Ever showed up to a charity tournament or corporate outing and been told it’s a shotgun start, leaving you to discreetly Google what that means in your car? You're not alone. It's a common format, but one that can feel confusing if you haven't played in one before. This article will walk you through exactly what a shotgun start is, how it works, the pros and cons, and a little strategy to help you feel prepared and play your best.
A shotgun start is a golf tournament format where every group of players tees off simultaneously from a different hole on the course. Instead of groups lining up at the first tee and starting one after another, groups are assigned various starting holes - hole 4, hole 11, hole 16, and so on. At a designated time, a signal (traditionally a shotgun blast, but more commonly an air horn or announcement) is given, and everyone begins their round from their assigned spot.
The primary purpose of a shotgun start is to ensure that all players begin and, more importantly, finish their rounds at roughly the same time. This is incredibly useful for large events like charity fundraisers, corporate outings, and member-guest tournaments. It streamlines the day’s logistics, allowing the course organizers to host a post-round lunch, an awards ceremony, or a social gathering without players trickling back to the clubhouse over a four-hour window.
You’ll play your 18 holes in order from wherever you begin. For example, if your group is assigned to start on Hole 12, you will play holes 12 through 18, then circle back and play holes 1 through 11, finishing your round on the 11th hole. Your scorecard is still marked hole by hole from 1 to 18, you just play them in a different physical sequence.
While it might sound a little chaotic, the process is usually very organized. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect when you arrive at the course for a shotgun-style event.
Your first stop will be the registration or check-in table. This is where you'll pay any fees, pick up any welcome gifts, and, most importantly, find out your starting hole. Your assignment will typically be posted on a large board or given to you on a slip of paper. You'll likely see something like "John Smith - Hole 8A" or "Jane Doe - Hole 14B."
What do the "A" and "B" mean? If an event has a very large field, organizers might assign two groups to the same hole to accommodate everyone. Usually, this is done on par-4 and par-5 holes. The "A" group will tee off first, followed immediately by the "B" group. Both groups then play the hole and move on. This helps maximize the number of players on the course at once.
This is probably the biggest departure from a regular round of golf. Instead of casually heading to the first tee, you'll need to drive your golf cart to your assigned hole, which could be on the other side of the property. For example, if you start on Hole 10, that’s often the farthest point from the clubhouse.
Tournament organizers will typically tell everyone to head out about 15-20 minutes before the official start time. This gives every group ample time to find their spot without rushing. Pay attention to the announcements - getting lost and holding up the start on your hole is a social faux pas you want to avoid.
Once all the groups are in position, you’ll wait for the official signal. It could be an air horn, a siren from the pro shop, or a series of announcements over a loudspeaker. This signal confirms for every player on the entire course that play is now live. As soon as you hear it, the first player in your group can tee off. No need to wait for other groups or a starter's permission.
After teeing off on your designated starting hole, you proceed to play the holes in numerical order. Let's go back to our example of starting on Hole 12.
Your scorecard remains your guide. You record your score for the 12th hole on the line for hole #12, not hole #1. You are simply completing the 18-hole journey in a different order.
Because everyone teed off at the same time, everyone should finish within a similar timeframe (barring any significant pace of play issues). When your group has completed all 18 holes, you’ll drive back to the clubhouse. Follow the event instructions for submitting your scorecard, which is usually at a designated scoring table near the pro shop. Now, you’re free to join the post-round festivities with everyone else.
As a coach, I see the shotgun format as a great tool for certain types of events, but it's not without its challenges. It’s helpful to know the good and the bad so you can set your expectations.
Playing in a shotgun event requires a slight mental adjustment. Here are a few supportive tips to help you manage the day and enjoy yourself.
Buffer your arrival time. Give yourself at least an hour, if not more, before you need to be at your starting tee. This allows you to check in, socialize, and complete a relaxed warm-up without panic-sprinting to your cart.
Since time is limited, be efficient. If you only have 20 minutes, don't try to bash a full bucket of balls. Instead:
A "shotgun start" only describes how the tournament begins. The actual format of play is usually different - most commonly a scramble or best ball. Make sure you and your teammates understand the rules. Is it a one-putt rule? Are there mulligans or strings for sale? Knowing the specifics beforehand relieves stress on the tee.
This is huge. In a shotgun event, your group's pace affects every group behind you. Stay mindful, play ready golf, and keep up with the group in front of you. Being considerate is a key part of tournament etiquette and ensures a better day for everyone.
A shotgun start is simply a method for getting a large group of golfers on the course and back to the clubhouse around the same time. While it might shake up your normal routine, it’s a fun and social way to play the game, especially at organized events that are focused on community more than just the competition itself.
No matter the tournament format, course strategy is what separates a good round from a great one. Whether you’re standing on the familiar 1st tee or the unfamiliar 14th, having a smart plan helps you play with confidence. We designed Caddie AI to give you that expert-level strategy on demand. You can ask for a simple game plan for any hole, get help with tricky club selections, or even gain an advantage by capturing a photo of your ball in a tough spot to receive instant advice on how to play it. With guidance helping you make smarter, more confident decisions on every shot, you’re free to just relax and enjoy the game.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
