Whether you’re a golf fanatic or just got interested in the game recently, you’re likely to come across many words and phrases related to it. “Shotgun start” is one of these terms that golfers often use. Unfortunately, many people still don’t know what this word means or how to use it correctly.
So, what does the phrase “shotgun start” mean when it comes to golf? In golf, a “shotgun start” is a way to start a tournament in which each group of players starts on a different hole or in a different spot. The term “shotgun start” comes from the idea that all players should start at the same time by shooting a shotgun into the air. This signal tells the groups to start playing at the same time from their assigned holes.
The idea behind the shotgun start is to let a lot of golfers play games without having to spend all day at the driving range to get ready for their different tee times. Also, it keeps the people taking the course interested, so they don’t have to spend a whole day there. No matter how an event is organized, a shotgun start is always a creative way to shorten the time needed for a competition.
Making Sense Of The Shotgun Start
It’s important to make clear that a “shotgun start” is not a specific type of golf event. Instead, it refers to how a tournament starts.
As was already said, it means that everyone starts playing at the same time. Each group of four players starting from a different hole on the golf course. This is just one of the many golf terms that are widely used on the course.
For example, the first group starts from hole 1, the second group from hole 2, and the third group from hole 3. This pattern continues as long as there are more than three groups. Traditionally, all groups would start playing as soon as a shotgun was fired. In modern times, however, it is becoming more popular to use the sound of a horn. Rather than the traditional shotgun blast to start the game.
Event announcements that use shotgun starts might say something like, “The tournament on Sunday will begin with a shotgun start at noon.” This means that a gunshot will be fired at noon, and all groups should be in their designated holes before this time.
Getting More Than 18 Groups Going At The Same Time
Most event organizers like to have 18 groups. This allows each group to start playing at the same time from different holes on the golf course. This is a well-known fact. If a group starts from the 7th hole, they might end up playing the 8th, 9th, 10th, and other holes.
The shotgun start lets all groups start and end their shots at the same time. But it is possible to have more than 18 groups at the start of a game. Although, this doesn’t happen very often. This can be done by putting two groups of players on par-5 and par-4 holes. Allowing the second group can start playing after the first group hits their tee shot and second shot.
Shotgun Starts Vs Traditional Ways To Start
At professional golf events, different groups usually start their rounds by teeing off from either the first or tenth hole. Though sometimes only the first hole is used. All of the groups start playing from one of the above holes, and their start times are usually 10 minutes apart.
This more traditional way of doing things means that all 18 groups will finish their tee-offs within three hours. This will add about three hours to the total length of the event.
On the other hand, shotgun starts have become more popular because they save time for competition organizers. This format is very helpful when organizers have to make room for another group of golfers after a previous event. Also, shotgun starts are often used for events that start later in the day or when bad weather is expected.
Another great thing about a shotgun start is that all players are exposed to the same weather conditions because they all start playing at the same time.
When Should You Go With A Shotgun Start? (3 Possibilities)
Golf event organizers may need to think about whether to use a shotgun start or a regular start. In the following situations, it makes sense to use a rapid start.
When there are a lot of people taking part:
As was already said, when there are a lot of people playing golf, they usually stay on the course for a long time. By choosing a shotgun start, golf tournaments can be run quickly. Allowing players to not have to take all day on the course.
When putting on a hobby event:
In an amateur event, players with similar levels of skill are often paired up to fight against each other. In these situations, it’s important not to give any player too many benefits, which is where a shotgun start comes in handy. It lets all players be watched at the same time.
When the event starts in the afternoon:
Tournament organizers might also think about a shotgun start if the event is planned for later in the day. Playing for a long time would mean playing late into the night. This can be avoided by using the shotgun start, which speeds up the game and lets it end sooner.
But it’s important to note that even though shotgun starts to speed up the game, they don’t give new golfers the freedom to choose tee times that work with their plans.
How To Start With A Shotgun: The Rules
Depending on how many holes there are on the course (either 9 or 18), each group of players starts from a different hole or spot that has already been chosen. It is very important to remember that two groups can’t start from the same hole. A horn sounds to let each of these groups know it’s time to start playing. In the past, real shotguns were fired to mark the start of the event. These days, horns or sirens are more often used for this purpose.
After each group hits the ball from its designated starting place, they move through the course’s holes. Whether there are 9 or 18, in a logical order, starting from where they started. For example, if a team starts on the 11th hole, they will play the 12th, then the 13th, and so on, until they reach the 18th hole. Then, they will go back to play the first through eleventh holes.
How A Golf Shotgun Start Is Different
The surprise start is different from other types of tournaments because all of the teams have to start playing at the same time. The game is over when the slowest group of four finishes a round.
One of the best things about using a shotgun start is that it makes it easier for a large number of players to move through the rounds without making the driving range too crowded. During the whole event, every part of the course is being used.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, an in-depth look at the idea of a “shotgun start” has been given. As expected, this term might be hard to understand for people who aren’t very good at golf. It is a unique way to start a round of golf. Each group is sent to a different hole or spot from which they can tee off after a shotgun blast or horn sounds.
Even though this type of start is best for amateur players, there are times when it can be helpful for professionals as well. If you are planning a golf game and want to finish it quickly, you might want to think about a shotgun start.
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