Scoring Rules
Two-Tee Start
A tournament format in which the field begins simultaneously from two different holes rather than one; also called tandem start or split tees.
A two-tee start, also called a tandem start or split tees, is a tournament format in which the field begins simultaneously from two different holes rather than one. The format typically uses the first and tenth tees as starting points, with half the field beginning each. The format halves the time needed to dispatch the entire field compared to single-tee starts, with two groups starting every interval instead of one. Two-tee starts suit medium-sized tournaments where shotgun starts would be impractical but single-tee starts would take too long. Tour-level events frequently use two-tee starts during first-round play to fit fields within available daylight. The three names (two-tee start, tandem start, split tees) all refer to the same format with regional and individual vocabulary preferences determining which appears in specific contexts. Players generally have no significant strategic advantage between the two starting nines, with the choice being primarily administrative.
How Golfers Say It
"Two-tee start at the tournament."
"Same as tandem or split tees."
"Half the field starts on 10."
Origin
Two-tee start as tournament format has been part of golf administration for many decades. The various names (two-tee start, tandem start, split tees) reflect different naming conventions for the same underlying format.
Rules & Context
Two-tee start is a tournament administration format rather than a Rules of Golf concept. Standard Rules of Golf apply during play. Specific tee assignments and starting orders are set by the tournament committee.
"Most common tournament starting format for medium-sized fields. Use whichever name feels natural; most tournament players recognize all three variations. Worth understanding for tournament participation context. PGA Tour first rounds frequently use two-tee starts."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why two tees instead of one?
Time efficiency. Single-tee starts can take 3-4 hours to dispatch large fields. Two-tee starts halve the dispatch time. Useful when daylight or scheduling pressures matter. Most modern tournaments with fields over 100 players use two-tee or shotgun starts.
Does starting nine affect strategy?
Marginally. Most courses are designed with relatively balanced front and back nines. Course condition variations between morning and afternoon may slightly affect scoring. Specific course knowledge matters more than which nine starts first. Most players consider starting nine assignments neutral.
How is two-tee different from shotgun?
Group dispatching. Two-tee: two groups starting every interval (one from #1, one from #10). Shotgun: all groups starting simultaneously from different holes. Two-tee fits medium-sized fields; shotgun fits whole-field simultaneous starts (typically up to 72 players).
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