Discussions are taking place which could see golfing rule change take place at the US Open

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USGA CEO Mike Whan has confirmed that conversations have taken place about a new piece of equipment that could soon be used at the US Open.

The year’s third major is typically dubbed the toughest of the season. Thick rough, lightning-fast greens and perilous run-offs often challenge the world’s best players.

Bryson DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No.2 after mastering the testing Donald Ross design and edging out Rory McIlroy on the 72nd hole.

The US Open requires immense precision, with pinpoint yardages absolutely crucial. DeChambeau got his yardages spot on in North Carolina, but the LIV Golf star, along with the rest of the field, could soon be given a helping hand.

Mike Whan: US Open rangefinder talks ongoing

• READ MORE: Bryson DeChambeau says what has changed about LIV Golf ever since he won the US Open at Pinehurst

During a recent interview with Golf Digest, Whan confirmed that conversations are ongoing regarding the use of rangefinders in the year’s third major.

“The conversation about whether rangefinders should be more broadly used at USGA Championships is happening. Remember, I was the guy that started rangefinders on the LPGA,” the USGA chief confirmed.

The talks follow a move from the PGA, which allowed players to use yardage devices during the PGA Championship. The event at Valhalla in May was the fourth year in a row rangefinders were permitted at the PGA Championship.

Slope adjustment won’t happen at US Open

Most modern rangefinders have a slope adjustment, allowing players to gain yardage that takes elevation into account.

However, slope adjustment is prohibited in competitive golf, even at the amateur level. If a player is found to have used the measure, disqualification will follow.

Unsurprisingly, Whan has confirmed it’s a conversation which won’t take place. “But I can tell you that slope is not part of that conversation yet,” he added.

“That’s another meeting for another day. We want thinking your way around a USGA national championship to be as important as playing your way around.

“We’re not telling you on the first tee that the wind is blowing 14 miles per hour, and that’s 1.4 clubs of difference. Everybody should factor their sense of their own ball-flight and everything else. We haven’t come to any new decisions as a group yet. These are all off-season things that happen for us in the December, January, February timeframe.”

Hopefully, the use of slope adjustment will remain prohibited. As Whan mentions, the US Open is far more than just hitting 70-odd good golf shots for four days running. It’s about planning and plotting a way around a golf course and working out the math behind the yardage is massively important.