Club glossary
What Is a Shotgun Start in Golf?
A start in which every group tees off at the same time from a different hole, so the field begins and finishes together — the usual format for events.
A shotgun start is a way of starting a golf event in which every group tees off at the same time, each from a different hole. Group one starts on the 1st tee, group two on the 2nd, and so on around the course. Because everyone starts together, everyone finishes at roughly the same time — which is the point: the whole field can gather for lunch, dinner or awards as soon as play ends. The name comes from the tradition of firing a shotgun to signal the start; today it is usually a horn.
How it works
- Assign holes. Each group is given a starting hole. With one foursome per hole, an 18-hole course starts 72 players.
- Double up for bigger fields. To fit more players, clubs send two groups off some holes — an "A" group and a "B" group. The B group starts once the A group has cleared the landing area, typically on par 4s and par 5s.
- Carts and signs. Carts are staged by starting hole, with the players' names and starting hole on a cart sign.
- Block the sheet. The regular tee sheet is closed for the duration so no daily play conflicts with the event.
- Everyone plays 18. A group starting on the 7th plays 7 through 18, then 1 through 6.
Example
A club's member-member uses a 1:00 p.m. shotgun with 30 teams of four. Eighteen holes take 18 A groups, and 12 of the longer holes take a B group as well. The tee sheet is closed from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., carts are staged by noon, and dinner is at 6:30.
Shotgun vs. crossover vs. tee times
| Start | How groups go off | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Tee times | One after another from the 1st tee | Daily play |
| Crossover | Two tees at once, at intervals | Busy mornings |
| Shotgun | All holes at once | Events, outings, leagues |
Why it matters at a private club
A shotgun takes the whole course out of daily play for several hours, so it needs planning: the tee sheet must be blocked well ahead, members warned, starting holes assigned, carts and scorecards prepared, and the kitchen ready for the whole field at once. The format suits scrambles, member-guests and charity outings.
Related terms
In Bubs: a club event can start as a shotgun: when pairings are drawn, each group is assigned its starting hole, and the event is run and scored live in tournaments & scoring.