The PGA Tour is considering restricting players’ use of yardage and green books and instead issuing committee-approved yardage books, Golf Digest reported.
The PGA Tour Advisory Council endorsed the changes, due to take effect January 1, 2022, according to a memo received by Golf Digest.
“The Local Rule is being developed by the USGA and R&A in close cooperation with our team and the European Tour,” says the memo.
The book, approved by the committee, “will be very similar to a traditional route book with only general information on slopes and features in terms of greens detail,” the memo says.
All printed books from 2021 and before would be banned, although handwritten notes made by a player or caddy through observations – including from a television broadcast – are still allowed. However, no devices or other technologies are allowed to collect information in the future.
“The purpose of this Rule of Law is to return to a position where players and caddies only use their skills, judgment and feeling, along with any information gained through experience, preparation and practice, to clear the line of play on the Green to read. ”Memo reads. – Reuters