best online sources for rules information are the actual websites of the R&A and USGA – the two governing bodies under which the rules are created, monitored, and reviewed.

- Sharing articles that are incorrect would be teaching golfers the wrong information, which of course nobody wants. We all know how difficult the rules and their interpretations can be so I would be hesitant to assume people’s comments/opinions from online articles are correct.

Always make sure the individuals involved are qualified in the rules!

If you have any rules queries that you would like to discuss over the coming weeks, then please do not hesitate to ask on your next visit to the club or simply email your query to me at churley@dubaigolf.com.

If you enjoyed the article and found it helpful, feel free to drop me an email at the above address, quote the code SORACH, and be entered into a prize draw!