Par4QC We're on the flight path to a local airport, it's probably < 2 miles as the plane/helicopter flies. Playing a team match once (4ball ties) and an opponent took offence at me lighting a cigarette during his preparation ... I burst out laughing and asked him if he wanted me to shoot down the helicopter above us heading to the airport. Dickhead.

      Par4QC I'm always aware of my surroundings on a course.

      I try to be aware everywhere! I used to not like noise/movement while playing. Probably because we were taught that's the way it's supposed to be. Back when I played a bunch of scrambles, I realized sometimes there's just going to be distractions. After that change in mindset, I'm able to go through my swing routine with just about anything going on around me.

        golf_bhoy 1 course I play is in a county Forest Preserve, complete with gun range for the co. sheriff dept., and it is also just 1/4 mi. south of the int'l airport. Another has a 'estate compound' 1/2 encircling the course, where the owner has a skeet shooting range, and they shoot those shotguns almost every day; the echoes throught the woods are quite loud of course. A couple others are built right along very busy 4 lane streets. Can think of only 1 in the area that is really off the beaten path, but it is now closed for good, yet, had a highway running past it also. Life is noise. Get used to it PGA.

            It's not about noise per se but a sudden noise can mess with you. I don't care who you are, if I yell at the top of your swing it's likely to bother you. But I don't care if people are talking around me.

            Par4QC

            For some reason I can block out planes, trains and automobiles, but if some mf'er drops a tee on the ground next to the tee box during my swing it totally bugs the shit out of me.

                Par4QC if they have such a problem with noise, how in the hell did they play Augusta?? Even on the tv I heard more sirens in an hour than I did in a day any place I've ever lived or stayed the night.

                    Walterjn They also play 1 course where a train runs very close by, several times daily.

                      Mattyv but if some mf'er drops a tee on the ground next to the tee

                      Or the bastage that insists on wiping off his ball, while waiting his turn.

                          My only ask is that people in my 4some let me have the teebox and be quiet while I'm hitting. Can't stand it when players get up on the box and stand in my periphery. Just stand behind me and shut up for 10 seconds. Thank you.