Legal Rangefinders - Which Golf Lasers and GPS Golf Watches Are Allowed?

Update 2024: Which laser and GPS rangefinders are permitted in tournaments? There have been several changes to the DGV rules in recent years. Since 2013, Rule 14-3 of the German Golf Association (DGV) has been the governing rule for tournaments in Germany. However, since 2019, Rule 4.3 of the R&A in England has taken precedence. We explain which rangefinders and actions are permitted in tournaments and what is not allowed.

There is ample evidence that using a rangefinder has a positive impact on one’s golf game and can even save strokes. A laser rangefinder, for example, also significantly enhances practice on the driving range. There is also a positive psychological effect when players have a better understanding of their distances and swing with greater confidence.

Estimating distance by eye has significant drawbacks and often slows down the game. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a golf rangefinder.

The use of rangefinders has been permitted since 2013, but their use has always required authorization from the local club or the competition committee. Now, the 2019 Rules of Golf permit the use of rangefinders without the need for a local rule. However, if a committee wishes to restrict the use of such devices, it may impose a local ban.

Although the Rules of Golf permit the use of rangefinders, players must ensure that the device they use complies with the restrictions in Rule 4.3a(1). To summarize:

These devices are permitted in the tournament

Golf laser
Golf watch or GPS device
Smartphone and tablet

These actions are permitted

Here's what you're allowed to do during the tournament:

Measuring the direct distance between two points;
Saving the score;
Entering shot information – for later analysis (e.g., club used and location);
Use of stored historical stroke lengths;
Display of the local weather forecast.

These actions are not permitted

Explicit golf rangefinders, such as lasers or watches, are quite easy to use. With smartphones, there are a few additional points to keep in mind:

Measure the elevation difference (slope);
Calculations of effective distance based on changes in elevation or other conditions that affect carry distance (often referred to as a "play-to" function);
Measuring other conditions that could affect the game (e.g., wind speed or direction);
Interpreting distance or directional information (e.g., by using a device that suggests a recommended line of play or club selection).
Use of swing analyses and videos, as well as set-up or swing aids

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Golf Rangefinders

Q. Can I use a distance-measuring device during a competition?

The use of a rangefinder during a round is permitted under Rule 4.3a(1) of the Rules of Golf. However, a local committee may restrict the use of such devices by means of a local rule.

Q. What types of rangefinders are permitted under Regulation 4.3a(1)?

A GPS device such as a watch, a laser, or a smartphone, provided that the device meets certain guidelines. It is important to remember that the device may only be used to access and measure permitted information. Even if a device has the capability to provide prohibited information, a player is in violation of Rule 4.3a(1) only if he or she uses the device to access the prohibited information.

Q. What about multifunctional devices, such as a smartphone with an app?

As long as no local rule restricts its use, a multifunction device may be used, provided that it is not used to access information whose use would cause the player to violate the rules.

Q. If a player uses a smartphone to check the weather forecast, are they measuring the conditions?

No. Accessing weather reports provided by a weather station via an app or a web browser does not actively measure weather conditions and is permitted even if a local regulation restricting the use of rangefinders is in effect.

Q. My smartphone has a compass feature. Can I use it as a rangefinder?

Yes. A compass provides only directional information; it does not measure changing conditions and is permitted even when local restrictions are in effect.

Q. Are players allowed to share a rangefinder, regardless of whether they are partners?

Yes, but it's important that players don't unreasonably delay the game.