6
Hole 6
Slope and the rules
Under Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Golf, devices that measure distance only are allowed unless a Local Rule bans them. Functions that adjust for slope must be switched off in competition.
- 1 yard
- 0.9144 m exactly
- 1 metre
- 1.0936 yd
A rangefinder measures the straight line of sight. Uphill or downhill, the horizontal distance is d x cos(angle) and the height difference is d x sin(angle). Makers' 'plays like' figures then add their own adjustments, so different brands give different numbers.
UK courses mostly mark yardages in yards, though some use metres. Most devices switch between the two; 1 yard is exactly 0.9144 metres.
For competitions, check the committee's Local Rules and make sure any slope feature is switched off and visibly so.
Common mistakes
- Leaving slope switched on in a competition round.
- Mixing yards and metres between a device and the course card.
Guides on this topic
- How slope-adjusted yardage worksLine of sight distance, angle and height difference explained with simple trigonometry, plus why each maker's plays-like number differs.Guide
- Golf yards to metres: a conversion tableA quick golf yards to metres table from 50 to 250 yards, the exact conversion, how to switch units on a rangefinder or GPS watch, and why UK cards use yards.Guide
- Slope vs non-slope rangefindersWhat a slope rangefinder adds, why slope is off in competition, and whether the extra features are worth it, with a distance-only and a slope model compared.Comparison
- Are rangefinders and GPS watches legal in golf?Rule 4.3 in plain English: when distance devices are allowed, why slope must be off in competition, and how a Local Rule can ban them at your club.Guide