Yes, for all VSGA competitions, a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4.3.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.3:
Penalty for first breach from single act or related acts: Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes.
Penalty for second breach unrelated to first breach: Disqualification.
For USGA amateur championships and qualifiers (i.e. U.S. Amateur) distance-measuring devices are allowed; however, for USGA Open championships and qualifiers (i.e. U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open) distance-measuring devices are not allowed.
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