Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Rolling Start is a competition schedule in which groups begin at successive times, usually from one or more specified Starting Hole locations, rather than everyone starting together. The Committee publishes the Tee Time sequence and interval; the arrangement is event administration, not a separate scoring format.
How it matters in match play
In Individual Match Play or a Team Match Play event, a Rolling Start changes when each match begins, not how holes are won or the Match Result is calculated. Each side must be ready at its assigned Tee Time and play from the Committee's nominated starting point. Match pairings, intervals, late-start procedures and whether play begins from one or two tees should be stated in the Terms of the Competition.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Rolling Start |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 5.3a (starting time); Rule 6.1a (starting a hole) |
| Related concepts | Tee Time, Start List, Shotgun Start, Crossover Start, Starting Hole |
Worked example
For an illustrative 18-hole event, Alex and Ben have a 7:30 am Tee Time, Chris and Dana have 7:40 am, and the next match has 7:50 am; that sequence is a Rolling Start, with the Committee's stated 10-minute interval.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 5.3a (starting time); Rule 6.1a (starting a hole)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , archive.golf.org.au
Common questions
Is a Rolling Start a golf scoring format?
No. It describes the event's starting timetable. The competition may still use Match Play, Stroke Play or another authorised format, with its own scoring and Terms of the Competition.
How is a Rolling Start different from a Shotgun Start?
A Rolling Start sends groups out at successive scheduled times, normally through one or more starting locations. A Shotgun Start begins groups at different holes at the same scheduled time, if the Committee organises it that way.
Can a match start before its listed Rolling Start time?
The Rules of Golf treat the Committee's starting time as exact. A player must be ready at the starting time and starting point, and should not start before it unless an applicable exception or Committee decision covers the situation.
Does a Rolling Start require a fixed interval?
No universal interval is established by the term. The Committee or event organiser sets the times and intervals, which should appear on the Start List or in the Terms of the Competition.
Can a Rolling Start use both the first and tenth holes?
Yes, an event may schedule groups from more than one Starting Hole. That is an administrative choice, so the event information should identify each starting point and the applicable Tee Time.
Does Rolling Start change handicap allowances?
No. Starting arrangement and handicap allowance are separate matters. If the event uses handicaps, the Committee should state the applicable format and allowance rather than infer one from the Rolling Start label.