ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY

 

Use of electronic devices is covered by two rules, 2.1 and 4.3.

 

It’s stated in Rule 1.2a that all players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by showing consideration to others by not distracting the play of another player. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.

 

The use and prohibition of the used of electronic devices is discussed in Rule 4.3. The use of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, hand-held computer, calculator, television or radio is not of itself a breach of Rule 4.3.

 

Set out below are examples of acceptable and inappropriate uses of electronic devices in accordance with Rules 1.2 and 4.3.

 

For example, the following uses of an electronic device during a round are not breaches of the Rules:

 

• Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass);
• Getting any type of weather information (including wind speed) that is available from weather forecasts;
• Measuring temperature and humidity at the course;
• Using information that was gathered before the round (such as playing information from previous rounds, swing tips or club recommendations);
• Recording (for use after the round) playing or physiological information from the round (such as club distance, playing statistics or heart rate);
• Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as news report or background music);
• Using the device to obtain information related to the competition being played (e.g., the leader board or projected "cut"); and
• Using the device for matters unrelated to golf (e.g., to call home).

 

The following are examples of uses of an electronic device during a round that might assist the player in his or her play and therefore are in breach of Rule 4.3:

 

• Using the device (e.g., a television or radio) to watch or listen to a broadcast of the competition being played;
• Processing or interpreting playing information from the round (such as club recommendations based on current round distances), or
• Using any physiological information recorded during the round
• Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or
• Viewing video showing play of the player or other players during the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round.
• Measuring elevation changes,
• Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball).
• Measuring wind speed at the course, or
• Using the device to ask for or give advice in breach of Rule 8-1 (e.g., calling a swing coach);
• Using the device to access information on advice-related matters that was not produced prior to the start of his round (e.g., analysis of strokes made during that round); or
• Using the device to interpret or process any playing information obtained from current or previous rounds (e.g., driving distances, individual club yardages, etc.), or to assist in calculating the effective distance between two points (i.e., distance after considering elevation changes, wind speed and/or direction or other environmental factors).