What Is A Shotgun Start in Golf?

Golf can take a long time when its just four players making their way round the course, what about if its 72. Although if you ever enter a golf tournament it will likely involve you getting a tee time to tee off, it can involve a lot of hanging about, and in places with changeable weather give you much different conditions to those who started before you. To make things more equitable, and quicker, Some tournaments chose to use a ‘shotgun’ start. We take a look at what that means below.

A shotgun start in golf allows all players in a tournament to start their rounds at the same time, but on different holes, greatly reducing the time to complete a tournament. Upon the sound of a horn, or white (no longer a shotgun) players then play round the course in ascending hole order.

So all players who play under a shotgun start can start their round at the same time, this cuts down on the waiting time, allows players to play under the same conditions, both weather and lighting wise, and means the tournament can be run much more efficiently when it has high numbers of entrants. We take a look at this and some of the other advantages, and some disadvantages of shotgun starts in the sections below.

What is a Shotgun start in Golf?

In golf, a shotgun start is a tournament format in which all players tee off at the same time, but from different holes on the golf course. This is in contrast to a traditional “stroke play” format, where players tee off one at a time, in order of their starting hole assignment, usually at 10-15 minute intervals.

Upon hearing the signal, usually now a horn or whistle or digital signal, golfers can all start their rounds at the same time.

The shotgun start is often used in tournaments where there are a large number of players, as it allows all of them to finish the round at roughly the same time

Why Do They Use A Shotgun Start In Golf

A shotgun start is typically used in golf tournaments with a large number of players, as it allows all players to begin and finish the round at roughly the same time. it also allows use of the whole golf course from the very start rather than waiting for each player to tee off from hole 1.

This can make it more efficient to run the tournament and is generally easier on the players, as they don’t have to wait around as long between their tee time and when they start the round. It also facilitate the tournament to finish earlier and get the results quicker. especially important if the competition is just played over one day

It also allows the tournament organizers to schedule the tee times of the players in such a way that they are less likely to be affected by delays caused by slow play, inclement weather, or other disruptions.

What Are the Advantages of a Shotgun Start?

There are several advantages to using a shotgun start in a golf tournament, beyond catering for large numbers of players. We take a look at some below.

1. Efficiency: A shotgun start can save a significant amount of time compared to a traditional stroke play format, as all players begin and finish the round at roughly the same time. This can make it more efficient to run the tournament and is generally easier on the players, as they don’t have to wait around as long between their tee time and when they start the round.
2. Reduced impact of slow play: A shotgun start allows the tournament organizers to schedule the tee times of the players in such a way that they are less likely to be affected by delays caused by slow play.
3. Improved pace of play: Since all players tee off at the same time, it can lead to improved pace of play as players will be more inclined to keep up with the group in front of them.
4. Course utilization: A shotgun start allows tournament organizers to use the course more efficiently, as all players are starting on different holes, instead of multiple groups of players starting on the same hole. Gameplay is spread out along the course from the very start.
5. Spectator Friendly: A shotgun start can make it more convenient for spectators to watch the tournament, as all players are on the course at the same time, allowing for easier movement around the course to see different players, it also spreads out spectators making crowds easier to manage.
6. Cost Effective: By finishing the tournament earlier, it allows for savings on staffing, catering, security, or lighting.
7. Variety: Can add some fun and excitement to the tournament by giving it a different format from the usual stroke play.

What Are The Disadvantages of a Shotgun Start In Golf

While a shotgun start can have several advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider which we explore here:

1. Difficulty in assigning starting holes: Assigning starting holes to players can be more complex in a shotgun start, as the tournament organizers need to ensure that the players are evenly distributed among the holes and that the starting groups are balanced in terms of skill level, and speed of play.
2. Increased difficulty for pairing officials: Pairing officials will have a more difficult time matching the players together since all players start simultaneously, that can lead to some confusion and mistakes, greater communication between officials and players is needed to counter this.
3. Potential for confusion on the course: With all players starting at the same time, there is a potential for confusion on the course, as players may not be aware of the locations of the other players and the groups in front of them, especially if an invitational tournament on a course that some players are new too.
4. Reduced sense of accomplishment for some players: Since all players are starting at the same time, some players may feel that their individual accomplishment and score is not as significant or that it was a ‘group’ accomplishment rather than an individual one.
5. Reduced interaction between players: Since all players are starting at the same time, there will be less interaction between players, as they are not playing in the same group and they can’t compare scores or exchange comments
6. Weather concerns: With all players starting at the same time, a delay or interruption due to inclement weather can cause a significant disruption to the tournament and can lead to delays in completing the round.
7. Less Chance for Drama, with all players finishing roughly at the same time there will be no dramatic finish as players behind try to beat scores, which is found in traditional starts to golf tournament.s.

It’s important to note that the actual impact of these disadvantages will depend on factors such as the number of players, the size and layout of the course, and the organization of the tournament and that even the largest problem has a solution.

How Much Quicker Is a Shotgun Start?

The time saved by using a shotgun start in golf can vary depending on the number of players and the size of the golf course. In general, a shotgun start can save a significant amount of time compared to a traditional stroke play format.

For example, in a tournament with 72 players playing in a foursome and a traditional tee time every 10 minutes, it would take over 3 hours for all players to start their round, and thats if there are no delays, realistically it would be over four hours.

With a shotgun start, all players would begin at once and would likely finish at a similar time, reducing the duration of the tournament by, at a minimum in this example, 3 hours. It also allows to use the course for other activities as early as possible.

It’s important to note that the actual time savings will depend on factors such as the number of players, the size and layout of the course, and the pace of play. However, in general, a shotgun start can be a very efficient way to run a golf tournament with a large number of players.

Do They Actually Use A Shotgun In A Shotgun Start?

No, a “shotgun start” in golf does not involve the use of a actual shotgun. The name is used because all players start the round at the same time, as if they were being “shot out of a shotgun” or, more amusingly, because a shotgun blast serves as the start. Although on odd occasions it may still occur. the first time we could find an actual shotgun has been used was in 1956 in Walla Walla when Jim Russell fired a shotgun to start the round. ( we could not find why he had a shotgun to hand though!)

This is in contrast to a traditional stroke play format, where players tee off one at a time, in order of their starting hole assignment and tee time.

During a shotgun start, all players are assigned a specific hole to start on, and they all tee off simultaneously, typically, now, after a horn or whistle is blown to signal the start of the round. The players then proceed through the course in the traditional manner.

Do They Use Shotgun Starts In PGA Tour Games?

Shotgun starts are not typically used in PGA Tour events, as these tournaments usually have a smaller number of players and a more traditional format is used.

Most PGA Tour events use a standard stroke play format, where players tee off one at a time, in order of their starting hole assignment. Shotgun starts have however been used for events on the Euro tour on occasions, in 1994, 2015 and 2018 due to weather.

What is a Double Shotgun Start?

On occasions there are more than 72 players in a tournament, and this means either the groups are larger than 4 (unlikely, although there are no rules against it) or that the players are split into two larger groups.

These will likely be split into two time slots in the morning and afternoon and two shotgun start tournaments will be run hence the name a double shotgun start. Meaning the tournament will be run over a full day rather than half a day.

There is not many other ways to deal with a large player group, although making use of the distance on par 5 holes can allow for 2 groups to play that once the first group is a safe distance away. It does make for a packed golf course though.

Conclusion

Shotgun starts, first recorded in 1956, allow for golf tournaments to deal with a large number of players more efficiently. This is achieved by assigning each playing group a hole around the golf course and starting at the same time.

The signal is often a horn or whistle, rather than a shotgun, although there are some clubs that may use one from time to time.

It can have advantages by reducing waiting time, tournament length, and making action easier for spectators to view btu does take more organisation to the traditional tee off time of starting. Shotgun starts are rarely used in Top level golf but smaller and local golf clubs do use them to make the maximum use of there course.

References

• https://www.golfmonthly.com/features/the-game/what-is-a-shotgun-start-in-golf
• https://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2018/11/21/what-is-a-shotgun-start-golf-means-111526/
• https://www.hio.com/americanhno-blog/golf-tournament-tips-shotgun-start-vs.-tee-times
• https://honestgolfers.com/what-is-a-shotgun-start-in-golf/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_start