Every month former MGA Senior Director of Rules and Competitions Gene Westmoreland will answer one question posed by the readers of the MGA e-Revision Newsletter (click here to sign up). Cliff from Long Island asked Gene the following Rules question:

Q: I understand that golfers can not ask for advice on a golf course. I have a GPS device and I have heard that a competitor can ask to see the device or ask for the distance. Do I have to share my information? If I had a book of distances would I have to share that information as well?

Gene responds:

A few years ago the USGA approved language for a LOCAL RULE which (with committee approval) would allow players to use electronic measuring devices during their round. Yardage information is not considered “advice” under the Rules so you would be free to share the information you get from your GPS device or from a yardage book with fellow competitors or opponents – and they would be free to ask for such information. There is nothing in the Rules that says you must share this info. If you find it a nuisance to “play caddie” for others or you simply prefer not to share information you are free to say “no” when asked.

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