Jackson Reid
A golf foursome, also known as an alternate shot, is a variation of golf that involves four players split into two teams. Each team uses one ball per team, with players taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. This format is used in many major golf tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, and the Presidents Cup. In match play, the winner is determined by how many holes each side has won by the end of the match. If both teams take the same number of strokes, the point is halved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 |
| Team formation | 2 pairs of 2 players each |
| Golfers' names | Golfer A and Golfer B |
| Golfer A | Player with the strongest tee-shot |
| Golfer B | Takes the second shot |
| Game format | Same as basic golf with two extra players |
| Game style | Alternate shots |
| Balls used | One ball per team |
| Game duration | Until the ball is holed |
| Major tournaments | Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup |
| Amateur tournaments | Walker Cup |
| Handicap allowance | Half of the two players' combined handicap |
| Clubs | 14 clubs |
| Scotch Foursomes | Both members of the team tee off |
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What You'll Learn
Foursomes format
Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, is a pairs format of golf involving four players split into two teams. Each team member takes alternate shots, with one player taking the tee shot on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes. This format is commonly played in match play, where the winner is determined by the number of holes won by each side at the end of the match. In match play, the team with the lowest handicap total is subtracted from the other team's higher handicap total, resulting in a handicap allowance. In the case of a draw on a particular hole, the score is halved instead of carried over to the next hole.
Foursomes can also be played in stroke play, where the winners are determined by the team that completes a set number of holes in the fewest strokes. In stroke play, the handicap allowance of each foursome team is calculated by taking 50% of each player's combined handicaps. This format is usually played for friendly purposes and is not featured in major golfing tournaments.
In terms of equipment, players can use their own set of clubs, or they may share a set, as long as the total club count does not exceed 14. Greensomes, or Scotch Foursomes, is a variation where both players tee off on every hole, and then they select one of the drives to play with for the rest of the hole, taking alternate shots. Another variation is Bloodsomes, or Gruesomes, where the opposition pairing chooses which ball is played.
Foursomes is featured in major golf tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup, the Solheim Cup, and the Walker Cup. It is also played in the World Cup of Golf and the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour, often in combination with four-ball rounds.
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Variations
Foursomes golf, also known as "alternate shot", is a variation of standard golf in which four players are split into two teams, with teammates taking alternate shots until the hole is completed.
Greensomes/Scotch Foursomes
In this variation, both players tee off on every hole, and then select one of the drives to play with for the rest of the hole, taking alternate shots. This format is used at the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf, where 18 holes are played on a par-three course, with nine holes played as greensomes and the other nine as better ball.
Bloodsome/Gruesome
This variation follows the same format as greensomes, except the opposition pairing chooses which ball is played.
Chapman/Pinehurst/American Foursomes
Chapman is a combination of alternate shot and four-ball. Each player hits a tee shot, then plays their partner's ball for the second shot, before selecting which ball to complete the hole with. The players then take alternate strokes, with the next stroke played by whoever hit the chosen ball from the tee.
Threesomes
A form of match play where an individual player competes against a side of two partners who play alternating shots.
Four-Ball
Four-ball is a form of team match or stroke play where each player plays their own ball, and the team's score for a hole is the lower score of the two players.
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Rules
A golf foursome is a team-based golf format involving four players split into two teams of two. Each team uses only one ball, with teammates taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. This format is also known as 'alternate shot'.
- Team formation: Each team consists of two players, typically labelled 'golfer A' and 'golfer B'. Golfer A usually takes the tee-shot on odd-numbered holes and is often the player with the strongest tee-shot. Golfer B takes the second shot and the tee-shot on even-numbered holes.
- Alternate shots: Teammates take turns hitting shots until the hole is completed. This involves careful strategy and coordination between partners.
- Match play: In match play, the winner is determined by the number of holes won by each team. A team wins a hole by completing it in the fewest strokes. If both teams have the same score, the point is halved.
- Stroke play: In stroke play, the focus is on the total stroke count over the entire game. The team with the lowest cumulative score wins. This format is usually played for friendly purposes rather than in major tournaments.
- Handicap allowance: In match play, the handicap allowance is calculated by subtracting the lower combined handicaps from the higher combined handicaps and then dividing by 2. In stroke play, the handicap allowance is 50% of the combined handicaps of the two players.
- Ball marking and replacement: According to Rule 22.2, each partner on a team can mark, lift, or replace the ball. This action can be performed irrespective of whose turn it is to play next.
- Line of play: During a player's turn, their partner should not stand on or very near the line of play behind the ball.
- Caddie assistance: Both players and their caddies can collaborate and assist each other. However, the caddies' assistance is restricted to helping the player who is about to shoot.
- Club sharing: In major tournaments, partners are generally allowed to share clubs, as long as the total club count does not exceed 14.
- Ties: In the event of a tie on a particular hole, the score is halved instead of carrying over to the next hole.
- Patience and teamwork: Although not formal rules, patience, diplomacy, and teamwork are crucial aspects of foursome golf. A single mistake by any team member can impact the team's performance, so staying supportive and focused is essential.
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Major tournaments
Golf foursomes, or "alternate shot", is a pairs format involving four players split into two teams. Each team uses only one ball, with players taking alternate shots until the hole is completed.
Foursomes are played in several major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Presidents Cup, and the Walker Cup. These tournaments are distinct from the four major golf championships, or "the majors", which are the most prestigious events in golf. The majors include the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (also known as the British Open). These tournaments are packed with history, tradition, and intense competition, and they play a significant role in shaping golfers' careers.
The Ryder Cup is a prestigious tournament that uses the match play format of foursomes, with the pair who records the lowest score winning the hole. In match play, the winner is determined by the number of holes won by each side at the end of the match. A team wins a hole by using the least amount of strokes to get the ball in the hole. If both teams have the same score, the point is halved, and play moves on to the next tee.
The Solheim Cup is another major tournament that features foursomes. This tournament showcases the best female golfers from the United States and Europe, with each team consisting of the top 12 players from their respective regions.
The Presidents Cup is also a significant tournament that utilises the foursome format. This tournament is a team match play competition that features some of the best male golfers from the United States and an international team consisting of players from countries outside of Europe.
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Handicap allowance
A golf foursome is a variation of the game involving four players split into two teams, with each team taking alternate shots using one ball.
In match play, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero strokes, while the other player(s) receive the difference between their own Playing Handicap and that of the player with the lowest Playing Handicap. In stroke play, a player generally receives their full Playing Handicap.
In Foursomes match play, the handicap allowance is 50% of the difference between each team's combined Course Handicaps. In other words, it is half the difference between the two teams' total handicaps. For example, if Team A's handicap total is 19 and Team B's is 29, the handicap allowance would be 5 strokes.
In Foursomes stroke play, the handicap allowance of each team is 50% of each player's combined handicaps. This is calculated by adding the two players' handicaps together and dividing the total by 2.
The USGA Handicap System previously recommended keeping partners' Course Handicaps within an 8-stroke difference, with an additional 10% reduction if this was not possible. However, with the current recommended handicap allowance of 85%, this limit is no longer necessary to maintain equity among teams.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf foursome is a variation of the game involving four players split into two teams of two. Each team uses only one ball, with players taking alternate shots.
In each pair, one player is 'golfer A' and the other is 'golfer B'. Golfer A usually takes the first shot, as they tend to have the strongest tee-shot, and golfer B takes the second. For each hole, the roles are reversed, with golfer B taking the drive shot on even-numbered holes.
The rules for a golf foursome are the same as for individual play, except that partners must alternate in teeing off and taking shots. In match play, the winner is determined by how many holes each side has won by the end of the match. In stroke play, the winner is the team with the lowest number of strokes overall.
