One Golf Rule You Might Be Breaking, Without Even Knowing It

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00:00One golf rule you might be breaking without even knowing it.

00:04The Internet Invitational Finale went viral, garnering nearly 3 million views,

00:08as it blended golf tradition with digital drama, influencers, and a potential rules violation,

00:14sparking debates and proving the sport isn't immune to modern controversy.

00:19At the heart of the chatter, a range finder.

00:22Specifically, the possible use of the slope function,

00:25which calculates yardage adjustments based on elevation.

00:28A cool bit of tech, no doubt.

00:30But in the eyes of the rules of golf, it's a slippery slope, literally and figuratively.

00:36Range finders, common among recreational golfers for speed and accuracy,

00:40have long been used by pros in practice, but were mostly restricted in tournaments until recently.

00:46The PGA and Korn Ferry Tours began a six-month trial allowing range finders in tournaments,

00:51but with slope functions off.

00:53Davis Riley accidentally used an active slope at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson,

00:58penalizing himself two strokes.

01:01I was assuming that the range finder was in the proper mode and shot it,

01:05and two numbers came up, Riley admitted.

01:07It was just kind of one of those moments where your heart sinks a little bit.

01:11The slope function rule applies to all golfers, not just pros.

01:15Using it in casual play is technically against USGA rules.

01:19The logic is simple.

01:22Range finders with slope artificially eliminate or reduce the need for a skill or judgment

01:27that is essential to the challenge of the game.

01:30Elevation awareness is considered a core part of shot making.

01:33Relying on tech to handle it crosses the line from assistance into advantage.

01:39So, where does that leave the average golfer?

01:42The slope rule always applies, but in casual play, it relies on honesty.

01:47Using it likely won't incur a penalty, though it could invalidate your handicap.

01:52The Internet Invitational highlighted how easily golfers can unknowingly break rules,

01:57showing that even small device settings can affect reputation in a tradition-focused game.

02:01Whether you play it straight or slope it sly, the rules haven't changed.

02:05We're just finally noticing.