Ever showed up for a golf tournament and heard the organizers talking about waves? While it might sound like they’re planning a trip to the beach after the round, a wave start is actually a highly efficient and popular way to run a golf event. This article will break down exactly what a wave start is, how it works in practice, and what you need to know to play your best when you’re part of one.
A wave start is a tournament format where groups of players tee off from one or two designated holes (almost always the 1st and 10th tees) at regularly scheduled intervals. Instead of everyone starting at once, the field is broken down into larger blocks of time, or "waves."
For example, a morning wave might run from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with groups teeing off of both the first and tenth tees every 10 minutes. Then, an afternoon wave might begin around 12:30 PM and run until 2:30 PM, following the same structure. The key is the continuous, rolling start from a limited number of tee boxes.
To really get what makes a wave start unique, it helps to compare it to the other common formats you’ll encounter.
A shotgun start is probably the most well-known tournament format for large groups. In a shotgun, every group is assigned a different starting hole, and everyone tees off at the exact same time after a signal (like the sound of a horn or, historically, a shotgun). While it's great for getting everyone on and off the course at roughly the same time for post-round meals and awards, it has its downsides.
At first glance, a wave start sounds a lot like standard, sequential tee times. And in a way, it is. The primary difference is one of scale and logistics. Standard tee times usually run all day long from a single tee (the 1st tee). A wave start is specifically designed to get a large tournament field onto the course in a compressed period by using one or, more commonly, two starting tees.
Think of it this way: a normal Saturday morning at your local club uses standard tee times. A big corporate outing or a large amateur tour event will likely use a wave or shotgun start to manage the crowd.
Understanding the flow of the day can calm your nerves and help you prepare properly. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when you're playing in a wave start tournament.
This is the most critical piece of information. You will be assigned to a specific wave (e.g., "AM Wave") and given an exact tee time (e.g., "8:10 AM from Hole #10"). Don't just show up at the start of the wave, show up for your time. I recommend arriving at the course at least 75-90 minutes before your scheduled tee time. This gives you unhurried time to:
The last thing you want to do is feel rushed. Arriving stressed and immediately running to the tee is a recipe for a double bogey on your first hole.
About 10-15 minutes before your tee time, you and your playing partners should make your way towards your assigned starting tee (either #1 or #10). You’ll often find a "starter" or tournament official in this area. They are the gatekeepers. They'll confirm your group is present, give you any last-minute course condition updates, review a key rule or two, and let you know when it's your turn to head to the tee box.
This is your last chance for a quick stretch or a sip of water. Once you're on the tee, things move fast.
When the group in front of you has cleared the landing area, the starter will officially call your group to the tee. The format of the day (e.g., scramble, best ball, stroke play) will determine the playing order, but courtesy still rules. Be ready to hit when it's your turn.
Once you are on the course, your group has one primary responsibility beyond playing well: keep up with the group in front of you. This is the engine that makes a wave start run smoothly. When a gap opens up, it creates a delay that backs up every single group behind you for the rest of the day. Embrace "ready golf" - play when you are ready, safely of course, and don’t always wait for the person furthest out to hit.
Like any format, the wave start has its pros and cons, both for tournament organizers and for you, the player.
As a coach, I always tell my players that being prepared for the format is just as important as being prepared with your swing. Here's how to approach a wave start like a pro.
A wave start is an excellent tournament format that balances the logistical needs of the golf course with the playing experience of a large field. By sending groups off in scheduled blocks of time, it creates a steady, continuous flow of play that feels more like a traditional round of golf than a chaotic shotgun start.
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