Electronic Devices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distance Measuring Devices. (Rule 4.3a(1)) Unless otherwise noted on a local rules sheet, distance measuring devices that measure distance only will be allowed. Devices that measure other factors (slope, wind speed, etc.) will not be allowed under any circumstances. For any CGA administered events, distance measuring devices will be allowed in all events except in U.S. Open and U.S. Senior Open Qualifiers.

 

 

 

 

 

**Championship Play vs. General Play.** Before reading this section, understand that none of these electronic devices will be allowed while playing during a CGA event (qualifier or championship) or a USGA qualifier.

 

 

 

 

Use Audio Devices. (Rule 4.3a(4)) In general play, you may now listen to music while playing, with several stipulations. First of all, etiquette should be considered when listening to music out on the golf course where others can hear it from another fairway over. Second, players may only listen to music as a background setting. Players may not use music or any noises (i.e. metronome) to block out a distraction while playing or use anything electronic to promote good tempo. This means that music cannot be turned up extremely loud or use headphones. While the rule does not specifically say the words "headphones", we can easily infer that the reason headphones are being used in the first place are to block out a distraction.

 

 

Apple Watches. (Rule 4.3a(3))  Apple watches are a gray area when playing competitive golf. While they are (in general) okay to simply wear and use to tell time, there are certain features that would be a breach of the Rules if used during a competitive event. Rule 4.3a(3) states that instruments cannot be used during a round that measure physiological information (i.e. heart rate) so if you were to look at an Apple Watch that shows your heart rate, that would be a breach of the Rules with the player getting the General Penalty on the first breach and DQ'd on any subsequent breach.