Rules Guy: Is it legal to use a Stimpmeter to gauge the speed of the greens before playing?

The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

I’m the type of guy who likes to know what I’m getting into before I play. Can I use a Stimpmeter to check the speed of the greens on the day of a competition? —Douglas Wilson, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Nae, Douglas, at least in stroke play — Rule 5.2 prohibits rolling a ball on the surface of any putting green on the course before a round in stroke play.

If you were to do this on more than one putting green, you would be disqualified.

In match play, however, practicing beforehand on the course is allowed. All that said, if we’re talking Scotland, green speeds will be in the single digits, promise. Give those putts a good rap!

For more green-reading guidance from our guru, read on …

Rules

Our club has green-reading contour books, but the print is so small that I can’t make out the details. I took a picture of each page with my cell phone to be able to enlarge the image enough to see the slopes.  A competitor called me out, citing a prohibition against electronics in tournament play. I said it was previously compiled material. Who was right in this blowup? —Scott Kulla, via e-mail

In all-caps, bold-faced, oversized type: YOU! A player can access or review any material that was preprinted or created prior to the round. There is no issue with accessing that info on your iPhone — with one caveat: If you’re using this material to help read a line of play on a putting green, your “blown up” version must still meet the size and scale requirements in Clarification 4.3a/1.

Still, it’s not always smart to reach for that smartphone. Calling a friend for advice or studying an analysis of strokes made during the round, as examples, would be operator errors and land you in hot water, Rules-wise … and placing the phone on a bed of dry rice wouldn’t fix it.

Need help unriddling the greens at your home course? Pick up a custom Green Book from Golf Logix.

Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.

The Putting Arc T3

$39.99

Elevate your putting game with the Putting Arc T3, trusted by top touring pros, amateurs, and college players worldwide. Crafted for precision and portability, this 21-inch yellow arc ensures a consistent stroke every time, ideal for mastering short-range putts. Its durable design withstands heat, UV radiation, and impact shock, making it perfect for outdoor and indoor use. Designed for 5 to 10-foot putts, the T3 boasts the same natural arc as larger models, ensuring a consistent stroke every time. Its lightweight and portable design make it an ideal companion for your golf bag, allowing you to perfect your putting anywhere, anytime. Unlock the secrets of the pros with the Putting Arc T3, guiding you through the inside-to-square-to-inside putting stroke favored by legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tiger Woods. With just 5 to 10 minutes of daily practice, you’ll see rapid improvement, achieving perfect alignment and consistent ball contact. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the Putting Arc T3 will take your game to new heights. Invest in your success and start sinking putts with confidence today!

Buy Now

View Product

Golf.com