SkyCaddie has been announced as the Official Rangefinder of the English Golf Union just weeks after the organisation took the groundbreaking decision to allow distance measuring devices in all its championships in 2009.
Having put in place a three-year agreement, SkyCaddie will this year support 18 EGU Championships, provide SkyCaddie GPS units at a special rate to county players via the EGU County Coaching network and supply SkyCaddies for use by the EGU’s England squads.
Jackie Hitchcock, SkyCaddie UK managing director, said, “We are delighted to be working so closely with the EGU, especially as they have such strong links to the amateur game at elite, county and club level.
“Any club which was unsure whether or not to allow rangefinders in their own competitions now has a clear pointer from the EGU. And by appointing us as their Official Rangefinder, the EGU has demonstrated how confident they are with our technology and the way we map courses.
“The fact that we ask permission from every course before we map it was a strong indicator that SkyCaddie works properly and professionally with course owners. The EGU, as one of the guardians of the amateur game, understood and appreciated the importance of this fact.
“The EGU has taken a clear and positive stance on GPS rangefinders and we hope this opens the door for everyday people at everyday golf clubs to enjoy the benefits that SkyCaddie distance measuring devices can bring to their game.”
The EGU’s board of directors agreed to the use of distance measuring devices in November, following the recommendation of the Championship Committee, at a recent meeting at Woodhall Spa.
John Petrie, EGU chief executive, said, “We have received overwhelming support from both counties and clubs following our decision to allow distance measuring devices at EGU Championships in 2009.
“It is a decision that will be reviewed at the end of the year, but having a single measuring device that removes the need for pacing should speed up the game.
“SkyCaddie are proving to be great partners. We are delighted to be working with Jackie and her team who understand the reasoning behind our decision and what we want to achieve as a result and are helping us to realise that within the rules of the game.”
Earlier in 2008 the PGA voted to allow the use rangefinders at its championships, and then announced SkyCaddie as the Official Rangefinder of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland.
SkyCaddie www.skycaddiegps.co.uk