Published: Feb. 20, 2014
USGA makes rule change to improve pace of play
Issue been a hot topic this offseason
By NICHOLAS DETTMANN
Daily News
Now that the price of distance-measuring devices has come
down, the USGA listened to the industry.
On Wednesday, the USGA, one of two governing bodies for golf
in the United States, announced it will allow distance-measuring devices in all
of its amateur championship and qualifying events, starting in the spring.
“I’m all for it,” said Paul Ley, the club professional at
West Bend Lakes Golf Club and coach of West Bend West’s boys golf team.
When asked why he was all for it, he said it is a way to
improve the pace of play.
“I think that’s a really good step,” he added.
“It’s a very big help for golfers,” East boys golf coach Jay
Krueger said, who also plays in amateur tournaments during the summer. “I think
it speeds up play, especially for amateurs.
“I think it’s a good thing because at most of the amateur
events, the participants are not familiar with the course. It allows you to
know how far your shot is. It’s a huge help.”
The USGA’s championship committee announced the decision at
its annual meeting in North Carolina earlier this month. The USGA said it
reflects a joint decision with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
in the United Kingdom. Distance-measuring devices remain banned at the U.S.
Open, the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open, and each of those events’
qualifiers.
A distance-measuring device is when a golfer can look
through a lens and measure the distance of a shot. However, in most cases, if
the device does more than just track the distance of the shot, such as
measuring the slope of a green, it is illegal.
“It makes a huge difference,” Krueger said. “With scoring
shots from 150 years and in, it's big. There's less guess work involved.
“All golfers are using them. The range finders help,
especially if you're out of the fairway. It really simplifies it.” Of course,
there is one underlining item that Ley warned golfers about: “It doesn't hit
the shot for you. You still have to hit the shot.”
Pace of play has been a hot-button topic this offseason for
the USGA. Earlier this month, the USGA held a “Pace of Play” workshop at its
annual meeting in Pinehurst, N.C.
For decades, governing golf bodies were against allowing
players to use these devices because it strayed away from tradition, an
important trait with golf as it dates back to the 19th century.
Before the measuring devices, players would have to pace off
their distances from yardage markers on each hole. That was why the pace of
play slowed.
With these devices, pace of play could be improved by 10-20
minutes, Ley said, especially for an amateur golfer. It can also enhance a
player's ability.
“You can find out how far you really hit your clubs,” Ley
said, adding he believed the USGA has been getting pressure from the industry,
such as the players, to allow these devices.
The WIAA made it legal only a couple years ago for cost reasons.
When the distance-measuring devices were introduced, they
cost upward of $400-$500. So there was apprehension to allow the devices
because of a possible unfair advantage between players.
The WIAA gave in after pressure from state coaches, arguing
there are not limitations on the clubs in players' bags because those greatly
vary from one player to another, so why not these devices? The coaches case was
aided by the declining cost for these devices. Today, they can cost around
$100.
“That was something that hindered them,” Krueger said.
Besides, golf has long had the reputations as a rich man's
sport, so if players are going to play golf, they'll likely be able to afford
the device, especially at a level above high school.
“Every golfer is looking for any legal advantage they can
get,” Krueger said.
“Now with the price being lower, it does make for a level
playing field,” Ley said.
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