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5 Things Not to Do When Bringing Music to the Golf Course

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Some combinations were formed in heaven: chocolate and peanut butter; pizza and beer; March Madness and sick days. Others were created somewhere much warmer: toothpaste and orange juice; socks and flip flops. You get the picture.

When Rodney Dangerfield, a.k.a., Al Czervik, cranked up Journey from of his tricked-out golf bag at Bushwood Country Club in 1980, he was considered a menace. Today, however, the practice of bringing music to the golf course is gaining popularity.

Are music and golf a devilish combination or one brought to us by our beloved Golf Gods? Depending on your approach, it could be either. Like drinking at your boss’ party, moderation and awareness are key if you want to listen to music on the course tastefully. If you can’t resist the temptation, here are some tips to keep you and your tunes out of trouble during your round.

Don’t turn the volume to 11. Sure, that speaker you brought to the course has never played a note below full blast, but it’s time to test its low-end capabilities. Picture the hole with the shortest distance between the green and the next tee box. Put your music down and walk that distance. If you can still hear the music, it’s too loud. The wrath of someone who just three-jacked and blames it on your boombox far outweighs the bliss any song can deliver.

Don’t rage. Music and golf is already a fringe combination, but some genres are unquestionably out of bounds. You wouldn’t scream on the golf course – except to yell “fore!” – and your music shouldn’t, either. Keep the tunes calm, cool and collected and save the heavy metal for your post-round temper tantrum.

Don’t bring that Kool-Aid to a gin party. Your co-worker from three cubicles down finally invited you to his father-in-law’s ritzy country club. What could impress him more than showing off your sophisticated Eric Clapton collection? If you’re looking for a repeat invitation, you’ll have to resist. The more exclusive and expensive your tee time, the more you should reconsider your need for Creed. On-course music should be reserved for casual tracks where you can trade your spikeless Nike’s for Teva’s and a collared shirt actually makes you feel overdressed.

Don’t DJ. Stopping, starting and skipping songs can be a distraction to your playing partners, and if your attention is focused on constantly playing the perfect song it’s diverted from playing golf. Make a playlist, start it on the first hole and let it play through the end of the round.

Don’t use headphones. You’re playing as a single and think headphones are the perfect work-around to rules 1-4, think again. To paraphrase Destiny’s Child, voluntarily eliminating your ability to hear what’s going on around you on the course is a definite no-no-no-no-no. Whether it’s because you left your wedge on the green, are in the path of an errant tee shot, are being offered a refreshment, or are being asked to join up, play through, or be played through, you need to be able to hear on the course.

While not traditional, music and golf does not have to be a taboo tandem. Stick to these tips to add a new element to your weekly round… and let the good times roll.

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Nick Heidelberger writes about all things related to golf, from the world's best players to the weekend warriors, although he can only relate to the latter. When he's not writing or golfing, Nick co-hosts the @AtTheTurnPod, hikes with his dogs and roots for his wife's soccer team. Twitter: @njheidelberger

88 Comments

88 Comments

  1. Iain

    Mar 17, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    I play golf with a guy who plays music in his golf cart but only between shots. He has the decency to turn it off if someone is having a shot. I like playing golf with him because he plays good music and it helps me relax. He also asks his playing companions if they mind and if they do he will not play music. Love the post

    • John klobusicky

      Mar 7, 2019 at 10:02 pm

      I think it’s bullshit and totally inconsiderate for someone to roll up 8n my fouresome with a speaker on. And I they ask me if ok and I reply no then I have created a tension filled environment. Not even sure why it is considered, and I would rather stick needles in my eyes than listen to pop country.

  2. America

    Mar 6, 2017 at 10:46 pm

    The term decorum comes to mind. If you’re on the beach, next to the ocean, relaxing, and someone sits next to you. This someone has decided to bring a speaker. Not headphones…a speaker. Myself being 5’10 225, a former collegiate rugby player, armed skydiving, running, and push up enthusiast is never one to shy away from a pleasant “how do you do sir/madame could you please turn the level of your terrible music down. i’m here to relax and my therapist said this is really bad for my blood pressure and anger issues. thank you.” If they doth protest I invite them to keep listening. At lower volume that I cannot hear and to please be respectful of others on our beach. If not I begin my inquiry into the waterproof rating of said speaker. Because if they keep playing it i’m going to throw it in the ocean. They are then invited to a)stop me b)hide and watch. Same rules apply on the golf course. Be considerate of those around you. If someone outside your cart can hear your speaker, it’s too loud. Always turn it down when on the tee-box or for social interactions. It’s not a problem until it is a problem. I have encountered plenty of jeans wearing/flat billers on the course imbibing whilst taking in some Chesney. Nay, nay I say. Thou are being that guy. Also please keep the “get off my lawn” chatter to yourself. Things change, I am against the use of oncourse GPS/range devices and believe that you fat sons of bitches should trade in the carts for a push cart or caddie. Different strokes for different folks. Be nice to people. They’ll be nice to you. Then we’ll all be sitting around being nice. Then we’ll start laughing. Then hot chicks show up and show us their titties. Don’t say no to titties.

  3. jc

    Mar 6, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    what is really bad is when two tees are next to each other..you are ready to hit and here comes dudes with backwards hats and playing crappy loud music…I know there name is dude because every sentence is ‘hey dude, what are you hitting”…I am hitting a driver dude….dude, you really hit that one..

    gads…go back to the video arcade

  4. tim crider

    Mar 4, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    I just listened to the 3 songs you have put in as ( Gotta hear em at least once ) , you must have surely been thinking some place other than the golf course, if at all, and I can ,, and do listen to everything.

  5. Grizz01

    Mar 3, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I guess deaf people are not permited to play golf. They can’t hear what’s going on around them.

  6. WolfWRX

    Mar 3, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Music has no place on the golf course. End of story. If you want to listen to music that badly, do it at home, in your car, or at a concert. Literally anywhere but the golf course.

    Also, the idea that “growing the game” has to necessitate lowering standards by allowing things like music to keep people with short attention spans, and no appreciation of nature entertained, is truly pathetic.

  7. BIG STU

    Mar 3, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    It is funny. I live down here on the Grand Strand on the south end and mostly play on this end. Seriously from what most of you are saying with the tourist golfers we get from all over the country of various ages I have never heard any music on any of the courses I have played or seen anyone with Bluetooth speakers etc. In case anyone wonders I ain’t blind or deaf either I have not seen any signs posted prohibiting it either. Just makes me wonder what is going on elsewhere in the world

  8. Robert

    Mar 3, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    The thing that bothers me about people playing music on the course isn’t the music. It’s that the people in a cart with the music will talk louder to each other because they have to talk over the music. I’ll be over a shot and hear them yapping when if they didn’t have music going, I wouldn’t ever hear them. That’s the problem that it causes. With that said usually constant noise isn’t really a problem during the swing. Just think about how you can hit balls on a noisy range without issue. The problem comes when it’s silent and something makes a noise that distracts you.

  9. Jose Pinatas

    Mar 3, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    I like music in a beer drinking charity 4 man scramble….. When I’m playing my own ball and playing money games I don’t want to hear it…. And when drinking and playing a scramble , I love to rage(Clutch, Gogira, Opeth, and Machinehead)…… Besides if people are taking beer drinking charity scrambles serious, they got issues…..

  10. Bob

    Mar 3, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    It is not the custom to have music while golfing so simply ask those who you are playing with if they mind and don’t play so loud that you offend other groups. I don’t play golf to hear music or nature. I play to be with friends, compete, for the thrill of a well struck shot and to enjoy the outdoors. If you like to spice that up a little, I understand. I’d rather not hear music but if you ask first, I’ll acquiesce because after all it’s the gentlemanly thing to do and golf is a gentlemen’s and gentleladies’ sport. That is a part of golf that should never go away.

  11. David

    Mar 3, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Simply against the rules…. From the USGA….
    Rule 14-3

    Wearing Headphones or Earplugs During Stipulated Round

    Q. May I wear headphones or earplugs while playing in the state amateur?

    A.
    The use of headphones or earplugs to eliminate noise or other distractions is prohibited under Rule 14-3.

    Decision 14-3/16 covers listening to music or some other broadcast during a round. Here is the text of that Decision:
    Rule 14-3a states that a player may not use any artificial device or unusual equipment that “might assist him making a stroke or in his play.” Listening to music or a broadcast while making a stroke or for a prolonged period might assist the player in his play, for example, by eliminating distractions or promoting a good tempo. Therefore, the use of an artificial device to listen to music or a broadcast, whether or not through headphones, while making a stroke or for a prolonged period of time during a stipulated round is a breach of Rule 14-3. However, it would not be a breach of Rule 14-3 for a player to listen to a device briefly, for example, to obtain the results of another sporting event or traffic information, while walking between the putting green of one hole and the teeing ground of another hole.

    There is no restriction on listening to music or other broadcasts while practicing (whether on the practice ground or on the golf course, and whether by oneself or while playing with others), although club rules and disciplinary codes could apply in such circumstances.

  12. BallBuster

    Mar 3, 2017 at 11:25 am

    Good rules of thumb if you want to play music I suppose. But you missed rule #1… as your group if its even okay by them to play music. Otherwise shut it down. Don’t ruin everyone’s time there and waste their money because for some odd reason you can’t live 2-4 hours without some music. Is someone’s addiction to it that strong like cigarette smoking that they can’t go without without shaking or something? If so, get a live… This also is no different than those who want to talk on the phone during the round. i realize a lot of younger people don’t mind and that’s fine, but find out if everyone in your group thinks like that AND don’t slow up play (worst part of it) so other groups are effected by your selfishness.

  13. FL Golfer

    Mar 3, 2017 at 10:02 am

    Apparently most of you have never played with some fool that insists on yammering throughout the round. Music is played to drown out the non-sense that continually comes from mouths of other golfers.

    • KK

      Mar 4, 2017 at 5:51 am

      An illogical lie. Music doesn’t cause talking to stop.

  14. Mark

    Mar 3, 2017 at 9:28 am

    I am 59 years old and I play golf occasionally with my old college roommate who is a member at a very nice course. He brings his speaker to play music in the cart. I can’t stand it. What a distraction. The music would be fine in any other setting. Not on the golf course, please.

  15. Radim Pavlicek

    Mar 3, 2017 at 3:54 am

    I have yet to met someone on the golf course who has speakers. It seems to me that this trend hasn’t come to Europe yet.

    • Mg

      Jun 30, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Consider yourself lucky. Lately I regularly encounter groups playing music loud enough to be heard at 50 yards or more.

  16. Tim

    Mar 3, 2017 at 1:04 am

    What is the difference, here in California the lower end public courses are dying off daily…music coming out of carts is getting to be way beyond common…and with no marshals at most courses you have everyone driving carts right up (yes in the fringe a lot) to the greens…..and these are men in their 20’s and 30’s…half the time. But by far the worst is the over 60 crowed that think they have the right to drive and park their cart any where they please…yes maybe 1 out of 30 or so is handicapped and should be allowed the better access to his or her ball but when you see 12 out of every 15 carts carrying a blue flag for access it is just plan lazy….

  17. dog

    Mar 2, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    if you can hear it on more than one occasion, youre not in my group, and it bothering you politely ask me to turn it down and i will happily oblige

  18. Adam

    Mar 2, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Unless your name is AL Czervik I don’t want to hear any music on the course. Go to the bar after to hear it.
    Thankfully I have not heard anything on my home course, but if I did I would be more than happy to buy you a replacement speaker after the round.

    I there to relax and focus on golf, not somebody clowns boom box.

    • RonB

      Mar 3, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      And you’d need a replacement eye socket if you think you’re coming over and smashing my speaker. We’ll see how tough you are, tough guy.

      • The dude

        Mar 3, 2017 at 6:16 pm

        My dad can beat up your dad..ha…loser..

      • Adam

        Mar 4, 2017 at 10:30 pm

        Your a real keyboard warrior. I’m sure boom boxes are fine on the pasture you hack around on..

  19. Jamie

    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    It’s fine if you play it only at a volume your group can hear and if it’s not nickelback.

  20. Brian

    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

  21. KillerPenguin

    Mar 2, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    Bluetooth headset in one ear. Problem solved (and no I don’t care what you think about how it looks).

  22. Buford T Justice

    Mar 2, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    Want good music at the course, check out UE Boom or UE Roll.

    UE = Ultimate Ears

    In my opinion, they are the best bluetooth speakers for golf.

    The Boom fits perfectly in the cart cupholder, and the Roll straps on to just about anything.

    Thank me later.

  23. Mark

    Mar 2, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    Music has no place on the course.

  24. acemandrake

    Mar 2, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Is the genie out of the bottle & there is no turning back?

    If music is allowed & someone doesn’t like it then they just suffer?

    If music in not allowed & someone wants to have it, then what…They’re bored? Might want to rethink why they’re out there.

  25. Tommy

    Mar 2, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    If you like TV in restaurants, you’re going to love music on the golf course. I consider it the height of boorish and rude behavior. As if, everybody’s got to endure your taste in music for five hours when they’ve paid the same rate as you. What’s going to happen when everyone wants to bore the world with their own playlist and you’ve got four soundtracks competing for earspace on every hole? It’s a ridiculously selfish endeavor but not surprising in our current society. Re the hi/lo division…same reason there’s TV for every table at Buffalo Wild Wings and none at the French Laundry. It seems inevitable, but very sad that this incredibly douche-y behavior is even being argued here. More rude millennial garbage being shoved down our throats and then shouting down any blowback. Rude, at every level. Why should I have to listen to your music? How bout I bring my speakers to your wedding, or to the movies, or to a restaurant, and play what makes me happy there? How bout everybody brings their own music to your favorite restaurant? There is no level at which this isn’t rude and annoying. Ban it, for everyone’s sake.

    • Joshuaplaysgolf

      Mar 2, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      To be fair, I’m a millennial and HATE music on the golf course…I’ve seen (or heard rather) plenty of guys my grandfather’s age with way too loud music coming out of the cart. You can’t just blame the younger generations, although that’s most likely where this awful trend started.

  26. Bruce Ferguson

    Mar 2, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    For me, golf is like fishing. The last thing I want to hear is somebody’s boom box. I like hearing birds, the breeze through the trees, etc. It’s fine having music at a venue like Top Golf. But I’m over 60, before the age of movies on demand and instant/constant entertainment. Guess I’m a grumpy old man . . .

    • Ron

      Mar 3, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Makes sense, and anyone playing with you who wants to put on music should ask you first and respect your decision if you say no. And if someone is playing music who is not in your group, it should be at a volume where you can’t hear it. Personally I listen to music every once in a while on the course but always ask permission first within my group and make sure the volume is low enough so other groups won’t hear it. Imagine that, if everyone has some common courtesy, everybody wins! What a crazy concept.

      • Art

        Mar 3, 2017 at 4:22 pm

        The funny thing, is that all the people who say “no one does it at my course” blah blah blah, probably don’t realize that there have been people, playing concurrently, that did have music.
        I can hear mine on the tee box, in the fairway, and only on the green if it’s close enough to the path. I also pause if I’m driving by any other group.
        If you don’t hear it, then, like magic, it’s not there!
        “I want to hear nature ” doesn’t fly if you’re flying down the path listening to the engine whine and your clubs clatter at every bump.

  27. ph00ny

    Mar 2, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    What about music being heard across the hole? If i can hear the previous/next group’s music from tee box/green, there is seriously something wrong. It’s as obnoxious as being able to hear what everyone shot and how well they putted and what their kids are doing from a different group on the course while putting or teeing off.

    • Steve

      Mar 2, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Worry about getting on the Tour first. Then you can have everyone be quiet when you’re putting and teeing off.

      • larrybud

        Mar 3, 2017 at 11:59 am

        What about being respectful and courteous to others? Obviously that concept is foreign to you.

  28. Mike Honcho

    Mar 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    Parsing the words of the great Shoot McGavin, “Damn you music playing people! Go back to your shanties.”

  29. DBJ

    Mar 2, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Wow, some of these comments are ridiculous. None of you are good enough at Golf to say if music is good or bad on the golf course. To those of you that constantly reference the rules of golf, and blah blah blah. Only a handful of golfers actually abide by the rules and almost everyone really even know the rules. All these comments from one post to another are the exact reason why golf continues to fade away. Music and loud noise is a part of most other professional sports, and it’s what makes them fun to play and watch. Get your heads out of asses and stop taking this game so seriously. I bet you all talk about your handicaps as well. Well, that is also one of the things that is ruining the game. You are either better than someone or not, no one deserves strokes when playing another person. That is cheating! Take some lessons and invest in your game. I am sure I will have wonderful responses. I hope you enjoy the time trying to correct me. My opinion won’t be changed by what you say, most likely will support it.

    • TR1PTIK

      Mar 2, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      +1!!!

      If golf is an individual sport then the individual should be able to play however they want. Playing with a group? Ask prior to the round if everyone is okay with your music. It’s pretty simple really, just be respectful with it. I’ve had more distractions from obnoxious beer-guzzling foursomes than I’ve ever had from music. Those of you arguing that we should just enjoy nature and not bring music to the course probably have no idea how much the RIGHT music can add to the experience and enjoyment of being outside. I personally find the music genres I’d normally listen to in my car distracting on the course. I typically play by myself and walk. My preferred choice of music is some form of acoustic and relatively mellow. If I think other players are within earshot, I’ll turn it down a bit more to make sure I don’t disturb anyone. There will always be someone that’s disrespectful and abusive, but that’s no reason to ban music on the course. Otherwise, you guys can just stop putting beer in your carts and smoking on the course. All have the potential to create distractions for someone else.

      • larrybud

        Mar 3, 2017 at 11:57 am

        Great, as an individual, I wish to play without music.

    • MMM

      Mar 2, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      You do realize that giving someone strokes is more just a gambling thing, right? As a 3.6 index, playing with a buddy who is a 19.2, I’m going to beat him most times we play if we’re just playing straight up……but giving him strokes makes the match more even and, quite frankly, more competitive for me.

      • Steve

        Mar 2, 2017 at 8:41 pm

        If you’re not gambling, then who cares if it’s “more competitive”? Why does it matter if you win by 1 or 16 when nothing is on the line?

    • R0B

      Mar 2, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      F’n A, bro!

    • alan

      Mar 2, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      awesome comment/post

    • marmooskapaul

      Mar 3, 2017 at 8:50 am

      Ha…spoken like the man talking loud on his cell phone..while in line at Walmart to pay for his face paint and nascar shirt!

    • larrybud

      Mar 3, 2017 at 11:56 am

      I have no idea what kind of nonsense it is to equate ability of play to being a disrespectful asshat on the course by blaring your music, but whatever!

    • KK

      Mar 4, 2017 at 5:56 am

      What does ability have to do with being forced to hear someone else’s music? I’m sure you wouldn’t want someone to blast music from his phone as you’re shopping in a store or eating in a restaurant.

  30. marmooskapaul

    Mar 2, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    Don’t like music on the course…and most likely, I hate your choice of music…what could go wrong??

  31. Jamie

    Mar 2, 2017 at 11:59 am

    I played at TPC myrtle beach a few years back, had the pleasure of playing behind the new number 1 player in the world. I think all 18 holes could hear Biggie Smalls, and Snoop for 4 hours. i personally loved it, but can see why others hate it

  32. Progolfer

    Mar 2, 2017 at 11:53 am

    I’m regaining faith in GolfWrx commenters. It seems like we all agree that playing music on the course should be banned. Being at peace and surrounded in nature is a lost art these days…

  33. SlapHappy

    Mar 2, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Ban it ban it ban it

  34. Double Mocha Man

    Mar 2, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Music on the golf course is already there. Brooks gurggling, birds chirping, wind blowing (hopefully softly).

    • Progolfer

      Mar 2, 2017 at 11:48 am

      +1

    • Bob

      Mar 3, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Exactly Mocha Man. That’s one of the reasons I love golf, being out in nature. I don’t play golf at a Rave. so please don’t bring the Rave to the course.

  35. Chris

    Mar 2, 2017 at 10:57 am

    I loathe music on the course. Ran into it a couple times. First group didnt give a crap how loud it was or who they were bothering. 2nd group was more mindful (turning it way down around greens and nearby t boxes). Both times it was equally as distracting. Drive around town with your crap blaring if you wanna listen to music, dont play golf.

    • BigKid

      Mar 2, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      Sounds like you’re a headcase. What do you do when a house on the course is having a party and have music blaring? I agree with others that music should be done respectfully (turning the volume down when others are around). But it sounds like you need to clear the mechanism and stop blaming rhythm and harmony for your poor play.

  36. Brian

    Mar 2, 2017 at 10:48 am

    This is my BIGGEST pet peeve in golf right now, I absolutely hate this trend. I’ve literally gotten into multiple arguments with clowns playing music on the course. I dont get it, never will, I HATE music on the golf course. Call me old fashioned but if I wanted to hear your music I wouldnt be on a golf course.

    • J

      Mar 2, 2017 at 5:37 pm

      Make sure to tell them to get off your lawn too

    • Steve

      Mar 2, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      You’re old fashioned.

    • alan

      Mar 2, 2017 at 10:20 pm

      poor baby. unless a course prohibits music, im not sure what your argument could be, hopefully the “clowns” youre arguing with continue to be more mature than yourself or youre likely to walk off with a black eye one of these days. ciao

      • Mg

        Jun 30, 2019 at 3:31 pm

        @Alan Do you make a habit of doing unnecessary things on golf courses that distract and annoy people who have paid hard-earned money to play?

  37. Scott

    Mar 2, 2017 at 10:16 am

    Nick, I 100% disagree with the no head phones comment. Not everyone wants to hear your taste in music. Even at low volumes, music tends to carry at a number of courses, especially courses in subdivisions. It is sometimes hard to ignore. I can be too much of a mental midget, I get distracted and want to know what music is being played. If you want to listen to music, just use your headphones and make everyone happy.

  38. Philip

    Mar 2, 2017 at 10:10 am

    So your saying as far as one listening to music that they should be respectful to those around them and use some common sense … didn’t realize that these concepts are so foreign that the obvious needs to be said … since it did need to be said it is clear what will happen – people will be self centered and totally ignore others, starting a rash of iron sword fights across the fairways and greens and the rise of battle golf – better dig out that hockey/football gear before heading to the links – just in case :o)

  39. Steve

    Mar 2, 2017 at 9:58 am

    You’re outdoors surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. What more do you need.

  40. Barry

    Mar 2, 2017 at 9:18 am

    Clear violation of USGA rules here…

  41. birdie

    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:58 am

    the only issue i have with this is the pretense that the more expensive the round the more likely your music will be frowned upon. as if music on the course is reserved to the low class goat track hackers….If anything, i’ve seen many of the private club members be perfectly ok with and encourage music as long as you’re respectful and following the other rules mentioned.

    Music should be heard in the cart while you’re driving from shot to shot. you don’t need to be rocking out to anything while standing on the tee bed and your cart is 20-30 yds away.

    • M

      Mar 2, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Agree with this. Out on the west coast most people at high end clubs that have their own golf carts have speakers and a head unit installed in their cart. No one cares and everyone enjoys it. Usually a variety of music (I agree with more calm beat) works great.

      • Steve

        Mar 2, 2017 at 5:07 pm

        “No one cares and everyone enjoys it.”

        Two questions:

        1. If no one cares how can everyone enjoy it?
        2. Do you really speak for everyone?

  42. carl spackler

    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:44 am

    or you could just play golf in silence and enjoy being outdoors, you dont have to be constantly entertained and stimulated.

  43. Jack

    Mar 2, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Yeah but music in a foursome? That’s not in good taste. You can wear earbuds but just in one ear. Don’t use speakers. Someone will hear it.

  44. LaBraeGolfer

    Mar 2, 2017 at 7:58 am

    Played some music for the first time on the golf course a couple days ago. I was playing by myself and made sure the music wasn’t a distraction to others around me. I listened to country which is what I love, but I think it helped me maintain some tempo. Often times when I play by myself I tend to play incredibly fast like I have played 18 in 1:15 fast with no one stopping me. What can I say I just can’t wait to hit the next shot.

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open betting preview

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As the Florida swing comes to an end, the PGA Tour makes its way to Houston to play the Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course.

This will be the fourth year that Memorial Park Golf Course will serve as the tournament host. The event did not take place in 2023, but the course hosted the event in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Memorial Park is a par-70 layout measuring 7,432 yards and features Bermudagrass greens. Historically, the main defense for the course has been thick rough along the fairways and tightly mown runoff areas around the greens. Memorial Park has a unique setup that features three Par 5’s and five Par 3’s.

The field will consist of 132 players, with the top 65 and ties making the cut. There are some big names making the trip to Houston, including Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Tony Finau, Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala.

Past Winners at Memorial Park

  • 2022: Tony Finau (-16)
  • 2021: Jason Kokrak (-10)
  • 2020: Carlos Ortiz (-13)

In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value). 

Key Stats For Memorial Park

Let’s take a look at several metrics for Memorial Park to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds:

Strokes Gained: Approach

Memorial Park is a pretty tough golf course. Golfers are penalized for missing greens and face some difficult up and downs to save par. Approach will be key.

Total Strokes Gained: Approach per round in past 24 rounds:

  1. Tom Hoge (+1.30)
  2. Scottie Scheffler (+1.26)
  3. Keith Mitchell (+0.97) 
  4. Tony Finau (+0.92)
  5. Jake Knapp (+0.84)

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Memorial Park is a long golf course with rough that can be penal. Therefore, a combination of distance and accuracy is the best metric.

Total Strokes Gained: Off the Tee per round in past 24 rounds:

  1. Scottie Scheffler (+0.94)
  2. Kevin Dougherty (+0.93)
  3. Cameron Champ (+0.86)
  4. Rafael Campos (+0.84)
  5. Si Woo Kim (+0.70)

Strokes Gained Putting: Bermudagrass + Fast

The Bermudagrass greens played fairly fast the past few years in Houston. Jason Kokrak gained 8.7 strokes putting on his way to victory in 2021 and Tony Finau gained in 7.8 in 2022.

Total Strokes Gained Putting (Bermudagrass) per round past 24 rounds (min. 8 rounds):

  1. Adam Svensson (+1.27)
  2. Harry Hall (+1.01)
  3. Martin Trainer (+0.94)
  4. Taylor Montgomery (+0.88)
  5. S.H. Kim (+0.86)

Strokes Gained: Around the Green

With firm and undulating putting surfaces, holding the green on approach shots may prove to be a challenge. Memorial Park has many tightly mowed runoff areas, so golfers will have challenging up-and-down’s around the greens. Carlos Ortiz gained 5.7 strokes around the green on the way to victory in 2020.

Total Strokes Gained: Around the Green per round in past 24 rounds:

  1. Mackenzie Hughes (+0.76)
  2. S.H. Kim (+0.68)
  3. Scottie Scheffler (+0.64)
  4. Jorge Campillo (+0.62)
  5. Jason Day (+0.60)

Strokes Gained: Long and Difficult

Memorial Park is a long and difficult golf course. This statistic will incorporate players who’ve had success on these types of tracks in the past. 

Total Strokes Gained: Long and Difficult in past 24 rounds:

  1. Scottie Scheffler (+2.45)
  2. Ben Griffin (+1.75)
  3. Will Zalatoris (+1.73)
  4. Ben Taylor (+1.53)
  5. Tony Finau (+1.42)

Course History

Here are the players who have performed the most consistently at Memorial Park. 

Strokes Gained Total at Memorial Park past 12 rounds:

  1. Tyson Alexander (+3.65)
  2. Ben Taylor (+3.40)
  3. Tony Finau (+2.37)
  4. Joel Dahmen (+2.25)
  5. Patton Kizzire (+2.16)

Statistical Model

Below, I’ve reported overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed.

These rankings are comprised of SG: App (24%) SG: OTT (24%); SG: Putting Bermudagrass/Fast (13%); SG: Long and Difficult (13%); SG: ARG (13%) and Course History (13%)

  1. Scottie Scheffler
  2. Wyndham Clark
  3. Tony Finau
  4. Joel Dahmen
  5. Stephan Jaeger 
  6. Aaron Rai
  7. Sahith Theegala
  8. Keith Mitchell 
  9. Jhonnatan Vegas
  10. Jason Day
  11. Kurt Kitayama
  12. Alex Noren
  13. Will Zalatoris
  14. Si Woo Kim
  15. Adam Long

2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open Picks

Will Zalatoris +2000 (Caesars)

Scottie Scheffler will undoubtedly be difficult to beat this week, so I’m starting my card with someone who I believe has the talent to beat him if he doesn’t have his best stuff.

Will Zalatoris missed the cut at the PLAYERS, but still managed to gain strokes on approach while doing so. In an unpredictable event with extreme variance, I don’t believe it would be wise to discount Zalatoris based on that performance. Prior to The PLAYERS, the 27-year-old finished T13, T2 and T4 in his previous three starts.

Zalatoris plays his best golf on long and difficult golf courses. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the category, but the eye test also tells a similar story. He’s contended at major championships and elevated events in the best of fields with tough scoring conditions.  The Texas resident should be a perfect fit at Memorial Park Golf Club.

Alex Noren +4500 (FanDuel)

Alex Noren has been quietly playing some of his best golf of the last half decade this season. The 41-year-old is coming off back-to-back top-20 finishes in Florida including a T9 at The PLAYERS in his most recent start.

In his past 24 rounds, Noren ranks 21st in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, 30th in Strokes Gained: Around the Green, 25th in Strokes Gained: Total on long and difficult courses and 21st in Strokes Gained: Putting on fast Bermudagrass greens.

In addition to his strong recent play, the Swede also has played well at Memorial Park. In 2022, Noren finished T4 at the event, gaining 2.2 strokes off the tee and 7.0 strokes on approach for the week. In his two starts at the course, he’s gained an average of .6 strokes per round on the field, indicating he is comfortable on these greens.

Noren has been due for a win for what feels like an eternity, but Memorial Park may be the course that suits him well enough for him to finally get his elusive first PGA Tour victory.

Mackenzie Hughes +8000 (FanDuel)

Mackenzie Hughes found himself deep into contention at last week’s Valspar Championship before faltering late and finishing in a tie for 3rd place. While he would have loved to win the event, it’s hard to see the performance as anything other than an overwhelming positive sign for the Canadian.

Hughes has played great golf at Memorial Park in the past. He finished T7 in 2020, T29 in 2021 and T16 in 2022. The course fit seems to be quite strong for Hughes. He’s added distance off the tee in the past year or and ranks 8th in the field for apex height, which will be a key factor when hitting into Memorial Park’s elevated greens with steep run-off areas.

In his past 24 rounds, Hughes is the best player in the field in Strokes Gained: Around the Greens. The ability to scramble at this course will be extremely important. I believe Hughes can build off of his strong finish last week and contend once again to cement himself as a President’s Cup consideration.

Akshay Bhatia +8000 (FanDuel)

Akshay Bhatia played well last week at the Valspar and seemed to be in total control of his golf ball. He finished in a tie for 17th and shot an impressive -3 on a difficult Sunday. After struggling Thursday, Akshay shot 68-70-68 in his next three rounds.

Thus far, Bhatia has played better at easier courses, but his success at Copperhead may be due to his game maturing. The 22-year-old has enormous potential and the raw talent to be one of the best players in the world when he figures it all out.

Bhatia is a high upside play with superstar qualities and may just take the leap forward to the next stage of his career in the coming months.

Cameron Champ +12000 (FanDuel)

Cameron Champ is a player I often target in the outright betting market due to his “boom-or-bust” nature. It’s hard to think of a player in recent history with three PGA Tour wins who’s been as inconsistent as Champ has over the course of his career.

Despite the erratic play, Cam Champ simply knows how to win. He’s won in 2018, 2019 and 2021, so I feel he’s due for a win at some point this season. The former Texas A&M product should be comfortable in Texas and last week he showed us that his game is in a pretty decent spot.

Over his past 24 rounds, Champ ranks 3rd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 30th in Strokes Gained: Total on long and difficult courses. Given his ability to spike at any given time, Memorial Park is a good golf course to target Champ on at triple digit odds.

Robert MacIntyre +12000 (FanDuel)

The challenge this week is finding players who can possibly beat Scottie Scheffler while also not dumping an enormous amount of money into an event that has a player at the top that looks extremely dangerous. Enter McIntyre, who’s another boom-or-bust type player who has the ceiling to compete with anyone when his game is clicking on all cylinders.

In his past 24 rounds, MacIntyre ranks 16th in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, 17th in Strokes Gained: Around the Green and 10th in Strokes Gained: Total on long and difficult courses.

MacIntyre’s PGA Tour season has gotten off to a slow start, but he finished T6 in Mexico, which is a course where players will hit driver on the majority of their tee shots, which is what we will see at Memorial Park. Texas can also get quite windy, which should suit MacIntyre. Last July, the Scot went toe to toe with Rory McIlroy at the Scottish Open before a narrow defeat. It would take a similar heroic effort to compete with Scheffler this year in Houston.

Ryan Moore +15000 (FanDuel)

Ryan Moore’s iron play has been absolutely unconscious over his past few starts. At The PLAYERS Championship in a loaded field, he gained 6.1 strokes on approach and last week at Copperhead, he gained 9.0 strokes on approach.

It’s been a rough handful of years on Tour for the 41-year-old, but he is still a five-time winner on the PGA Tour who’s young enough for a career resurgence. Moore has chronic deterioration in a costovertebral joint that connects the rib to the spine, but has been getting more consistent of late, which is hopefully a sign that he is getting healthy.

Veterans have been contending in 2024 and I believe taking a flier on a proven Tour play who’s shown signs of life is a wise move at Memorial Park.

 

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Opinion & Analysis

Ryan: Why the race to get better at golf might be doing more harm than good

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B.F. Skinner was one of the most important psychologists of the 20th century, developing the foundation of the development of reinforcement, and in doing so, creating the concept of behaviorism. In simple terms, this means that we are conditioned by our habits. In practical terms, it explains the divide between the few and far between elite instructors and college coaches.

To understand the application, let’s quickly review one of B.F. Skinner’s most important experiments; superstitions in the formation of behavior by pigeons. In this experiment, food was dispensed to pigeons at random intervals. Soon, according to Skinner, the pigeons began to associate whatever action they were doing at the time of the food being dispensed. According to Skinner, this conditioned that response and soon, they simply haphazardly repeated the action, failing to distinguish between cause and correlation (and in the meantime, looking really funny!).

Now, this is simply the best way to describe the actions of most every women’s college golf coach and too many instructors in America. They see something work, get positive feedback and then become conditioned to give the feedback, more and more, regardless of if it works (this is also why tips from your buddies never work!).

Go to a college event, particularly a women’s one, and you will see coaches running all over the place. Like the pigeons in the experiment, they have been conditioned into a codependent relationship with their players in which they believe their words and actions, can transform a round of golf. It is simply hilarious while being equally perturbing

In junior golf, it’s everywhere. Junior golf academies make a living selling parents that a hysterical coach and over-coaching are essential ingredients in your child’s success.

Let’s be clear, no one of any intellect has any real interest in golf — because it’s not that interesting. The people left, including most coaches and instructors, carve out a small fiefdom, usually on the corner of the range, where they use the illusion of competency to pray on people. In simple terms, they baffle people with the bullshit of pseudo-science that they can make you better, after just one more lesson.

The reality is that life is an impromptu game. The world of golf, business, and school have a message that the goal is being right. This, of course, is bad advice, being right in your own mind is easy, trying to push your ideas on others is hard. As a result, it is not surprising that the divorce rate among golf professionals and their instructors is 100 percent. The transfer rate among college players continues to soar, and too many courses have a guy peddling nefarious science to good people. In fact, we do at my course!

The question is, what impact does all this have on college-age and younger kids? At this point, we honestly don’t know. However, I am going to go out on a limb and say it isn’t good.

Soren Kierkegaard once quipped “I saw it for what it is, and I laughed.” The actions of most coaches and instructors in America are laughable. The problem is that I am not laughing because they are doing damage to kids, as well as driving good people away from this game.

The fact is that golfers don’t need more tips, secrets, or lessons. They need to be presented with a better understanding of the key elements of golf. With this understanding, they can then start to frame which information makes sense and what doesn’t. This will emancipate them and allow them to take charge of their own development.

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 Valspar Championship betting preview: Elite ballstrikers to thrive at Copperhead

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The PGA TOUR will stay in Florida this week for the 2024 Valspar Championship.

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is a par 71 measuring 7,340 yards and features Bermudagrass greens overseeded with POA. Infamous for its difficulty, the track will be a tough test for golfers as trouble lurks all over the place. Holes 16, 17 and 18 — also known as the “Snake Pit” — make up one of the toughest three-hole stretches in golf and should lead to a captivating finish on Sunday.

The field is comprised of 156 golfers teeing it up. The field this week is solid and is a major improvement over last year’s field that felt the impact of players skipping due to a handful of “signature events” in a short span of time. 

Past Winners at Valspar Championship

  • 2023: Taylor Moore (-10)
  • 2022: Sam Burns (-17)
  • 2021: Sam Burns (-17)
  • 2019: Paul Casey (-8)
  • 2018: Paul Casey (-10)
  • 2017: Adam Hadwin (-14)
  • 2016: Charl Schwartzel (-7)
  • 2015: Jordan Spieth (-10)

In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value). 

Key Stats For Copperhead

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Approach grades out as the most important statistic once again this week. Copperhead really can’t be overpowered and is a second-shot golf course.

Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds (per round)

  1. Tony Finau (+.90)
  2. Nick Taylor (+.81)
  3. Justin Thomas (+.77)
  4. Greyson Sigg (+.69)
  5. Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+.67)

2. Good Drive %

The long hitters can be a bit limited here due to the tree-lined fairways and penal rough. Playing from the fairways will be important, but laying back too far will cause some difficult approaches with firm greens that may not hold shots from long irons.

Golfers who have a good balance of distance and accuracy have the best chance this week.

Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Brice Garnett (+91.3%) 
  2. Zach Johnson (+91.1%)
  3. Sam Ryder (+90.5%)
  4. Ryan Moore (+90.4%)
  5. Aaron Rai (+89.7%)

3. Strokes Gained: Ball Striking

Adding ball-striking puts even more of a premium on tee-to-green prowess in the statistical model this week. Golfers who rank highly in ball-striking are in total control of the golf ball which is exceedingly important at Copperhead.

SG: Ball Striking Over Past 24 Rounds:

  1. Xander Schauffele (+1.32)
  2. Keith Mitchell (+1.29)
  3. Tony Finau (+1.24)
  4. Cameron Young (+1.17) 
  5. Doug Ghim (+.95)

4. Bogey Avoidance

With the conditions likely to be difficult, avoiding bogeys will be crucial this week. In a challenging event like the Valspar, oftentimes the golfer who is best at avoiding mistakes ends up on top.

Gritty golfers who can grind out difficult pars have a much better chance in an event like this than a low-scoring birdie-fest.

Bogey Avoidance Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Brice Garnett (+9.0)
  2. Xander Schauffele (+9.3)
  3. Austin Cook (+9.7) 
  4. Chesson Hadley (+10.0)
  5. Greyson Sigg (+10.2)

5. Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions

Conditions will be tough this week at Copperhead. I am looking for golfers who can rise to the occasion if the course plays as difficult as it has in the past.

Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions Over Past 24 rounds

  1. Xander Schauffele (+1,71) 
  2. Min Woo Lee (+1.39)
  3. Cameron Young (+1.27)
  4. Jordan Spieth (+1.08)
  5. Justin Suh (+.94)

6. Course History

That statistic will tell us which players have played well at Copperhead in the past.

Course History Over Past 24 rounds

  1. Patrick Cantlay (+3.75) 
  2. Sam Burns (+2.49)
  3. Davis Riley (+2.33)
  4. Matt NeSmith (+2.22)
  5. Jordan Spieth (+2.04)

The Valspar Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), Good Drive % (15%), SG: BS (20%), Bogeys Avoided (13%), Course History (13%) Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions (12%).

  1. Xander Schauffele
  2. Doug Ghim
  3. Victor Perez
  4. Greyson Sigg
  5. Ryan Moore
  6. Tony Finau
  7. Justin Thomas
  8. Sam Ryder
  9. Sam Burns
  10. Lucas Glover

2024 Valspar Championship Picks

Justin Thomas +1400 (DraftKings)

Justin Thomas will be disappointed with his finish at last week’s PLAYERS Championship, as the past champion missed the cut despite being in some decent form heading into the event. Despite the missed cut, JT hit the ball really well. In his two rounds, the two-time major champion led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach per round.

Thomas has been up and down this season. He’s missed the cut in two “signature events” but also has finishes of T12 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, T12 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, T6 at the Pebble Beach AT&T Pro-Am and T3 at the American Express. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking in the field.

Thomas loves Copperhead. In his last three tries at the course, he’s finished T13, T3 and T10. Thomas would have loved to get a win at a big event early in the season, but avoidable mistakes and a balky putter have cost him dearly. I believe a trip to a course he loves in a field he should be able to capitalize on is the right recipe for JT to right the ship.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout +6000 (FanDuel)

Christiaan Bezuidenhout is playing spectacular golf in the 2024 season. He finished 2nd at the American Express, T20 at Pebble Beach and T24 at the Genesis Invitational before finishing T13 at last week’s PLAYERS Championship.

In his past 24 rounds, the South African ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and 26th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. Bezuidenhout managed to work his way around TPC Sawgrass last week with minimal damage. He only made five bogeys in the entire week, which is a great sign heading into a difficult Copperhead this week.

Bezuidenhout is winless in his PGA Tour career, but certainly has the talent to win on Tour. His recent iron play tells me that this week could be a breakthrough for the 35-year-old who has eyes on the President’s Cup.

Doug Ghim +8000 (FanDuel)

Doug Ghim has finished in the top-16 of his past five starts. Most recently, Ghim finished T16 at The PLAYERS Championship in a loaded field.

In his past 24 rounds, Ghim ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 5th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. In terms of his fit for Copperhead, the 27-year-old ranks 12th in Bogey Avoidance and 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions, making him a great fit for the course.

Ghim has yet to win on Tour, but at one point he was the top ranked Amateur golfer in the world and played in the 2017 Arnold Palmer Cup and 2017 Walker Cup. He then won the Ben Hogan award for the best male college golfer in 2018. He certainly has the talent, and there are signals aplenty that his talent in ready to take him to the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour.

Sepp Straka +8000 (BetRivers)

Sepp Straka is a player who’s shown he has the type of game that can translate to a difficult Florida golf course. The former Presidents Cup participant won the 2022 Honda Classic in tough conditions and should thrive with a similar test at Copperhead.

It’s been a slow 2024 for Straka, but his performance last week at the PLAYERS Championship surely provides some optimism. He gained 5.4 strokes on approach as well as 1.88 strokes off the tee. The tee-to-green game Straka showed on a course with plenty of danger demonstrates that he can stay in control of his golf ball this week.

It’s possible that the strong performance last week was an outlier, but I’m willing to bet on a proven winner in a weaker field at a great number.

Victor Perez +12000 (FanDuel)

Victor Perez is no stranger to success in professional golf. The Frenchman has three DP World Tour wins including a Rolex Series event. He won the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, as well as the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which are some big events.

Perez earned his PGA Tour card this season and enters the week playing some fantastic golf. He finished in a tie for 16th in Florida at the Cognizant Classic and then tied for third in his most recent start at the Puerto Rico Open.

In his past 24 rounds in the field, Perez ranks 11th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 1oth in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, 6th in Good Drive % and 15th in Bogey Avoidance.

Perez comes in as a perfect fit for Copperhead and offers serious value at triple-digit odds.

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