GOLF is a game of tradition and rules, some of which haven’t changed for hundreds of years.
LIV Golf is trying to break the mould – and in 2022 introduced the shotgun start. Here’s what that means for players.
Greg Norman CEO and commissioner of LIV GolfGetty
What is a shotgun start in golf?
Local golf clubs occasionally introduce what is known as a shotgun start.
This entails getting as many players on the golf course at once – but all starting at the exact same time.
This of course means that the players will begin on different holes, so can include up to 18 groups of players.
For example, one group could be starting on hole ten and another on hole five.
They would then finish on holes nine and four respectively.
When using a shotgun start, clubs can choose to use the Stableford system of scoring, which involves getting points with the highest score winning.
Or a monthly medal can be played, also known as stroke play, where every stroke on every hole is recorded, with the lowest winning.
How does it work?
As soon as the starting signal sounds everyone can begin playing on their respective holes.
The group that starts on hole two finishes on hole one, the group that starts on hole 12 will finish on hole 11.
In June 2022, the first LIV Golf Series event at Centurion, London, began when a flyover of planes was used to signal tee-off time.
Why is this is LIV golf format?
LIV Golf introduced the shotgun start to bring in a faster pace of play to the sport.
It greatly reduces viewing hours – to around four hours – and involves constant action.
In a usual tournament’s format, groups would tee off roughly every 10 minutes from hole one and this could continue for a number of hours until every player has teed off.
This causes a longer golfing day from start to finish, however, this is the traditional fashion in which professional and amateur tournaments are played on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
This promotes a more action-packed four-hour show of golf.
Shotgun starts aren’t common in club golf, but at the same time, aren’t exactly alien.
“Don’t Blink” is one of the many mottos that LIV commissioner Greg Norman and his team use to promote the Saudi-backed events.
A shotgun start is one tool they use to support this phrase.