Dear Bonnie,

There appears to be a growing trend of golfers listening to music on the golf course. I find it distracting and do not want to hear other people’s music, or even my own, when I am playing golf. My golfing partners feel as I do.  What can we do about this unwanted distraction?  Are people allowed to play music on the course? Are there rules about this behavior? Please advise.

Most of us are used to, and enjoy, the sounds of nature on the golf course, however the quiet nature of the fairways is showing signs of change. A Golf Digest reader survey showed 37 percent of golfers aged 18 to 34 bring portable music players to the course. Compare that with 22 percent of those aged 35 to 54 and just 6 percent of golfers aged 55 and up. In addition, the survey showed 20 percent of the golfers in the 18 to 34 age group listen to music on headphones while playing, which may be one of the better options for everyone.

According to the USGA Rules and Interpretations, players are allowed to listen to music while playing golf. Rule 4.3a(4) states that “Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music)” is allowed. The rule also states players are not allowed to listen to music, or other audio, in order to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, although, it does not address who decides the purpose of the music.

The rule also states that if a player listens to music, “… consideration should be shown to others. (see Rule 1.2).”, which covers player conduct.

Since listening to background music is allowed by USGA Rules, and unless the rules change or course policies are enacted, it is likely you will continue to hear music on the course from time to time. I offer you some potential options in response to this change in your golfing environment.

The first is to respectfully ask the players to turn down the volume so others cannot hear it. If the players do not comply, you can ask a course manager for assistance.  However, another option, which could preclude approaching either the offending golfers or course staff, is to employ the mind management skills you’ve already been using to mentally block out and ignore distractions that occur intermittently on the course. Mentally blocking out distractions, such as the continuously pecking woodpecker, the noisy maintenance equipment, the spontaneous talker in your group, or a myriad of other sounds that can occur on the course is a valuable mental skill of golfers. As you encounter players who play their music loud enough for you to hear, I offer you mentally insulate yourself by intentionally thinking thoughts that keep you focused on your play and not on their distractive actions.

Some golf instructors use music in teaching swing mechanics, resulting in some players bringing their music lessons to the course. In addition, some golfers are including music as an enhancement to their enjoyment of the game.

If by chance you are reading this and are in the pro-music camp, please be considerate of  the noise level of your music. A rule of thumb is to take 15 paces from your golf cart, and if you can still hear your music, turn it down.

Before contemporary boom boxes and playlists on phones became accessible, at least one golfing great, Sam Snead, employed music on the course. Snead was well known for humming “The Blue Danube” waltz during his games to enhance his swings.

Learning to manage your mind around distractions takes practice. However, when you choose to elevate this mental skill it will serve you well on the course and off.