What Is A Shotgun Start In Golf

What Is A Shotgun Start In Golf

what is a shotgun start in golf

If More than 18 Groups Are Available

In the examples we’ve used, we’ve talked about tournaments with 18 groups of four golfers each, one per hole. That’s 72 golfers. Is it possible to have more than 72 entries in a tournament?

The shotgun start can be maintained, but there’s an easy way to handle that. Two groups can start on the par-4 and par-5 holes from the same spot. Let’s assume that both Group A or B have been assigned to the par-4 No. 4 hole. When the starting signal sounds, Group A tees off. The golfers walk to their balls and play their second strokes.

The golfers from Group B will tee-off when the players in Group A have lost their way. By doing this, the second team of golfers can play that hole after the first. Additionally, there are additional groups that get to the shotgun.

Par-3s are usually left out because a second group on a par-3 tee would immediately cause backups around the golf course. After clearing the hole, the second group could not tee off until the first one has. This situation, as well as the one-group/tee scenario is where the speed of play matters. The entire field is affected if one group plays slowly.

what is a shotgun start in golf

How does a shotgun start in golf work? It works!

You may find links within our published content which can lead to small commissions. We have more information in our privacy and security policy.

Although many golf tournaments have allocated and staggered times for the tee time, that’s just one way of organizing the participants.

Shotgun starts in golf are when all the players start a round at once. This allows for groups of golfers, who can then be assigned to different tees and allow them to play simultaneously.

There are many advantages to shotgun starts in golf, as players tend to finish at the same time, and golf course managers can get the course back open quickly for other paying customers.

This article will provide information on what you can expect if you are about to take part in your first shotgun start. This article walks you through the basic aspects of the shotgun shoot, with several variation.

Let’s start with an explanation of the shotgun starting in golf. Next, we will explain where this name comes from.

what is a shotgun start in golf

How does a shotgun start work?

Shotgun starts are a great way to start a tournament. It positions all players on the course so they can tee off simultaneously.

Because it brings players back to the clubhouse, tournament organizers love this approach. It is possible to see the difference in action.

The Related Article “What is a Draw in Golf?” This shot: 7 tips and facts!

Let’s suppose you have 18 fourballs (72 people) who are all participating in a tournament.

They don’t have to line up at the first Tee to start their round at 10 minutes intervals. It is better to distribute them across the course, so that they all can get started simultaneously.

Shotgun play would see each fourball move to the tee box, wait for the call and then start playing.

Golf carts are used to transport players to the tees at golf courses that have provision.

what is a shotgun start in golf

What’s a Modified Shotgun for Golf?

Modified shotgun starts still allow you to have every tournament participant start and finish simultaneously, while also allowing the course to be open to other golfers. Modified shotgun starting is better suited for small tournament fields.

Each group is sent to a tee box to start their round at a specific time, and the golf course manager then works out what times need to be reserved for the players as they make their way back to the first tee.

It can be quite complex to manage the flow of a modified shotgun start, and mixing tournament players with recreational golfers can disrupt the pace of play somewhat.

However, you can make it work if the competition is small and the event will take place in the clubhouse.

what is a shotgun start in golf

What Is A Double Shotgun In Golf?

Double shotgun tournaments have a lot of players and follow the shotgun starting procedure. In such cases, organizers allow players to choose between one tee-off time in morning or one in afternoon.

Related Article 5 Hybrid Vs. Wood – What Club Should You Use?

You could have half your field, which would be 144, split into 36 4 ball holes. The second half could begin at 7:30 AM and the first half at 1.00 PM.

Although every player in the tournament wouldn’t finish at the same time, a double shotgun is an effective way of managing start times in particularly large tournaments.

However, what happens if the field is slightly bigger than 72 but there’s not enough players to fill both tee times.

Consider that 80 players are split up into 20 fourballs.

Your two additional groups can be added to your par fives by playing two more. When the first group tees off and then plays their second shots, the following groups can begin.

what is a shotgun start in golf

What is a Shotgun Start in Golf? [Complete Guide]

The post could contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we can earn from eligible purchases.

A slow pace of play is an often seen feature at international golf tournaments. It is because everyone starts on the first hole regardless of their handicap. Sometimes, this means golfers have to wait several hours before they can tee-off. This causes players with differing skills to get stuck behind each other and can cause traffic on the golf course.

Golf tournaments are easier and more efficient when shotgun starts are used. We will be discussing what a shotgun start in Golf is and its benefits for those who are organizing tournaments.

what is a shotgun start in golf

What Is A Reverse Shotgun Start In Golf?

Reverse shotgun starts are when golfers begin at different points of the course to get to the first hole quickly.

The reverse shotgun is when there are less than eighteen teams in a golf tournament. This style of tournament is played by golfers who start at the holes in these order: 1, 18, 17, 16, 15, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 and so forth.

The purpose of this is to allow groups to move quickly through hole 1. After the final group has completed hole 1, the golf course will open for other players.

This will allow the course to complete the tournament quickly. It also allows everyone to finish the tournament at once.

How long does a tournament with shotgun starts last?

Tee time tournament players are required to complete nine holes within two hours, or 18 holes in four hours, depending on whether there is another group. A shotgun start tournament usually takes two and a-half hours to play nine holes or five hours for the 18th hole.

What Is The Benefit Of A Shotgun Start?

Shotgun starts allow for a tournament’s end in the exact same time as it takes for the slowest foursome to complete a round of 18-hole golf.

What is a Reverse Shotgun Start in Golf?

When the number of foursomes in a tournament is lower than 18, this variant of the Shotgun Start can be used. Reverse Shotguns are used to quickly clear Hole 1 so that the course starter has more customers and makes more money.

What’s Scramble shotgun start?

A shotgun scramble requires that players work in teams to find the best ball. As it is a shotgun start, players are split into four balls and designated to tee off from around the course.

.What Is A Shotgun Start In Golf