Shotgun Start
The shotgun start is a starting format in which all groups begin simultaneously on different holes of the course.
In the shotgun start, every group starts on a different hole. All players go beforehand to their assigned hole, and on a common signal the round begins everywhere at the same time. In the past a cannon shot actually gave the sign; today a horn, a siren or an announcement takes over. The big advantage: all participants are finished at about the same time. That is why this starting format is the standard at tournaments with many players, company events and charity events where afterwards people eat together or the prize giving is celebrated.
For you, a shotgun start runs a little differently from a normal round with a fixed tee time. An example: your group is assigned to hole 7. You drive or walk there in good time, play the round from 7 to 18 and then 1 to 6, and finish it on hole 6. On the scorecard you count the holes nevertheless in the pre-printed order. Plan enough time for the way to your starting hole, because at the signal every group should stand ready to start at the tee.
A widespread misconception: the shotgun start does not make the round faster for the individual. You continue to play your normal pace of play and can hang behind slow groups in front of you. The gain lies only in the synchronisation for the event. Second point: whoever appears too late at their starting hole disturbs the whole schedule, because everyone sets off at the same time. So be better ten minutes early at your assigned tee than two minutes late.
FAQ
How does a shotgun start work for me as a player?
Your group is assigned a hole, for example hole 7, and you play the round from there — that is, 7 to 18, then 1 to 6. On the scorecard you count nevertheless in the pre-printed order. Be at your starting hole in good time, because at the signal every group should stand ready at the tee.
Am I finished faster in a shotgun start than in a normal round?
For you personally not — you play your normal pace and can hang behind slow groups in front of you. The gain lies only in the synchronisation: all participants are finished at about the same time, which makes tournaments with a prize giving or a shared meal possible. Unlike with a fixed tee time, the whole course starts at once.
What happens if I appear too late at my starting hole?
You disturb the whole schedule, because all groups set off at the same time and depend on one another. Plan enough time for the way to your hole — better to stand ten minutes early at the assigned tee than two minutes late. If in doubt, ask at the club office in advance how the assignment and the arrival are organised.