PGA Tour players received a memo last month explaining how new rules governing the use of yardage books may soon come into effect. The proposed Model Local Rule (MLR) aimed to reduce the reliance of players on green books which often look like highly detailed topographic maps and to emphasize the ability to judge. slopes, ridges and breaks with eyes and experience.

USGA and R&A limit the use of greens books

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On Wednesday, the R&A and USGA jointly announced the creation of the MLR G-11, a new mechanism that allows tournament committees to require golfers and caddies to use only tournament approved measurement books. The new MLR also severely limits what players and caddies can write or add to these books.

The R&A and USGA have said that the MLR G-11, which will be available for use from January 1, 2022, is intended for use at the highest levels of golf, such as the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA and the Korn Ferry Tour. It is not intended for use at recreational events or local golf tournaments. In other words, you will still be able to use the old yardage books during next year's Membership and Club Championship, but Bryson DeChambeau won't be able to work with so much data in his yardage book during the Farmers Insurance Open. or the 2022 US Open.

Specifically, the MLR G-11 will require all players and caddies to use a green book that is no larger than 7 inches by 4,25 inches (17,78cm by 10,795cm), and the greens scale cannot exceed 3/8 of an inch for every 5 yards (4,572 meters). Unlike many modern yardage books which show all the smoothest contours and slopes, books approved when the MLR G-11 is in effect can only show significant levels, slopes, and false edges.

Once players and caddies get their yardage books approved, they will be limited in what they can add to it before and during games. Club distances are acceptable and clubs can take notes of putts they see in person or on television. However, a player or caddy cannot use a level or slope meter during a practice lap and then add information to the book. They also cannot add information gathered by other people.

The R&A and the USGA leave no room for maneuver to players and caddies. In their statement, they write: "Handwritten notes must be based on the player's or caddy's experiences or observations of a rolling ball on a putting green, or through the player's or caddy's general feelings or observations on the green." "

Details included in modern yardage books have been criticized not only because they take away skill from players on the greens, but also because they exacerbate problems with slow play during elite events.

Among the critics is Rory McIlroy, who said they should be banned. Ahead of the start of the US Open 2021, he said: “I use a green book and would like to get rid of it. " He then added: “Most of the guys on the tour are in the same boat that if it's available and if it's going to help us people are going to use it. But I think, for the greater good of the game, I would like them to be outlawed and no longer used. "

To know more : https://www.randa.org/

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