Golf format guide

Shotgun start golf: how the field starts together

A shotgun start sends golf groups to different starting holes so the field begins at the same scheduled time. It is a starting arrangement rather than a scoring format, so you still choose scramble, individual stroke play, or another competition separately.

Rules for starting and rotating

Assign every group a starting hole and give players a clear arrival time, briefing time, and signal to begin. A group starting at hole 12 plays through hole 18, continues at hole 1, and finishes at hole 11 for an eighteen-hole round. It must not leave after hole 18 simply because that is normally the last hole on a printed card. Explain this rotation before players leave the clubhouse.

The course must approve the field plan, transport route, practice arrangements, and any doubled starting holes. Two groups assigned to the same hole need clear A and B instructions and safe spacing; they do not hit simultaneously. The committee and course staff decide when play begins or stops. A published shotgun time never overrides a weather suspension or an unsafe starting position.

How scoring works from different holes

Record each result under the actual hole number played, regardless of the order. A score made at hole 12 belongs at hole 12, even if it is the player's first hole of the day. The scoring format determines whether that entry is an individual score, a shared scramble score, or another result. Starting on different holes does not change par or create a scoring allowance.

During the round, read live standings with the number of holes completed in view. A team three under after four holes and a team three under after thirteen are at different stages. At the end, verify that every expected hole is recorded and apply the published tie procedure. Starting-hole order should not quietly become an improvised tie-break when the field reaches the clubhouse.

Worked example: 72 players on eighteen holes

Suppose the course approves one four-player group on each of eighteen starting holes. Eighteen groups multiplied by four golfers gives 72 players. Group 1 starts at hole 1 and finishes at hole 18; Group 12 starts at hole 12 and finishes at hole 11. Each group still plays eighteen holes. If a group records 4 on hole 12 and 5 on hole 13, those entries total 9 strokes for those two holes, not for holes 1 and 2.

Common start variations

A modified shotgun uses only part of the course's available starting holes. A double shotgun usually describes separate starting waves, while an A/B allocation can place two groups on selected holes within one wave. Terminology varies, so publish the actual holes and times rather than relying on the label. Capacity comes from the course's operating plan, not from multiplying a software field limit.

Sequential tee times are an alternative when the course cannot release several holes together. They can spread arrivals and finishes across a longer period, which changes meal and awards planning. A shotgun aims to bring the field onto a shared schedule, but round length can still vary. Leave time for slow groups, score review, and safe travel back to the clubhouse before promising an exact reception start.

Running this start in FairwayOS

FairwayOS includes shotgun and sequential start choices and tools for assigning players to groups and starting holes. For scrambles, create the score teams and then arrange the tee groups so a group assignment does not accidentally combine two different teams. Players post hole scores from their phones and organizers can follow standings. Review the assignments with the course; FairwayOS is not a tee-sheet or pro-shop integration.

Frequently asked questions

Is shotgun a golf scoring format?

No. It describes when and where groups start. The event still needs a separate scoring format and published rules.

Where does a group starting on hole 7 finish?

For an eighteen-hole round, it plays 7 through 18, then 1 through 6, finishing at hole 6.

Does everyone finish at exactly the same time?

No. The shared start helps the schedule, but pace, weather, and group delays still affect finish times.

How many golfers fit in a shotgun?

The course decides. One four-player group on each of eighteen holes is 72 golfers; additional groups require the course's approval and spacing plan.

Can FairwayOS assign shotgun starting holes?

Yes. It supports starting-hole and group setup. Confirm the plan with the course before sharing it with players.