I want to go on record and say that I am not in the camp that enjoys listening to music on the golf course. I'm not against good times and good vibes, nor is my game so precise that any unwelcome vibrations will throw it out of whack. I'm just an old party pooper that enjoys the peace and quiet of the course.
But, based on the last several outings I've played in, I'm in the minority on this one. So, for the golfers equipped with golf cart speakers (this is a good one), consider creating a playlist specifically for your outing.
It's easy enough to do in Spotify and share it with the group before the round.
To inspire your song collection, we've pulled together a list of song ideas. Since tastes in music vary, we tried to stick to song ideas that can enhance an otherwise strong playlist.
How to Create a Spotify Golf Playlist
Before we get to the songs, though, I want to offer a quick how-to on creating a sharable Spotify playlist.
- Open Spotify and click "Create Playlist" under the "Playlists" section on the left sidebar.
- Give your playlist a name. Should people need to search for it, name the playlist the same as the event name.
- Click the three dots next to the playlist name and select "Collaborative Playlist" to allow others to add songs. WARNING: Be careful here. Some people may add songs you don't want your event associated with, like "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.
- Make the playlist public by clicking the three dots again and choosing "Make Public."
- Share the link to your playlist with event participants via email, social media, or your event website.
Now that the technical stuff is out of the way, let's discuss why music matters at a golf event. The right tunes can set the tone and atmosphere, keeping energy levels up throughout the round.
But how do you create the perfect golf playlist for your event? Here are a few tips:
- Consider your audience. Is your group more hip-hop, country, or rock 'n roll?
- What's the purpose of your event? Are there any songs that closely relate?
- Are there any songs that should absolutely not be included?
- Include a blend of classic hits and current chart-toppers. Throwback jams can be just as fun as the latest hits.
- Avoid overly explicit lyrics or potentially offensive songs. Keep it family-friendly.
59 songs to consider for your next golf event
Required Songs
- "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins from Caddy Shack
- “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas from Happy Gilmore
- “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd from Happy Gilmore
- “Kiss All Over” by Exile from Happy Gilmore
- “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross from Happy Gilmore
- “The Masters Theme" by John Story
Funny Golf Songs
- "The Golf Song (Hole in One)" by Arrogant Worms
- "Golf Girl" by Caravan
- “Shitty Golfer"by Toby Keith
- “Bohemian Golfing Rhapsody” by Nigel Tait
- "Keep it in the Short Grass" by Bob Galindo, Jr.
- "Double Bogey Blues" by Orlando
- “I Hate Golf, But I Still Love to Play” by Ivan Peralta
- "Trouble in the Gorse" by Glen Everhart
- "I Love to Play" by Jake Trout and the Flounders
- "That Golf Song" by Duff Daddy
- “Love the One You Whiff” by Jake Trout and the Flounders
Songs to Annoy the Groups Around You
- “Dancing Queen" by ABBA
- "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- “Photograph” by Nickelback
- "All Star" by Smash Mouth
- "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
- “Who let the dogs out” by Baha Men
- “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I
- “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong
- “I am a Gummybear” by Gummibar
Songs that Will Guarantee a Win
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
- “We Will Rock You" right into “We are the Champions” by Queen
- “Hero of the Day” by Metallica (SF Orchestra version)
- “I am the Bullgod” by Kid Rock
- “Training Montage” by Vince DiCola (from Rocky IV)
- “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper (from Rocky IV)
- Really anything from the Rocky IV sound track!
- “I’m Always Here” by Jimi Jamison (Baywatch theme song)
- “Save Me” by Remy Zero (Smallville theme song)
Songs that Could be interpreted as Golf Related by Their Titles
- "Swing Swing" by All-American Rejects
- “Swingin” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Shoot to Thrill” by AC/DC
- “The Closer You Get” by Alabama
- "Shotgun" by George Ezra
- “Blue Sky” by Allman Brothers
- “Longshot” by Catfish and Bottlemen
- “Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
- “Have a Cigar” by Pink Floyd
- Straight Down the Middle" by Bing Crosby
- "Beautiful Day" by U2
- “Dirty Work” by Steely Dan
- “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
- "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
- The Theme from Shaft by Isaac Hayes
- "Birdie" by Avril Lavigne
- Anything off the album "Fore!" by Huey Lewis and the News (Hip To Be Square)
- "Eagle" by ABBA
- "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
- "Drive" by Incubus
- "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar
Songs to Play After Someone Has a Bad Hole
- “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
- "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
I hope these songs can round out your playlist and add a little more fun to your event.