GPS distance finders

So ... under the current regs, using GPS-based distance finders is legal if supported by a local rule.

That feeds of 3 questions.

1) Legal for what? Tournament play? Handicap-adjusting private rounds? Practice rounds?

2) Are they ever legal for any type of rounds when there is NOT a local rule - i.e. for private rounds but not tournament play?

3) Common ... gizza hint ... what's your fave GPS golfing device out there?

I've heard (but not followed up) that they are only legal if the Committee says so. In other words, your local rule has to OK them.

I've also heard that they're ok unless the Committee says so. In other words, your local rule has to ban them.

Either way, if I go the GPS route, it'll more than likely be an iGolf unit. 3 times as many custom save points as the skyCaddie, and cheaper, too.

Does anyone want to go to the R&A or USGA website and clear this up?

http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?cfid=...measuredevices

There you go then

In summary:

1. Legal only if local rule says so.

2. Local rule can specify "all play" "the BDBL fouball" etc at t'committees discretion

3. Legal only for distance measurment, not gradient, windpeed etc i.e. the device can tell you that it's 200 yards to the pin, not that, given the 2 club tail wind and 1 in 4 down slope that you only need a wedge [or on the courses I seem to play the complete reverse!]

Right on. So they're illegal unless otherwise stated by local rule.

So, basically ... You can always use it in practice, but no score can be counted.

Using it in a private Stableford-match with a buddy is a no go, unless local rule allows use 'on this course'?

Tournament or official matches is of course a no go, unless local rule allows.

It's the private match that interests me.

I'd have to say it's a no go unless you play a course that OK's them - even in your private match. To do so would be a breach of rule 1-3: Agreeing to waive the rules. The penalty is DQ.