Rubenstein On Measuring Devices

Lorne Rubenstein writes about distance measuring devices and reader email he has received on the subject.

The light is this and this only, as I concluded in my Globe and Mail column: "See, feel and swing: That's the fast way to play."

I believe it's also the best way to play, the most rewarding way to play, and the most enjoyable way to play.

I support the right of any golfer who wants one to use a distance-measuring gizmo. Lasers are here to stay, any some readers will call me a loser for not loving a laser. Let 'em have it. I don't want it.

Rangefinder Counterpoint

Vartan Kupelian punches holes in the theory that distance measuring devices will slow up (err speed up!) play, as their makers and the USGA's David Fay have insisted.

 One point continues to be left out in these counterpoint arguments. Well, two actually.

One, the speed of play increase theory assumes that a majority of golfers would actually purchase the devices. They won't. Not at $200 plus.

Also, there are not studies I'm aware of proving (or even hinting) that pace of play increased when all golfers in a tournament round had access too these devices (compared to a day without them).
 

Rangefinders on Tour?

Gary Van Sickle looks at the general wonderfulness that rangefinders will bring to the game, namely improved speed of play and world peace. He also looks at whether the Tour will allow them to help deal with their speed of play problem.

With all of the strides the Tour has made to improve the look of the uh, "product?" Are you kidding? Even the Laser Link head man knows the answer to this one:

"Commissioner Finchem is concerned with how it looks," Rob O'Loughlin said. "He's in the entertainment business. Having Tiger Woods looking over Stevie Williams' shoulder at a yardage book, that's a traditional look, that's part of the chemistry. I'm not sure they're interested in Tiger and Steve pulling out a laser gun and firing it.

 "But over time, they'll get comfortable with it."

Right! Uh, the Tour's pace of play problem starts on the greens, with major headaches at all of the driveable par-4s and reachable par-5s that the guys stand around and wait on for an hour a round.

Still Giddy After All These Weeks

Golfweek's Jim Achenbach is still elated about the USGA/R&A rules change on distance measuring devices.

The primary argument in favor of rangefinders and GPS systems is straightforward: They help speed play by allowing players to know yardages without hunting for distance plates or marked sprinkler heads.

Still waiting on someone to actually document this one.

Either way, the tours will likely never accept these because, well, they're vain and they don't want their players to look silly. For all of the talk of better athletes, there is something rather unseemly about these uh, jocks, pulling out a device and looking through it, then putting it back in their pur...err...I mean bag, before hitting a shot.  

Rangefinder Update

Jeff Shelman in the Minneapolis Star Tribune regurgitates the Laser Link press package while writing about founder Michael Plitman's quest to speed up play (and sell $240 devices to golfers). Shelman does have some new information on the reported USGA-R&A agreement first reported by Jim Achenbach in Golfweek: not yet.

Last week, officials from the USGA and the Royal and Ancient Golf Association -- the game's governing body outside of the United States -- met in Kohler, Wis. Changing Rule 14-3b was one of the items discussed. Plitman is confident that the rule will be changed effective Jan. 1, but it has yet to be announced.

He also notes:

Golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer both have a share in the company, and the range finder is installed on their home courses.