Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
Two players, one ball, taking turns. The most demanding team format and a classic Ryder Cup morning.
What it is
In foursomes, partners share a single ball and alternate shots. One player tees off on the odd holes, the other on the evens, and they swap hitting the same ball until it is holed.
Because there is only one ball, there is no safety net. Every shot is a team shot, which is what makes alternate shot the highest-pressure format in golf.
How scoring works
- 1.Decide which partner tees off on odd holes and which on even holes before the round.
- 2.Alternate shots on the same ball until the hole is complete, then record one team gross score.
- 3.The team's net score is compared to the opponents' in match play; lower net wins the hole.
- 4.Tee-off order alternates by hole number and does not change even when a hole is won or lost.
Handicaps
Foursomes uses a combined team handicap, commonly 50% of the sum of both partners' course handicaps. Sunday Singles computes the combined figure and allocates the strokes to the team.
Best for
Trips that want a true team test where partners have to trust each other. Fast to play (one ball per side) and intensely social.
Score Foursomes (Alternate Shot) automatically
Sunday Singles handles the handicaps, the scoring, and a live TV leaderboard for the whole trip. Set up your first round free.
Common questions
Is foursomes the same as alternate shot?
Yes. Foursomes is the traditional name for alternate shot: two partners play one ball, hitting alternate shots, with fixed tee-off order by odd and even holes.
How are handicaps calculated in foursomes?
A common method is 50% of the combined course handicaps of both partners, applied as a single team allowance.