Jackson Reid
The use of a compass in golf has been a topic of debate in the golfing world, with some arguing that it provides an unfair advantage. The US Golfing Association (USGA) and the PGA Tour have been at the centre of this debate, with players like Bryson DeChambeau and Dylan Frittelli using compasses during tournaments. While there was initially no clear precedent, the USGA and R&A have since stipulated that the use of a drawing compass during play violates Rule 14-3a of the Rules of Golf, classifying it as unusual equipment. However, golfers are still allowed to use a plain directional compass to gauge wind direction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of a magnetic compass | Legal |
| Use of a drawing compass | Illegal |
| Reason for illegality of drawing compass | Considered unusual equipment that might assist in making a stroke or in play |
| Directional compass | Legal |
| Reason for legality of directional compass | Only provides directional information and does not assist the player in their play |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Bryson DeChambeau's use of a compass
DeChambeau stated that he used the compass to determine "true pin locations," as the pin locations can sometimes be slightly off. He had been using the compass regularly to aid in his preparation for nearly two years, dating back to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in October 2016.
After consulting with the USGA, it was determined that while there was no clear precedent on the use of a compass to make notations on hole locations, it was not prohibited under the Rules of Golf. However, the USGA senior managing director of championships & governance, John Bodenhamer, explained that the compass could potentially compromise a player's skill and judgement, and thus, they decided that it was against the rules.
DeChambeau was informed that he would not be allowed to use a drawing compass in future events, as it would be a breach of Rule 14-3, which prohibits the use of any artificial device or unusual equipment that might assist a player in making a stroke or in their play. It is important to note that golfers are still permitted to use a plain directional compass to gauge wind direction.
Speed Golf: Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
PGA Tour's stance on compass use
The PGA Tour's stance on compass use has been a topic of discussion in recent years, particularly after Bryson DeChambeau was spotted using a compass during the 2018 Travelers Championship. The PGA Tour released a statement saying that there was "no clear precedent" on the use of a compass and that it was "not currently prohibited under the Rules of Golf.". However, they also stated that they were investigating the use of the device and that it might be against the rules.
DeChambeau claimed that he used the compass to determine "true pin locations," as tournament pin sheets were not always 100% accurate. He also noted that he had been using the device since the 2016 PGA Tour stop in Las Vegas. The PGA Tour's concern centred around Rule 14-3, which prohibits the use of "any artificial device or unusual equipment" that might assist a player in making a stroke or in their play.
Following the investigation, the US Golf Association (USGA) announced that DeChambeau would not be allowed to use a drawing compass in future events, as it breached Rule 14-3. However, they clarified that golfers are permitted to use a plain directional compass to gauge wind direction. The USGA's ruling highlighted the distinction between the use of a drawing compass and a directional compass, with the former considered an "artificial device" under Rule 14-3.
While the PGA Tour initially expressed uncertainty about the legality of compass use, the subsequent ruling by the USGA provided clarity on the matter. The incident drew attention to the innovative approaches employed by golfers like DeChambeau and sparked discussions about the boundaries of what is permissible in terms of equipment usage on the PGA Tour.
Golf's Olympic Format: Four Rounds of Glory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
USGA's ruling on DeChambeau's compass use
Bryson DeChambeau's use of a compass during the 2018 Travelers Championship sparked controversy and raised questions about the legality of using a compass in golf. DeChambeau employed a handheld elementary school-style compass to help him map exact hole locations in his greens book.
After the round, PGA Tour Rules Officials met with DeChambeau and consulted with the USGA. Initially, there was no clear precedent on the use of a compass in this manner, and it was not considered prohibited under the Rules of Golf. However, the USGA reviewed the matter and later announced its ruling, deeming the use of a compass during a stipulated round a violation of Rule 14-3a of the Rules of Golf.
According to the USGA, the compass is considered ""unusual equipment that might assist him in making a stroke or in his play." John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of championships and governance, explained that the compass had the potential to "compromise a player's skill and judgement."
As a result of the USGA's ruling, DeChambeau was no longer allowed to use a drawing compass in future events. However, it is important to note that golfers are still permitted to use a plain directional compass to gauge wind direction.
Trump's Golf Trips: A Costly Presidential Pastime
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Directional compasses allowed to gauge wind direction
Bryson DeChambeau sparked controversy in 2018 when he was spotted using a compass during the Travelers Championship. DeChambeau used the compass to make notations on exact hole locations in his greens book. He also claimed that the device helped him find "true pin locations".
Following the incident, the PGA Tour investigated DeChambeau's use of the compass, and the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) announced that DeChambeau would not be allowed to use a drawing compass in future events. The USGA stated that DeChambeau's use of the compass was in breach of Rule 14-3, which prohibits players from using any artificial device or unusual equipment that might assist them in making a stroke or in their play.
However, it is important to note that the ruling only applies to the use of a drawing compass, which is considered unusual equipment in golf. Directional compasses, on the other hand, are allowed to be used by golfers to gauge wind direction. This exception is outlined in decision 14-3/4 of the Rules of Golf, which states that directional compasses only provide directional information and do not assist the player in their play.
As a result, golfers are permitted to use directional compasses to gain information about wind direction, which can be a crucial factor in strategic decisions during a round of golf.
Unlocking Golf on Your Switch: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Drawing compasses are illegal
Drawing compasses, which are used to draw circles and arcs, are illegal in golf. While there was initially some debate about whether Bryson DeChambeau's use of a drawing compass was against the rules, the US Golf Association, R&A, and PGA Tour have since confirmed that it is prohibited. This decision was made in 2018, after DeChambeau was spotted using a compass during the Travelers Championship.
The ruling states that, per Rule 14-3a, a drawing compass is considered ""unusual equipment" that might assist a player in making a stroke or in their play. This rule prohibits the use of any artificial device or unusual equipment, or the use of any equipment in an abnormal manner, that might provide an advantage during play.
It is important to distinguish between a drawing compass and a directional compass. A directional compass, which is used to gauge wind direction, is permitted during play. This type of compass only provides directional information and does not offer any assistance in making strokes or playing the game.
While some golfers, like DeChambeau, may have found drawing compasses useful for determining "true pin locations," their use is no longer allowed in competition play. Golfers must now rely on other methods to determine the exact pin positions and hole locations.
Golf Tiebreakers: How to Decide a Winner
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The use of a drawing compass, which is used to draw circles, is not allowed in golf. However, a magnetic compass used to identify direction is legal.
Bryson DeChambeau was spotted using a compass during the 2018 Travelers Championship. He used a compass to make notations on exact hole locations in his greens book. The PGA Tour investigated the use of the compass and later banned it.
Bryson DeChambeau was in breach of Rule 14-3, which prohibits the use of "any artificial device or unusual equipment, or using any equipment in an abnormal manner, that 'might assist him in making a stroke or in his play.'".
Bryson DeChambeau was using a drawing compass, also known as a protractor, to determine "true pin locations".
Yes, golfers are allowed to use a plain directional compass to gauge wind direction.
