Tournament Format

Full-Field Shotgun
This format is designed for 144 players and requires the entire course to be used. All players start and finish at approximately the same time, an important consideration when coordinating events following a day of golf.

Modified Shotgun
The modified shotgun is the best way to handle groups numbering between 72 and 120 players. The entire group tees off at the same time with two groups of players assigned at each hole. For example, a tournament of 80 players would make 20 groups of 4 players at each hole. The groups start on a designated series of holes and finish at the same time. There may be extra costs incurred for the increase time and labor necessary on the part of the club to accommodate the modified shotgun start. The main benefit of the shotgun start is enabling the groups to start and finish together, which allows for adequate time for participation in any activities following play.

Single Tee
This format is the best way to accommodate smaller groups of 4-8 players. Each group tees off the first tee in sequential order. After the first group completes their second shot the next group tees off with the next group ready "on deck". The groups continue to tee off until all the groups are underway.

Scramble
This is one of the more popular formats because it is team oriented and can take advantage of the strengths of the better player while offering less skilled players an opportunity to contribute to the overall team score. This is a great format for large groups with a broad range of skill levels and the format tends to keep play moving at a good pace. Teams usually consist of 2-5 players and each team member tees of at every hole. The best shot is selected and all of the second shots are played from that position. This process is continued until the ball is holed. The lowest team score for the outing wins the tournament.

Best Ball
This is a excellent format for team play and for groups of all sizes. It is faster than an individual event because if someone is having a bad day, they can pick up their ball. This format requires the use of handicaps to ensure the teams are fairly balanced in their skill level. All the players on each team keep score. The lowest score on each team is the one recorded for the team. The team with the lowest score is the winner.