The PGA of America on Tuesday announced that the use of range finders will be allowed at all three of its Major championships for 2021.
This include the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
The devices, which have normally been used more in the social game, will first feature at the PGA Championship from 20-23 May.
Pros will now enjoy the advantage of clearer guidance in estimating distance and pin placement on the greens.
‘We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our Championships. 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,’ Jim Richerson, president of the PGA of America, said in a statement.
The introduction of the these devices comes after years of speculation that it will speed up the game and avoid unnecessary time wasting, while players and caddies decide which club to go for.
As per Rule 4.3a (1) range finders will only be allowed for direction and distance estimates. Devices calculating wind speeds will not be allowed.
