"Listen to Music"... "Heavy Metal Works Too"

Improved Motor Control with 90-120 BPM Music
Boosted Confidence, Increased Dopamine and Serotonin
Better Mood from Music Leads to Enhanced Play
Hovland's Heavy Metal, Music Routines of Woods and McIlroy

The power of music is remarkable. It brings joy and comfort to people. This applies to both animals and plants as well. Animals and plants that grow up listening to music tend to develop healthily.

The same is true for athletes. By using music effectively, they can achieve much better results. Overseas, the number of golfers who train while listening to music is gradually increasing. In contrast, domestic golfers still tend to have a negative perception of music, considering it a distraction during practice.

Victor Hovland trains while listening to heavy metal. Photo by UPI Yonhap News

Listening to music enhances athletic performance, and there is scientific evidence to support this. This is the result of research by Dr. Costas Karageorghis, a world-renowned expert in the fields of music and exercise. He teaches students at the Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel University in the United Kingdom. Through various studies, he has demonstrated the effects of music. He stated, "Listening to music with a strong beat of 90 to 120 beats per minute improves coordination and motor control."

Dr. Karageorghis also explained, "When exercising while listening to music, you can sustain your workout about 15% longer than usual." His research team had 30 participants exercise on a treadmill while listening to music by artists such as Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Madonna, and the participants expended more energy than they typically would.

Lexi Thompson enjoys music while training. Photo by Golf Monthly

Listening to fast-paced songs is even more effective for exercise. Music diverts attention through neurological mechanisms, thereby reducing perceived psychological fatigue.

Upbeat tracks provide motivation and boost confidence. They stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals responsible for feelings of pleasure. Music puts golfers in a good mood, and the better their mood, the higher the likelihood of better play.

There are golfers who make excellent use of music. One such example is Viktor Hovland of Norway, who has claimed seven victories on the PGA Tour and is currently ranked 11th in the world. Hovland is well known as the "Taekwondo Boy." He is a world-class player who won the Tour Championship, the final event of the 2023 PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Hovland trains while listening to music, and his preferred genre is interesting: he likes heavy metal. He favors metal bands such as Metallica, Tool, and System of a Down. During the 2023 Ryder Cup, Hovland was seen enjoying heavy metal music and appeared relaxed. He said, "Intense rock music helps me build concentration."

Tiger Woods carries around more than 300 songs stored on his smartphone. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The "Emperor of Golf," Tiger Woods of the United States, trains on the practice range wearing earphones. He often listens to music while heading to the first hole at tournaments. He carries around more than 300 songs stored on his smartphone. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland chooses music to help him focus during practice. When doing intense physical training at the gym, he selects songs with strong beats. Patrick Reed of the United States and Ian Poulter of England also enjoy listening to music during practice.

Lexi Thompson of the United States, a long hitter with 11 career wins on the LPGA Tour, also enjoys music. She incorporates listening to music into her practice routine. She listens to music to relax and improve her concentration. Shin Jiyai, who has accumulated 66 professional wins, also plays music during practice. For her, music helps alleviate the monotony of long practice sessions and greatly enhances her focus.

Rory McIlroy listens to songs with strong beats when doing physical training. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Recently, Golf Monthly, a leading golf media outlet in the United States, highlighted the correlation between golf and music. Coach Emma Booth offered her advice. She earned her PGA professional qualification in 2009 and currently runs the Winchester Golf Academy as an instructor.

Coach Booth listed several things to prepare for when practicing golf while listening to music: finding headphones with long battery life and excellent comfort, selecting playlists that match the content of the practice session, using podcasts and audiobooks, and adding new songs to maximize the benefits of exercise.

Coach Booth also released her own practice playlist, which varies by club: for the driver, she chooses tracks by the rock band Beastie Boys; for irons, Megan Thee Stallion; for the short game, Run DMC; and for putting, Ludovico Einaudi. Finally, Coach Booth explained, "When you feel that practice is becoming tedious, you need to listen to music," adding, "Music can sometimes take you to the next level."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.