Ever since the first bulky Walkman launched in the 1970s, people have been using music on the go ever since. Now, with the latest technology like iPods, MP3 players, and smartphones, we can all easily carry our favorite music. But what relationship do music and golf have? Can we benefit from music while practicing on the driving range or the driving range of your local course?
Using music while you practice can help you tune out all the noise in your environment, like traffic and other golfers around you. However, if you use the practice facilities at your local golf course, you should be aware of other golfers and especially any stray golf shots… WARNING! So it might be a good idea to remove one headset or use a lower volume. This rule can also be applied on the driving range… depending on how bad the golfer is in the bays around you! Trust me, I’ve seen it done.
What benefits can be achieved by practicing with music?
Most people will agree with this statement, ‘play music with a fast tempo/pace and you’ll train harder and faster’. That’s perfect if you’re at the gym or running, but it may not be true to every golf practice. It’s best to start practicing with the music you like to listen to, and if you find a certain tempo doesn’t help, change it.
Finding music with a good tempo can help you find the rhythm within your golf swing and shot routine. For example; Personally, I’d have a hard time practicing my putting stroke while listening to fast heavy metal, simply because it’s too fast for my routine. However, being a lover of music of the vast majority of genres, it’s not hard to pick something that’s more in rhythm with my routine, which helps me focus and improve the quality of my practice session.
So by finding a good rhythm, you can benefit from a practice session that settles into a good rhythm, which will help you through the course in the long run.
Listening to music will almost certainly work in your favor rather than hinder your performance. As I mentioned before, you need to find what music works for you and what doesn’t. You might find that boom on that controller works well with up-tempo music, some of you may find a slower classical type genre is the key to keeping your swing in check, without trying to break the dimples on the ball.
Mix it up, see what works for you, and you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of a better training session and improving your golf game.
I hope this post has opened your eyes to trying out music at your next practice session. Remember that tempo is the key and music can help give you that tempo.