
Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot)
- Overview of Foursomes. Foursomes (also known as Alternate Shot) is a form of play involving partners (in either match play or stroke play) where two partners compete as a side ...
- Either Partner May Act for Side. ...
- Side Must Alternate in Making Strokes. ...
- Starting the Round
- a
- Partner to Play First. ...
- b
- Starting Time and Starting Point. ...
- Partners May Share Clubs. ...
What is foursomes in golf?
“Foursomes”, which is also known as “alternate shot” is a “pairs” playing format in golf. This format of golf is often played in Professional team golf competitions such as The Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, and the Seve Trophy. The foursomes match-play format is also used in the Walker Cup.
What is an alternate shot foursome golf format?
Sep 14, 2021 · Foursomes is a golf format whereby a pair of golfers form a team and play a single ball between them. They take alternate shots …
How do you play the foursomes format?
Apr 23, 2004 · Foursomes is a team golf competition format in which a side is comprised of two golfers, and those two golfers alternate hitting the same golf ball. That's why foursomes is also very commonly called " alternate shot ."
What is the difference between foursomes and Scotch Foursomes?
Feb 16, 2022 · Foursomes is one of the most popular games in team golf formats used by many players across the globe. It forces both players on each team to hit pressure shots. This format is also used in the Ryder Cup’s professional competition by teams Europe and USA. Many people ask what is foursomes in golf?

How are golf foursomes scored?
Both players on each team play their own ball, so four balls are in play every hole. Each team takes the lowest of its two scores on each hole, and the team with the lowest score per hole wins that hole. If the scores are tied, the hole is halved. Foursome matches are where it gets to be a little confusing.Sep 26, 2018
What is the best way to play foursomes?
Practice these simple strategies in your next alternate shot match/stroke play tourney and you'll be closer to holding the trophy when it's done.Eliminate your inner Phil. ... Alternate, but participate. ... Leave the putting to the putter. ... Plan to take advantage of your strengths. ... Never say you're sorry.Sep 13, 2021
How do you play foursomes?
The team with the fewest shotsFoursomes / Rules to win
How are foursomes handicaps calculated?
Foursomes. Each pair adds up their handicaps and you work out the difference between the two totals. Divide this difference by two to get the number of shots the higher handicap pair receives from the lower handicap pair. Also known as "half the difference of the combined".
What is greensomes format in golf?
Greensomes is a variation of Foursomes where both partners play from the teeing area and one of the two tee shots is selected. The partner whose tee shot was not selected then plays the next stroke and each subsequent stroke is made in alternating order until the ball is holed.
What is a stymie in golf?
A stymie is an obsolete rule in the sport of golf. It legislated for the situation where a player's ball lay behind or blocked by another player's ball; the blocked player was not afforded relief.
How do golf handicaps work in match play?
In general, after handicap allowances have been applied in match play formats, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero strokes relative to the other player(s). The other player(s) receive(s) the difference between their own Playing Handicap and that of the player with the lowest Playing Handicap.
How much is a golf foursome?
According to a Golf Channel survey, the median cost for an 18-hole round at a public golf course is $36 including cart. Private clubs are costlier with annual membership dues and additional fees and range anywhere from moderately-priced to six-figure initiation fees.Dec 28, 2018
How do you calculate a 90% handicap?
The Playing Handicap is worked out using the following formula:Course Handicap = Handicap Index x Slope Rating / 113.15.7 x 135 / 113 = 18.6, rounded to 19.Player 1: Handicap Index 8.9. ... Player 1: 8.9 x 129 / 113 = 10.16, rounded = 10. ... Player 1: 10 x 90% = 9. ... Player 1: 9 – 9 = 0.More items...•Jul 24, 2020
What is a foursome?
Foursomes is a team golf competition format in which a side is comprised of two golfers, and those two golfers alternate hitting the same golf ball. That's why foursomes is also very commonly called " alternate shot .". Golfer A tees off, Golfer B hits the second shot, Golfer A plays the third shot, Golfer B hits the fourth shot, ...
What is a foursome golfer?
Any four golfers playing in the same group (regardless of what format they are playing, and regardless of whether those four are together) in a recreational round of golf is colloquially referred to as a "foursome" of golfers. This expression is far more common in the United States than in other parts of the world.
What are the rules for foursomes?
Foursomes in the Rules. All the Official Rules in Golf apply during foursomes play, but there are a few minor variations covered in Rule 22, so be sure to check that out for the full discussion. Note that penalty strokes do not affect which golfer on a side plays next.
Who is Brandt Snedeker's partner?
Foursomes partners Brandt Snedeker and Jim Furyk consult on a putt. Furyk is taking the putt for the team, since Snedeker played the previous shot. Andy Lyons/Getty Images. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism.
What is alternate shot?
Alternate shot is a very common name for the foursomes format ( watch a video demonstrating alternate shot ). The format is also sometimes called Scotch Doubles. A two-person team consisting of one man and one woman is often called "Mixed Foursomes.". Scotch Foursomes is a variation on the format.
What is a foursome golf?
However, foursomes golf, also known as "alternate shot" is when two players share a ball and take turns striking it. In this type of golf format, it is a two on two competition in which the two golfers of the foursome team up ...
What is a foursome tournament?
Foursomes Tournaments. Even though this type of format is not the norm, it is still used in some tournaments on the professional stage. The Ryder, Solheim, and President Cups all use an alternate type of the two on two format with players using their own ball but are still considered a team. This type of foursomes format is more common in Great ...
Playing Scotch Foursomes
When playing Scotch Foursomes as a variation of foursomes, think of it as scramble off the tee, then alternate shots into the hole. It works like this:
Why This Format Is Called Scotch Foursomes
Why is this format called Scotch Foursomes? It appears to be a nod to golf's roots in Scotland. When you see "Scotch" in the name of a golf format, it likely refers to "alternate shot." It's an indication that the format is entirely or partially alternate shot.
Handicaps in Scotch Foursomes
The United States Golf Association recommends that team handicaps in Scotch Foursomes be calculated in this manner:
