re: Thoughts on tour players using GPS/rangefinder devices?

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One thing he mentioned was that they are doing research on wether or not rangefinders would make a significant difference in shortening the length of a round. He said that if they find that it does, then they are open to allowing pro's to use them in competition.

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Using rangefinders wouldn't help pace of play at all. The only reason they are allowed for use on mini-tours, local events, etc., is purely because the way local courses are marked is terrible. The books are a lot more advanced than my $400 laser.

The thing that slows up pace of play is that it is normally certain people over and over again. Then when that group gets put on the clock, they speed up, and the group behind them is behind, and it's an overwhelming cycle.

Until they start penalizing shots on tour, it won't matter.

And the way the USGA does it is just as terrible, because it's pretty easy to miss a checkpoint because of one ruling in your group. And the absolutely terrible USGA guys live and die by their checkpoint.