golf distance measuring
EGU has accepted use of distance measuring devices for its official competitions

The English Golf Union (EGU) has broken with tradition and decided to allow Distance-Measuring Devices (DMD) to be used in all its championships in 2009.

The move was agreed by the EGU's board of directors following the recommendation of the Championship Committee at a meeting at Woodhall Spa and the change will be written into the conditions of each of next year's events.

EGU officials have contacted the R&A and the other Home Unions to inform them of the move. Currently, distance-measuring devices are allowed by the R&A in domestic club competitions, where that club has introduced a Local Rule, otherwise they are only allowed in social games. The EGU's new stipulation may well force the hand of the R&A to recommend a blanket acceptance.

The Professional Golfers Association caused a storm earlier this year when it agreed that similar GPS satellite navigation devices would be allowed in its domestic events, though the devices are still banned on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, apart from in practice rounds.

Only DMDs that calculate distance will be permitted, says the EGU. Those providing other information such as wind speed, temperature and elevation, will not be allowed. Any player found using such a DMD will be in breach of Rule 14-3 for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used.

The EGU is the governing body of male amateur golf in England since it was 1924 and is responsible for the training of England's top amateur golfers organising the major English amateur championships. It is one of the largest sports governing bodies in England, looking after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 740,000 club members, all of whom pay a levy for its upkeep.

Has the EGU gone too far or is it premature in its decision, by accepting distance-measuring devices or hand-held satellite GPS for its competitions. Does it put a playing advantage in the hands of the 'haves' over the 'have-nots'? The ones who can afford these devices over those that maybe can't? Tell us on the forum.