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iPhone GPS: it’s a slippery slope

When golf’s governing bodies, the USGA and R&A, decided to allow the use of distance measuring devices (DMDs) there was wide spread applause led by the makers of laser range finders and GPS receivers. This wasn’t a blanket permission since a local rule has to be in place and DMDs can’t be used for USGA championships. But nevertheless it was progress and recognition of the fact technology has replaced yardage books and pin sheets.

There are restrictions though on the use of some really neat stuff found on some models of DMDs. Only the measurement of yardage is allowed – not wind speed nor ground slope nor temperature – but at least golfers are allowed to post scores for calculating handicaps from rounds played using a DMD.

Good so far but a joint statement from the USGA and the R&A says,

Multi-functional devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc (i.e., devices that are primarily communication devices, but which may have other potential uses) may be used as follows:

The device may be used for any non-golfing purpose (e.g., as a communication tool to phone, text or email), subject to any club/course regulations and the rules on accessing advice-related matters – see Decision 14-3/16.

When the local rule is in effect, a distance-measuring application may be used, provided the specific application is restricted to “distance only” and the device does not have any other “non-conforming” features. This is the case even if these other features are not being used. As above, the rules on advice-related communications (including the use of the internet) still apply.

The bottom line is it’s OK to use your iPhone to talk to your mother or as a GPS DMD. But if it also has an app for measuring slope, i.e. a level or a clinometer, even if the app is not turned on, you aren’t allowed to use the iPhone GPS distance measurement app.

The irony is it’s permissible to use your iPhone to access the Internet for a swing tip but not to call you club pro for a quick swing fix. Go figure.

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