Different stages of golfing are governed by a specific set of rules, although they may share some similarities.
Just like adult golfers are prohibited from using rangefinders in major competitions, high school golfers are restricted from using electronic devices in major competitions.
However, there are specific times when high school golfers are permitted to use rangefinders, and there are times when it is considered illegal.
It is important to know the difference in these times to avoid disqualification or other forms of punishment.
For a young golfer, properly utilizing a rangefinder will significantly improve their performance on the course, in the same vein, over-reliance on these devices could hinder their progress in tournaments.
When Is Rangefinder Legal In High School Golf?
As a young golfer still in high school, you may be wondering when exactly rangefinders are considered legal to you.
Look no further, we have compiled a guide on situations whereby you are allowed to enjoy the benefits of rangefinders.
1. During Daily Home Practice
Rangefinders greatly improve golfers’ skills and as a result, high school golfers are allowed to practice with rangefinders as much as possible to improve their ability out on the course.
As these devices are prohibited in high school golf tournaments, it is pertinent for young, talented golfers to practice once in a while without rangefinders to reduce the dependency that might result from using these rangefinders frequently.
2. Practices Shots On Golf Courses
High school golfers are also permitted to use their rangefinders when they practice on their shooting with other high school golfers.
Rangefinders help young golfers realize just how much force they need to apply when they hit shots long-range or attempt to hit the ball short range into a nearby hole.
No laws are prohibiting high schoolers who want to work on their shooting from using rangefinders during shooting practice.
This is a good development as it affords these budding golfers the knowledge and expertise they need in order to calculate the exact distance they are to hit the ball to form the different parts on the golf course.
Apart from helping these young golfers know the distance they need to strike the ball, rangefinders also inform them on how far they hit the ball after every shot they take.
This particular data is very useful for young golfers, as they can use it to work on exactly how much more effort needs to be put into each strike.
3. Friendly Games Against Other Young Golfers
While rangefinders remain prohibited in tournaments, friendly games against competition from school remain fair game.
For high school golf, occasional friendly games are very common and rangefinders can help these high schoolers discover the distance from the position of the ball to the hole.
It will also inform these young golfers in detail about the shot they intend to take, the club that would be more suitable, and the tips needed to get a perfect swing.
Rangefinders also will help them gain relevant information about their progress in hitting the ball throughout the competition, taking the place of a professional caddy.
A professional caddy may not be available to golfers in high school, and so this kind of information on how hard the ball needs to hit may not be available to golfers.
4. Improving Golfer’s Handicap
We have established that high school golfers are permitted to use these rangefinder devices in friendly matches, but are not permitted to utilize them in major tournaments.
This means high school golf competitions share some similarities with adult golfing where rangefinders are outrightly prohibited in both friendly matches and tournaments.
This implies that high schoolers using rangefinders in golf tournaments are considered cheating and dishonest play.
However, as a young golfer if you aim to improve your overall handicap, then rangefinders are the solution for you. Your handicap refers to the overall stat based on your past golf scores in other rounds.
Conclusion
As a young budding talent, there may be a lot of pressure to improve your game and become the best golfer you can be in high school before you decide if you’re going pro or not.
You may decide to stick with an experienced caddy if you can not afford a rangefinder at the moment. Your caddy would inform you if you’re making any progress with your shots when compared with previous rounds.
You must avoid the temptation to utilize the benefits of rangefinders when playing in a major tournament to avoid disqualification and further punishment.
US states like Florida, California, and Arizona may be flexible with the rules of high school golf.