You’re setting up for your tee shot, and the marshal is not happy. It’s late spring 2000 and you’re on the 13th hole. The marshal, who’s pushing 70, has parked his red cart behind your group. Nestled between your two playing partners is the source of the marshal’s ire: a portable boombox playing a particularly profane track. You turn, address the ball, and crack your drive straight down the fairway. You grin. He scowls and barks at your friends to turn down the music.
None of you are exactly surprised. For most of golf’s history, players have been expected to strike the ball in meditative silence, followed by a muted “golf clap”
But much has changed in the past few years. A growing number of amateurs and pros are bringing music to the range and out onto the course. A recent Golf Digest reader survey showed 20 percent of golfers 18-34 listen to music on headphones while paying. Even more of this age group, 37%, bring portable music players to the course.
Golf Digest’s Etiquette Guide
- Unleashing music on a group of golfers you just met? Ask what kind of tunes they’re into, then front-load your playlist to correspond. That said, don’t be afraid to introduce some artists of your own on the back none.
- Good rule: Music seems to work best during the parts of a round when you’re not hitting shots. Riding in a cart between the holes or raking a bunker? Hit play. But when the situation calls for precision, like on the green, maybe hit mute.
- Worried about your tunes being too loud? Take 15 paces from your cart. If you can still hear the guitar riff you should probably reduce the volume.
- Love the neighbor and be proactive about your playlist. If you get closer to another foursome, roll up and ask if theyâ’re bothered by your music. Who knows? They might even ask you to turn it up.
- Reserve the ear buds for the practice range. Golf’s a social game, you’ll want to easily communicate with your partners.
- Especially if someone is yelling at you to duck an incoming drive.