Are rangefinders allowed at the PGA Championship?

The PGA Championship has its own governing body in the PGA of America, which means unique rules. Are rangefinders allowed under those rules?

The majority of what we saw at the 2023 PGA Championship in the tournament’s return to Oak Hill Country Club was carnage. Even with possibly the most favorable conditions that the players will see all week right outside of Rochester, NY, fewer than 30 players were at even par or better after the first round with only 19 of those under par for the day.

One thing that some golf fans also thought they noticed at the PGA Championship, though, was rangefinders.

Given that professional players and their caddies tirelessly work on yardage books with copious notes, seeing the distance-measuring devices could be quite the shock to some fans watching at home or on the course. So that couldn’t be what the pros and caddies were using at the PGA Championship, right?

Well, we’ve got some news for you.

Does the PGA Championship allow rangefinders?

Rangefinders are, in fact, allowed at the PGA Championship. The PGA of America implemented a new rule in 2021 at the PGA Championship played at Kiawah Island that allows players to use laser rangefinders, but only to precisely measure distances, not to measure slope or any other features.

The decision was largely made in hopes that it would speed up pace of play, which has been a major concern among players in recent years.

Allowing rangefinders had mixed reviews from players but, at the same time, the rule allowing the use of the devices has been in place by other governing bodies for college and amateur golfers in competition for some time.

While the devices are allowed at the PGA Championship and other PGA of America sanctioned tournaments — including some PGA Tour tournaments — it is not required, and many players elect to still go the old-fashioned way with the yardage book and no electronics. But if you see rangefinders on the course in a pro event, these aren’t rulebreakers; it is definitely allowed.

For more from The PGA Tour, LIV Golf, PGA Championship and more, make sure to follow FanSided and stay tuned to our golf hub for all the latest news and results.