
Pinehurst is a golf format for two-person teams that combines elements of a scramble and an alternate shot. It is often called the Pinehurst Format, Pinehurst System, or Pinehurst Scoring. The format is named after the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, which is home to the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 2 golf course. The Pinehurst format is a modified version of the alternate shot format, where both players hit tee shots and then switch balls for the second stroke, playing the second shot from each other's tee position. The better of the two balls is then chosen, and the players take alternate shots from that point onwards. The Pinehurst format is perfect for golfers who enjoy playing as a team and want every player's shots to count.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pinehurst Format, Pinehurst System, Chapman System, American Foursomes |
| Type | Two-person team format |
| Gameplay | Combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot |
| Ball Switching | Yes, teammates switch balls after tee shots |
| Ball Selection | Team compares results and selects the ball in the best position |
| Alternate Shots | Played from the third stroke onwards |
| Handicap allowances | Refer to USGA Handicap Manual, Section 9-4 |
| Stroke Play Calculation | 60% of Golfer A's course handicap + 40% of Golfer B's course handicap |
| Match Play Calculation | Same as stroke play, but the team with the lower handicap plays off scratch and the other team plays off the difference |
| Modified Pinehurst | Eliminates ball switching on Stroke 2, golfers select the best drive and play alternate shot from there |
| Mixed Pinehurst | Comprised of one male and one female amateur player |
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What You'll Learn

Pinehurst is a two-person team format
In Pinehurst, both players on a team play drives, then switch golf balls. Specifically, Golfer A hits Golfer B's ball from where B's drive came to rest, and Golfer B plays Golfer A's ball from where A's drive came to rest. After their second shots, the partners compare results and select the ball in the best position to continue playing, picking up the other. From the third stroke onwards, they play alternate shots until the ball is holed.
The Pinehurst format is ideal for golfers who enjoy playing as a team and want every player's shots to count. It is also a good option for groups that are hesitant to play a full alternate shot format. The format is flexible and can be adapted for stroke or match play, with or without handicaps.
Pinehurst is sometimes called the Chapman System or American Foursomes, and there is also a variation called Modified Pinehurst, which eliminates the switching of balls on the second stroke. In Modified Pinehurst, golfers select the best drive and then play alternate shots from that point.
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It combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot
The Pinehurst format, named after the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, is a two-person team golf format that combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot. It is also known as the Chapman System or American Foursomes.
The format begins with both players on each side playing drives. They then switch golf balls, with Golfer A hitting Golfer B's ball from where B's drive came to rest, and vice versa. After their second shots, the partners compare results and select the ball in the best position to continue playing, picking up the other. From the third stroke onwards, they play alternate shots until the ball is holed.
This format offers an advantage to teams with golfers of varying talent levels. By switching balls after the initial drives, the better golfer may be playing from farther back, while the weaker partner can play from a more advantageous position closer to the green. This reduces the chances of two consecutive poor plays and increases enjoyment for both players.
A variation of the Pinehurst format is the Modified Pinehurst, or Greensomes/Scotch Foursomes, which eliminates the switching of balls on the second stroke. Instead, golfers select the best drive and then play alternate shots from that point onwards. This modified format is a true alternate shot format, as both players hit tee shots and then choose the best option to alternate from there.
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It is named after the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina
The Pinehurst golf format is named after the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. The Pinehurst Resort is home to the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 2 golf course. The format, also known as the Chapman System or American Foursomes, is a two-person team format that combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot.
In the Pinehurst format, both players on a team play drives, and then they switch golf balls. Specifically, Golfer A hits Golfer B's ball from where B's drive came to rest, and Golfer B plays Golfer A's ball from where A's drive came to rest. After their second shots, the partners compare results and select the ball in the best position to continue playing from. From the third stroke onwards, they play alternate shots until the ball is holed.
The Pinehurst format is a modified version of the alternate shot format, offering a compromise for groups that are hesitant to play the full alternate shot game. It is also suitable for golfers who enjoy playing as a team and want every player's shots to count. The format works well with golfers of varying talent levels, as the switching of balls after the drives can balance out the playing field.
The Pinehurst format can be used in competitions, with handicap allowances outlined in the USGA Handicap Manual. It is also featured in tournaments such as the Mixed Pinehurst Championship, which combines one male amateur and one female amateur from a member club.
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It is also known as the Chapman System or American Foursomes
The Pinehurst format, also known as the Chapman System or American Foursomes, is a golf format for two-person teams that combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot. It is named after the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, home of the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 2 golf course. The format was popularised by Dick Chapman, a longtime golf professional at the resort, who donated trophies to the resort for their events in the late 1940s.
In the Chapman System, both players tee off on every hole, and then switch balls to play each other's shots for the second stroke. After this, the team chooses the ball in the best position and proceeds to play alternately until the hole is completed. This format differs from the traditional alternate shot format, where only one player tees off on each hole, and players alternate teeing off on odd or even holes.
The Chapman System is a great format for players with differing abilities as it allows both team members to actively contribute to each hole. It also requires good communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability from both players, making it a popular choice for casual games and competitive golf tournaments.
Chapman scoring is typically done in stroke play format but can also be played as match play. In stroke play, the team must finish the hole or be disqualified. In match play, teams can either win, lose, or halve the hole, and they don't need to finish the hole if it is conceded by the opposing team. Handicaps can be applied in both stroke play and match play formats, with the calculation depending on the tournament rules and the skill levels of the players involved.
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It is perfect for groups that want every player's shots to matter
The Pinehurst format is a golf format for two-person teams that combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot. It is perfect for groups that want every player's shots to matter.
In the Pinehurst format, both players on a team play their drives to start each hole. The teammates then switch golf balls, with Golfer A hitting Golfer B's ball from where B's drive came to rest, and Golfer B playing Golfer A's ball from A's drive. After these second shots, the partners compare results and select the ball in the best position to continue playing, picking up the other. From the third stroke onwards, they play alternate shots until the ball is holed.
This format ensures that every player's shots are important as they both have the opportunity to contribute their drives and second shots to each hole. The switching of balls adds a unique twist and allows for a more strategic approach to the game. It also helps to level the playing field for golfers of varying talent levels. By having teammates switch balls after both hitting their drives, the better golfer may end up playing from a farther-back position, while the weaker partner plays from a better position closer to the green.
The Pinehurst format, also known as the Chapman System or American Foursomes, was popularized by golf professional Dick Chapman at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. It is a fun and engaging format that encourages teamwork and strategy, making it perfect for groups who want all players to have a significant role in the outcome of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Pinehurst is a golf format for two-person teams that combines elements of a scramble and alternate shot. It is often called the "Pinehurst System" or "Chapman System".
Both players on a team play drives. They then switch golf balls, so Golfer A hits Golfer B's ball from where B's drive came to rest, and vice versa. After their second shots, the partners compare results and select the ball in the best position. From the third stroke onwards, they play alternate shots until the ball is holed.
The Pinehurst format works well with golfers of varying talent. By switching balls after both hitting drives off the tee, the better golfer may be playing from farther back, while the weaker partner plays from a better position closer to the green. Playing alternate shots from the third shot onwards also increases the chances of enjoyment and diminishes the chances of two bad plays in a row.
Modified Pinehurst eliminates the switching of balls on Stroke 2 in the Pinehurst format. Instead, golfers select the best drive and then play alternate shots from that point. This format is also known as Greensomes or Scotch Foursomes.










































