Format Deep-dive

Greensomes Golf
Both Drive, Best Ball.

The best of foursomes and four-ball combined. Both partners drive on every hole, pick the better tee shot, and then alternate into the hole. Fast, social, and surprisingly competitive.

Definition

Greensomes (sometimes called Scotch foursomes) is a pairs matchplay format where both partners drive on every hole. The team selects the better drive, then plays alternate shot from there to the hole — combining the benefit of both players teeing off with the teamwork of foursomes.

How greensomes works

Greensomes is a pairs format where both partners drive on every hole. After both drives, the team selects the better tee shot (or the one they prefer for the second shot). The player whose drive was not chosen plays the second shot, and then the partners alternate shots from there to the hole — exactly like foursomes.

This is what sets greensomes apart from foursomes: both players drive every hole, so bad tee shots can be rescued, and the stronger driver's ball is always in play. It makes for faster play and keeps both partners engaged from the start of every hole.

The result is a format that feels more involved than foursomes but more cohesive than four-ball — ideal for mixed-ability partnerships and society days where you want genuine team play without the brutal exposure of alternate-shot-from-the-start.

Greensomes handicap calculation

Because both players drive on every hole, greensomes produces better scores than foursomes. The WHS uses a different combined handicap formula to reflect this advantage.

WHS Formula

Team Playing Handicap = (0.6 × lower Course Handicap) + (0.4 × higher Course Handicap)

Round to the nearest whole number. Shot difference = difference between the two teams' Playing Handicaps.

Example

Team A: CH 9 and CH 15. Playing Handicap = (0.6 × 9) + (0.4 × 15) = 5.4 + 6 = 11.4 → 11.

Team B: CH 4 and CH 10. Playing Handicap = (0.6 × 4) + (0.4 × 10) = 2.4 + 4 = 6.4 → 6. Shot difference = 11 − 6 = 5 shots. Team A receives 5 shots.

Greensomes variants

Scotch Foursomes

Another name for greensomes — both drive, select the best, alternate from there. "Scotch foursomes" is used more commonly in North American golf; "greensomes" is the standard British term. The rules are identical.

Bloodsome (or Yellowsome)

A darker variant where you must play your opponent's drive rather than your own best ball. Both drives on every hole, but each team picks up the other team's tee shot and plays it. Punishes good drives and rewards safe ones. Chaotic and fun for society days.

Gruesomes

Similar to bloodsome, but your opponents choose which of your drives you play — naturally they'll pick the worst one. As adversarial as golf gets. Best reserved for groups who enjoy friendly torment.

Why golfers love greensomes

Greensomes has a particular appeal that neither four-ball nor foursomes can replicate. Everyone feels involved on every hole — both players drive, discuss, and decide together which ball to play. There's none of the frustration of sitting out a hole because your partner's already in position.

For mixed-ability groups, greensomes is forgiving: the weaker player's drives can be overridden by their partner's, so handicap differences feel less exposed than in foursomes. But unlike four-ball, partners must still work together from the tee shot — there's genuine team chemistry required.

It's also quicker than four-ball — only one ball in play per team from the second shot onwards means less searching, less putting, and a faster pace of play.

Common questions

Does it matter who plays the second shot in greensomes?

Yes — the partner whose drive was NOT selected plays the second shot. This is the same rule as foursomes. If Partner A's drive is chosen, Partner B plays the second shot, then Partner A plays the third, and so on. If Partner B's drive is chosen, Partner A plays the second shot. Plan accordingly — the player who is best at long irons or approaches might benefit from always playing the second shot on certain holes.

Can you choose which drive to use based on position, not just distance?

Absolutely — and good teams almost always do. A drive 10 yards shorter but in the middle of the fairway is usually far better than a longer drive in the rough. You also need to consider who plays best from different positions — if one partner is more confident from the rough, that changes the calculus. The selection can be made any time before the second shot is played.

Is greensomes recognised by the Rules of Golf?

Greensomes is not specifically named in the Rules of Golf (which cover foursomes under Rule 22). However, it is recognised as a form of play under the Local Rules framework and is widely used in club competitions across the UK and Ireland. The R&A includes guidance on greensomes in their competition management resources. Check with your national golf body for any specific guidance.