BEAVERTON, Ore. – The R&A has joined the United States Golf Association (USGA) in ruling that Leupold’s® new GX®-4i2 rangefinder can be used when the chrome faceplate is attached and a Local Rule permitting the use of distance-measuring devices is in effect. This ruling came on the heels of a USGA announcement on Feb. 6 that beginning in 2014, distance-measuring devices will be allowed in all USGA amateur championships and qualifying events.
Based in St. Andrews, Scotland, The R&A assumes responsibility for the administration of the Rules of Golf with the consent of 152 organizations from the amateur and professional game, and on behalf of over 30 million golfers in 138 countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. For the USA and Mexico, the USGA is the governing body. The USGA and The R&A have jointly issued the Rules of Golf since 1952.
Commenting on the recent developments, Rob Morrison, vice president of marketing for Leupold & Stevens, Inc., said, “This is great news for the game and golfers around the globe. Distance-measuring devices such as our GX-4i2 rangefinder help increase pace of play and improve scores. What sets the GX-4i2 apart from other rangefinders is that it is really two devices in one, so golfers can have it all. The GX-4i2 can be configured as a slope-enabled rangefinder for practice and mapping courses, or configured as a rangefinder that measures line-of-sight distance only for use in tournament play.”
In addition to the chrome faceplate, GX-4i2 comes with a patented, removable Smart Key™ (yellow faceplate) that adds the benefits of Leupold’s True Golf Range™ (TGR®) and Club Selector™ features. Use of GX-4i2 with Smart Key attached is not permitted under the Rules of Golf (Rule 14-3). GX-4i2 replaces the GX-4i model, which remains non-conforming to Rule 14-3.
When the Smart Key activates the TGR and Club Selector features, the GX-4i2 can provide accurate ranging information matched to the slope, atmospheric conditions and a golfer’s personal hitting strength for the shot. TGR allows golfers to compensate for uphill shots that play long and downhill shots that play short. Calculated from the laser-measured line-of-sight distance, incline or decline, trajectory of the ball, current temperature and specific altitude, TGR displays the adjusted “plays like” range.
When activated, Club Selector factors in the golfer’s specific hitting strength and TGR to the target, automatically recommending the proper club for each shot. The user simply inputs his or her personal striking distance for three specific clubs and the GX-4i2 does the rest, even indicating when the distance falls between clubs.
With or without the Smart Key, the GX-4i2 employs the same advanced technology that makes Leupold the optic of choice for many military applications that require pinpoint accuracy. Key features that give the GX-4i2 an edge over competitive rangefinders and GPS devices include high-performance DNA® (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy) engine technology and an advanced infrared laser for faster measurements with accuracy displayed to the nearest 1/10th of a yard. Expected ranging distance on trees is 700 yards.
GX-4i2 also offers newly enhanced technology that allows users to find pins and distances easier and faster. It utilizes upgraded PinHunter® 2 Laser Technology, which makes it easier for golfers to find and stay on the pin. In addition, heightened sensitivity of the rangefinders’ Prism Lock Technology™ enables golfers to get their distances faster when a course is outfitted with prisms, speeding up pace of play.
For more information on GX-4i2 features, pricing and dealer locations, go to www.leupold.com/golf or call 1-800-LEUPOLD. Join the discussion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LeupoldGolf.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Beaverton, Ore. Family owned and operated, Leupold offers products that are sold worldwide to golfers, hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-0688, U.S.A.
Phone: (800) LEUPOLD or (503) 526-1400 • Fax: (503) 352-7621 • www.leupold.com
Contact:
Patrick Mundy
(503) 526-1467
pmundy@leupold.com
Jeff Patterson
Swanson Russell
(402) 437-6410
jeffp@swansonrussell.com
