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• Use of DMDs to start on the European Senior Tour next week
• Hints that the practice could move to PGA and European Tours
• Source says that it’s ‘only a matter of time’ until they follow suit

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES

The use of distance measuring devices (DMDs) in tournament rounds on the PGA Tour and European Tour has moved a step closer with news that the controversial practice is to begin on the European Senior Tour.

bunkered.co.uk has learned that, starting at next week’s SSE Enterprise Wales Seniors Open at Celtic Manor, players competing on the over-50s circuit will be able to use laser rangefinders during the competition rounds.

Previously, the use of such devices had been restricted to practice rounds. However, it is our understanding that this will change from next week with an official announcement expected from the European Senior Tour in the coming days.

‘Only a matter of time’ before other main tours, such as the PGA Tour and European Tour, follow suit – Source

Our source told us that it now ‘only a matter of time’ before other main tours, such as the PGA Tour and European Tour, follow suit, potentially within as little as 12 months.

The use of distance measuring devices has become gradually more accepted throughout golf in recent years and in 2014, the R&A announced that it had decided to allow the use of the gadgets in all of its amateur competitions.

Previously, they had been covered by an optional local rule available under the Rules of Golf since 2006, which the R&A’s Championship Committee decided to take up as of January 1 last year.

DMDs

In a statement issued at the time, the R&A stressed that it was ‘not making this a recommendation for other championship organisers to follow’ and added that it remained ‘a matter for individual committees and clubs to decide whether or not they want to allow the use of such devices in their competitions’.

Some people remain opposed to the use of DMDs, believing that they take away much of the skill and nous required to accurately judge yardages.

Even so, such opposition has not been enough to deter the European Senior Tour from allowing their use in competition, with next week’s SSE Enterprise Wales Seniors Open set to be a new watershed moment for DMDs in professional tournament golf.

DMDs :: Should they be allowed?

What are your thoughts on this development surrounding DMDs? Should they be allowed on the PGA and European Tours? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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