GolfWeek, July30, 2005, Newsmakers section, reports that an announcement from the ruling bodies is imminent regarding the use of artificial rangefinding devices (laser rangefinders, GPS, etc.). Highlights of the article written by James Achenbach:
  • ... the devices - all called range finders - now will be classified as a "condition of competition" for events that wish to permit their use.
  • The new status apparently will go into effect immediately on a worldwide basis, although the major professional tours are not expected to authorize the use of distance-measuring devices. It is unclear whether the R&A and USGA will allow the devices in any of their championships, although several sources indicated that would not happen immediately.
  • The new interpretation will permit devices that gauge distance only. Those that measure wind or slope of the ground will not be allowed.
  • Several sources at the recent British Open said the announcement would come after a regularly scheduled meeting of the two rules committees at the American Club in Kohler, Wis., prior to the Walker Cup Aug. 13-14 at Chicago Golf Club.
While there has been no independent confirmation of this report, the author, James Achenbach, is a respected and reputable journalist. The only thing that I question is the timing - I would have expected the announcement later in the year, say October or November, to coincide a little better with the publication of the 2006 Rules edition.