MADISON, WI – The latest clarification of USGA Decision 14-3/0.5 has been announced by the United States Golf Association. Decision 14-3/0.5 took effect on January 1, and allows a club or tournament committees to institute a Local Rule allowing the use of electronic measurement rangefinders that measure distance only during all types of rounds.
"The USGA has done a necessary service by clarifying this decision," said Rob O’Loughlin, President of Laser Link Golf. "There has been some confusion, and this should help to set the record straight."
Recently, questions have been raised regarding the posting of USGA Handicap scores while using a device that measures conditions (e.g. wind or gradient) other than distance. Specifically, the most important question has been — ‘Will a player be allowed to post scores if he/she uses a device that measures conditions other than distance?’ The answer was clarified in a statement by the USGA, and simply put, that answer is no. The issue is addressed in USGA Handicap Decision 5-1f/2, and a statement released on www.usga.org states that "â?¦under the Rules of Golf, golfers must NOT use distance-measuring devices for handicap purposes or in competition that are capable of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play, even if such a function is not used." The full text is available at www.usga.org.
"Our company has always focused on measuring distance to the flagstick only, and it was our belief that this was going to be the way the USGA would decide," states O’Loughlin. "They are doing what’s best for the game. They have drawn a line in the sand, much the same way they did with ERC. Allowing devices that measure all kinds of variables seems to only complicate a game that is already complicated enough. We want to simplify distance measurement, which in turn will help to speed up the game."
About Laser Link Golf
Laser Link Golf is the producer of the Laser Link Distance System, the revolutionary distance measurement system designed specifically for golf. The laser-based system utilizes two components – a handheld laser rangefinder and a flagstick-based reflector – to determine the exact distance to the flagstick. Laser Link Golf products include the popular QuickShotâ?¢ rangefinder, the SmartStickâ?¢ reflector system, and the Smartyâ?¢ flagstick reflector. The System is designed to speed up play and add enjoyment to the game. It is in use at more than 650 private clubs around the country, and several more daily fee courses. Laser Link Golf is based in Madison, WI, and is owned and operated by many of the same individuals that started SoftSpikes®. They are involved in Laser Link Golf for the same reason they got involved in SoftSpikes® – both are good for the game!
Contact:
Mary Beth Lacy
mb@mblacy.com
(760)-202-1181
Corporate Information:
Dan Steiner
5237 Verona Road, Madison, WI 53713
608-249-4653
608-249-7474 (Fax)
www.laserlinkgolf.com
info@laserlinkgolf.com
