“They’re going to have an extra tool in their toolbox for four weeks, and we’re interested in hearing, following that period, how it was?” Gary Young, the PGA Tour’s senior vice president, has shared the recent update. Earlier in the season, the pace of play had affected the viewership, resulting in an enormous drop. Well, now, the PGA Tour’s attempt to allow the distance measuring devices is a step to improve the pace of play. But the initiatives to address the pace of play have backfired for the league.

The organization has allowed the use of a rangefinder since 2021. However, for the PGA Tour, it was a new and unique step that began in April 2025. Even the exemption of the tool was on a trial period, as it was allowed in six events specifically. But interestingly, at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Davis Riley was assessed a two-stroke penalty for using the rangefinder during the second round 17th hole. He was using the distance finder tool, not for range; instead, he was using the slope feature. According to rule 4.3, the tool can only be used for finding the range, and all other features, including slope measurement, wind direction, or club selection, should be disabled.

Though no PGA Tour official caught him using the tool, Riley self-reported the incident and has earned praise for his move. After the PGA Tour posted on X, sharing the details about the two-stroke penalty which the fans were quick to criticise the rule.

Fan reactions to the PGA Tour’s new rule

The new update of using the tool was not widely known to the golf community, as it was during a trial period. But now with the penalty, it has come to light, and surprisingly, it has led to backlash for the league.

One of the fans said, “Dumb rule. Slope is in the yardage books.” Then, another wrote, “Golf has some of the stupidest rules.” The fans started to point out why the tool wasn’t required for the shots; most of the details, be it strategy or distance, everything is mentioned in the yardage book. The rule, instead of getting praise, invited backlash.

More fans joined, writing, “Why would there not be PGA-sanctioned range finders that have slope disabled? Dumb,” and “The easiest fix is for the PGA tour to provide with everything they don’t want to use already disabled lol.” Allowing the tool, but with full access to use its features, is what fans found odd. Instead, the fans suggested having a dedicated tool created for the professionals.

Another unknown to the update wrote, “Let’s penalize someone for using a tool that will speed up play when I’m sure he used it by mistake.” Similar to many unaware fans about the rule, one fan wrote in favour of the player and said the player should be penalized for using the tool, which is actually legal now.

With fans disagreeing with the decision, the pressure on the PGA Tour has led to a reconsideration of the decision. Will this backlash lead to any change? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.