You’ve probably seen the phrase on a flyer for a charity tournament or a corporate outing: 9:00 AM Shotgun Start. While it sounds a bit dramatic, it’s actually one of the smartest and most common ways to run a large group golf event. This article will walk you through exactly what a shotgun format is, how it works from check-in to finish, and give you practical tips to play your best when you’re part of one. We'll cover the distinct advantages and a few of the downsides, so you know just what to expect next time you sign up.
In its simplest form, a shotgun start is a golf tournament format where all groups of players tee off at the same time on different holes. Instead of a long line of players starting one-by-one on the first tee over several hours, every single team is assigned a starting hole on the course and begins play simultaneously after a single signal is given.
Think of it like this: in a traditional race, everyone lines up at the same starting line. In a shotgun format, it's as if runners were placed at different mile markers all around a circular track and told to start running at the same moment. They all run the full distance, but they just start from a different spot. In golf, your group might be assigned to start on Hole #12, while another group starts on Hole #3, and another on Hole #18. You all play 18 holes, just in a different order, and impressively, you all finish at roughly the same time.
The name itself comes from the rumored origin of the format. Legend has it that a head pro in Walla Walla, Washington, wanted a fast and fair way to start all his tournament players at once. He gathered all the teams on their assigned holes and then fired a shotgun into the air. This loud, unmistakable signal let everyone across the property know it was time to play. Today, that literal "shotgun" has been replaced by a much friendlier air horn or siren, but the name has stuck as a colorful piece of golf history.
Participating in a shotgun start is straightforward, but it helps to know the flow of the day so you can feel relaxed and ready. Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect.
When you arrive at the course, the first stop is the registration desk, usually set up near the pro shop or clubhouse. Here, you'll check in your team and receive your starting hole assignment. This is the most important piece of information you’ll need.
Organizers will let you know your starting hole in one of a few ways:
Once you know your hole, you can load your gear onto your assigned cart and begin your pre-round routine.
This is where a shotgun start feels different from a normal round. About 15 to 20 minutes before the official start time, a tournament coordinator will make an announcement, instructing all players to drive their carts out to their assigned holes. You then navigate the course - following the cart paths in order - until you reach your starting spot. For example, if you're assigned Hole #10, you’ll drive past tees 1 through 9 to get there.
Once you arrive at your tee box, you wait. It’s a good time to introduce yourself to any players in the group ahead or behind you if holes are doubled up. The most important rule is this: do not hit a single shot until you hear the starting signal. Teeing off early is a big breach of etiquette and can get your team penalized or disqualified.
When the horn or siren finally blares, it's time to play. The beauty of the system is in its simplicity. You play the 18 holes in sequential order, starting from your assigned position. Let’s say your group was assigned Hole #7:
Your round officially ends when you putt out on Hole #6 - the hole right before the one you started on. Once you’ve completed your 18th hole, you return your scorecard to the clubhouse and join the post-round festivities.
In cases of a very large tournament (more than 18 groups), you might see assignments like "11A" and "11B." This simply means two groups are starting on the same hole, one after the other. Group "A" tees off first, then group "B" follows immediately after.
Organizers love the shotgun format for its logistical benefits, but for players, it creates a unique on-course experience with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Knowing the challenges, you can prepare yourself to have a great day on the course. A little planning goes a long way.
Give yourself more time than you think you need. Rushing is a performance killer in golf. Arriving early lets you calmly check in, locate your cart, find your hole assignment, and chat with your teammates without feeling stressed. This sets a relaxed tone for the whole day.
You won't have an hour to practice, so make your warm-up count. Have a mini-routine ready. For example:
Once you get your hole assignment, grab a scorecard or look at the course map. Is it a long par 5? A short, but tricky par 4? Knowing what you're up against helps you prepare mentally. If you're starting on a short par 4, you might end your warm-up by hitting a few 3-woods or hybrids instead of just the driver. If it's a par 3, you'll know exactly which iron to practice.
Go into the day expecting a five-hour round. Mentally accept that you'll have some waits on certain tees. Use that downtime productively. Stay hydrated, have a snack, stretch to stay loose, or just enjoy the conversation with your playing partners. Getting frustrated with the pace of play will only introduce tension into your swing.
If you draw a difficult starting hole, lower your expectations for that hole. The goal isn't to make a heroic birdie. Your main mission is to hit a safe shot, get the ball in play, and find a rhythm. A bogey on your first hole of the day is a perfectly acceptable score, especially if it’s a tough one. Survive your starting hole, and then build from there.
The shogun start is a fantastic solution for running a memorable, organized, and social golf tournament. By starting and finishing together, it keeps a large group of golfers on the same schedule, creating a shared experience that lasts from the first tee shot to the final award ceremony.
Navigating a shotgun start, especially if you begin on an unfamiliar or tricky hole, can be a little unnerving. To help take the guesswork out of any shot on any hole, you can use our Caddie AI. It gives you simple, smart strategies and club recommendations on demand, so you can feel confident and prepared from the very first tee, no matter which number it is.
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