Should Music Be Allowed on the Golf Course?

[radiman]

53 minutes ago, Dpavs said:

It always comes back to this -

USGA Rules FAQs 2019
Making a Stroke
Playing Music During Stroke

Q. May I play music?

A. Yes. However, you may not do so if the purpose is to eliminate distractions or help you with your swing. You should also show consideration to others (see Rule 4.3a(4) and Rule 1.2).

 

Quite frankly I think it's pathetic that the USGA has chosen to tap dance around the issue. Take 1.2 for example, I mean seriously, how can you not know that you are going to bother someone by playing music through a speaker? Even under 4.3a(4) I find it hard to believe that anyone who is listening to music while playing can honestly say that they are not benefiting on some level with tempo or that it is eliminating distractions (other ambient sounds for example). It's just absurd IMO. <end of rant..lol>

 

I listen to music at times. When I’m focused on my shot I barely even notice it. It’s for the very long in between parts. I can honestly say I’m not improving my tempo with it lol. 

[Shilgy]

2 hours ago, radiman said:

I listen to music at times. When I’m focused on my shot I barely even notice it. It’s for the very long in between parts. I can honestly say I’m not improving my tempo with it lol. 

You really don’t think the music between actual swings can assist your tempo?  Or put you in a mood to better block out distractions?

[2bGood]

13 hours ago, radiman said:

I listen to music at times. When I’m focused on my shot I barely even notice it. It’s for the very long in between parts. I can honestly say I’m not improving my tempo with it lol. 

I am a big tempo guy and used to listen to a tempo track when I practice at the range. Then I realised that I could figure out my ideal tempo in BPM and create a playlist of songs I like that match that BPM. I also now have a great sense if a song not on the list matched my BPM (and it is not an uncommon range of songs that are within that BPM range)

 

This effectively means that no-one can play music when I play or I will be in  breach of rule 4.3a, (it is the act of listening that is forbidden in the rules not playing) or if they did play music the playlist would have to all be songs the avoid a specific BPM range. 

 

 

Edited October 7, 2023 by 2bGood

[golfortennis]

On 10/6/2023 at 3:07 PM, Dpavs said:

It always comes back to this -

USGA Rules FAQs 2019
Making a Stroke
Playing Music During Stroke

Q. May I play music?

A. Yes. However, you may not do so if the purpose is to eliminate distractions or help you with your swing. You should also show consideration to others (see Rule 4.3a(4) and Rule 1.2).

 

Quite frankly I think it's pathetic that the USGA has chosen to tap dance around the issue. Take 1.2 for example, I mean seriously, how can you not know that you are going to bother someone by playing music through a speaker? Even under 4.3a(4) I find it hard to believe that anyone who is listening to music while playing can honestly say that they are not benefiting on some level with tempo or that it is eliminating distractions (other ambient sounds for example). It's just absurd IMO. <end of rant..lol>

 

 

The whole theme of that set of rule revisions seemed to basically say "we want to grow the game our revenue streams.  Most people already cheat(ground club in hazards, move loose impediments in hazards, listen to music, so let's just remove the cheating aspect and call what they do legal.  People can't shoot the score they brag about legitimately, so let's make it easier."

[sui generis]

1 hour ago, golfortennis said:

 

The whole theme of that set of rule revisions seemed to basically say "we want to grow the game our revenue streams.  Most people already cheat(ground club in hazards, move loose impediments in hazards, listen to music, so let's just remove the cheating aspect and call what they do legal.  People can't shoot the score they brag about legitimately, so let's make it easier."

 

I recommend that you get a 2023 Rule book and read it, then come back and lecture us on the Rules. 

[golfortennis]

11 minutes ago, sui generis said:

 

I recommend that you get a 2023 Rule book and read it, then come back and lecture us on the Rules. 

 

Big changes.  I didn't see anything about restoring an actual penalty to playing out of a penalty area, ie. it's harder to hit the shot you want when you can't ground your club, nor do I see a removal of the ability to move a loose impediment within the same area.  And the powers that be essentially caved to the music people with the new rule.  Of course it's being used to create a rhythm and tempo and help block out distractions, but they left a loophole big enough to drive a Mack truck through to allow them to skate.  The pin being left in is one I have taken full advantage of("if the rules are going to let me cheat").  How has pace of play improved btw?  Seems that was the motivation behind that and some other rule changes.

 

I'm not saying every single change from the 2019 revision was bad.  But there were several changes that had no other impact other than to legalize what people who didn't follow the rules in the first place were doing, and in turn, artificially lower their scores or legitimize their illegitimate ones.