The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.
Do any rules govern playing music on the course? It seems to me it shouldn’t be allowed, with its potential to distract or assist players. Do I have a case? —Paul Dehner Sr., via email
With apologies to the late Robert Palmer, we have a bad case of loving this question. And, as always, Dr. Doctor is here to give you the news: You might have a case. Playing music specifically to eliminate distractions or help with tempo breaches Rule 4.3a(4).
That said, playing music in and of itself is not a breach but nonetheless should be done with consideration for others.
For more guidance from our guru, read on …
My buddy and I were playing an early-morning round. We each wore a pullover to combat the chill. On the 7th hole, he took off his pullover and, because his bag was across the green, draped it atop the flagstick as he putted with the pin in. Neither of us knew if this was permitted. —Bruce Reeder, Seattle
Rules Guy’s beloved aunt, Style Lady, informs us that it is permissible should the pullover’s color not clash with the flag’s.
From a Rules perspective, the only potential penalty we can think of would be intent-based — say, your buddy deliberately did so to move the flagstick to a position other than centered or to cast a shadow to aim at.
Failing a desire to assist his play, there wouldn’t be a problem with treating the flagstick as a clothes hanger, although it feels a tad presumptuous.
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Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.
