In Range of Success

2008-05-20

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By Steve Pike

In the Rules of Golf, it’s officially known as Decision 14-3/0.5. Adopted on Jan. 1, 2006, the rule allows for distance measuring devices, including GPS systems and range finders, could be used by Local Rule.
 
Rangefinders were around before 2006. Bushnell, for example, began selling them in 1996. Since rangefinders became acceptable to the U.S. Golf Association, their sales and use have skyrocketed.
 
For example, Laser Link President Rob O’Loughlin, a former executive at Softspikes, explains his Quick Shot laser range finder is now in approximately 2,000 green grass shops across the country, including such prestigious courses and clubs as Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, Pinehurst and Firestone.
 
“All of us (rangefinder companies) have probably sold 300,000 to 400,000 units since the rule change,” O’Loughlin says. “We believe there are six million who are interested in buying one so we’re just scratching the surface.”
 
According to O’Loughlin, Laser Link’s business is focused primarily on private clubs.
 
“Our idea is, if we get them, the rest of world will want to do it, too,” he said. “That’s exactly what we did with Softspikes. We sold the best places and when they became happy customers, the rest wanted to be like them.”
 
Laser Link’s laser-based system utilizes two components – the Quick Shot hand-held laser rangefinder and a flagstick-based reflector to determine exact distance to the flag stick.
 
O’Loughlin lobbied hard the USGA and Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, to allow rangefinders and he
personally went to Scotland and met with (R&A Secretary) Peter Dawson four times in two years,.

“Once the rule changed, everybody benefited,” says O’Loughlin. “What’s driving our business is convenience. Whether or not you can hit the shot is another matter, but being able to get that number fast and without hunting for anything is a big issue.”