Distance Measuring Devices
The NCGA allows players on the Junior Tour to use Distance Measuring Devices. These can be laser range finders, Sky caddies or even smart phones with DMD applications installed. But, you can not use a device which has can be used to measure other conditions (gradient, wind speed or direction, temperature etc.).
Therefore, if you are using a smart phone such as an iPhone, it can not have an application such as a compass or clinometer (gradient measurement) installed on it, even if you do not use it. Since the newer iPhone 3GS has a compass built in, it may not be used as a distance measuring device. The older iPhone 3G does not have the compass pre-installed and can be used as long as you have not installed any non-conforming applications.
The penalty for using a non-conforming device is disqualification. Please be very careful about this.
You have this article under the Junior Tour, but does it apply to all NCGA events and categories, e.g., Seniors? Please let me know.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:12 pmStan,
February 1st, 2010 at 12:32 pmThis policy applies to all NCGA tournaments and any other tournament played under USGA rules that allows Distance Measuring Devices.
I find it very ironic that the Rules of Golf in section 1 state “Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules.” but this basically says to me “We don’t trust your integrity. You might break the rules by using the Compass App on your iPhone 3GS.”
Am I to assume I also cannot use my iPhone 3GS for anything else during a round including looking at the rules with the USGA’s Rules of Golf App for the iPhone , or looking at the NCGA’s mobile site at ?
March 11th, 2010 at 11:51 am