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Foursomes is a golf format that involves two teams of two players competing against each other. Each team uses only one ball, with players taking turns to hit shots until the hole is completed. This format, also known as alternate shot, requires excellent teamwork, strategy, and communication, as players must adapt quickly and trust in their partner's abilities. Foursomes is commonly played in major golf tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup, showcasing the format at its highest level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 |
| Teams | 2 |
| Balls per team | 1 |
| Shot system | Alternating |
| Tee shots | Alternating |
| Scoring | Lowest score wins |
| Handicap allowance calculation | Half the difference of the combined |
| Handicap allowance in stroke play | 50% of each player's combined handicaps |
| Handicap allowance in matchplay | Team's handicap is half of the two players' combined handicap |
| Variations | Greensomes/Scotch Foursomes, Bloodsomes/Gruesomes, Chapman/Pinehurst/American Foursomes |
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Rules and scoring
Foursomes, also known as "alternate shot", is a golf format where two players partner up and take turns hitting the same ball, rather than each playing their own. It requires excellent teamwork, strategy, and communication, making it one of the more challenging and exciting ways to play golf.
Rules
Foursomes is played with two golfers on each team, using only one ball per team. The players take turns hitting shots until the hole is completed. Team members also take turns teeing off, with one player teeing off on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes. This order is decided before the round and cannot be changed once started.
The most important rule is the alternating shot system. If one player hits two consecutive shots, their team incurs a penalty. Players must also alternate tee shots on each hole.
Scoring
In match play, the team with the lowest score on each hole wins that hole. The winning team is determined by the number of holes won. In stroke play, the total number of strokes taken determines the winner. The team with the lowest overall score wins.
Handicap Allowance Calculation
In match play, the handicap allowance is determined by first calculating a team's combined handicaps. The team with the lowest handicap total is then subtracted from the other team's higher handicap total. This figure is then divided by two, giving the handicap allowance. For example, if Team A's handicap total is 19 and Team B's handicap total is 29, the handicap allowance would be 5.
In stroke play, the handicap allowance is 50% of each player's combined handicaps. To determine this, the handicaps of the two players are added together and then divided by two.
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Teamwork and strategy
The alternating shot system is a key rule in foursomes. Each player takes turns hitting the same ball, rather than each playing their own. This requires golfers to adapt quickly to their partner's playing style and maintain trust in their abilities.
In match play, the winning team is determined by the number of holes won, so strategy comes into play when deciding which player should take the tee shot on each hole. Typically, the player with the strongest tee shot will take the first shot on odd-numbered holes, while their partner tees off on even-numbered holes. This strategy ensures that each golfer gets an equal number of tee shots and can leverage their strengths.
Foursomes can also be played in stroke play, where the winning team is determined by the fewest strokes taken over a set number of holes. In this format, teamwork and strategy are crucial in ensuring that each golfer's strengths are utilised to minimise the total number of strokes.
Additionally, handicap allowances play a strategic role in foursomes. In match play, the handicap allowance is calculated by subtracting the lower team handicap total from the higher one and then dividing by two. In stroke play, the handicap allowance is 50% of the sum of the players' handicaps. Understanding these calculations can help teams strategise and leverage their handicap allowances effectively.
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Variations
Foursomes golf, also known as "alternate shot", is a format where two players partner up and take turns hitting the same ball, rather than each playing their own. It is a recognised format in golf and has been featured in some of the game's most high-profile team events.
Greensomes/Scotch Foursomes
Also known as Scotch Foursomes, Greensomes is the same as regular foursomes except that both players tee off from every hole. The best ball is chosen and the hole is completed in alternate shots.
Bloodsome/Gruesome
Bloodsome or Gruesome follows the same format as Greensomes, except the opposition pairing choose which tee shot is played.
Chapman/Pinehurst/American Foursomes
Chapman, also known as Pinehurst or American Foursomes, is a combination of alternate shot and four-ball. Each pair plays two balls and then picks the best ball for the third shot to be played by the player who hit the tee shot.
Four-Ball Better Ball
While both formats involve two-player teams, the style of play is very different. In Four-Ball Better Ball, both players on each team play their own ball throughout the hole. The team's score for that hole is the lower of the two players' scores.
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History
The term "foursomes" was first used by Scottish golfers who played in groups of four before golf gained popularity in America. The format was popularised by several tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, which pit professionals against Team Europe, and the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, which pit amateurs against Team GB&I. The Ryder Cup has featured foursomes since its inception in 1927, and the Solheim Cup has included it since its establishment in 1990. The Presidents Cup has also featured foursomes since 1994, during the first three days of the event.
Foursomes is a pairs format, with two golfers competing together as a team. It is a challenging format that tests teamwork, strategy, communication, and resilience. Each team uses only one ball, and players take alternate shots from tee to hole. This process is repeated throughout the round, with one player teeing off on even-numbered holes and the other on odd-numbered holes.
In match play, the winner is determined by the number of holes won, while in stroke play, the total number of strokes taken across the round determines the winner. Foursomes is typically used for match play, including in the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup. However, stroke play is more common for recreational rounds.
Handicap allowances are calculated differently for match play and stroke play. In match play, the team with the lowest handicap total is subtracted from the other team's higher handicap total, sometimes referred to as "half the difference of the combined." In stroke play, the handicap allowance is calculated as 50% of each player's combined handicaps.
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Handicap calculations
In golf, foursomes refer to a game involving four players, split into two teams of two. Each team takes alternate shots, using only one ball.
Handicap allowances are designed to provide equity in different formats of play, over 9 or 18 holes. They are applied to the unrounded course handicap as the final step in calculating a player's playing handicap.
Under the World Handicap System, golfers have a handicap index, which is used to calculate a course handicap based on the difficulty of the course. The formula for this is:
> Course Handicap = Handicap Index x Slope Rating / 113
For individual match play, the handicap allowance is 100%. For pairs, it is 90%. If you are playing in pairs, adjust each handicap to 90% of the course handicap, rounding to a whole number.
In foursomes, the handicap allowance is 50% of the difference between each team's combined course handicaps. This is sometimes referred to as 'half the difference of the combined'.
For example, if Team A's combined handicap total is 19 and Team B's is 29, you would take 19 away from 29, which is 10. Team B would then receive 5 strokes (50% of 10).
Each team is responsible for recording their own handicaps throughout the game. If a team fails to do so, or submits an incomplete list, they will be disqualified.
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Frequently asked questions
Foursomes is a type of golf match played between four players, competing in teams of two. Each team uses only one ball and takes turns hitting shots until the hole is completed. The team with the fewest shots wins the hole.
Each team member takes turns to tee off on each hole, with one player taking the tee shot on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes. After the drive, teammates continue to alternate shots until the ball is holed out.
There are several variations of foursomes, including Scotch Foursomes (Greensomes), Bloodsomes (Gruesomes), and Chapman (Pinehurst or American Foursomes). These variations differ in the number of balls played and the order of shots.
