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USGA rules that Bryson DeChambeau can't use drawing compass on golf course

DeChambeau said he used the compass to determine true pin locations and had put the device into use in Tour events as far back as October 2016.
Courtesy USA Today Sports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The compass controversy is over, and the U.S. Golf Association has ruled that Bryson DeChambeau may no longer use his protractor on the course.

In a Thursday statement to Golfweek, the USGA clarified why DeChambeau’s use of a compass would be deemed a violation going forward:

"At the request of the PGA Tour, the USGA and The R&A reviewed Bryson DeChambeau’s stated use of a drawing compass to assist him in determining 'true' hole locations, and jointly determined that his specific usage would be in breach of Rule 14-3, if used in a future round.

"The Rule prohibits a player, during a stipulated round, from using any artificial device or unusual equipment, or using any equipment in an abnormal manner, that 'might assist him in making a stroke or in his play.' Because a compass is not a usual piece of equipment in golf, and Bryson clearly stated that he had used the device to assist him, the USGA, R&A and the PGA Tour agreed it was in the best interest of the game to share this determination with Bryson immediately."

The controversy began when DeChambeau used a compass during the Travelers Championship last month. That led to the PGA Tour investigating DeChambeau’s use of this type of compass in golf.

The Tour released a statement shortly after the tournament that there was no clear precedent and that the USGA would be reviewing the matter.

This is the second time DeChambeau has seen the Rules of Golf prevent him from incorporating his methods. He previously went to battle with the USGA after the organization ruled the putter he was using with a side-saddle stroke to be non-conforming. DeChambeau later apologized for his comments.

DeChambeau said he used the compass to determine true pin locations and had put the device into use in Tour events as far back as October 2016. This ruling does not affect DeChambeau’s results retroactively.

To be clear, this does not affect whether players can implement a directional compass (the kind used to gauge wind direction). It is spelled out in decision 14-3/4 of the Rules of Golf that because this type of compass only provides directional information and “does not gauge or measure variable conditions or assist the player in his play,” it is allowable during play.

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