Music On the Golf Course!?

/ The Grateful Golfer

Depending on which side of the fence you sit, music on the golf course can be a good or bad thing. Personally, I enjoy the sounds of nature and the peaceful walk around the course to hearing music in the background. I am in the minority, it seems, because many golfers are leaning towards having their favourite sound playing while they loop the course. This seems like an affront sometimes, but as golf evolves, music is becoming part of the scene and maybe it is time to adjust my thinking……or is it?

I was surprised by the results of my poll. With 111 respondents, it seems that 3/4 do not mind or at least tolerate music on the golf course. It was interesting reading their responses and there is a consensus on when and where music should be played. But first, the poll numbers:

As you can quickly read, music is an accepted norm in the above group. I would have thought it would be closer to 50 / 50, however I am a bit of a traditionalist (nice way to say ‘set in my ways’ 😉 ) and like the sound of mother nature while looping the links. Of course, that is only when I walk because the sound of the cart drowns out all the ambient noises. Anyway, back to music.

The responses for allowing music on the golf course came with the following restrictions in no particular order:

  • Never during competition
  • The volume music is such that it can only be heard within 20 feet of the source (approximately)
  • All members of the group must agree
  • The type or genre of music varies
  • When approaching another group, turn the music way down or off
  • Start the music half way down the first tee and shut off half way up the 18th hole

The above conditions are not really onerous, but will allow everyone to enjoy their round. Music is becoming a bigger part of golf and each player has to decide for themselves. Personally, as stated earlier, I prefer not to have music, but ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves.

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

12 thoughts on “Music On the Golf Course!?”

  1. I’m not a fan of music but have a few friends that like music and so in a casual round if they play it softly, I don’t make an issue of it. But it’s interesting in competitions because I was in a competition and a women wanted to play music and said it was allowed by the USGA but I had to point out that it is not aloud if the intent is to eliminate distractions or help with swing tempo.

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    • During a competitions is a definite no go for me. I have a challenge during friendly matches, but relent sometimes. I realize that using music on the golf is on the rise, but that does not make it for my game.

      Cheers Jim

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  2. Jim, I’m in your camp. Prefer no music. I believe it’s a symptom of our current world where people have become conditioned to being over stimulated and need to feed that everywhere. In the extreme, it’s a form of addiction. Unfortunately, as you have mentioned, it continues to trend in that direction.

    I love the golf course for the solitude and chance to unplug.

    Thanks,

    Brian

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  3. I am in the music everywhere camp. A bit of rhythm oils my swing and does a pretty good job of helping me get past the poor swings that occasionally come with or without the music.

    In our skins games though I play with a man in your camp. Music bothers him on the course. I can’t comprehend that but abide it since it would be rude to force that issue while trying to take all his quarters.😂

    A side note I find interesting is the same guy who doesn’t like music playing on the course made his living playing music. That just blows my mind.

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  4. Although music doesn’t bother me on the course I do prefer no music. I would agree with anonymous that if you want to play with music, wear ear buds. I would be curious to know what the age group of those who answered yes to the pool was. I would bet they were under 30 to 40. My guess is the older folks would be more traditional and prefer no music.

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