USGA releases new decisions
The USGA and R&A have released the new and revised decisions for 2010-2011. There are 28 new decisisons and 51 revised ones. Only one decision was removed. In addition to the usual article, there is a discussion of one change and how it cam about. We got a copy a few days ago and I’ll have some comments on the new decisions over the next few days.
They also released a statement on the use of cell phones and the like as distance measuring devices. If you have an iPhone with a distance measuring application, you can’t use it as a DMD if it also has other functions that would be illegal, even if you don’t use them. For example, my iPhone has an app that allows it to be used to measure the slope of greens, which I use in doing hole locations.
So, do we know if the player knew he could test the area without getting penilized? Or maybe he just wanted to test the area to see if he could play from it not know if any rule allowed or dissallowed it? I can remember people droping golf balls to see if if dissapears or stay on top of long grass while looking for their ball.
Hi John,
Within the Joint Statement on DMDs the memo includes the following statement about multi-function devices (e.g. your IPhone):
“the device (would not conform if it has) any other “non-conforming” features.”
You mention the application on your IPhone that measures slope. It would seem that a “smart phone,” by it’s very nature, is non-conforming as a DMD due to the virtually instant access via the internet to elevation, current temperature and wind conditions and an assortment of other features.
Do you view the statement on multi-function devices to govern only preloaded applications as you mention in your post or, would you allow your IPhone to be used as a DMD if the slope application was removed?
Regards,
Craig
Hi Craig,
Given Decision 14-3/16 that allows hand held computers, I think the ability to access the internet is not considered to rule out a device. To use the iPhone, the compass that comes standard would have to be removed along with slope measurement apps etc.