MOVING WITH THE GOLFING TIMES

R and A will permit DMDs in its 2014 

amateur tournaments 

FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF ASSOCIATION WEBSITE

The R and A has announced that they will permit the use of distance measuring devices (DMDs) at all their amateur events in 2014.
The Local Rule (optional) has been available under the Rules of Golf since 2006 and the R and A is now exercising this option with effect from 2014. This Local Rule will be introduced for the R and A’s amateur events only and  will NOT be introduced for the Open Championship or any qualifying events for the Open Championship. 
It is not a recommendation for others to follow suit but as we, the South African Golf Association generally follow the R and A’s suit we have decided to allow the use of Distance Measuring Devices, by introduction of the appropriate Local Rule only, at all SAGA national tournaments and championships with immediate effect. 
Players are reminded that devices that also measure conditions other than distance only would constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 and not permitted, whether used or not.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ladies Golf Union recently announced on its website that they would permit DMDs in events under their auspices.