MUSIC OR NO MUSIC?

A couple of months ago, a members came to the pro-shop and asked: "Since when did the Rules of Golf changed?" I told him that the rules are revised every two years and from time to time, some rules change a little. "Well" he angrily added, "so when did they change". I told him that I did not understand the question, then he said, "since when is music allowed on the golf course?" Now I got it. This member heard someone with music and did not like it a bit. We discussed the issue for a while and I explained to him the points below, but to no avail.

The concept of music on the golf course is not a new trend, you can talk to Sam Snead... or his ghost. Sam used to whistle a tune while playing golf, he said it made him swing smoother. Over the years, one thing led to another, and now, it is not unusual to see golfers with earphones, or even with a radio or music player of some sort in their golf carts.

I was one who used headphones or earphones to listen to soft or classical music, but I had never heard actual music outside my earphones played by someone else or where others could hear it.... then, I came to Elk City in 2011 and a new world opened when I realized that many of our members or visitors in tournaments, had radios or Blue Tooth speakers in their carts, and were playing music all the time. Personally, it never bothered me, but I know there are some people who get a little -or a lot- distracted or irritated about it. FRANKLY, I FAIL TO SEE THE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN DAILY PLAY.

Golf is a game, and we are, after all, in the 21st century and things have changed a lot.

Music on a golf cart doesn't distract me as much as sudden movement caught while I am swinging; perhaps a sudden turn on of the radio would startle me if caught in the middle of my backswing, but if music is already playing while I am playing, it does not bother me a bit, in fact, like Sam Snead, I tend to try to follow a certain rhythm and it helps. For daily play, music on a golf cart or on a hole adjacent to the one you are playing, is very common, not only in Elk City, but elsewhere too, including New Mexico and Arizona, where the same "fad" has spread. Here, I have heard music everywhere, in every tournament and in daily play, including in the most serious tournament of all: The Club Championship.

The above is not to say that I do not understand those who do not enjoy a little music on the course, to who I would suggest, that if music is played in your group and you do not like it, to politely ask the player or players who are playing the music to please lower the volume or to not play it while you are swinging. Everyone wins that way....

THERE IS NO RULE OF GOLF AGAINST MUSIC, but the Rules of Etiquette touch on that a little, in a different way. Realize though, that there is no penalty for a breach in etiquette, other than you won't be invited to a group again if you do things that bother that group or a player in that group.

Here is what the Rules of Golf mention, first, The Spirit of the Game, which I believe is the most important thing:

The Spirit of the Game (Etiquette: USGA Rules Book)

Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

"Courtesy and Sportsmanship"... think about it. You can demonstrate courtesy by turning the volume down, and you can also demonstrate courtesy by not overreacting to someone playing music at a decent and non disruptive volume.... the rules of golf explain it three paragraphs later with,

Consideration for Other Players (Etiquette: USGA Rules Book)

Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play. Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

So, let's interpret this altogether: the USGA recognizes that there are players who like to play with "electronic" devices (radios, electronic Blue Tooth speakers), and it asks people not to make unnecessary noise, that, in my opinion, would define a sudden turn on of the radio or device during someone's backswing, as much as loud griping about someone's music. If the music is already playing in the background, I guarantee you, you'll learn to ignore it or to swing with it.

This is one time where I would put this rule in effect: If you like music and join a group who doesn't, turn it down or off or go play with someone else; on the other hand, if you don't like music and you are joining a group that likes a little beat and already has a radio on, do not expect nor request that they turn their devices off, perhaps you'll learn a little more rhythm like Sam Snead. You may like it! In the end, I do believe that music is here to stay, so, if you do not like it, little by little, you'll find less and less people to play with.

Either way, PLAYING GOLF, UNLESS YOU ARE ONE OF THE 0.005% WHO PLAY ON THE TOUR, SHOULD BE ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU PLAY WITH, BECAUSE THAT MY FRIENDS, IS THE REST OF THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME...