Headphones on course?

[DaveLeeNC]

> @HonestPlayer said:

> As mentioned I'd like to be able to hear others shouting fore. Seems dangerous to be wearing headphones. Just my opinion.

 

Interesting that you should bring that up. A year or two back I rekindled my interest in music, dragging out my untouched since the 1980's classical guitar (and ultimately buying a more expensive one), and also just listening more. I took the Tidal streaming route (might rethink that specific choice at some point) and in the car is a great listening opportunity. I drive an older, but low mileage 2007 model (I put more miles on my bike than my car each year) that does not have any kind of connectivity and the speakers in my car are so-so anyway. So I listen to recorded stuff through headphones. But I didn't like the optics of full headphones and traditional, in-ear headphones really isolate you from the sounds from the road, where sirens/horns/etc are something that should be heard. But the earbuds that hang on your ears aren't that much different than a radio, so that works fine. I have seen others walking around, or maybe even playing golf, with those kind of earbuds but that would not work for me (I would be too aware of the things possibly falling out.

 

FWIW, my 'car test' is "can I hear the blinker" and "is that damn noise that comes from the very loud tires that I had put on this thing still irritating to me above 45 mph". Two yes'es is good to go, and the in-ear or fully over the ear headphones is not.

 

dave

[hoselpalooza]

> @davep043 said:

> > @Halebopp said:

> > It depends on what you're listening to and why. [From 4.3a(4)](https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-3 "From 4.3a(4)"):

> >

> > (4) Audio and Video.

> >

> > - Allowed.

> > Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music).

> > But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).

> >

> >

> > - Not Allowed.

> > Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or

> > Viewing video showing play of the player or other players during the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round.

>

> This is obviously a matter of interpretation, but to me the use of headphones (as opposed to speakers) is an indication that the purpose is specifically to eliminate distractions.

 

perhaps during a competitive round. though in that case i don't think it would be OK to listen to music in earbuds _or_ from a speaker.

 

however, outside of competition i think listening to music in earbuds would be encouraged per the following:

 

> 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct

> All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:

> Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and **not distracting the play of another player**.

[Augster]

> @hoselpalooza said:

> > @davep043 said:

> > > @Halebopp said:

> > > It depends on what you're listening to and why. [From 4.3a(4)](https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-3 "From 4.3a(4)"):

> > >

> > > (4) Audio and Video.

> > >

> > > - Allowed.

> > > Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music).

> > > But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).

> > >

> > >

> > > - Not Allowed.

> > > Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or

> > > Viewing video showing play of the player or other players during the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round.

> >

> > This is obviously a matter of interpretation, but to me the use of headphones (as opposed to speakers) is an indication that the purpose is specifically to eliminate distractions.

>

> perhaps during a competitive round. though in that case i don't think it would be OK to listen to music in earbuds _or_ from a speaker.

>

> however, outside of competition i think listening to music in earbuds would be encouraged per the following:

>

> > 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct

> > All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:

> > Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and **not distracting the play of another player**.

 

Listening to speakers in competition IS legal now. Earbuds are not. Earbuds kill distractions and outside noise. Much like ear plugs would. Not legal.

 

Using a speaker “quietly” for background noise is legal. If you use the speaker to block out distractions then, again, it’d be illegal.

 

The ruling bodies loused this up for all of us by not hard-lining “No music. No earbuds”. Simple. They basically stuck their heads in the sand and said, “If we can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Without a HUGE public outcry against music on the course, it’s just the way it’ll be going forward. Tourney or no.

 

 

[Shilgy]

> @Augster said:

> > @hoselpalooza said:

> > > @davep043 said:

> > > > @Halebopp said:

> > > > It depends on what you're listening to and why. [From 4.3a(4)](https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-3 "From 4.3a(4)"):

> > > >

> > > > (4) Audio and Video.

> > > >

> > > > - Allowed.

> > > > Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music).

> > > > But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > - Not Allowed.

> > > > Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or

> > > > Viewing video showing play of the player or other players during the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round.

> > >

> > > This is obviously a matter of interpretation, but to me the use of headphones (as opposed to speakers) is an indication that the purpose is specifically to eliminate distractions.

> >

> > perhaps during a competitive round. though in that case i don't think it would be OK to listen to music in earbuds _or_ from a speaker.

> >

> > however, outside of competition i think listening to music in earbuds would be encouraged per the following:

> >

> > > 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct

> > > All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:

> > > Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the safety of others, and **not distracting the play of another player**.

>

> Listening to speakers in competition IS legal now. Earbuds are not. Earbuds kill distractions and outside noise. Much like ear plugs would. Not legal.

>

> Using a speaker “quietly” for background noise is legal. If you use the speaker to block out distractions then, again, it’d be illegal.

>

> The ruling bodies loused this up for all of us by not hard-lining “No music. No earbuds”. Simple. They basically stuck their heads in the sand and said, “If we can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Without a HUGE public outcry against music on the course, it’s just the way it’ll be going forward. Tourney or no.

>

>

 

Yes and no. If the music playing golfer lies and states they are just playing music because they enjoy it.... They are free and clear.

If they admit they play music because it relaxes them, or helps block out distractions, or helps their rhythm and tempo it is a penalty.

The only exception would be if they are loud enough to bother others.

I played with one the other day that was the most considerate I've ever seen (heard?) You could not hear his music even on the tee with the carts right next to the tee box.

If all music players on the course were that polite no one would have an issue with music on the course.

[chippa13]

"If the music playing golfer lies"? Why is it so hard to believe that some people just enjoy music?

[Roadking2003]

> @"Mr. Bean" said:

> EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. **I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds.**..

 

Thankfully, only a small number of golfers in the USA listen to music on the course. Sadly, the number is growing.

[Shilgy]

> @chippa13 said:

> "If the music playing golfer lies"? Why is it so hard to believe that some people just enjoy music?

 

There may be some that do. I played a match against a music player play year in an event that it was forbidden. He struggled all day with distractions.

The past that bothers me is that many, not all as I've already posted, don't seem to care that others DO NOT enjoy having music on the course and should not be forced to hear it. Keep the sound in the cart or that type of range and no one will have a complaint.

[Schulzmc]

> @Augster said:

 

 

>

> Listening to speakers in competition IS legal now. Earbuds are not. Earbuds kill distractions and outside noise. Much like ear plugs would. Not legal.

>

 

Do you have a source for this? Not all earbuds are the same. Mine certainly do not kill outside noise and I would argue do not kill distractions.

 

[chippa13]

I suppose that would depend on how loud the music in playing in those earbuds.

[North Butte]

On the rare occasions that I play in a tournament (i.e. every couple of years I waste an entry fee and two days hacking my way to next-to-last place in the duffer flight of our club championship) the whole slow-play, stroke-play, tees-back thing makes me pretty uncomfortable. So I will hum a little tune, engage in a little college football talk with another player, tell a joke, anything I can think of to avoid standing there having negative thoughts while I wait on the group ahead to plumb-bob their third putt from 2-1/2 feet.

 

I guess one day the Rules will say no humming, no joking, no football talk if you're doing it for a "distraction" that helps you game.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

> @DaveLeeNC said:

> > @HonestPlayer said:

> > As mentioned I'd like to be able to hear others shouting fore. Seems dangerous to be wearing headphones. Just my opinion.

>

> Interesting that you should bring that up. A year or two back I rekindled my interest in music, dragging out my untouched since the 1980's classical guitar (and ultimately buying a more expensive one), and also just listening more. I took the Tidal streaming route (might rethink that specific choice at some point) and in the car is a great listening opportunity. I drive an older, but low mileage 2007 model (I put more miles on my bike than my car each year) that does not have any kind of connectivity and the speakers in my car are so-so anyway. So I listen to recorded stuff through headphones. But I didn't like the optics of full headphones and traditional, in-ear headphones really isolate you from the sounds from the road, where sirens/horns/etc are something that should be heard. But the earbuds that hang on your ears aren't that much different than a radio, so that works fine. I have seen others walking around, or maybe even playing golf, with those kind of earbuds but that would not work for me (I would be too aware of the things possibly falling out.

>

> FWIW, my 'car test' is "can I hear the blinker" and "is that **** noise that comes from the very loud tires that I had put on this thing still irritating to me above 45 mph". Two yes'es is good to go, and the in-ear or fully over the ear headphones is not.

>

> dave

 

These might be worth a look

 

 

[BlackDiamondPar5]

> @"Mr. Bean" said:

> Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

 

You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

[React]

I only use a single bluetooth earbud when playing a practice round myself. Usually have it on some golf podcast or something..

It would be weird to do so in a group when I'm not playing by myself or on the range.

[Mr. Bean]

> @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

>

> You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

 

No, I don't as it is not possible.

 

I used to study music and the teacher of composing and arranging told us not to write two themes on top of each other because 'in order to listen to two themes at the same time one needs more than one head'.

[chippa13]

What I find funny about this whole discussion of music and golf is that most of the people who want to savor the sounds of golf and nature are the same ones who can't seem to get through their round fast enough.

[bigred90gt]

> @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

> >

> > You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

>

> No, I don't as it is not possible.

>

> I used to study music and the teacher of composing and arranging told us not to write two themes on top of each other because 'in order to listen to two themes at the same time one needs more than one head'.

 

I reckon you’ve never held a meaningful conversation in a bar or restaurant where there is background music playing because it is impossible to talk and listen to background noises when music is playing? I bet family road trips are a blast with you, you know, since you cannot have a conversation with any music playing while paying attention to the road. I can only imagine how fun (or awkward, take your pick) 7 hours of complete silence must be with a family in the car.

 

I hate to break it to you, but you are completely and totally incorrect in attempting to relate the point of the instructor to the topic at hand. What he is talking about is not the same as the discussion being had. Attempting to listen to two different songs/themes at the same time are not anything similar to having a conversation with background music playing. If you cannot understand that, that’s on you.

[Graymulligan]

> @kmay__ said:

> FORE!! FOORRRREEE!! Ah sh*t now your on the ground. hahaha

 

Exactly. Headphones have no place on the course. They add a layer of danger that doesn't need to be there.

[North Butte]

> @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

>

> You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

 

Yes. But only if you can't aren't really paying attention to any of the three.

[North Butte]

> @bigred90gt said:

> > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > > > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

> > >

> > > You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

> >

> > No, I don't as it is not possible.

> >

> > I used to study music and the teacher of composing and arranging told us not to write two themes on top of each other because 'in order to listen to two themes at the same time one needs more than one head'.

>

> I reckon you’ve never held a meaningful conversation in a bar or restaurant where there is background music playing because it is impossible to talk and listen to background noises when music is playing? I bet family road trips are a blast with you, you know, since you cannot have a conversation with any music playing while paying attention to the road. I can only imagine how fun (or awkward, take your pick) 7 hours of complete silence must be with a family in the car.

>

> I hate to break it to you, but you are completely and totally incorrect in attempting to relate the point of the instructor to the topic at hand. What he is talking about is not the same as the discussion being had. Attempting to listen to two different songs/themes at the same time are not anything similar to having a conversation with background music playing. If you cannot understand that, that’s on you.

 

I avoid restaurants with music playing if I want to have a conversation and I never go to bars. I also mute the television if my wife comes in the room to speak to me.

 

And yes, when we're in the car we either listen to music or we talk. Go figure. I can't see how I'd derive any benefit from "hearing" (not listening to) music when I'm trying to engage in a meaningful conversation. And vice versa.

 

For those of us of a certain age, the effort to truly focus on a conversation in the presence of competing noises can be exhausting.

 

A lot of people seem addicted to the stimulation of having at least three things competing for their attention at every waking second of their lives.

[DaveLeeNC]

duplicate that disappeared and then reappeared

[DaveLeeNC]

> @"North Butte" said:

> > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

> >

> > You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

>

> Yes. But only if you can't aren't really paying attention to any of the three.

 

I guess it depends on who you are. There are a lot of very smart people who write very difficult software while listening to music on headphones. My brother (who wrote system level UNIX software for NEC) was one of those. One day a co-worker hooked up a high quality DAC/Amp and gave him a high quality pair of headphones to try out (probably 320 bps MP3 files). He loved the sound but something about it forced him to completely loose concentration on his code. So he went back to the cheap DAC/Amp in his computer and inexpensive headphones.

 

dave

[PappyVanWinkle53]

I only wear them if practicing or playing solo.....Even though I enjoy listening to music on my headphones, I find that it distracts me a bit when I try to play or hit balls at the range.

[HatsForBats]

> @Graymulligan said:

> > @kmay__ said:

> > FORE!! FOORRRREEE!! Ah sh*t now your on the ground. hahaha

>

> Exactly. Headphones have no place on the course. They add a layer of danger that doesn't need to be there.

 

Perhaps you are right. I think I will start a petition for my course to stop the blind, or deaf, or less than 2-legged, or less than two-handed players from playing... or probably not.

[dayvei214]

I tried it once and put it away after a couple of holes... I think it takes away from the game. Not a fan of sunglasses either, prefer everything in full color!

[bigred90gt]

> @"North Butte" said:

> > @bigred90gt said:

> > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > > > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > > > > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

> > > >

> > > > You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

> > >

> > > No, I don't as it is not possible.

> > >

> > > I used to study music and the teacher of composing and arranging told us not to write two themes on top of each other because 'in order to listen to two themes at the same time one needs more than one head'.

> >

> > I reckon you’ve never held a meaningful conversation in a bar or restaurant where there is background music playing because it is impossible to talk and listen to background noises when music is playing? I bet family road trips are a blast with you, you know, since you cannot have a conversation with any music playing while paying attention to the road. I can only imagine how fun (or awkward, take your pick) 7 hours of complete silence must be with a family in the car.

> >

> > I hate to break it to you, but you are completely and totally incorrect in attempting to relate the point of the instructor to the topic at hand. What he is talking about is not the same as the discussion being had. Attempting to listen to two different songs/themes at the same time are not anything similar to having a conversation with background music playing. If you cannot understand that, that’s on you.

>

> I avoid restaurants with music playing if I want to have a conversation and I never go to bars. I also mute the television if my wife comes in the room to speak to me.

>

> And yes, when we're in the car we either listen to music or we talk. Go figure. I can't see how I'd derive any benefit from "hearing" (not listening to) music when I'm trying to engage in a meaningful conversation. And vice versa.

>

> For those of us of a certain age, the effort to truly focus on a conversation in the presence of competing noises can be exhausting.

>

> A lot of people seem addicted to the stimulation of having at least three things competing for their attention at every waking second of their lives.

 

 

It’s not a matter of needing or even wanting additional stimulation or having things “competing for attention”. Many restaurants have background music. There’s more often than not, in ANY setting outside of your own home/car, other conversations or noises or background distractions happening. It is quite easy to have a conversation in the midst of these noises. I also pause the TV when anyone starts talking, partly to give them

My undivided attention, and partly because I am watching whatever it is because have an interest in it, and someone talking over it distracts from whatever may be going on. But I certainly have no trouble carrying on a conversation if there is background music, be it in a restaurant, car, bar, concert, or any other situation, and can’t possibly imagine anyone being incapable of doing so. Perhaps I have not reached this “certain age” at a mere 39 years old.

 

[BlackDiamondPar5]

> @"North Butte" said:

> > @BlackDiamondPar5 said:

> > > @"Mr. Bean" said:

> > > Generally speaking, I cannot understand why people have to listen to something else than the sounds of the surroundings when playing golf. It appears to me that too many are slaves of web/music/podcast etc. No wonder younger people cannot have a conversation any more, they need to search the internet to know what to say...

> > > EDIT: I have so far never seen anyone on the course with earbuds, headphones or similar. I guess you guys in the USA have no nature to listen to so you need the earbuds...

> >

> > You do realize that it is possible to have music on, listen to nature and converse with others all at the same time?

>

> Yes. But only if you can't aren't really paying attention to any of the three.

 

Disagree. Yes some types of earbuds that block out background aren't great for environmental awareness and think they can be dangerous. However open audio at low volume I don't find it interferes with awareness of surroundings and can still communicate with others, hear rustling leaves, birds chirping etc. I listen to music when I ski and can converse with those I'm sharing a chair and here skiers around me. We drive our cars listening to music. I've piloted airplanes listening to music at cruise. Also as @DaveLeeNC said regarding code/math, when I'm working with data, spreadsheets etc I find music to be fantastic for focusing on the numbers. While on the other hand I can't listen to music with lyrics when I'm reading... it just ends up overpowering what I'm reading.