Management Committee at its meeting on 28th January 2010 considered the use of Distance Measuring Devices in Club competitions. In May 2008 it had previously been decided not to permit their use but given some representations from members and a request included in the suggestions book it was agreed to revisit the issue.

 

·         The use of electronic Distance Measuring Devices (DMD’s) remains contrary to the Rules of Golf unless they are permitted by virtue of a Local Rule. 

·         It is a very important proviso of the permission granted by the DMD Local Rule that such devices must measure distance only. The use of devices that measure functions in addition to distance (e.g. wind speed or direction, the slope of the ground or the temperature) is not permitted in any circumstances even if these extra functions are switched off. The penalty for using such a device on the golf course in a competition is disqualification. There is no breach of the rule if such a device is carried on the course but not used in any way.

·         The Golf Union of Wales has consistently decided that DMD’s will not be permitted in their competitions and this remains so for 2010. Their view is still that their use is against the’ spirit of the game’ but accept that golf clubs, if they wish, may allow their use by the introduction of a local rule. This stance is consistent with the R&A, USGA, LGU, and the governing bodies of golf in Scotland and Ireland.

·         However since the issue was discussed in 2008 the English Golfing Union has taken a different view and will now allow their use in their competitions. The Glamorgan County Golf Union now allow their use but only where the Club has made a local rule.

 

After discussion it remains the view of Management Committee that at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club players will have sufficient information available either by markers or the detail on the course planner to establish distances with reasonable accuracy and speed. Arrangements are in place to provide more comprehensive course planners which will further improve the information available to players.

 

The general view was similar to that of the Golf Union of Wales and it was agreed to maintain the present policy and not introduce a Local Rule to allow the use of Distance measuring devices in Club Competitions.