JBOpen 2010

A shotgun start is a golf tournament format in which all groups of players tee off simultaneously from different holes. Each hole on a course will be the tee off hole for each foursome. Group 1 would start from hole 1, Group 2 from hole 2, etc. Each group starts play at the same time. A shotgun start will allow a tourney to end at the same time it takes one foursome to finish a full round or 18 holes of golf. If there are more than 18 teams, some double up at the 4 and 5 par holes as A & B teams.

It has been reported in the December 2004 issue of Golf Digest, in May 1956 the head pro, Jim Russell, fired a shotgun to sound the start of play to golfers at Walla Walla Country Club in Walla Walla, Washington.^[1] This is purportedly the first time a tournament used such a starting format. Today, a siren or specific time is used so that golfers all over the course can hear the signal to start the tournament.

This starting format is popular for charity events as everyone starts and finishes at the same time. This allows for a post-event meal where the prizes can be awarded. It can also be used for large group and corporate tournaments as well as events where the participants arrive at the venue together on a bus.

For golf course owners and staff, shotgun starts involve logistics that are different than those for normal open play. They affect both cost and profit. For member clubs, these events also affect course availability for the membership more than if everyone started on the first tee. Some golf courses, particularly municipal and very busy public courses, strictly prohibit this format on their course.

Most golf courses have strict rules and policies when booking this type of tournament, which may include one or more of the following:

• There must be a minimum number of players. If this minimum cannot be met, the course may revert the tournament back to a first tee or split tee start.
• Deposits for this type of event may be higher than normal first tee starts. Cancellation notices may also have to be presented further in advance.
• These events may be restricted to being held on weekdays or specific days of the week. Most courses do not allow this type of event on weekends.
• A surcharge may apply to quoted rates.
• Starting times are usually restricted to either 8 AM or 1 PM at most courses.
• The club usually requires the tournament to have a post-event meal at the clubhouse.
• The club may require a minimum prize purchase from the club pro shop.
• The course may require the tournament carry weather insurance.
• The course may require mandatory carts for all participants, even if the host organization traditionally prohibits carts at their events.
• Some clubs subject these tournaments to membership approval.