Few things confuse golfers more than the names of partner formats. Foursomes, greensomes, Chapman, four-ball, scramble: the words sound alike, but the games play very differently. Two of the most mixed-up are greensomes and foursomes. Both use alternate shot, and both ask you to trust your partner, but they start each hole in different ways.
This guide explains greensomes vs foursomes in plain language. You will learn how foursomes works in golf, the greensomes golf format, the difference between foursomes and greensomes, foursomes golf rules for out of bounds, and the foursomes golf handicap allowance. We also answer questions like “Are greensomes the same as foursomes?” and “Do both players tee off in greensomes?”
Quick Answer: Greensomes vs Foursomes
In foursomes (also called alternate shot), two partners share one ball and take turns hitting it. One partner tees off on the odd-numbered holes, and the other tees off on the even-numbered holes. In greensomes, both partners hit a tee shot, the team picks the better drive, and then partners take turns hitting that ball until it is holed.
| Feature | Foursomes | Greensomes |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | Alternate shot | Scotch foursomes, Canadian foursomes (names vary by region) |
| Tee shots | One partner tees off, alternating by hole | Both partners tee off |
| Who plays the second shot? | The partner who did not tee off | The partner whose drive was not chosen |
| After the second shot | Alternate shot to the hole | Alternate shot to the hole |
| Official in the Rules of Golf? | Yes, Rule 22 | No, it is a popular variation |
| Pressure level | High | Moderate |
| Typical handicap allowance | 50% of combined Course Handicaps | 60% of lower + 40% of higher |
Are Greensomes the Same as Foursomes?
No, but they are close cousins. Both formats finish each hole with alternate shots from a single ball. The difference is the start. In foursomes, there is only one tee shot per hole. In greensomes, both players tee off and the team gets to choose. Many people call greensomes a “modified” version of foursomes, which is why you sometimes see the phrase greensome foursomes golf.
One more thing to know: the word “foursomes” has two meanings. In casual talk, a “foursome” is a group of four players. In the Rules of Golf, foursomes means alternate shot played by two partners. This guide uses the second meaning.
How Does Foursomes Work in Golf?
Foursomes golf is played by two-player teams. The teams may play against each other in match play, or all teams in the field can play stroke play. Here are the steps:
- Decide who tees off first. One partner tees off on the odd-numbered holes (1, 3, 5, and so on), and the other tees off on the even-numbered holes.
- Hit the tee shot. The partner whose turn it is hits the first shot.
- Partner hits the second shot. The other partner plays the ball from where it lies.
- Keep alternating. Partners take turns until the ball is holed.
- Count every stroke. The team records one score for the hole.
- Tee-off order stays fixed. The next hole’s tee shot goes to the partner who is due to tee off on that hole, not to whoever holed the last putt.
A Foursomes Example
Alex and Sam are partners. Alex tees off on odd holes, and Sam tees off on even holes.
- Hole 1 (par 4): Alex drives, Sam hits the approach, Alex putts, and Sam holes the final putt for a par.
- Hole 2 (par 4): Even though Sam made the last putt, it is Sam’s turn to tee off on this even hole. Sam drives, Alex hits the approach, Sam putts, and Alex holes it for a par.
- Hole 3 (par 3): Alex tees off again, because it is an odd hole.
Many beginners think the player who putts last tees off next. That is not the rule. The tee-off order depends only on whether the hole number is odd or even.
Foursomes Golf Rules You Should Know
Foursomes is covered by Rule 22 of the Rules of Golf, published by The R&A and the USGA. You can read the full text on the R&A website. These are the key points for everyday players:
- Partners share one ball. They alternate strokes on each hole.
- Tee-off order is fixed by hole number. One partner plays first on odd holes and the other on even holes.
- Penalty strokes do not change the order. If a penalty is added, the next stroke is still made by the partner whose turn it is.
- Either partner can act for the side. Either one can mark the ball, lift it, drop it, replace it, or tend the flagstick.
- Playing out of turn is penalized. In match play, the side loses the hole. In stroke play, the side gets two penalty strokes, and the stroke played out of turn does not count.
- You may share clubs. Partners can use each other’s clubs, as long as the side has no more than 14 clubs in total.
- You may not miss on purpose. A player cannot swing and miss on purpose so that the partner hits next.
For rules background, see our guide on the basic rules of golf for beginners.
Foursomes Golf Rules: Out of Bounds, Lost Balls, and Provisionals
This is where foursomes gets interesting. Because partners alternate, the order of play after a penalty can surprise people.
What Happens If a Tee Shot Goes Out of Bounds?
Under stroke and distance, the side adds one penalty stroke and replays from the tee. Because penalty strokes do not change the order, the other partner plays the next shot from the tee. For example:
- Alex hits the tee shot out of bounds (stroke 1).
- The side adds a penalty stroke (stroke 2).
- Sam plays the next shot from the tee (stroke 3).
- Alex hits the shot after that (stroke 4), and play alternates from there.
What About a Lost Ball?
The same logic applies. If Alex’s shot is lost, the side takes stroke-and-distance relief with a one-stroke penalty. Sam then plays the next stroke from the spot where Alex’s lost shot was played, because it is Sam’s turn.
Who Plays a Provisional Ball?
If there is doubt about whether a ball is lost or out of bounds, the side may play a provisional ball. It must be hit by the partner whose turn it is to play the next stroke. If Alex’s drive might be out of bounds, Sam plays the provisional ball. If the original ball turns out to be fine, the provisional ball is abandoned and does not count.
Quick Out-of-Bounds Rules Summary
| Situation | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Tee shot out of bounds | One penalty stroke; the partner replays from the tee |
| Ball lost or out of bounds mid-hole | One penalty stroke; the partner whose turn it is plays from the previous spot |
| Doubt about the ball | The partner whose turn is next plays the provisional ball |
| Wrong player hits | Match play: loss of hole. Stroke play: two-stroke penalty and the stroke does not count |
Greensomes Golf Format: How It Works
Greensomes is a friendlier version of alternate shot. It is also known as Scotch foursomes or Canadian foursomes, although names vary by region and some places use “American foursomes” for it. Because naming changes, always read the event rules.
Do Both Players Tee Off in Greensomes?
Yes. Both players hit a tee shot on every hole. This is the main difference from foursomes, where only one partner tees off.
Greensomes Step by Step
- Both partners tee off.
- The team chooses the better drive. The other ball is picked up.
- The partner whose drive was not chosen plays the second shot.
- Partners alternate. The partner whose drive was chosen plays the third shot, and so on until the ball is holed.
- Record one team score.
A Greensomes Example
Alex and Sam play a par 4.
- Alex hits a long drive down the middle. Sam hits a drive into the rough.
- The team chooses Alex’s drive.
- Sam, whose drive was not chosen, hits the second shot from Alex’s spot and lands on the green.
- Alex hits the first putt, and Sam hits the next one if needed.
- If Alex makes the putt, the team scores 4, a par.
The big benefit is the safety net off the tee. A bad drive does not hurt the team, because the other drive can be chosen.
Greensomes Rules and Lost Balls
Greenstones is not written into the Rules of Golf, so organizers set the local rules for the tee shot stage. A common approach is that a drive that is lost or out of bounds is simply not chosen, and if both drives are lost, the side takes a penalty and plays again from the tee. After the second shot, normal foursomes rules apply. Publish the rule on the scorecard so there is no confusion.
Difference Between Foursomes and Greensomes: Side by Side
- Tee shots: foursomes uses one tee shot, and greensomes uses two.
- Control: in foursomes, you do not choose your tee shot. In greensomes, you pick the better one.
- Pressure: foursomes is more demanding, since a bad tee shot must be played. Greensomes softens that.
- Scores: greensomes scores are usually a little lower.
- Official status: foursomes has its own Rule 22, while greensomes is a popular variation.
- Best for: foursomes suits experienced pairs and match play. Greensomes suits social and mixed-skill events.
Foursomes Golf Handicap Allowance
Handicap allowances keep these formats fair. Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping, published by the USGA and The R&A, recommends:
| Format | Recommended Allowance |
|---|---|
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | 50% of the combined Course Handicaps of the two partners |
| Greensomes | 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher |
| Pinehurst/Chapman | 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher |
Foursomes Handicap Example (Stroke Play)
Partners have Course Handicaps of 10 and 20.
- Combined handicap: 10 + 20 = 30
- 50% of 30 = 15
- If the side shoots 85 gross, the net score is 70.
Greensomes Handicap Example (Stroke Play)
Using the same partners (10 and 20):
- 60% of 10 = 6.0
- 40% of 20 = 8.0
- Total = 14
- If the side shoots 84 gross, the net score is 70.
Foursomes Match Play Example
In match play, strokes are given by the difference between the two sides. Side A has Course Handicaps of 10 and 16, and Side B has 6 and 12.
- Side A: (10 + 16) × 50% = 13
- Side B: (6 + 12) × 50% = 9
- Difference: 13 − 9 = 4
- Side A receives 4 strokes, on the four holes with the lowest stroke index numbers.
Round decimals to the nearest whole number, with .5 rounding up, and confirm the exact rules with your event organizer. For more background, read what a course handicap is, what a handicap allowance is, course handicap vs playing handicap, the golf handicap index, and how to keep score in golf with handicap.
Foursomes vs Greensomes vs Chapman vs Four-Ball vs Scramble
| Format | How It Plays |
|---|---|
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | One ball, one tee shot per hole, partners alternate every shot |
| Greensomes | Both tee off, pick the best drive, then alternate |
| Chapman (Pinehurst) | Both tee off, swap for the second shot, choose a ball, then alternate |
| Four-ball (better ball) | Each player plays their own ball, and the better score counts |
| Scramble | Everyone plays from the best shot every time |
| Shamble | Pick the best drive, then everyone plays their own ball |
Explore the other formats in our guides to what a Chapman format in golf is, the better ball golf format, golf best ball vs scramble, what a shamble in golf is, and what a Texas scramble is.
How to Score Foursomes and Greensomes
- Stroke play: add up the side’s strokes for the round, subtract the team handicap, and compare net totals.
- Match play: sides compare scores hole by hole. The side with the lower score wins the hole.
- Stableford: the side earns points based on its net score on each hole, which helps keep the pace moving.
For scoring help, see how to score a golf tournament, how to read a golf scorecard, and how to make a golf leaderboard.
Foursomes and Greensomes Strategy Tips
For Foursomes
- Choose tee duty wisely. The partner who tees off on odd holes also tees off on holes 1 and 3, and the other partner tees off on holes 2 and 4. Check the par 3s and the tight holes on the course, and give each tee shot to the partner who suits them best.
- Think about the second shot. The partner who plays the second shot on a par 4 should be comfortable with approach shots.
- Play for position. A safe shot in the fairway is better than a heroic shot in trouble, because your partner must play the next one.
- Never say sorry. A bad shot is part of the game, and good partners support each other.
- Share clubs when it helps. If your partner has the right club for a shot, borrow it, keeping the team within 14 clubs.
- Decide who putts. Because shots alternate, the order on the green is set by the count. Plan approach shots so your better putter has the key putt.
For Greensomes
- Choose the drive that suits your partner. The partner who did not hit the chosen drive plays the second shot, so think about their strengths.
- Use position over distance. A shorter drive with a perfect lie can be better than a long one in the rough.
- Plan the putting order. The count of shots decides who putts first, so keep that in mind when choosing the ball.
- Use the safety net. If one drive is risky, the other player can play safe.
Pros and Cons
Foursomes
- Pros: fast pace (two players, one ball), a true team challenge, a classic format used in major team events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.
- Cons: high pressure, tough for beginners, one bad shot can affect the whole hole.
Greensomes
- Pros: a safety net off the tee, more fun for mixed skill levels, faster than stroke play.
- Cons: rules vary between events, and tee shot penalty rules can be unclear.
Best Events for Each Format
- Member-guest and club championships: foursomes adds a classic partner test.
- Mixed events: greensomes keeps both players involved and softens the pressure.
- Match play competitions: both formats are common as part of a multi-format team event.
- Leagues: use alternate shot as a special week. See our guide to golf league formats.
- Charity events: use greensomes for a twist that is easier than foursomes. See how to set up a charity golf tournament.
Tips for Organizers
- Name the format clearly. Say “foursomes (alternate shot)” or “greensomes” on the entry form.
- Publish tee-off order rules. Remind players that odd and even holes decide who tees off in foursomes.
- Print out-of-bounds and lost ball rules. Explain how they work for each format.
- State the handicap allowance. Share the percentage before the day.
- Plan tie-breakers. A countback on the last nine, six, three, and one holes is common.
- Use a scoring lead. One person should check every scorecard.
For more event help, read how to organize a golf tournament, how to run a golf tournament, how golf tournament registration works, golf tournament management tips, and our guide on the white tees in golf. Curious how long alternate shot takes? Compare it with how long 18 holes of golf take.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking the player who putts last tees off next in foursomes.
- Letting the wrong partner hit after a penalty or out-of-bounds shot.
- Using the wrong allowance (50% combined for foursomes, 60/40 for greensomes).
- Forgetting that both players tee off in greensomes.
- Playing a provisional ball with the wrong partner.
- Mixing up greensomes and Chapman, which adds a second-shot swap.
- Exceeding 14 clubs when sharing a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between foursomes and greensomes?
In foursomes, one partner tees off on each hole, alternating by hole number. In greensomes, both partners tee off and the team chooses the better drive. After that, both formats use alternate shot.
Are greensomes the same as foursomes?
No. They share alternate shot play, but greensomes lets both players tee off and pick the best drive. Foursomes does not.
Do both players tee off in greensomes?
Yes. Both players hit a tee shot on every hole, and the team chooses the better one.
How does foursomes work in golf?
Two partners share one ball and alternate shots. One partner tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes, and they take turns until the ball is holed.
Who tees off first in foursomes?
The partners agree who tees off on the odd holes, and the other partner tees off on the even holes. That order stays the same for the whole round.
What happens in foursomes if a tee shot goes out of bounds?
The side adds one penalty stroke, and the other partner plays the next shot from the tee, because penalty strokes do not change the order of play.
Who plays the provisional ball in foursomes?
The partner whose turn it is to play the next stroke plays the provisional ball. If Player A’s drive might be out of bounds, Player B plays the provisional.
What is the foursomes golf handicap allowance?
The recommendation is 50% of the combined Course Handicaps of the two partners. Always confirm with your event organizer.
What is the greensomes handicap allowance?
The recommendation is 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher Course Handicap.
What is the penalty for playing out of turn in foursomes?
In match play, the side loses the hole. In stroke play, the side gets two penalty strokes, and the stroke played out of turn does not count.
Can partners share clubs in foursomes?
Yes, as long as the side has no more than 14 clubs in total.
Is a foursome the same as foursomes?
No. A foursome in everyday talk is a group of four players. Foursomes in the Rules of Golf means alternate shot played by two partners.
Final Thoughts
Foursomes and greensomes both reward trust, communication, and smart course management. Foursomes is the classic test, with one tee shot, one ball, and a true partnership. Greensomes keeps the same alternate shot finish but gives you two chances off the tee, which makes it friendlier for social and mixed events.
Remember the key points: odd and even holes decide tee-off duty in foursomes, both players tee off in greensomes, and the handicap allowances are 50% combined for foursomes and 60/40 for greensomes. With clear rules and a good partner, your next alternate shot round will be fun and fair.
For more ways to play, explore our guides on different types of golf tournament formats, what a Nassau in golf is, the Callaway system in golf, and the Peoria system in golf.