Shotgun start
The shotgun start lets all flights begin at the same time on different holes.
In a shotgun start every group starts on a different hole. Flight one starts at hole 1, flight two at hole 2 and so on. A starting signal, originally an actual shot, releases the start for everyone. The name remained, even if today a horn or siren sounds. The big advantage: all groups are finished at roughly the same time. Therefore almost all social tournaments, corporate events and club celebrations use this model. Afterwards the shared meal begins without hours of waiting for the last groups.
For you as a player the round changes only in one point: you start in the middle of the course. If your flight starts at hole 11, you play holes 11 to 18 and afterwards 1 to 10. Your scorecard you nevertheless keep in the normal order. Practically important: be at your starting hole in good time. After the signal nobody waits. A cart or good route planning helps if the hole lies far from the clubhouse.
One misconception concerns the scoring. The shotgun start is not a format of play of its own but only a start organisation. What is played is still stroke play, Stableford or scramble. With full starting fields of 18 flights at the same time the course staff are strict about punctuality. So plan time and check in early at the club office.
FAQ
How does a shotgun start actually work for me as a player?
Your flight does not start at hole 1 but at an assigned hole — say hole 11 — and plays the round to its end from there, so 11 to 18 and afterwards 1 to 10. At the starting signal, today usually a horn, you must be ready at your hole, because nobody waits. You nevertheless keep your scorecard in the normal hole order.
Why do so many tournaments use the shotgun start?
Because all groups start at the same time and finish at roughly the same time. That is ideal for corporate events and club celebrations: prize giving and shared meal start on time, without waiting hours for the last flights. For the course it does however mean full utilisation on all holes at the same time.
Is the shotgun start a format of play of its own?
No, it is only a start organisation. What is played is completely normal stroke play, Stableford or scramble — the scoring does not change through the shared start. So you have to care about the rules of the game just as much as in any other tournament round.