Greystone Music on Course Policy
Background:
Recent events at the club have drawn attention to the need to address the need for a policy regarding the playing of music on the course.
A review of the issue reveals that there is an existing rule in the Rules of Golf that specifically prohibits the use of electronic devices on the playing course and specifically prohibits the playing of music either over a speaker system on the cart or the wearing of ear buds.
Having consulted widely with several members and sought their input (without preface for my views) I have consistently heard feedback that aligns with my first draft.
Accordingly, below are the words I suggest be adopted as a bylaw/policy governing the playing of music on the course of play.
Policy:
Notwithstanding the existence of a specific rule contained in the official rules of golf this policy is intended to override those provisions for play at Greystone. Specifically, we agree to implement the following policy provisions:
- Music will be allowed during the course of play if the person/persons who wish to play music follow the following rules of etiquette before playing any music:
- They will get permission of all players in their group that the playing of music is acceptable. If even one person objects, then music shall not be allowed.
- When playing music, they may use a speaker system such as Sonos but the volume shall be such that the music can only be heard when on the cart. To be more specific, it shall not be loud enough to disturb the silence of the teeing area.
- When approaching the tee box of the group playing in front of you, the music shall be turned off and a respectful silence maintained for the playing group.
- At no time shall the music be audible anywhere except on the cart containing the electronic device(s). For example: when playing the 10 fairway, if you are parked on the cart path near the 11th green, it shall not be loud enough to be heard by the team putting out on 11. Similarly for holes #1 teeing area affecting #18 putting, holes #1 cart parking area affecting the tee box on #2 ,hole #3 affecting the teeing area on #4 and so on.
- If any group playing receives a complaint from another group, they shall immediately turn the volume down without any discourse with the complaining group.
As at the writing of this policy the people who wish to listen to music remain a very small minority of the golfers playing at any time and therefore shall be required to respect the wish for silence and focus on the game of golf for other players.
I recommend adoption of this policy subject to revisions at today’s meeting or subsequent meetings. After a trial period this policy may be reviewed again in light of changes in the membership, incidents etc.