A Minor Change to My Stance on Music on the Golf Course

/ The Grateful Golfer

Two years ago I wrote an article categorically stating that music on the golf course has no place. Actually, I still believe that music played over a speaker on the course is bad form. I find the noise intrusive and disruptive to my concentration. However, times are a changing and I thought I would revisit my hard stance.

It seems I am not the only one who does not listen to music on the golf course.

After some introspection on the topic, I decided to adjust my view about music on the course……slightly. Basically, if  someone wants to listen to their music (in very low tones) on the range or putting area, I think I can accept the minor intrusion. I have yet to encounter this situation in the practice area, so I guess I am trying to change and not to draw a line in the sand.

I still believe that music should not be played on the course because it will be disruptive; so it should not be played. But, quietly on the range is something I am open too.

How about you? Do you listen to music on the course or practice range?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

19 thoughts on “A Minor Change to My Stance on Music on the Golf Course”

  3. Jim. I am as traditional as they come but music (the right kind) is music to my ears on the course. It is very common with the new golfer. In my opinion it is the only use for a phone on a course. I understand your view and I appreciate it. To me there is nothing better than sinking a putt to A hip song or having Neil diamonds sweet Caroline in the back round of a drive striped down the middle.!!

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  4. I almost always listen to music on the course. But when playing with others I ask first. And the volume is such that it can’t be heard more than a few yards from the cart. I have found it helpful to keep from getting annoyed while waiting my turn to swing. My experience has been that very few people have said they would prefer I didn’t.

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  5. It is nice to read about your change of mind! I often listen to music when practicing and don’t see the issue if it is not overly loud and not disruptive to others. Normally I wear Bluetooth earbuds when practicing, but if I’m alone in the practice area I will go “earbudless”. As for on the course it is generally a no, but, there are times during a fun tournament I have played music (without disturbing others). We have a Canada Day fun tournament each year in Greenwood and we enter a Cape Breton team. We dress up and decorate our carts to represent our province/territory/island and Cape Breton music is part of the “representation”. Definitely no place on the course for music during a more serious event!

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  7. Jim, I will hold the line for the pro-quiet crowd on this one. The only music that’s appropriate is through one’s earbuds and only during practice or while playing alone. If I’m on the range or practice area, I need to concentrate and someone else’s music is a distraction. If you are in my playing group and are wearing your earbuds, you are signaling to me that you don’t wish to converse. Golf is a social game and if you’re playing with others, you should honor that social contract.

    I understand why guys like to pound beers and blast music from their portable system, but common, it’s not a nightclub out there.

    Thanks,

    Brian

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    • Brian

      We are on the same page as well. On the practice area, volume is still an issue. Blaring any music is not acceptable. Ear buds is the best option all the time. Interesting statement about the social contract; I will have to give it some thought.

      Cheers Jim

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    • I’ll agree that blasting music is rude. But for the rest, I’ll have to agree to disagree. If I am playing golf, conversing isn’t a priority. Staying in my game is. Playing music at low levels is less a distraction in my opinion than the man who feels he has to talk all the time.
      We’re all different and should find a way to make allowances for those differences without taking offense.
      Just my two cents.

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      • Kevin, I certainly agree that we are all different and should make allowances for each other, but we need to maintain a modicum of common decency on the course. A couple years ago on my annual Myrtle Beach guys trip, one of our group insisted on playing every round with his music (earbuds in) but this effectively shut the rest of the guys out. Not sure why he did it, and maybe I’m just a little too old school, but it was very awkward, and while he was certainly within his rights, got him dis-invited from future trips. I like to focus on my game and keep the conversation to a minimum too, but it’s good etiquette to be able to respond to your playing partners and the normal banter that takes place during a round.

        I know we’re not playing golf in a library and there’s nothing wrong with playing music while playing or practicing solo, but it’s off-putting if you shut out your playing partners. Unfortunately, it’s part of the new norm where people isolate themselves with their devices, but that’s for a different diatribe for a different day 🙂

        Thanks,

        Brian

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  8. If you don’t know the other members of your group, I think you should ask if playing music is OK before you fire up the play list. Personally, I’m fine with it, as long as it isn’t too loud.

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