The ruling in plain English
You may normally use a rangefinder for straight-line distance. If you are playing a round under the Rules — whether competitive or casual — you must switch off slope and elevation readings. You may use slope for practice or informal play outside a Rules round. For a competition, also check the Local Rules: the Committee can prohibit distance-measuring devices altogether.
Apply the Rule on the course
Check the Local Rules, disable slope before using the device, and read only the permitted straight-line distance.
- 1
Check whether the competition has a Local Rule restricting distance-measuring devices.
- 2
Use only the permitted distance reading; disable slope and any adjusted-distance or club-recommendation function before use.
- 3
If the device displays prohibited information, do not use that function during the round.
Measure distance with slope switched off
The Shot Scope PRO L2 measures straight-line distance and includes target-lock vibration and a cart magnet. It also has adaptive slope for practice. Switch slope off before using it during a round played under the Rules, and check whether the Committee has banned distance-measuring devices.
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View Shot Scope PRO L2 on AmazonWhat else matters
A first breach of Rule 4.3 brings the general penalty; a second breach brings disqualification.
Exceptions
- The Committee can adopt Model Local Rule G-5 to ban distance-measuring devices.
- Equipment features must be assessed by actual use, not marketing labels alone.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that owning a slope model is itself a penalty rather than focusing on how it is used.
- Using a compensated playing distance instead of the actual distance.
- Forgetting that a competition may prohibit all distance-measuring devices.
Remember: Distance is information; slope-adjusted advice is assistance.
R&A Rule 4.3a(1)
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.
Watch the slope-rangefinder explanation
The video explains how to disable slope for play. Its references to casual rounds mean practice or informal play outside a round being played under the Rules; slope is not allowed during any round played under the Rules.