Since the PGA of America altered its rules in 2021, there has been an ongoing debate on whether rangefinders should be allowed at all elite-level golf tournaments.
The organisation made the changes to increase the pace of play while trying to avoid fundamentally altering the competition.
“We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our championships,” PGA of America President Jim Richerson said in a release two years ago.
“The use of distance-measuring devices is already common within the game and is now a part of the Rules of Golf.
“Players and caddies have long used them during practice rounds to gather relevant yardages.”
Rangefinders aren’t allowed during PGA Tour or DP World Tour events, as well as the Open, the Masters, and the US Open.
After using a range finder for the last 2 weeks @PGAChampionship and @seniorpgachamp, I’ve come round to believing that we should use them in all tournaments. They really help with pace of play when players are out of position with an awkward yardage. @DPWorldTour @PGATOUR pic.twitter.com/QNwYB0uMfJ
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) May 29, 2023
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The 2021 PGA Championship marked a significant point in history where players and caddies were seen using their devices in the heat of major competition for the first time.
Although rangefinders are allowed in certain events, slope adjustment modes to find a more accurate distance to the pin are prohibited.
Former PGA champion Padraig Harrington, who came tied for fourth at Kiawah Island that year, now knows where he stands on the matter.
“After using a rangefinder for the last two weeks at the PGA Championship and the Senior Championship, I’ve come round to believing that we should use them in all tournaments,” he tweeted.
“They really help with pace of play when players are out of position with an awkward yardage.”
Harrington performed valiantly in both events. He made the cut at Oak Hill and came tied for 50th before losing to Steve Stricker in a playoff at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
The former Ryder Cup captain was able to use a laser rangefinder in both events and echoes the PGA of America’s initial sentiment of improving the rate of play.
Slow play on the PGA Tour has been under the microscope since a significant amount of scrutiny was aimed toward Patrick Cantlay at the Masters.
2023 PGA champion Brooks Koepka has suggested “stroking” players who play too slowly. Cantlay has often been quick to point out he’s never been officially penalised or questioned about his style of play.
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