Crazy news to see that this morning on Twitter,” the current PGA Championship winner Collin Morikawa recently told GolfChannel.com. He was talking about the announcement that came from PGA of America earlier this month — permission to use distance-measuring devices at its three annual majors: the PGA Championship, Women’s PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship.
Allowing rangefinders will speed up play, according to PGA president Jim Richerson, who said, “We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our championships.”
Getting distances in golf right is obviously an art form. Guesstimation takes time, even with all the detailed markers and yardage books at the disposal of the pros. There are a number of rangefinders in the market, which, some believe, may cut down that handicap. What should be the approach on the tenth green? A nine iron or a 48-degree wedge? Simply bring out the handy device, point it at the pin and get a precise decision. We have already seen many pros use them in practice rounds.
The device comes handy when shots are way off line. From the middle of a fairway it’s easy to just but when deep in the rough, shots can be challenging. Of course, the gadget may affect a caddy’s job, which includes reading greens. And some pros will complain that an age-old skill is being compromised.
“Is it going to solve anything? I don’t know, but we won’t know it until we try it…. It’s going to be interesting to test it out at a major championship, but I look forward to it. It’s going to be cool to be a part of it for the first time,” Morikawa has said. Weaving into his thought process is fellow golfer Fred Funk who has told GolfChannel.com: “I think it is about time, just another tool to speed up play. Really great for when you are out of position and need quick reference. Will never replace yardage book, though.”
RANGEFINDER OPTIONS
Inesis Golf 900: An inexpensive option, the rangefinder lets you quickly measure distances, with or without slope compensation. It includes functions such as target priority and measurement confirmation by vibration.
TecTecTec VPRO500 : The rainproof laser golf rangefinder measures up to 540 yards, helping you find the right distance to golf flags, trees or hazards.
Bozily VPRO-X1 with Slope: It provides the true measurement accurate within plus-minus one yard, helping you to find the distance to flags, trees or hazards. The laser rangefinder has diopter adjustment functionality to provide a clear view.
