Most of the folks I play with enjoy having music playing on the course during our rounds. Personally I could care less as the noise doesn’t bother me. We walk 90% of our rounds, but I have noticed more and more carts are starting to have speakers in them.
What are your thoughts? Does it help you relax and free up your mind? Is it annoying?
The only time it bothers me is when it is so loud you cant talk to your playing partners. Keep it as a soft background nose and enjoy the round.
If I don’t have Hall and Oates playing my round is doomed. I’m all for music on the course as long as it’s not obnoxious. Turn off the Cardi B. Turn on the soothing sounds of Daryl Hall and John Oates.
I almost always play music through my airpods when I’m on the range or playing by myself. I find it really helps me relax and improves my tempo. I’ve only recently tried using a speaker during some twilight rounds with a friend. I think it’s enjoyable as long as you keep the volume low enough to not annoy others around you. I’m definitely seeing more and more people doing it.
IMO if you leave a speaker in the cart and you are on the green, you shouldnt be able to hear the music from there, or just barely hear it. If the group a fairway over can hear your music that is not right.
No, no, no. Modern life bombards us with media all day long. Golf is a refuge–a slowly unfolding, ancient game. One of the great pleasures of golf is that it is outdoors. Sure, we all play courses that border highways or main roads–and there’s a reason that’s considered a detraction. Personally, I love to hear the wind in the trees, the birdsong, and so on. I don’t want this soundscape polluted.
I can see this argument. It does offer a nice distraction while driving between holes when you’re really not hearing the nature. There can be a happy medium.
Also same reason I always walk!
If I have had a rough day or am stressed the music helps me escape. If I am trying to be competitive, or just want to take it all in I turn it off and enjoy the sounds of the course.
Either way, others playing music never bother me!
I walk majority of my rounds, and never have music when walking. When I ride its usually with buddies who play only a few rounds a year. Those rounds with the buddies are more so for the company than the golf. Those are the rounds when I have music playing and enjoy some cold beers.
You should probably be aware of the rule that prohibits “Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo” If you NEED it, you’re not allowed to have it.
Personally, I prefer not to have music, but if the volume is reasonably low I don’t really mind. As another poster said, if the speaker is in your cart and I can hear it on the green, its too loud.
I like music. I play guitar and drums and I’ve recorded an album. But I don’t need music on the golf course. I look at it like smoking - it isn’t my thing but if you keep it to yourself I don’t really care. But when your noise is polluting my round from a fairway away it is very annoying. I don’t have a choice in the matter when you roll around with hip hop or death metal rocking in the cart and I’m trying to putt for eagle. But most people don’t care how they affect other people’s day.
That is a rule indeed. However that really only applies for tournament play.
Yeah I’m not playing music in a USGA sanctioned event. Guys in my TNML don’t care. They all play music. We have fun. Fun is part of the game, too.
I’m pretty sure that all of the rules apply to all play, not just tournaments, not just USGA sanctioned events. I don’t really care what anyone does as long as its not obnoxiously loud, but if we’re talking about music on the course, we should all be aware of what the rules require. And the rules allow music in the background, the rules allow for fun, they just don’t allow you to use music to improve your play.
I was initially against it but have been grouped several times with people who have played music in their carts (they’ve always asked me if it was OK). I actually didn’t find it distracting (my initial fear) and am thinking of using an earbud in one ear when playing.
I worry that the other people in the group may construe that as me being anti-social or wanting to be left alone.
Gotta do what’s best for your enjoyment of the game and score 
Lol I was kidding about NEEDING music, my friend. The soothing sound of 80s synth does nothing for my tempo. Rest assured I’m not improving my play through Maneater. The (not at all stuffy and outdated) rules of golf are still intact!
why did I totally start singing this?! Thanks!!!
I don’t play music myself when I play. I’m not totally against it just as long as it’s not bothering other groups on the course!
Our club has rule - music is fine just can’t be heard by anyone on another hole.
I don’t play it myself unless I’m walking a round alone but no issues if others in the group have it playing.