The finals of the Internet Invitational – an impact event presented by Barstool Sports and BobDoes Sports – racked up more than 1.5 million views in less than 24 hours after being posted last week (it’s now approaching 3 million views).
The final episode had some controversial moments, some of which are still being talked about online and on podcasts days later. One of the accusations revolves around the slope function on the rangefinder – which is a no-no under the rules of golf during championship play.
The chaotic situation leaves the curious thinking: What exactly is allowed (and not allowed) when using rangefinders in recreational and tournament play?
A rangefinder is a useful tool that not only provides accurate yardage, but also speeds up the game because there is no longer a need to look for yardage on a sprinkler or walk distance. While nearly every professional golfer uses them during practice rounds, they have long been banned from PGA Tour competition. However, that rule was changed this year during a six-month trial period when the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour allowed them to see if they would speed up play (results of the investigation have not yet been released).
An important warning for professionals: the “incline” switch must be turned off. When on slopes, yardage is calculated based on the elevation change, eliminating finesse from the process.
The Tour’s penalty for slopes during competition is two strokes for a first violation and disqualification for a second violation. Davis Riley took a penalty kick in May’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson game and reported it himself.
“Stepping onto the tee on No. 17, I assumed the rangefinder was in the right mode and shot, and two numbers came up,” Riley said. “I’ve used it enough to know that’s what the slope number is. Unfortunately, it’s just one of those moments where your heart sinks a little bit, like you just threw away two shots.”
But enough about the professional game. How about it youdear reader? Of course, even after entering your handicap score, you can use the slopes guilt-free, right?
Not so fast!
When contacted for clarification, the USGA stated that Rule 4.3 (the rule prohibiting the use of slopes on distance measuring devices), like all rules, applies outside of championships.
A bullet point under Rule 4.3a, “Permitted and Prohibited Use of Equipment,” states that a player may not create a potential advantage by “using equipment (other than a club or ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for skill or judgment essential to the challenge of the game.”
Given that the Rules of Golf state that judging elevation changes is an essential skill, the use of the rangefinder’s slope function is expressly covered by that rule.
Craig Winter, a USGA senior director who focuses on the rules of golf and amateur status, told us that one of the most common misunderstandings about the rules of golf is that slope and rangefinder rules only apply to championship play.
“In fact, Rule 4.3a, which governs the use of equipment other than clubs and balls, just like any other rule, always applies whether you are playing competitively or recreationally,” Winter said. “At the same time, regardless of whether players are aware of the distance-only restrictions, or any other prohibited conduct under the rules, we recognize that recreational golf is often played between friends who choose to relax certain rules.”
So there you have it. Play on the slopes? Technically, this is as against the rules as doing a mulligan or telling a lie. That said, what your foursome does on Saturday morning is your business. Includes ranging.
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