Foursomes Golf: Rules, Handicaps & How To Play Explained

Struggling to understand the difference between foursomes and fourball, or how the unique “alternate shot” format even works? You’re not alone; many golfers find the rules, scoring, and especially the handicap calculations for how to play foursomes golf confusing, which can lead to mistakes or disputes during a match. This guide is designed to eliminate that confusion entirely.

Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, is a golf format where two players compete as a team using only one ball. The partners take turns hitting shots, with one player teeing off on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes, until the ball is holed out.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about how to play foursomes golf, based on a thorough analysis of official rules and common practices. We’ll move from the basic definition to the nitty-gritty of handicap calculations, penalty rules, winning strategies, and popular variations. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to step onto the first tee for any foursomes match, whether it’s a casual weekend game or a competitive club event.

Key Facts

The “One Ball” Rule is Central: Unlike most golf formats, each two-person team in a foursomes match plays only one golf ball from the tee to the hole, making every shot count for both players.

It’s a Ryder Cup Staple: The foursomes format is a cornerstone of major international team competitions, including the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup, showcasing its strategic depth.

Penalties Don’t Change the Order: A common point of confusion is what happens after a penalty; official rules state that a penalty stroke does not change the alternating shot sequence.

Specific Handicap Calculation: The USGA Handicap Manual provides a specific allowance for match play, where the lower-handicap team receives 50 percent of the difference between the combined Course Handicaps of each side.

Teamwork is Paramount: More than any other format, how you play foursomes golf is a true test of partnership, requiring constant communication, strategic planning, and mutual support.

Contents show

What is Foursomes Golf? (And Its Alias, Alternate Shot)

Foursomes is a golf format where two-player teams compete using only one ball per team, taking turns hitting shots—which is why it’s also called “alternate shot.” This classic format is a true test of teamwork, strategy, and communication, making it a favorite in both amateur clubs and the highest levels of professional golf. If you’ve ever watched the intense team competitions of the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, or Presidents Cup, you’ve seen foursomes in action, where the pressure and reliance on a partner are at their peak.

At its core, the concept is simple, but it creates a dynamic completely different from playing your own ball. Every shot you hit directly sets up your partner’s next play, and vice versa. This interdependence is what defines the foursomes golf format.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the fundamental characteristics:
* The Teams: The game is played by two teams, with two players on each team.
* The Ball: Each team uses only one golf ball throughout the hole.
* The Sequence: Players on a team alternate hitting that single ball.
* The Goal: The objective is to complete each hole in the fewest possible strokes as a team.

Quick Fact: This classic format is a true test of teamwork, featured in some of golf’s biggest events like the Ryder Cup!

Understanding these basics is the first step. Now, let’s dive into the specific regulations that govern how you play foursomes golf on the course.

The Core Rules of Foursomes You Need to Know (Rule 22)

The fundamental rule of foursomes is alternating shots. To avoid any confusion on the course, it’s crucial to understand how this sequence works from the teeing area to the final putt. One partner tees off on odd-numbered holes, and the other on even holes. After the tee shot, you and your partner continue alternating strokes until the ball is in the hole. These regulations are officially covered under USGA Rule 22, which provides the framework for the format.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the essential rules for how to play foursomes golf:

Forming Teams: The game consists of two sides, each with two partners.
Using One Ball: Each side plays only one ball. This means if your partner hits a shot, you are responsible for finding the ball and preparing to hit the next one.
Deciding Tee Order: Before the round begins, your team must decide which player will tee off on the odd-numbered holes (1, 3, 5, etc.) and which will tee off on the even-numbered holes (2, 4, 6, etc.). This order cannot be changed once the round has started.
Alternating Shots: After the tee shot on any given hole, the partners continue to alternate hitting the ball. For instance, if Player A tees off on the first hole, Player B will hit the second shot, Player A will hit the third, and so on until the ball is holed out.
Handling Penalties: If your team incurs a penalty stroke (for example, hitting a ball out of bounds or into a water hazard), it does not affect the alternating sequence. The player whose turn it was to hit next still plays the following shot.
Team Responsibility: Both partners share responsibility. According to the rules, either partner can mark, lift, and replace the team’s ball. A partner can also concede the next shot, a hole, or the entire match on behalf of the team.
Equipment Rules: Players are permitted to use their own set of clubs. However, the partners can also share clubs, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the team does not exceed 14.

Pro Tip: Decide before your round starts who will tee off on odd and even holes. This decision is locked in, so choose based on your partner’s strengths on key holes! For example, if the course has several challenging Par 3s on even-numbered holes, you might want your best iron player to handle those tee shots.

How Tee Shots and Shot Order Work

Decide before the round: one player takes all odd-numbered tee shots, the other takes all even-numbered tee shots. This order is fixed for the entire match. This pre-round decision is a crucial piece of strategy when you’re figuring out how to play foursomes golf effectively. You cannot switch this order midway through the round, even if one player is struggling.

The process is straightforward and creates a predictable rhythm for the team:
* Player A: Tees off on holes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17.
* Player B: Tees off on holes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18.

After the tee shot, the sequence is simple: whoever didn’t just hit is up next. If Player A hits the tee shot, Player B hits the second shot from wherever the ball landed. If Player A then hits the third shot, Player B will hit the fourth, and this continues until the ball is in the cup.

Does the course start with a tough Par 5? Maybe have your strongest driver tee off on hole 1! This strategic thinking is part of what makes the foursomes golf format so engaging.

The Critical Rule for Penalties

A penalty stroke does not change the alternating shot order. If Player A hits a bad shot incurring a penalty, it is still Player B’s turn to hit next. This is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of how to play foursomes golf, and getting it right is essential for maintaining the integrity of the match.

This rule is explicitly covered in USGA Rule 22 and prevents any confusion about whose turn it is after an errant shot. The key is to remember that the penalty stroke is just a number added to your score; it doesn’t represent a physical turn taken by a player.

Example: Player A hits the tee shot out of bounds on a Par 4. This is the team’s first stroke. The team incurs a one-stroke penalty, making their next shot the third stroke of the hole. According to the alternating sequence, it is now Player B’s turn. Player B will hit the team’s third shot from the teeing area.

In this scenario, even though Player A’s shot resulted in the penalty, Player B is still the one to play next. The sequence continues as if no penalty occurred. This rule applies to all penalties, whether it’s dropping from a water hazard, taking an unplayable lie, or hitting out of bounds.

How to Score in Foursomes: Match Play vs. Stroke Play

Foursomes is typically played as Match Play (winning individual holes), famously used in the Ryder Cup, but can also be Stroke Play (lowest total score for the round). Understanding the difference between these two scoring formats is fundamental to knowing how to play foursomes golf, as the strategy for each can vary significantly.

While match play is the more common and dramatic format for foursomes, stroke play offers a different kind of challenge, rewarding consistency over an entire round.

Here is a side-by-side comparison to make the differences clear:

Feature	Match Play	Stroke Play
Goal	Win more individual holes than your opponent.	Complete the round in the fewest total strokes.
Scoring	The score is kept by holes won and lost (e.g., “2 up”).	The score is the cumulative number of strokes (e.g., “72”).
Winning	You win the match when you are up by more holes than there are left to play.	The team with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.
Common Use	Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Presidents Cup, club championships.	PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic, some club competitions and medals.
Key Element	A bad score on one hole only results in the loss of that single hole.	Every stroke counts towards the final total, so a single bad hole can be very costly.

In Match Play, if your team scores a 4 and the opposing team scores a 5, you win the hole and go “1 up.” If both teams score a 4, the hole is “halved” (tied), and the match score remains the same. This format encourages aggressive play, as a disastrous 8 on one hole is no worse than a 5—in both cases, you just lose the hole.

In Stroke Play, consistency is king. That same 8 would be devastating to your total score. The objective is simply to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible on every single hole. This format puts a premium on avoiding major mistakes and maintaining a steady rhythm with your partner throughout the 18 holes.

How to Calculate Foursomes Handicaps: A Step-by-Step Guide

For stroke play, add partners’ handicaps and divide by 2. For match play, you calculate 50% of the difference between the two teams’ combined handicaps to find the strokes given. This calculation is arguably the most confusing part for many amateurs learning how to play foursomes golf, but breaking it down step-by-step makes it simple.

The goal of the handicap system in foursomes is to create a fair competition between teams of different skill levels. The formulas are slightly different for the two main scoring formats, so it’s crucial to use the correct one. Let’s walk through an example for each.

Handicap Calculation for Stroke Play (Medal Play)

In stroke play, you are creating a single team handicap that will be subtracted from your gross score at the end of the round.

Find Each Player’s Course Handicap: Determine the Course Handicap for all four players in the group. Let’s use an example:
- Player A: 10 Handicap
- Player B: 18 Handicap
Combine Your Team’s Handicaps: Add the two Course Handicaps of the partners together.
- 10 (Player A) + 18 (Player B) = 28
Calculate the Team Handicap: Divide the combined total by two.
- 28 / 2 = 14
- Your team’s handicap for the round is 14. If you shoot a gross score of 88, your net score would be 74 (88 – 14).

Handicap Calculation for Match Play

In match play, the calculation determines how many strokes the higher-handicap team receives from the lower-handicap team. According to the USGA Handicap Manual, the allowance is 50% of the difference.

Let’s walk through an example…

Find Each Player’s Course Handicap:
- Team 1: Player A (10) and Player B (18)
- Team 2: Player C (14) and Player D (24)
Combine Handicaps for Each Team:
- Team 1 Combined: 10 + 18 = 28
- Team 2 Combined: 14 + 24 = 38
Find the Difference Between Combined Handicaps: Subtract the lower combined handicap from the higher one.
- 38 (Team 2) – 28 (Team 1) = 10
Apply the 50% Allowance: Calculate 50% of the difference.
- 10 x 0.50 = 5
- In this match, Team 2 (the higher handicap team) will receive 5 strokes from Team 1. These strokes are taken on the holes ranked 1 through 5 in difficulty on the scorecard.

By following these steps, you can ensure your foursomes match is handicapped correctly and fairly, allowing teams of all levels to compete.

Key Foursomes Strategy: How to Win with Your Partner

Winning foursomes strategy relies on pairing complementary skills, constant communication, and strategically assigning tee shots to play to your team’s strengths on specific holes. Beyond simply knowing the rules of how to play foursomes golf, mastering the art of partnership is what separates the successful teams from the frustrated ones. This format demands a high level of coordination and trust.

Here are the key strategic pillars to focus on:

Complementary Skills: The best foursomes pairings often blend different strengths. If one player is a long and accurate driver, and the other is a phenomenal iron player with a great short game, you have a powerful combination. Analyze your own game and your partner’s game to see how you fit together.
Constant Communication: This is vital. Before each shot, discuss the lie, wind, distance, and desired shot shape. Agreeing on a clear plan for every shot minimizes mistakes and keeps both players engaged and on the same page. This is a team effort, so make team decisions.
Patience and Support: Everyone hits bad shots. In foursomes, a bad shot can feel like you’ve let your partner down. The key is to maintain a supportive attitude. A simple “don’t worry about it, we can recover” can do wonders for team morale. Getting frustrated with your partner is the fastest way to lose a match.
Strategic Tee Shot Assignment: This goes back to the pre-round decision of who plays odd and even holes. Don’t just flip a coin. Look at the scorecard. Does the course have a string of difficult driving holes on the front nine? Maybe your more accurate driver should take the odd-numbered holes. Is the 18th hole a long Par 4 where a powerful tee shot is an advantage? Factor that into your decision.
Play to Your Partner’s Strengths: The core of foursomes strategy is thinking one shot ahead. Your goal isn’t just to hit a good shot; it’s to hit a good shot that leaves your partner in a position where they can succeed. This might mean taking less club off the tee to ensure you’re in the fairway, or playing a shot to the “fat” part of the green to avoid a tricky pin location for your partner’s putt.

Pro Tip: The most important shot in foursomes is your partner’s next one. Always try to leave them in the best possible position, even if it means playing a safer, less heroic shot yourself.

Popular Foursomes Variations Explained (Greensomes, Chapman & More)

Variations like Greensomes (choose the best tee shot) and Chapman/Pinehurst (switch balls for the second shot) offer fun twists on the classic alternate shot format. While understanding how to play foursomes golf in its traditional form is essential, exploring these modified versions can add variety and a different strategic element to your team games.

These formats are often less punishing than true alternate shot, making them popular choices for social club events and casual rounds. Here’s a breakdown of the most common variations.

Greensomes (or Scotch Foursomes)

Greensomes is a popular modification that gives each team a better start on the hole. It combines elements of a scramble off the tee with alternate shot for the rest of the hole.

Both players on the team hit a tee shot.
The team evaluates the results and selects the single best tee shot.
The player whose tee shot was not chosen hits the second shot.
From that point on, the players alternate shots until the ball is holed out.

Bloodsomes (or Gruesomes)

This is a more “gruesome” and strategic twist on Greensomes where your opponents get to choose which ball you play.

Both players on a team hit a tee shot.
The opposing team then chooses which of the two tee shots the team must play. Naturally, they will choose the worse one.
From there, play continues as in Greensomes: the player whose tee shot was not chosen hits the second shot, and they alternate from there.

Chapman (also known as Pinehurst or American Foursomes)

The Chapman system is a bit more complex but is a very popular and enjoyable format. It gives both players a chance to hit two shots before the team commits to one ball.

Both players on the team hit a tee shot.
For the second shot, the players switch golf balls. Player A hits Player B’s ball, and Player B hits Player A’s ball.
After these two second shots are played, the team chooses the single best ball to complete the hole with.
The player whose second shot was not chosen hits the third shot.
From the third shot onward, the players alternate until the ball is holed out.

To get the most out of your foursomes match and ensure you’re prepared for every shot, having reliable golf balls and a good rangefinder can make all the difference in team strategy.

FAQs About Playing Foursomes Golf

What is the difference between Foursomes and Fourball?

The key difference is the number of balls in play. In Foursomes (alternate shot), each two-person team plays only one ball, taking turns to hit it. In Fourball, all four players play their own ball throughout the hole. The team’s score on each hole is the lower of the two partners’ scores.

How do you calculate shots in Foursomes match play?

You combine the Course Handicaps of each player on a team. Then, you find the difference between the two teams’ combined totals. The higher-handicap team receives 50% of that difference. For example, if Team A’s combined handicap is 20 and Team B’s is 30, the difference is 10. Team B would receive 5 strokes (50% of 10).

How do Foursomes work in the Ryder Cup?

In the Ryder Cup, foursomes is a match play format where a two-man team from Europe competes against a two-man team from the USA. They play the classic alternate shot rules, with the goal of winning more holes than their opponents to earn one point for their overall team score. It is known for being a true test of teamwork under pressure.

What happens if someone plays out of turn in Foursomes?

If players play in the wrong order, it is a penalty. In match play, the team loses the hole. In stroke play, the team incurs a two-stroke penalty, and the mistake must be corrected by playing from the right spot in the correct order. If they do not correct the mistake before teeing off on the next hole, they are disqualified.

Can partners share golf clubs in a Foursomes match?

Yes, partners are allowed to share clubs. However, the total number of clubs carried by the team combined cannot exceed 14. This rule provides some flexibility if, for example, one player has a specific utility club that both players might want to use during the round.

How do you play American Foursomes (Chapman)?

In American Foursomes (also called Chapman or Pinehurst), both players on a team tee off. For the second shot, they switch balls (Player A plays Player B’s drive, and vice versa). After the second shots, they select the better of the two balls and play alternate shots from there until the hole is finished.

Final Summary: Key Takeaways for Your Next Foursomes Match

You are now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how to play foursomes golf. From the basic definition of “alternate shot” to the specific nuances of handicap calculations and team strategy, you have a complete blueprint for success. This challenging yet rewarding format truly emphasizes the collaborative spirit of golf, and by mastering its rules, you can elevate your competitive and social rounds.

To ensure you’re ready for your next foursomes match, here are the absolute must-knows to remember:

The ‘Alternate Shot’ Rule is Absolute: One player tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes. Once the ball is in play, you alternate every shot. Critically, a penalty does not change this order.
The Handicap Calculation is Key: For stroke play, combine handicaps and divide by two. For match play, it’s 50% of the difference between the teams’ combined handicaps. Getting this right ensures a fair game.
The Power of Teamwork: The best foursomes teams communicate constantly, play to each other’s strengths, and, most importantly, support each other after a bad shot. Your primary job is to leave your partner in a good position for their next shot.

Now that you know the rules and strategy, grab a partner and give this exciting format a try. It’s one of the best ways to experience the team aspect of golf and will undoubtedly provide a memorable challenge on the course

Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Foursomes Golf: Rules, Handicaps & How to Play Explained