Foursomes Golf
Alternate Shot.
One ball, two partners, taking turns. Foursomes is the most demanding team format in golf — and one of the most rewarding when it clicks.
Definition
Foursomes (also called alternate shot) is a matchplay format in which two teams of two share a single ball. One partner drives on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes, and they alternate shots until the ball is holed.
The teeing rotation — the rule most players get wrong
In foursomes, Partner A drives on all odd holes (1, 3, 5…) and Partner B drives on all even holes (2, 4, 6…). This rotation is fixed before the round and does not change based on who holed out on the previous hole.
The confusion happens here: if Partner A drives hole 1 and the team takes an odd number of shots to hole out, Partner A hits the tee shot on hole 2 as well — because the alternation is tracked by shot count, not by who played last. The pre-determined tee rotation overrides everything else.
The match is decided on the same hole-by-hole basis as all matchplay formats — lower net score wins the hole.
Foursomes handicap allowance
Because only one ball is in play per team, foursomes produces lower scores than four-ball (you can't rescue a bad hole as easily). The WHS reflects this with a larger allowance than four-ball — each team uses a combined handicap based on both players.
Team Playing Handicap = 50% of (Player A Course Handicap + Player B Course Handicap)
Round to the nearest whole number. Shot difference = difference between the two teams' Playing Handicaps.
Team A: CH 8 + CH 16 = 24. 50% = 12. Team B: CH 5 + CH 11 = 16. 50% = 8. Shot difference = 12 − 8 = 4 shots. Team A receives 4 shots from Team B.
Teeing order strategy
Choosing who drives on which holes is one of the key tactical decisions in foursomes. Decide this before the round starts — you must agree the teeing order before either partner tees off on the first hole.
Look at the scorecard and identify your three hardest holes and three shortest par 3s. If one partner drives better, put them on the holes where the drive matters most. If one partner is better on short irons, ensure they're playing the approach on the long par 4s.
Remember that the player who drives on hole 18 will putt on hole 1 if the match goes to extra holes — factor that into your thinking for a close match.
Why foursomes is harder than four-ball
In four-ball, your partner's brilliant shot saves the hole when you've made a mess of yours. In foursomes, you might play a perfect drive — and then watch as your partner pulls the 8-iron into a bunker. You're both responsible for every single shot.
Foursomes requires a particular kind of trust and communication. After a bad shot, the other partner takes over — no blame, no debrief, just focus on the next shot. Partnerships that handle adversity well are far more dangerous than individually talented pairings who can't manage the emotional swings.
This is exactly why foursomes is the format that most famously creates the Ryder Cup's most intense moments — the team dynamic is everything.
Common questions
What happens if the wrong partner tees off in foursomes?
Under Rule 22.3, if a player plays from outside their proper order in foursomes (e.g. the wrong partner tees off), the opposing side may require the team to cancel that stroke and play it correctly. If neither side raises the issue before the next stroke is played from the next teeing area, the wrong order stands and the rotation shifts accordingly for the rest of the round. Mistakes early in the round can affect the rotation for all 18 holes — pay attention to who drives first.
Can either partner play a shot at any time in foursomes?
No — you must strictly alternate. If Partner A drives on hole 1, Partner B plays the second shot, Partner A plays the third, and so on. If Partner A plays two shots in a row (other than on the tee where the drive doesn't count as the first shot if it goes out of bounds and they replay), it's wrong order and the penalty applies.
What is the difference between foursomes and greensomes?
In foursomes, partners take turns driving from the tee — one drives on odd holes, the other on even holes. In greensomes, both partners drive on every hole and then choose which drive to play. From the chosen drive, they alternate shots just like foursomes. Greensomes is more forgiving because bad drives can be rescued by the partner's tee shot.
Related guides
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