MARIETTA, Ga. – The Georgia State Golf Association announced that it will allow the use of distance measuring devices for the 2006 GSGA competitions season.
The Championship Committee of the Georgia State Golf Association unanimously decided to allow the use of such devices, effective January 1, 2006, for its full slate of statewide competitions. This decision was announced jointly by Dennis Terry, Championship Committee Chairman, and C. Layne Williams, Senior Director, Rules and Competitions.
"We believe that the use of these devices will be widespread among our member clubs, and wanted to allow our players the opportunity to use them in our competitions," Terry said. "We hope that we will see an improved pace of play; however our pace of play guidelines will remain in effect."
The United States Golf Association has adopted a new Decision which will go into effect January 1, 2006, which allows this change. This Decision reads as follows:
"Decision 14-3/0.5 Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance Measuring Device
Q. May a Committee by Local Rule, permit the use of distance measuring devices?
A. Yes. A Committee may establish a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure distance only. However, the use of devices that gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g. wind or gradient) is not permitted.
In the absence of such a Local Rule, the use of a distance measuring device would be contrary to Rule 14-3. (New)"
These devices will not be allowed in USGA Championships and USGA Qualifying Rounds, including qualifying rounds conducted by the GSGA in the state of Georgia.
For more information or questions regarding this Decision, please contact the GSGA Rules and Competitions department at 770-955-4272 or 800-949-4742 or e-mail info@gsga.org.
Contact:
Joanna S. Capo
(770) 356-8960
jcapo@gsga.org
