Music on the Course - When Did This Become a Thing?

[saevel25]

There are a few threads on this,

 

[DaveP043]

Thanks to @saevel25 for linking to the other threads on the subject. 

I'll restate my position for the new one.  I don't mind music as long as its quiet enough not to disturb other people.  But remember that playing music is against the Rules of Golf.  So for those of you against whom I may compete some day, please get accustomed to listening to music, in fact please find a tune that really helps you to maintain your tempo.  And be sure to post all your scores, so that assistance is reflected in your handicap.  But when we DO compete, we'll play by the rules, and you'll be without your music.

[rehmwa]

I don't mind - if they ask the people they are playing with.  But once it's loud enough to hear in groups you are NOT playing in?  Too much, don't be an ass.

One nice thing about music, it doesn't leave seeds or butts or trash on the course.  It doesn't stink or give you cancer or migraines.  It doesn't leave a freakin' wet cigarette butt in the cart cupholder where you put your range finder.

(If you can't tell, my top priority on the topics of annoying habits does not start with music)

[Vinsk]

6 minutes ago, DaveP043 said:

Thanks to @saevel25 for linking to the other threads on the subject. 

I'll restate my position for the new one.  I don't mind music as long as its quiet enough not to disturb other people.  But remember that playing music is against the Rules of Golf.  So for those of you against whom I may compete some day, please get accustomed to listening to music, in fact please find a tune that really helps you to maintain your tempo.  And be sure to post all your scores, so that assistance is reflected in your handicap.  But when we DO compete, we'll play by the rules, and you'll be without your music.

Why is it against the rules to listen to music in the cart only? Is it? I’ve played Bob Marley quietly ...meaning if you’re any distance from the cart you can’t hear it.

[DaveP043]

4 minutes ago, Vinsk said:

Why is it against the rules to listen to music in the cart only? Is it? I’ve played Bob Marley quietly ...meaning if you’re any distance from the cart you can’t hear it.

From Decision 14-3/7 http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!decision-14

Quote

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. 

 

[Hoganman1]

I'm not a fan of music on the golf course, but I'm old. I understand that today some people like being close to their electronic devices for music, books on audible, or for business purposes. One of the many things I like about golf is being outdoors and communing with nature. Unless it very hot I walk and carry my bag. I don't have a range finder nor do I take my cell phone. However, if one prefers taking a cart with music and a cooler full of beer that's fine with me. As long as they don't disturb other groups or expect me to play with them.

[Valleygolfer]

I really don't like music on the course. I especially do not care to hear someone else's choice of music. This weekend was one of those times. A group of drunks playing golf on my course, riding on the roofs of golf carts, almost hitting my ball even though theirs was nowhere near mine... Then playing loud music right next to the tee box. The guys says, "I'd turn it down but it is not my music." I told him he should try hitting it with a golf club. Apparently he told the other drunk and the DA  drove over by where I was on the course (about a hundred yards away) cranking the music up more possibly and yelling at me asking repeatedly, "Are you all set." After this I would be fine if they banned all music on the course.

[Groucho Valentine]

I dont really care if somebody is playing music.

Unless its country music. Then that shit needs to go.... 

[Vinsk]

1 hour ago, DaveP043 said:

From Decision 14-3/7 http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!decision-14

 

Ignorant rule as stated. ‘Prolonged time.’ Is foolish. Define ‘prolonged.’ Listening to music while in a cart only would be intermittent periods, not prolonged. How in the world could this be a clear and concise rule? One of those rules where what they’re trying to obviously prevent gets blown up as blanket rule and thus becomes obscure and quite ridiculous imo.

And of course I’m irked by the wording of the rule..not you @DaveP043...lol.

Edited June 4, 2018 by Vinsk

[Eric C]

I don't mind music on the course at all, though I'll rarely play it myself.  Like @phillyk, I can tune it out when making my stroke.  I also was surprised and found it interesting that it's contrary to the ROG - thanks @DaveP043.

That said, clearly there's a market - have a look at this ridiculouness - The Puma one less so, but included only because it's marketed specifically to the golf segment:

Sound Caddy

Puma Golf

 

 

 

[DaveP043]

6 minutes ago, Vinsk said:

Ignorant rule as stated. ‘Prolonged time.’ Is foolish. Define ‘prolonged.’ Listening to music while in a cart only would be intermittent periods, not prolonged. How in the world could this be a clear and concise rule? One of those rules where what they’re trying to obviously prevent gets blown up as blanket rule and thus becomes obscure and quite ridiculous imo.

And of course I’m irked by the wording of the rule..not you @DaveP043...lol.

I never take these things personally, its all good.  If you read the entire decision, they do indicate the type of brief periods that they consider acceptable, and leave the entire question in the hands of the Committee.  The operative phrase, I think, is that it "might have assisted the player in his play."  It doesn't have to be his primary purpose, it doesn't have to definitely assist him, just the potential is enough.  The 2019 Rules are similar, except its directly in Rule 4.3.a.(4) instead of a Decision,  its against the Rules to listen to music or other audio "to eliminate distractions or help with swing tempo".

[rehmwa]

1 minute ago, DaveP043 said:

I never take these things personally, its all good.  If you read the entire decision, they do indicate the type of brief periods that they consider acceptable, and leave the entire question in the hands of the Committee.

but, in general, driving around the course with your speakers on "11" just to be a dick to other groups, in addition to just being a drunk dick in the first place - certainly doesn't pass the test...

good to know...

[DaveP043]

I guess its a good thing this subject came up again, lots of folks learning that music is against the Rules of Golf.

[Patch]

I have ear buds that I sometimes use when walking by myself. I'd never play music over a speaker, for others to hear when golfing. Then again, I don't have a problem with what others might do with their music. 

When playing with another person, I never play music. That said, there have been times while sitting, waiting in a cart, I have watched a sporting event on my phone. The MLB World Series readily comes to mind. Maybe an NFL game on ocassions. 

I am well aware that outside entertainment is against the rules, and that all the rules of golf are important. That said, I think there are times with some golfers, just having fun can over ride some rules. The idea that all golfers, play by the rules, 100% of the time, is just not true, or going to happen. 

[Carl3]

3 hours ago, Valleygolfer said:

After this I would be fine if they banned all music on the course.

Yesterday (Sunday) at 8 am I was treated to blaring country music from 200 yards away. I took a break while the goofballs made their way up the fairway next to mine, chipped on and putted out next to my tee box. I am used to some solitude at this time of day and usually am gone before the hordes of imbeciles show up. Some people are just rubes.

[The Hook Meister]

Music on the course? I say no. We all like different kinds of music, and if you can't talk when someone is hitting their shot why is okay to have music on that its so loud you can hear it a mile away.

[NoName]

Not a fan, personally. But then again, I'm not one who likes noise anywhere I go lol. 

 

[fishgolf]

Good thread/topic.  If someone wants to listen to music using and headset/earphone, I have no issue.  Where I draw the line is when Al Czervik shows up in his cart with the boom box playing at volumes half the course can hear.  Fortunately I have not experienced this often.  Probably because of the very high end courses we tend to play.  Last winter we did follow a Wounded Warriors charity tournament in Yuma and a good many of them had music playing - and loud.  With a good number of us being ex-military, we gave them lots of latitude.