Fact Check: Are pga tour players allowed to use rangefinders?

Are PGA Tour Players Allowed to Use Rangefinders?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether players on the PGA Tour are permitted to use rangefinders during tournaments. This topic has garnered attention due to recent changes in rules and experimental practices regarding the use of distance-measuring devices (DMDs) in professional golf.

What We Know

General Rule on Rangefinders: Traditionally, the PGA Tour has prohibited the use of distance-measuring devices, including rangefinders, under a Model Local Rule. However, the use of these devices is allowed at certain tournaments, such as the PGA Championship, where a specific rule permits their use for measuring distances only, not for slope or elevation adjustments 1 6.
Recent Changes and Experiments: In April 2025, the PGA Tour announced a four-week trial allowing the use of rangefinders at select tournaments, including the RBC Heritage, as part of an initiative to speed up play 2 9. This trial followed a previous announcement by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan regarding the potential for more flexible rules concerning rangefinders 3.
PGA Championship Specifics: The PGA Championship has distinct rules that allow the use of rangefinders, which has led to some confusion among fans and players alike. For instance, during the 2023 PGA Championship, players and caddies were observed using rangefinders, which was permissible under the tournament's regulations 4 6.
Feedback from Players: Some players have expressed support for the use of rangefinders, citing benefits for pace of play and accuracy. Padraig Harrington, for example, noted that after using a rangefinder, he believes they should be allowed in all tournaments 7.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the use of rangefinders in professional golf is multifaceted and requires careful examination of the sources:

Source Reliability: The sources cited include reputable golf publications and official PGA Tour announcements, which generally provide credible information. For example, Golf Monthly and Golf Digest are well-established in the golf community and often report on rule changes and player opinions 1 5. However, some sources, like Sportskeeda, may not have the same level of authority in sports journalism, which could affect the reliability of their claims 3.
Potential Bias: There may be a bias in sources that advocate for the use of rangefinders, as they could be influenced by players who favor technological advancements in the sport. Conversely, sources that oppose their use may stem from traditionalists within the sport who value the historical aspects of golf.
Methodology of Trials: The PGA Tour's decision to conduct trials with rangefinders raises questions about the methodology used to assess their impact on pace of play. The reported outcomes from these trials, such as the incident involving Davis Riley misusing the slope function, indicate that while the trials were largely successful, there are still rules and regulations that players must navigate carefully 8.
Conflicting Information: There is a clear distinction between the rules applied at different tournaments. While the PGA Championship allows rangefinders, the general rule on the PGA Tour prohibits them unless specified otherwise. This inconsistency can lead to confusion among players and fans regarding what is permissible 5 6.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that PGA Tour players are allowed to use rangefinders is mostly true, but it requires careful consideration of the context. While rangefinders are generally prohibited under the PGA Tour's Model Local Rule, exceptions exist, particularly at specific tournaments like the PGA Championship and during recent trials aimed at improving pace of play. The evidence indicates that the PGA Tour is exploring more flexible rules regarding the use of these devices, as evidenced by the recent trial allowing their use in select tournaments.

However, the situation is nuanced. The inconsistency in rules across different tournaments can lead to confusion, and the ongoing trials have not yet resulted in a permanent change to the overall regulations. Additionally, the potential for bias in reporting and the limitations of the trial methodologies should be acknowledged.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding the use of rangefinders in professional golf, as the landscape is evolving and subject to change based on player feedback and the PGA Tour's ongoing assessments.