[Golf Rules... Knowledge Is Power] Playing Music During a Round

No Penalty, Important Not to Disturb Partners
Bluetooth Speaker Use Prohibited, Earphone Ball Accident
Two-Stroke Penalty for Using Swing Tempo, Second Offense Disqualification

Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by following the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If you know them well and use them appropriately, they can greatly help with score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.

When listening to music during a round, it is necessary to observe etiquette that considers your companions.
[Photo by Golf Digest]

Golf, walking on green grass, is a friend of nature. Just walking feels healing. So what if music is added to this? It would be the icing on the cake. Is there a penalty for playing music on the golf course? If it does not disturb fellow players, there is no problem. However, if even one opponent feels uncomfortable, listening to music is not considered etiquette.

Although music has been allowed at golf courses for over 10 years, it is still very strictly regulated. Many golf courses prohibit the use of Bluetooth speakers within the course. Playing while wearing earphones is also not a good idea. There can be accidents with the ball. Even if someone shouts "fore" in a tense moment, you may not hear it.

According to Golf Rule 4.3(4), listening to background music or news broadcasts is acceptable, but if the reason for turning on a Bluetooth speaker is more than just enjoyment, caution is advised. Using music to improve swing tempo or to block distractions during play violates Rule 4.3. In match play, this results in loss of hole, and in stroke play, a two-stroke penalty. A second offense leads to disqualification.

The problem is that it is practically difficult to accurately determine the reason for listening to music. It is almost impossible. If someone says, "I just listen to feel good," that ends the discussion. There are songs that help with putting strokes. One is "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is a four-member rock band formed in London, UK, in 1968. They were a globally popular group in the 1970s and still demonstrate influence more than 40 years after disbanding. Their album sales in the United States exceed 100 million copies.

Another important rule related to music appreciation is Golf Rule 1.2. Player conduct is important in golf. You should not play music loudly if it annoys or distracts others. It is not easy to impose penalties for listening to music. Intentionally increasing volume or turning on music when an opponent is about to take a shot is prohibited. You may be disqualified by the committee. To emphasize once again, "Golf is manners."