Is it legal to use a range finder to determine whether a putt is within 10 meters?
Response: Applicable rules: 802.04 Artificial Devices The rule states that: “The use of devices which assist in determining distances, such as range finders, are prohibited.” On first glance, that rule could be read to prohibit any device used to determine any distance, for example, the use of a tape measure to determine the height of a disc stuck in a tree. But in this and similar cases (one meter from OB, five meters for relief, three meters on the tee pad, etc), the measuring is not done in order to assist the making of the throw, as mentioned at the beginning of the rule. On the other hand, using range finders (or anything else) to measure distance for an upcoming shot from the fairway or tee directly assists the making of that throw, and is illegal. Measuring devices are allowed when it’s necessary to determine a distance in order to make a ruling: 30 centimeters, stance 1 meter, lie near OB 2 meters, lie above ground 3 meters, stance on tee pad 5 meters, casual relief and unsafe
