Reverse shotgun golf is a unique and exciting format of golf that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a variant of the traditional shotgun golf format, where players start from different holes at the same time. However, in reverse shotgun golf, the starting order is reversed, with the highest-handicap golfers starting first and the lowest-handicap golfers starting last. This format of golf has some advantages over traditional shotgun golf, and in this article, we will discuss what reverse shotgun golf is, how it works, and its benefits.
How Reverse Shotgun Golf Works
In reverse shotgun golf, the starting order is reversed, which means that the highest-handicap golfers start first and the lowest-handicap golfers start last. The highest-handicap golfers are the ones who need the most time to complete a round, and by starting first, they have more time to complete the round. This format ensures that all players finish the round at roughly the same time.
In reverse shotgun golf, players start from different holes, just like in traditional shotgun golf. However, the starting order is determined by the players’ handicap. The highest-handicap golfers start from the lowest-numbered hole, while the lowest-handicap golfers start from the highest-numbered hole. For example, if there are 18 holes on the course, the player with the highest handicap will start from hole 1, the player with the second-highest handicap will start from hole 2, and so on. The player with the lowest handicap will start from hole 18.
Benefits of Reverse Shotgun Golf
Reverse shotgun golf has several benefits that make it an attractive format for golfers of all skill levels. Some of the benefits include:
- Faster Play: Reverse shotgun golf is a faster format than traditional shotgun golf. By starting with the highest-handicap golfers, the pace of play is faster, and all players finish the round at roughly the same time.
- Fairness: Reverse shotgun golf is a fair format of golf because it ensures that all players have an equal chance to win. By starting with the highest-handicap golfers, the lower-handicap golfers have a chance to catch up and win the round.
- Competitive: Reverse shotgun golf is a competitive format of golf that encourages players to play their best. Since the starting order is determined by handicap, players have an incentive to improve their handicap to get a better starting position.
- Excitement: Reverse shotgun golf is an exciting format of golf that adds a new level of strategy to the game. Players have to decide whether to play conservatively or aggressively to catch up to their opponents.
Tips for Playing Reverse Shotgun Golf
If you’re new to reverse shotgun golf, here are some tips to help you play your best:
- Play to Your Strengths: Since you’ll be starting from different holes than usual, it’s important to play to your strengths. If you’re a long hitter, you may want to start on a hole where you can take advantage of your length off the tee. If you’re a great putter, you may want to start on a hole with a challenging green.
- Manage Your Game: In reverse shotgun golf, you’ll be playing out of order, which means you may not know where your opponents are on the course. Therefore, it’s important to manage your game and focus on your own performance, rather than trying to keep up with others.
- Be Aggressive When Necessary: While it’s important to manage your game, there may be times when you need to be aggressive to catch up to your opponents. If you’re behind in the round, you may want to take more risks to gain ground.
- Stay Focused: Reverse shotgun golf can be a fast-paced format, so it’s important to stay focused on your game. Don’t get distracted by what other players are doing or what hole you’re starting on. Keep your focus on each shot and play to the best of your ability.
- Enjoy the Format: Reverse shotgun golf is a unique and exciting format of golf, so enjoy the experience. Have fun with the strategy and challenge of playing out of order and embrace the competitive nature of the format.
Reverse Shotgun Golf Course Layout
| Hole | Par | Distance (yards) | Tee Box Location | Green Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 412 | Back | Front |
| 2 | 3 | 187 | Front | Back |
| 3 | 5 | 538 | Back | Front |
| 4 | 4 | 385 | Front | Back |
| 5 | 3 | 220 | Back | Front |
| 6 | 4 | 410 | Front | Back |
| 7 | 5 | 515 | Back | Front |
| 8 | 4 | 397 | Front | Back |
| 9 | 3 | 185 | Back | Front |
| 10 | 4 | 408 | Back | Front |
Reverse Shotgun Golf Scoring
| Hole | Par | Score | +/- | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 5 | +1 | +1 |
| 2 | 3 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| 3 | 5 | 6 | +1 | +1 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | +1 |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | +1 |
| 6 | 4 | 5 | +1 | +2 |
| 7 | 5 | 7 | +2 | +4 |
| 8 | 4 | 3 | -1 | +3 |
| 9 | 3 | 3 | 0 | +3 |
| 10 | 4 | 4 | 0 | +3 |
Reverse Shotgun Golf Club Selection
| Hole | Club Selection |
|---|---|
| 1 | Driver |
| 2 | 8-iron |
| 3 | Driver |
| 4 | 7-iron |
| 5 | 5-iron |
| 6 | Driver |
| 7 | 3-wood |
| 8 | 9-iron |
| 9 | 6-iron |
| 10 | Driver |
Reverse Shotgun Golf Rules
| Rule | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Out of bounds | Stroke |
| Ball in water hazard | Stroke |
| Ball in sand bunker | Stroke |
| Ball unplayable (lost or embedded in tree) | Stroke |
| Taking an unplayable lie penalty (2-stroke penalty) | 2 |
| Hitting the wrong ball | 2 |
| Improperly taking relief or dropping ball | 2 |
| Slow play | Warning |
| Swearing or throwing club | Warning |
Reverse Shotgun Golf Etiquette
| Etiquette Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrive on time | Arriving on time for your tee time is important to avoid delaying the group behind you. |
| Be respectful of others | Show respect to your playing partners, the course staff, and other golfers on the course. Avoid making loud noises, throwing clubs, or displaying poor sportsmanship. |
| Repair ball marks and divots | Always repair any ball marks or divots you create on the course. This helps maintain the course and ensures a better playing surface for everyone. |
| Observe pace of play | Keep up with the pace of play to avoid delays and keep the game moving smoothly. Be ready to hit your shot when it is your turn and try to limit your search for lost balls. |
| Follow golf cart rules | If using a golf cart, follow the posted cart rules and stay on designated paths whenever possible. Avoid driving too close to greens or tee boxes, and always park the cart in a location that won’t cause damage to the course. |
| Silence cell phones | Keep your cell phone on silent or vibrate mode during the round to avoid disturbing others. If you need to make a call or send a text, step away from the group and do so in a location that won’t disturb other players. |
| Allow faster groups to play through | If you are holding up a faster group, offer to let them play through. This helps keep the game moving and prevents frustration for everyone involved. |
| Leave the course better than you found it | Leave the course in the same condition as you found it, or better. This means picking up any trash or litter you see, and ensuring that all equipment is returned to its proper location. |
| Dress appropriately for the course and weather | Wear proper golf attire and dress for the weather conditions. Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, or clothing that is overly revealing or offensive. |
| Have fun and enjoy the game | Remember to have fun and enjoy the game. Golf is a game that can be challenging and frustrating at times, but it is also a great opportunity to spend time outdoors and socialize with others. |
Conclusion
Reverse shotgun golf is a unique and exciting format of golf that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a faster, fairer, and more competitive format of golf that encourages players to play their best. Whether you are a high-handicap or low-handicap golfer, reverse shotgun golf is a fun and challenging format that you should try.
