Jackson Reid
The foursome format, also known as Alternate Shot, is a pairs playing format in golf where two golfers form a team and compete against another team of two golfers. The golfers take turns hitting the same ball, with one player teeing off on even-numbered holes and the other on odd-numbered holes. They then alternate shots until the ball is holed. Each team uses only one ball per hole, and the team with the lowest score wins. Foursomes is commonly played in major golf tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup, but it can also be played recreationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Number of golfers per team | 2 |
| Number of balls per team | 1 |
| Number of shots per hole | 1 |
| Tee-off pattern | Alternating |
| Scoring system | Match play or stroke play |
| Winner determination | Lowest number of strokes per hole or per game |
| Tie-breaker | Next hole or next tee |
| Handicap | Half of the combined handicaps of the two players |
| Variations | Greensomes, Scotch Foursomes, Bloodsomes, Chapman, American Foursomes, Mixed Doubles, Low Ball, Best Ball |
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Foursome tournaments
The foursome format, also known as 'alternate shot', is a pairs format in golf where two golfers form a team and compete against another team of two golfers. In this format, each team plays with a single ball, taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. Team members take turns to tee off on each hole, with one player teeing off on all the even-numbered holes and their partner teeing off on all the odd-numbered holes.
Foursome golf is typically played to the match play scoring system in major tournaments. In match play, the winner is determined based on how many holes each side has won by 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 take the same number of strokes, the point is halved. In stroke play foursomes, which are usually only played for friendly purposes, the winning team is decided based on the accumulative stroke count, with the team having the lowest scores being declared the winner.
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Alternate shot
The foursome format, also known as Alternate Shot, is a type of golf where two players compete as a team, taking turns to hit the same ball and alternating shots until the ball is holed. This is repeated throughout the round, with one player teeing off on all the even-numbered holes and the other on the odd-numbered holes. Teams use only one ball per hole, and the rules for penalties remain consistent with regular golf.
Foursomes golf is a format that emphasises precision and coordination because every shot directly impacts both players. It requires extra thought and strategy while helping to speed up play. It is a popular format in prominent international team competitions such as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup.
In foursomes, players must alternate tee shots on each hole. If a player hits two consecutive shots, their team incurs a penalty. The rules for this form of play are the same as for individual play, except that partners must alternate in teeing off to start a hole and play out each hole with alternate shots.
Foursomes is one of the more difficult formats of golf, especially for high-handicappers, because any bad shots can ruin a hole. It is almost always played as match play, as a team could put together a very high number in stroke play if one or both players are struggling.
There are also variations of foursomes, such as Chapman (also known as Pinehurst or American foursomes), where the pair each play a tee ball and then play their partner's ball for the second shot before selecting which ball to use for the rest of the hole, alternating shots.
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Greensomes
In Greensomes, both golfers on a team tee off, and then they select one of the drives and play with this ball for the rest of the hole, taking alternate shots with it. The golfer who has hit the selected drive lets their teammate play the second shot. This is unlike the standard foursome format where only one golfer tees off per hole, and the same player who hit the previous shot must play the next shot under penalty.
In Greensomes, all four golfers will hit from every tee box. Teammates will then elect which one of their two balls came to rest in the best location, which will be hit next. This format is more forgiving than the straight foursome format because the team has two chances of hitting a drive to a good location.
There is a variation on Greensomes called Gruesomes, in which the worst drive of the two is used. For an added twist, the opponent can also get to choose which drive is used.
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Scoring system
The foursome format in golf is played in pairs, with golfers competing in teams of two. Each team uses only one ball, with players taking alternate shots until the hole is completed.
Foursomes can be played in both stroke play and match play formats, each with its own scoring system.
Stroke Play
In stroke play, the score is based on the total number of strokes taken by each team over the duration of the game. The team with the lowest total strokes at the end of the game is declared the winner. Stroke play foursomes are usually played for recreational purposes and are not featured in major golfing tournaments.
Match Play
Match play, on the other hand, is the preferred format for major tournaments like the Ryder Cup. In match play, the winner is determined by the number of holes won by each team. Each hole is won by the team that completes it in the fewest shots or strokes. If both teams take the same number of strokes, the point is halved.
A team wins the match when their lead is mathematically unassailable by the opposing team. For example, if a team is leading by four holes with only three holes left to play, they are declared the winner, which would be recorded as a score of 4&3.
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Scotch foursomes
In Scotch Foursomes, both golfers initially hit drives, and then decide which ball to continue with. The team will often select the longest drive or the ball that is in the best position. However, there is strategy involved in this decision. For example, if Golfer A's ball is in a better position, but they cannot hit long enough to reach the green, Golfer B may hit the second shot. The golfer whose drive was not chosen plays the second stroke, and their partner plays the third stroke, and so on, until they complete the hole.
The term 'Scotch' in the name of a golf format usually refers to 'alternate shot', indicating that the format is entirely or partially played in this style. The format is also known as 'Scotch doubles'.
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Frequently asked questions
A foursome in golf is a format where two golfers form a team and play one ball alternately. One player tees off on the even-numbered holes, and the other on the odd-numbered holes. They then alternate shots until the ball is holed.
In a foursome, each team uses only one ball per hole with players taking alternate shots. In a four-ball, each player plays their own ball, and the team's score for a hole is the lower score of the two players.
Greensomes, also known as Scotch foursomes, follows the same format as foursomes except that both players tee off on every hole. The better ball is chosen, and alternate strokes are then played to complete the hole. Bloodsomes, or gruesomes, follow the same format as greensomes, except the opposition pairing chooses which ball is played.
