Music on the Course - Rules

Was wondering if it is against the rules to play (on the PGA Tour) with headphones in and listening to music.  Normally I wouldn't consider doing this but the difference between my putting on the practice green and during play are 180 deg. polar opposites.  When I practice putting I listen to my ipod and it definitely helps me relax.  I just go out there and drain putts; not the same result on the course.  I've also practice putting w/o music and the results (as expected) are not as good.  Anyone on the ruling?

I'm sure it has to be not allowed during tournament play, otherwise some players would be doing it. Someone can cite the specific regulation.

I believes this would violate Rule 14-3, Artificial Devices.  You can use whatever you choose in practice to help develop rhythm, but no music in a stipulated Round.  There are some folks on the rules section of this forum can give you more details and probably some USGA decisions on this .

This is a new decision added in 2012.

14-3/17

Player Listens to Music or Broadcast During Round

Q. A player uses a device to listen to music, a radio broadcast or any other type of broadcast during a stipulated round. What is the ruling?

A. Under Rule 14-3a , a player may not use any artificial device or unusual equipment that "might assist him in 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 the next hole.

A Committee will have to consider all available facts and circumstances in determining whether a player using an artificial device to listen to music or a broadcast has done so for a prolonged period such that the action might have assisted the player in his play.

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. (New)

Thanks for the help guys!  Looks like I'll just be a mediocre putter for the rest of my life!

Eh, just hum a tune in your head.

Also, do whatever you want if you're just practicing. I play practice rounds & hit balls at the range with earbuds.

How would you hear someone holler FOUR if you're listening to music?

You will also have people who are prepared to play more than one round with you, as I can assure that if anyone who played with a person wearing headphones they would do it once and once only.

Why FOUR?  Y not 3?

Depends what WHOLE it was on.

That's just wrong......!

Hi all, new to the board and I have a quick question. I'm joining a fairly competitive league at a local course this year and haven't been in any type of real golf competition (other than the typical scramble) in at least 20 years. I play alone a lot and often listen to music on headphones while I walk. I've found this keeps me in a groove and I play much better. Is this allowed? Just realized I have no idea of it's legal or not.

And yes, I'm aware it's pretty anti-social, so I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable doing it in a round with others anyway.

No, it is not allowed.

Now I am not saying don't do it. If you are playing a round by yourself, and you want to enjoy a few tunes, go ahead. Just don't count that score towards your handicap as an official round of golf.

This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks. I