No they are not. Edit: you can use them if you really want to in a friendly but you are not allowed to use them in club competition. Most clubs these days have markers from 200 yards out from the green, so there is really no need. Most golfers who use them are frowned up . . . beware ! No. Rule 14-3 provides that “during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment … for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play”. However, the Committee in charge of the competition can permit distance measuring devices by Local Rule.