What Is Foursomes?

Foursomes has always been a fundamental aspect of golf in both the amateur and professional games.

It is an intriguing format that tests the teamwork, resilience and skill of two golfers competing together as a team.

The pair play with one ball, and take alternate shots from the tee all the way to the putt being holed. This process is then repeated throughout the round, with one player teeing off on all the even-numbered holes and the other on the odd-numbered holes.

This tactical decision is made by players prior to the round, and cannot be changed once started.

How Is Foursomes Scored?

Foursomes can be used in both match play and stroke play, although it's the former that is most commonly adopted. An exception to the rule is during the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic event, where foursomes is used during two of the four rounds with an alternate shot stroke play format.

The Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup uses the match play format of foursomes, with the pair who records the lowest score winning the hole. If the same score is produced, for example both pairs recording a four, the hole is tied and play is moved on to the next tee.

If Team USA wins the first hole, they go 1-up and if the International Team win the next hole it moves back to all-square. In order to win, a team needs to be 'up' by more holes than the remaining number to play.

For example, if USA are 3-up with two holes remaining then the final holes are not played and the victory is declared as a scoreline of 3&2.

What Are The Rules Of Foursomes?

In foursomes, both players are able to take action for their team - whether that be to mark the ball or lift and replace it, irrespective of whose turn it is to play next. One partner can also act for the team in actions such as conceding a shot or a hole.

Similar rules also apply for the caddies of the team, who are able to help either player in the pair (in line with traditional rules and regulations) wherever they see fit.

Can Amateur Golfers Play Foursomes Matches?

Players can play with their own set of clubs, or they can share a set. However if they share, this set of clubs is still not allowed to contain more than 14 clubs. In amateur golf when foursomes is played, the team’s handicap is half of the two players’ combined handicap.

Scotch Foursomes is a variation of this format. It is also known as Greensomes. In this both members of the team tee off, and then they select one of the drives and play with this ball for the rest of the hole, taking alternate shots with it. Whoever played the selected drive, his or her partner plays the second shot.

Foursomes is a way for four players to play together at times when courses only offer slots for two balls matches. Played sensibly, foursomes can also be a way to get round quickly. 

As there is no need for the partner who is not teeing off to be on the tee they can move down the fairway near to where the drive is likely to end up. This has the benefit of helping spot where the errant drive goes. It also enables the second shots to be played swiftly after tee shots.