Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
Also known as: foursomes, alternate shot, alternate shot format, what is foursomes, foursomes golf, how does alternate shot work
Foursomes, also called alternate shot, is a format where two partners play one ball and take turns hitting it. They also take turns teeing off, so one partner hits the first tee shot and the other hits the next hole's tee shot. It can be played as match play or stroke play.
Rule 22 covers foursomes. On each hole the partners alternate strokes until the ball is holed. They also alternate who plays first from the teeing area of each hole. Penalty strokes do not change the order. If the side plays a provisional ball, the partner whose turn is next hits it.
Playing in the wrong order brings the general penalty. That is loss of the hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. In stroke play the side must correct the mistake, or it is disqualified.
Foursomes is not the same as four-ball. In four-ball, each partner plays their own ball and the better score counts. In foursomes match play, the recommended handicap allowance gives a side 50% of the difference between the two sides' combined Course Handicaps.
Tips by skill level
Before the round, decide which partner takes the odd holes and which takes the even holes.
Plan which partner tees off on the hardest driving holes. The tee order decides who hits most of the approach shots too.
Example
Partners decide that Mia will tee off on the odd holes and Jon on the even holes. On each hole they then take turns until the ball is in the hole.
Why it matters
Foursomes is played in major team events and club matches. Knowing the order rules prevents costly penalties.
Common mistakes
- Letting the same partner tee off on back-to-back holes
- Changing the order after a penalty stroke
- Confusing foursomes with four-ball
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between foursomes and four-ball?
In foursomes, two partners share one ball and alternate shots. In four-ball, each partner plays their own ball and the better score counts for the side.
What happens if you play out of order in alternate shot?
The side gets the general penalty: loss of the hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. In stroke play the mistake must also be corrected.
Sources
Related terms
- Best Ball vs Scramble FormatIn best ball, each teammate plays their own ball through the hole, and the team counts the lowest individual score. In a scramble, everyone tees off, the team picks the best shot, and all players hit their next shot from that spot.
- Match Play vs Stroke PlayStroke play scores every shot across the whole round for a cumulative total. Match play scores hole by hole, awarding each hole to whoever takes fewer strokes on it. So a single bad hole only costs one point, not a pile of extra strokes.
- Playing Handicap and Handicap Allowances (Why 95%)You get 95% in individual stroke play because that is the World Handicap System's recommended allowance for net events with medium fields. It is meant to give every player a similar chance of finishing in the top 10% when playing well. Your Playing Handicap is your Course Handicap times the allowance for the format.
- Shamble and Chapman (Pinehurst) FormatsA shamble is a team format where everyone tees off. The team picks the best drive, and then each player plays their own ball into the hole from that spot. Chapman, also called Pinehurst, is a pairs format where both partners tee off, swap balls for the second shot, choose one ball, and then alternate shots.
Related guides & benchmarks
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