C
Clarity News Hub

Can you use a GPS in a Golf tournament?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 09, 2026

The Unites States Golf Association's Rules of Golf have allowed the use of laser rangefinders and GPS devices in casual play and tournaments since 2006, but a local rule allowed a tournament committee to ban such devices.

Can you use GPS devices in a Golf competitions?

Yes. A compass only provided directional information and does not gauge or measure variable conditions or assist the player in his play and is permissible whether or not the Local Rule for distance-measuring devices is in effect.

Can you use a GPS watch in Golf competitions?

Garmin has announced that as of January 1, 2016, the full range of Garmin Approach distance measuring devices will be permitted for use in golfing competition, subject to local rule and usage code of practice set out by the recent announcement of changes to the R&A rule book.

Can you use a range finder in a tournament?

So, Yes you can use rangefinder devices for competition play. Devices like laser rangefinders, golf GPS watches, golf GPS devices, even smartphone apps.

Can you use a Golf app in a tournament?

The Outings mobile app for apple and android is the mobile leaderboard for your golf outing of any size. Whether it's a fundraising event, a few friends out on a Saturday, or even a tournament or league, we provide the most reliable leaderboard for your event.

38 related questions found

Can you use a rangefinder with slope in a Golf tournament?

Lasers with slope are now legal in tournament play, under local rules, if the slope is turned off. Yep, that said “turned off”.

Can pro golfers use rangefinders in tournaments?

The Professional Golfers' Association of America doesn't permit golfers to use rangefinders during competition on any of its pro tours, including the PGA, Nationwide and Champions tours.

Are rangefinders worth it?

Laser Rangefinders are definitely worth the money if you are looking to improve you game. There are budget options for under $100 that will give you a reliable and accurate reading of distance and if you play regularly, you will get value for money from the rangefinder.

How do PGA players know yardage?

The yardage book are ubiquitous on the PGA Tour. Players and caddies carry them in their pockets and consult them before each shot. They show yardages to various targets on each hole, different points of elevation, and a close-up of the green that shows detailed contours and yardages.

Why do golfers have notepads?

Golfers make lots of notes about how the greens break and which the grain flows on the green. If a putt is headed down grain, it will roll much faster than if it is into the grain. Many golf greens also have two tiers. Golfers need to know the yardage difference between the first tier and the second tier.

Why do pro golfers carry a notepad?

That would be an example where a competing golfer would look into his or her notebook and see that they have a note written that says missing long on the green is a bad miss, and so they will know to not hit a club that has a chance of going long.

Do PGA players talk to each other?

Most players have a bit of a chat with their playing partners during a round. If they are buddies, they may talk a lot, it just depends on the pairings.

Do golfers need a range finder?

But if you take your golf game seriously and have a strong desire to get better, a rangefinder is an absolute must for your bag. In fact, a rangefinder will prove every bit as valuable as each of your clubs, and maybe even more valuable. Not buying it?

How much should I spend on a golf rangefinder?

Golfers used to spend upwards of $500 – $600 for a laser rangefinder. However, that is no longer the case. There are plenty of models in the $150 – $250 range that will perform very well for you on the golf course.

Should you use a rangefinder in golf?

A golf rangefinder is essential for improving your game. In case you are new to the world of golf, let us explain what a golf rangefinder does and some of the reasons why you should be using one to level up your golf game. Golf rangefinders are designed to help the golfer estimate distance and accuracy of their shot.

Why are rangefinders allowed at the PGA tournament?

The PGA of America becomes the first major body to allow the devices in all its premier professional events. There has been speculation for years that such devices might help speed play, as players and caddies won't have to walk off yardages to sprinkler heads and other fixed positions.

Can you use binoculars in golf?

— Binoculars are a common sight at PGA Tour events; fans often use 'em to check out the action from long distance. Rarer is seeing them in the hands of a player. Still, binoculars were exactly what Rickie Fowler needed on the 6th hole Friday when his ball got stuck in a tree.

Are caddies allowed to use rangefinders?

Caddies will be allowed to use laser distance-measuring devices for the first time at a top-level tournament at this week's PGA Championship but one caddie said the introduction of the gadget will be “much ado about nothing”.

Can high school golfers use GPS?

GPS Allowed by Rules of Golf Since 2006

In 2006, The United States Golf Association (USGA) declared that electronic distance measuring devices, such as GPS and laser rangefinders, are acceptable and fall within the rules of golf.

Is slope on a rangefinder worth it?

If you are using your rangefinder during practice rounds, then a slope feature comes in very handy. The more sophisticated devices factor in the uphill or downhill trajectory of a shot and then factor in the slope for an accurate yardage reading.

How do golf distance finders work?

Using one of your eyes as you would when looking through any type of scope, a golf rangefinder magnifies the target and shoots a laser beam at it in order to determine the exact distance. The target in question that you would use a rangefinder to determine the distance to can be anything.

How many golfers use rangefinders?

It's hard to say “no” to a convenient device that makes getting the distance you need fast and accurately. In fact, a poll done in 2012 revealed that about 69 percent of golf players that participated in the poll use a rangefinder.

What do pro golfers do between rounds?

Professional swing coaches follow their golfers around the course during practice rounds and help with golf course strategy. They also spend hours on the driving range and putting green as their clients hone their swings and putting strokes.

Do Augusta members use golf carts?

No carts are allowed at Augusta National -- ever

Forget the 90-degree rule, this is an all-walking, caddie course that is not going to be ruined by those pesky golf carts driving all over its pristine fairways. (Ironically, Club Car is headquartered in Augusta, Ga.)

What do golfers talk about?

Well, golf provides a litany of topics much broader than some may think. Topics include course conditions, weather, equipment, handicap system anomalies, and swing critiques; among many others. There may also be a discussion of the latest PGA results, rules changes, or possibly course history and architecture.