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.

The December 2004 issue of Golf Digest reported that in May 1956 the head pro at Walla Walla Country Club in Walla Walla, Washington fired a shotgun to sound the start of play . 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.

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.