GAM CLARIFIES POLICY ON DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES RELATING TO
DOWNLOADABLE SMART PHONE APPLICATIONS
Rule 14-3 states that during a stipulated round, a player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:
a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or
c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
(i) plain gloves may be worn
(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
(iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip
However, in 2006, the GAM adopted the Local Rule, per Decision 14-3/0.5, allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance ONLY. The use of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.) is not permitted regardless of whether such an additional function is used. In other words, the mere presence of additional functionality (whether used, not used or disabled) renders the device prohibited. The penalty for breach of this Local Rule is disqualification.
At this time, the GAM wishes to clarify this Local Rule and the definition of prohibited device:
A PROHIBITED DEVICE SHALL INCLUDE ANY CELL PHONE OR SMART PHONE (E.G., I-PHONE, BLACKBERRY, ETC.) CAPABLE OF OPERATING AN APPLICATION FOR YARDAGE OR OTHER CONDITIONS OF GOLF INFORMATION.
The penalty for breach of this Local Rule is disqualification
