Opinion Question for Experienced Golfers?

I go up to the driving range almost everyday by myself and listen to my iPod. It hasn't distracted me or ruined my game yet. I also listen to it when I am playing by myself. Or I keep it on low when I am playing with other golfers. It helps keep me in-focus and motivated. I have talked to my cousin about me doing it cause he is a PGA Pro and he said that he has known a lot of people who do it, and when he gives lessons.. he said some people bring it and they ask him to tell them what to do and then they hit balls and listen to their iPod and when he needs to correct them he tells them. I personally, don't listen to my iPod when I take lessons, I take them every week just to keep my game going well. So, I think it helps me. Yesterday I played 18 holes by myself (listening to my iPod) & i shot a 78 and today I played 18 holes with my friend... and shot an 83. Same exact course... same time... the only thing that was different was the a couple clubs I used and it was a little cooler outside but thats it. So, I e-mailed my cousin and told him and he just e-mailed me back and said he knows some guy somewhere in the US that is doing a study about this and the e-mail asked a bunch of questions.

If you want, you can e-mail me and I will e-mail you the questions. It says it doesn't matter if you've only done it once or if you've done it 300 times. They just want your opinion. So, let me know!!

Good Luck!!!

My handicap is about 2-3 . Years ago when I was scratch, I did listen to music via earphones while playing golf. i played very good golf. I have shot under par while doing that. My grandfather, who was a chamption golfer told me once the key to golf is to relax but concentrate at the same time. I think listening to music certainly relaxes you. However, I also think it may be somewhat distracting especially on putts.

I've played golf for many, many years and mostly at a high level and a lot of those years before the ipod was invented. But I would miss the camaraderie of the guys I plays golf with. It's probably something you get used to but I would miss the conversation. I do, however, enjoy practicing alone.

The music helps with your timing keeping everything on the same pace. There was a book about that and a DVD a couple years ago. About great swings and how they match up to music beats or music charts

The reason you played so well is because you were not worried about your game once you start thinking it can lead to bad shots and added strokes especially around the green.

I only do that in the winter when there is no one out there because you dont want to get hit by a ball.

I've never done that but I can see why you'd do it while playing alone. The Ipod can take out a lot of distracting and "unanticipated" sounds which can throw off your concentration. Just remember, you can't listen to it while playing in a tournament during your shots.

Hey, at least you tried, right? Sure, most freshmen who audition for All-State orchestras rarely make it(I didn't make it last year), but the experience is worth it. The more auditions you do, the more comfortable you get with the whole process and the better you get. Just don't be too nervous, and focus on your goal. Prepare the music months ahead of time, preferably with the help of a private teacher, but don't get your hopes too high. I barely missed out on it this year, but I still plan on trying out for next year. I realize that there are many very good violinists out there who can beat me out, but I'll still try. Embrace the experience, and learn from your loss. Good luck~

I use my MP3 player when I practice, but never when I play. The only advantage I see to it is that it keeps me from becoming too mechanical -- instead of worrying about mentally keeping track of my hands, shoulders, hips, etc., I can focus on rhythm and feel, and let the swing take care of itself.

Sure I advise players to use their ipods all the time, it helps you keep calm and it quites the little voice in your head that gives you golf lessons on you downswing.

I play with my IPOD on most of the time. It helps me to forget about what else is going on in my round and about how well/poorly I am playing.