RULES

KNOW your

RULES

The latest in our series of situations encountered by everyday golfers, and what the correct procedures are

The sight of rangefinders around a golf course are becoming more common and many players use them to get precise, real-time distance measurements to flags, hazards, and landing areas, which eliminates guesswork and improves club selection.

By providing accurate yardages, these devices boost confidence, enhance course management, and ultimately help lower scores.

However, there are certain dos and don'ts relating to the use of range finders. The biggest 'no' is the use of slope functions, which calculate adjusted distances based on elevation changes between the player and the target.

Even professionals have been known to fall foul of this rule.

THE INCIDENTS

In the final round of an All Tour Pro event in 2021, Hayden Wood noticed that playing partner Brett White had the slope flipped on his rangefinder. Taking a picture of it, Wood then called over a rules official. White had accidentally flipped the slope setting in and had used it twice. The end result was a disqualification as it was a violation of Rule 4.3 which states that 'measuring elevation changes' is not allowed.

And last year, while finishing the weather-delayed second round at TPC Craig Ranch, Davis Riley pulled out his measuring device to shoot the flag at the par-three 17th hole. Though the hole is relatively flat, Riley saw a second number shown and realised the slope function was on. He called a two-shot penalty on himself for the violation.

THE RULE

4 The Player's Equipment

4.3a Allowed and Prohibited Uses Of Equipment

A player may use equipment to help their play during a round, except that a player must not create a potential advantage by:

  • Using equipment (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game, or
  • Using equipment (including a club or a ball) in an abnormal way in making a stroke. 'Abnormal way' means a way that is fundamentally different than its intended use and is not normally recognised as part of playing the game.

Common examples of uses of equipment that are allowed and not allowed during a player's round under this Rule are:

(1) Distance and Directional Information.

  • Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
  • Not Allowed.
    • Measuring elevation changes,
    • Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player's ball), or
    • Using an alignment device (see definition in Equipment Rules) to help align the ball.

PENALTIES: Two strokes (strokeplay) for first breach, disqualification for second breach. Loss of hole (matchplay) for first breach, disqualification for second breach

NOTE: This is an abridged guide to the rules. Players are advised to read the full R&A rules HERE. 

WIN!

Stand a chance to win a PUMA Golf outfit. Prize includes: 1 x polo, 1 x bottoms, 1 x headwear

piece for the winner. Simply select the correct answer to this question and you'll go into the draw for this fantastic giveaway.

Question:

Before playing a shot from the fairway, a player decides to use a different club and returns to their bag. A gust of wind then causes the player's ball to roll down a slope several feet from its original position.

What is the ruling?

a) The player gets one stroke penalty and must replace the ball.

b) There is no penalty and the ball must be played from its new position.

c) There is no penalty and the player must replace the ball.

Closing date:
​​​​​​​28 May 2026

enter now

Rules competition with cobra/puma golf

Up for grabs in May: PUMA apparel.

COMPETITION RULES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The prize/s is as indicated, no alternatives or cash will be provided, nor are they transferable.


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The prize winner will be notified via email or telephone call and their names will be published in the magazine. Only one participant or entrant per household is entitled to win one prize in any competition. If the prize is not claimed within 30 days of the winner being announced, the winner automatically forfeits the prize and we reserve the right to redistribute or dispose of the prize at its discretion.


Any violation or attempt to violate any of these terms and conditions will result in the immediate disqualification of the participant or entrant.

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congratulations

Beverley R Pierce-Peters from Campbell River BC on winning a PUMA Golf outfit in April’s Rules competition.

Question: Your 2nd shot comes to rest on the green. When putting, you hit the ball too hard and it rolls off the green into a bunker. You deem your ball unplayable and take relief by placing another ball on the putting green where you putted from and hole the next putt.​​​​​​​
What is your score for the hole? 4 5 6

To feature in the mag, simply email us an interesting tale involving a rule at your club that is worth discussing, and we’ll make it happen. Get in touch with us at contact@thegolfmag.co.za

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