A shotgun start is a way of starting a golf event with every group teeing off at the same time, each on a different hole. It's common at golf days, charity events, society outings and some competitions, because everyone starts and finishes together, ready for lunch or the prize-giving. Here's how it works.
How it works
- Each group is assigned a starting hole.
- Groups make their way to their holes before the start time, often by cart.
- A signal (a horn or announcement) starts play.
- Everyone plays 18 holes in sequence, finishing on the hole before their starting hole.
- The field finishes together, ready for the meal and prizes.
A and B groups
On longer holes, typically par 5s and some par 4s, two groups may start: the A group tees off first, and the B group waits until it's safe, often playing from the fairway or after the A group has played its second shots.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Everyone finishes together | Course closed to other golfers |
| Great for events with a meal | Slower pace with full fields |
| Social atmosphere | Getting to holes takes time |
Tips for players
- Arrive early and find out your starting hole.
- Warm up before heading out. Read the pre-round warm-up routine.
- Take food and water.
- Keep pace: delays stack up across the course. Read pace of play.
- Record scores in order of holes on the scorecard, not order played. Read how to fill in a golf scorecard.
Countback
Many events still use the course's last nine holes (10 to 18) for countback, regardless of starting hole. Read golf playoffs explained.
Organising a shotgun
Read how to organise a golf day and golf trips for large groups.
A sample shotgun-start day
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 7:30 | Registration and breakfast |
| 8:15 | Practice range and putting green |
| 8:45 | Briefing: rules, format and safety |
| 9:00 | Players drive or walk to their starting holes |
| 9:15 | Signal sounds; all groups tee off |
| 1:30 | Players finish and return scorecards |
| 2:00 | Lunch, prize-giving and raffle |
Starting on an unfamiliar hole
Starting on a hole other than the 1st can feel strange. Tips:
- Warm up properly, since you might start on a long par 4 or a tricky par 3. Read pre-round warm-up routine.
- Check the scorecard: record each score on the correct hole.
- Know when you'll finish: if you start on the 7th, your last hole is the 6th.
- Plan food and drink: halfway facilities may be busy or not on your route.
Shotgun starts for charity days and corporate events
Shotgun starts are ideal for charity and corporate golf days because everyone finishes together for the meal and prize-giving. Organisers should:
- Assign groups and starting holes clearly, with signs on carts or holes.
- Brief all players on the format, rules and timing.
- Provide a clear signal to start.
- Plan prizes for longest drive, nearest the pin and team winners.
Read how to organise a golf day and golf scramble strategy.
Pace of play in a shotgun
With every hole occupied, slow groups hold everyone up. Play ready golf, keep moving and pick up when you can't score in team formats. Read pace of play.
Safety
Because groups are close together across the course, be careful when hitting towards adjacent holes and shout "fore" for any wayward shot. Read golf course safety.
Handicaps and scores
Scores from shotgun competitions can usually be submitted for handicap purposes, as for any competition. Check with the organiser.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shotgun start in golf?
All groups start at the same time on different holes.
What does "B group" mean?
A second group starting on the same hole, usually a longer one.
Where do I finish in a shotgun start?
On the hole before your starting hole.
How long does a shotgun start take?
Typically longer than a normal round, often four and a half to five hours with a full field.
What does "two groups per hole" mean?
On large shotgun events, par 4s and 5s may have an A and a B group, with the B group teeing off once the A group has played.
Do I need to arrive early for a shotgun start?
Yes. Everyone starts at the same time, so late arrivals can delay the whole field.
The bottom line
Shotgun starts keep big events together. Arrive early, find your hole, keep pace and record scores in hole order. For more on events, read golf trophies and prizes.