Opinion & Analysis
5 Things Not to Do When Bringing Music to the Golf Course
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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Of all the clubs in our bags, wedges are almost always the simplest in construction and, therefore, the easiest to analyze what might make one work differently from another if you know what to look for.
Wedges are a lot less mysterious than drivers, of course, as the major brands are working with a lot of “pixie dust” inside these modern marvels. That’s carrying over more to irons now, with so many new models featuring internal multi-material technologies, and almost all of them having a “badge” or insert in the back to allow more complex graphics while hiding the actual distribution of mass.
But when it comes to wedges, most on the market today are still single pieces of molded steel, either cast or forged into that shape. So, if you look closely at where the mass is distributed, it’s pretty clear how that wedge is going to perform.
To start, because of their wider soles, the majority of the mass of almost any wedge is along the bottom third of the clubhead. So, the best wedge shots are always those hit between the 2nd and 5th grooves so that more mass is directly behind that impact. Elite tour professionals practice incessantly to learn to do that consistently, wearing out a spot about the size of a penny right there. If impact moves higher than that, the face is dramatically thinner, so smash factor is compromised significantly, which reduces the overall distance the ball will fly.
Every one of us, tour players included, knows that maddening shot that we feel a bit high on the face and it doesn’t go anywhere, it’s not your fault.
If your wedges show a wear pattern the size of a silver dollar, and centered above the 3rd or 4th groove, you are not getting anywhere near the same performance from shot to shot. Robot testing proves impact even two to three grooves higher in the face can cause distance loss of up to 35 to 55 feet with modern ‘tour design’ wedges.
In addition, as impact moves above the center of mass, the golf club principle of gear effect causes the ball to fly higher with less spin. Think of modern drivers for a minute. The “holy grail” of driving is high launch and low spin, and the driver engineers are pulling out all stops to get the mass as low in the clubhead as possible to optimize this combination.
Where is all the mass in your wedges? Low. So, disregarding the higher lofts, wedges “want” to launch the ball high with low spin – exactly the opposite of what good wedge play requires penetrating ball flight with high spin.
While almost all major brand wedges have begun putting a tiny bit more thickness in the top portion of the clubhead, conventional and modern ‘tour design’ wedges perform pretty much like they always have. Elite players learn to hit those crisp, spinny penetrating wedge shots by spending lots of practice time learning to consistently make contact low in the face.
So, what about grooves and face texture?
Grooves on any club can only do so much, and no one has any material advantage here. The USGA tightly defines what we manufacturers can do with grooves and face texture, and modern manufacturing techniques allow all of us to push those limits ever closer. And we all do. End of story.
Then there’s the topic of bounce and grinds, the most complex and confusing part of the wedge formula. Many top brands offer a complex array of sole configurations, all of them admittedly specialized to a particular kind of lie or turf conditions, and/or a particular divot pattern.
But if you don’t play the same turf all the time, and make the same size divot on every swing, how would you ever figure this out?
The only way is to take any wedge you are considering and play it a few rounds, hitting all the shots you face and observing the results. There’s simply no other way.
So, hopefully this will inspire a lively conversation in our comments section, and I’ll chime in to answer any questions you might have.
And next week, I’ll dive into the rest of the wedge formula. Yes, shafts, grips and specifications are essential, too.
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Golf's Perfect Imperfections
Golf’s Perfect Imperfections: Amazing Session with Performance Coach Savannah Meyer-Clement
In this week’s episode, we spent some time with performance coach Savannah Meyer-Clement who provides many useful insights that you’ll be able to implement on the golf course.
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 RBC Heritage betting preview: Patrick Cantlay ready to get back inside winner’s circle
Just a two-hour drive from Augusta National, the PGA TOUR heads to Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise and Harbour Town is one of the most beautiful and scenic courses on the PGA TOUR.
Harbour Town Golf Links is a par-71 that measures 7,121 yards and features Bermuda grass greens. A Pete Dye design, the course is heavily tree lined and features small greens and many dog legs, protecting it from “bomb-and-gauge” type golfers.
The field is loaded this week with 69 golfers with no cut. Last year was quite possibly the best field in RBC Heritage history and the event this week is yet another designated event, meaning there is a $20 million prize pool.
Most of the big names on the PGA Tour will be in attendance this week with the exceptions of Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland. Additionally, Webb Simpson, Shane Lowry, Gary Woodland and Kevin Kisner have been granted sponsors exemptions.
Past Winners at Harbour Town
- 2023: Matt Fitzpatrick (-17)
- 2022: Jordan Spieth (-13)
- 2021: Stewart Cink (-19)
- 2020: Webb Simpson (-22)
- 2019: CT Pan (-12)
- 2018: Sotoshi Kodaira (-12)
- 2017: Wesley Bryan (-13)
- 2016: Branden Grace (-9)
- 2015: Jim Furyk (-18)
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 Harbour Town
Let’s take a look at key metrics for Harbour Town Golf Links to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach is exceedingly important this week. The greens at Harbour Town are about half the size of PGA TOUR average and feature the second-smallest greens on the tour. Typical of a Pete Dye design, golfers will pay the price for missed greens.
Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.27)
- Tom Hoge (+1.27)
- Corey Conners (+1.16)
- Austin Eckroat (+0.95)
- Cameron Young (+0.93)
Good Drive %
The fairways at Harbour Town are tree lined and feature many dog legs. Bombers tend to struggle at the course because it forces layups and doesn’t allow long drivers to overpower it. Accuracy is far more important than power.
Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds
- Brice Garnett (88.8%)
- Shane Lowry (+87.2%)
- Akshay Bhatia (+86.0%)
- Si Woo Kim (+85.8%)
- Sepp Straka (+85.1%)
Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye Designs
Pete Dye specialists tend to play very well at Harbour Town. Si Woo Kim, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and Webb Simpson are all Pete Dye specialists who have had great success here. It is likely we see some more specialists near the top of the leaderboard this week.
SG: TOT Pete Dye per round over past 36 rounds:
- Xander Schauffele (+2.27)
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.24)
- Ludvig Aberg (+2.11)
- Brian Harman (+1.89)
- Sungjae Im (+1.58)
4. Strokes Gained: Short Game (Bermuda)
Strokes Gained: Short Game factors in both around the green and putting. With many green-side bunkers and tricky green complexes, both statistics will be important. Past winners — such as Jim Furyk, Wes Bryan and Webb Simpson — highlight how crucial the short game skill set is around Harbour Town.
SG: SG Over Past 24 Rounds
- Jordan Spieth (+1.11)
- Taylor Moore (+1.02)
- Wyndham Clark (+0.98)
- Mackenzie Hughes (+0.86)
- Andrew Putnam (+0.83)
5. Greens in Regulation %
The recipe for success at Harbour Town Golf Links is hitting fairways and greens. Missing either will prove to be consequential — golfers must be in total control of the ball to win.
Greens in Regulation % over past 24 rounds:
- Brice Garnett (+75.0%)
- Scottie Scheffler (+69.9%)
- Corey Conners (+69.0%)
- Shane Lowry (+68.3%)
- Patrick Rodgers (+67.6%)
6. Course History
Harbour Town is a course where players who have strong past results at the course always tend to pop up.
Course History over past 24 rounds:
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.34)
- Cam Davis (+2.05)
- J.T. Poston (+1.69)
- Justin Rose (+1.68)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+1.59)
The RBC Heritage Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (24%), Good Drives (20%), SG: SG (14%), SG: Pete Dye (14%), GIR (14%), and Course History (14%)
- Shane Lowry
- Russell Henley
- Scottie Scheffler
- Xander Schauffele
- Corey Conners
- Wyndham Clark
- Christiaan Bezuidenhout
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Cameron Young
- Ludvig Aberg
2024 RBC Heritage Picks
Patrick Cantlay +2000 (FanDuel)
With the exception of Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour has yet to have any of their star players show peak form during the 2024 season. Last week, Patrick Cantlay, who I believe is a top-5 players on the PGA Tour, took one step closer to regaining the form that’s helped him win eight events on Tour since 2017.
Cantlay limped into the Masters in poor form, but figured it out at Augusta National, finishing in a tie for 20th and ranking 17th for the week in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. The former FedEx Cup champion will now head to one of his favorite golf courses in Harbour Town, where he’s had immaculate results over the years. In his six trips to the course, he’s only finished worse than 7th one time. The other finishes include three third places (2017, 2019, 2023) and one runner-up finish (2022). In his past 36 rounds at Harbour Town, Cantlay ranks 1st in Strokes Gained: Total per round at the course by a wide margin (+2.36).
Cantlay is winless since the 2022 BMW Championship, which is far too long for a player of his caliber. With signs pointing to the 32-year-old returning to form, a “signature event” at Harbour Town is just what he needs to get back on the winning track.
Tommy Fleetwood +3000 (FanDuel)
I truly believe Tommy Fleetwood will figure out a way to win on American soil in 2024. It’s certainly been a bugaboo for him throughout his career, but he is simply too talented to go another season without winning a PGA Tour event.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, Fleetwood made a Sunday charge and ended up finishing T3 in the event, which was his best ever finish at The Masters. For the week, the Englishman ranked 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 10th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking and 16th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is a perfect layout for Fleetwood, and he’s had relative success at this Pete Dye design in the past. In his four trips to the course, he’s finished inside of the top 25 three times, with his best finish, T10, coming in 2022. The course is pretty short and can’t be overpowered, which gives an advantage to more accurate players such as Fleetwood. Tommy ranks 8th in the field in Good Drive % and should be able to plot his way along this golf course.
The win is coming for Tommy lad. I believe there’s a chance this treasure of a golf course may be the perfect one for him to finally break through on Tour.
Cameron Young +3300 (FanDuel)
Cameron Young had a solid Masters Tournament last week, which is exactly what I’m looking for in players who I anticipate playing well this week at the RBC Heritage. He finished in a tie for 9th, but never felt the pressure of contending in the event. For the week, Young ranked 6th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Despite being one of the longest players off the tee on the PGA Tour, Young has actually played some really good golf on shorter tracks. He finished T3 at Harbour Town in 2023 and ranks 20th in the field in Good Drive% and 16th in Greens in Regulation in his past 24 rounds. He also has strong finishes at other shorter courses that can take driver out of a players hand such as Copperhead and PGA National.
Young is simply one of the best players on the PGA Tour in 2024, and I strongly believe has what it takes to win a PGA Tour event in the very near future.
Corey Conners +5500 (FanDuel)
Corey Conners has had a disappointing year thus far on the PGA Tour, but absolutely loves Harbour Town.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, the Canadian finished T30 but ranked 20th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach. In his past 24 rounds, Conners ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 3rd in Greens in Regulation % and 24th in Good Drive %.
In Conners’ last four trips to Harbour Town, his worst finish was T31, last season. He finished T4 in 2021, T12 in 2022 and ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course over his past 36 rounds.
Conners hasn’t been contending, but his recent finishes have been encouraging as he has finished in the top-25 in each of his past three starts prior to The Masters, including an impressive T13 at The PLAYERS. His recent improvement in ball striking as well as his suitability for Harbour Town makes Conners a high upside bet this week.
Shane Lowry (+7500) (FanDuel)
When these odds were posted after Lowry was announced in the field, I have to admit I was pretty stunned. Despite not offering much win equity on the PGA Tour over the last handful of years, Shane Lowry is still a top caliber player who has the ability to rise to the top of a signature event.
Lowry struggled to score at The Masters last week, but he actually hit the ball really well. The Irishman ranked 1st for Strokes Gained: Approach on the week and 7th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. As usual, it was the putter that let him down, as he ranked 60th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is most definitely one of Lowry’s favorite courses on the PGA Tour. In his six starts there, he’s finished in the top 10 three times, including third twice. Lowry is sensational at Pete Dye designs and ranks 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in his past 36 rounds on Dye tracks.
Lowry is perfect for Harbour Town. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 5th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 2nd in Good Drive% and 5th in Green in Regulation %. If he figures it out on the greens, Shane could have his first win in America since 2015.
Lucas Glover +12000 (FanDuel)
This is one of my weekly “bet the number” plays as I strongly believe the odds are just too long for a player of Glover’s caliber. The odds have been too long on Glover for a few weeks now, but this is the first event that I can get behind the veteran being able to actually contend at.
Glover is quietly playing good golf and returning to the form he had after the understandable regression after his two massive victories at the end of 2023. He finished T20 at The Masters, which was his best ever finish at Augusta National. For the week, Lucas ranked 18th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 20th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Over his past 24 rounds, Glover ranks 9th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th in Good Drive %. Harbour Town is a short course that the 44-year-old will be able to keep up with the top players on Tour off the tee. He’s played the course more than 20 times, with mixed results. His best finishes at Harbour Town include a T7 in 2008, but recently has a finish of T21 in 2020.
Glover has proven he can contend with the stars of the Tour on any given week, and this number is flat out disrespectful.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Barry
Mar 4, 2017 at 9:29 am
Great point! Totally agree
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
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.
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…..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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….
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
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..
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.
Ron
Mar 3, 2017 at 9:03 am
+1
Brian
Mar 2, 2017 at 8:07 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
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).
Tom
Mar 3, 2017 at 11:03 am
Bingo! winner winner
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.
Mark
Mar 2, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Music has no place on the course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Mike Honcho
Mar 2, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Shooter. See just thinking about the music on the course got me distracted.
Scott
Mar 6, 2017 at 12:37 pm
+1
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.
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??
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
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…
SlapHappy
Mar 2, 2017 at 11:12 am
Ban it ban it ban it
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.
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.
Chris
Mar 2, 2017 at 1:21 pm
LOL, whatever
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?
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.
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)
Steve
Mar 2, 2017 at 9:58 am
You’re outdoors surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. What more do you need.
birdie
Mar 3, 2017 at 8:46 am
tom petty always helps
Barry
Mar 2, 2017 at 9:18 am
Clear violation of USGA rules here…
Double Mocha Man
Mar 2, 2017 at 11:31 am
Not the new, more relaxed, rules. 🙂
Art
Mar 3, 2017 at 4:28 pm
I was waiting for that! 😀
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?
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.
birdie
Mar 2, 2017 at 8:58 am
get off my lawn!!!
Scott
Mar 2, 2017 at 10:08 am
+1
Tom
Mar 2, 2017 at 10:30 am
that’s scary stuff for city folk
birdie
Mar 3, 2017 at 8:45 am
wait, so country folk don’t like music or something?
Tom
Mar 3, 2017 at 11:06 am
lol…. country mouse(s)love proper tunes.
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.
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.
Tom
Mar 2, 2017 at 10:33 am
geez! 15 min a hole…shazaam!