Some golf formats are easy to explain in one sentence. The Chapman format is not one of them, but once you see it played, it clicks. It mixes scramble-style fun with alternate shot teamwork, which makes it a favorite for couples events, mixed tournaments, and club days.
This guide answers the big question: what is a Chapman format in golf? You will learn the rules step by step, see a full hole example, understand the modified Chapman format and the modified alternate shot format, and learn how to calculate handicaps and plan your strategy.
What Is a Chapman Format in Golf?
The Chapman format is a two-player team game where partners hit tee shots, swap balls for the second shot, pick the better ball, and then take turns hitting it until the ball is holed. It is also called the Pinehurst format, Pinehurst system, or American foursomes.
The name comes from Dick Chapman, a well-known American amateur golfer, and the Pinehurst resort in North Carolina, where the format became popular. The result is a game where both players hit meaningful shots on every hole, but only one ball counts for the team score.
What Is a Chapman Format in Golf Explained: Step by Step
- Both players tee off. Each partner hits a drive from the tee.
- Swap balls for the second shot. Player A plays Player B’s drive, and Player B plays Player A’s drive.
- Choose one ball. After both second shots, the team picks the better of the two balls.
- The other partner hits next. The player whose ball was not chosen plays the third shot with the selected ball.
- Alternate shots to the hole. Partners take turns hitting that single ball until it is holed.
- Record one team score. The team writes down the number of strokes taken with the chosen ball.
That is all there is to it. Two tee shots, two second shots, then alternate shot to the finish.
A Full Hole Example
Imagine a par 4 and a team of Alex and Sam.
- Alex hits a long drive down the middle. Sam hits a shorter drive into the light rough.
- Alex plays Sam’s ball for the second shot and leaves it just short of the green.
- Sam plays Alex’s ball for the second shot and lands it on the green, 12 feet from the hole.
- The team chooses Sam’s ball, which is on the green. That ball has been hit twice (a tee shot by Alex and a second shot by Sam).
- Alex, whose ball was not chosen, plays the third shot (the first putt) with the chosen ball. If it misses, Sam putts next, and they continue to alternate.
- If Alex makes the putt, the team scores a 3, a birdie.
Notice how the swap protects the team. Sam’s weaker drive was rescued by Alex’s second shot, and Sam’s strong second from the long drive set up the birdie chance.
Chapman Format Rules
Chapman is a popular team game, but it is not covered in the Rules of Golf as an official format. That means rules can differ slightly by event. These are the usual ones:
- Teams of two. Larger events use many two-player teams. Two teams can also play against each other in match play.
- Both tee shots are required. Each partner tees off on every hole.
- The second shot must be hit with the partner’s ball. You play your partner’s drive, not your own.
- Play the ball as it lies. The standard Rules of Golf apply to each shot, including relief rules.
- Only one ball is selected after the second shots. The other ball is picked up.
- Alternate order from the third shot. The partner who did not hit the selected ball plays the next shot.
- Penalty strokes count for the team. If a shot costs a penalty, it is added to the team’s total for the hole.
What Happens If a Drive Is Out of Bounds or Lost?
This is where event rules matter most. A common approach is that the player whose drive is lost or out of bounds takes the penalty and plays the partner’s drive for the second shot, and the partner plays a replacement ball from the tee. If both drives are lost, the team usually replays from the tee with penalties. Because there is no single official answer, write your local rule on the scorecard.
For general rules guidance, see our guides on the basic rules of golf for beginners and how golf scoring works.
What Is a Modified Chapman Format in Golf?
The phrase modified Chapman format has no single official definition, so it depends on who is running the event. In practice, it usually means one of two things:
- The Chapman format with local tweaks. For example, an organizer may adjust penalty rules, require certain drives to be used, or use Chapman on only nine holes of a round.
- A version that skips the second-shot swap. Here both players drive, the team selects the better drive, and partners then play alternate shot from there. This is also known as greensomes, Scotch foursomes, Canadian foursomes, or modified Pinehurst.
Always read the rules sheet. If an event says “modified Chapman,” ask whether the second shot swap is part of it.
What Is a Modified Alternate Shot Format?
A modified alternate shot format is any version of alternate shot (foursomes) that changes the start of each hole so that both players hit a tee shot. In standard alternate shot, one partner tees off on odd holes and the other tees off on even holes. In a modified version, both players drive.
The term covers several formats:
- Chapman (Pinehurst): two drives, swap for the second shot, choose a ball, then alternate. Some state golf associations use “modified alternate shot” to describe Chapman events.
- Greensomes (Scotch or Canadian foursomes): two drives, pick the better drive, then alternate shot from there. The player whose drive was not chosen hits the second shot.
Both formats keep both partners involved from the tee, and both use alternate shot to finish the hole. The difference is that Chapman adds an extra swap on the second shot.
Chapman vs Greensomes vs Foursomes vs Scramble
| Format | How the Hole Starts | After the Start |
|---|---|---|
| Chapman (Pinehurst) | Both tee off, then swap balls for the second shot | Choose one ball, then alternate shot |
| Greensomes (modified Pinehurst) | Both tee off, team picks the better drive | Partner of the chosen drive hits next, then alternate shot |
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | One partner tees off, with tee duty alternating by hole | Alternate shot all the way |
| Scramble | Everyone tees off | Everyone plays from the best shot each time |
| Better ball (four-ball) | Everyone plays their own ball | Lowest score of the partners counts |
Want more on the neighboring formats? Read our golf best ball vs scramble comparison and our better ball golf format guide.
How to Score a Chapman Event
Chapman can be played in several scoring styles:
- Stroke play: the team adds up its total strokes. The lowest net total wins.
- Match play: two teams compare scores hole by hole, and the team with the lower score wins the hole.
- Stableford: the team earns points based on its net score on each hole, which keeps the pace moving.
For help with scorecards and results, see how to score a golf tournament and how to make a golf leaderboard.
Chapman Format Handicap Allowance
Handicaps keep the game fair when partners have different skill levels. The recommended allowance for Pinehurst/Chapman under the World Handicap System is 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher Course Handicap. You can see the full table in Appendix C of the Rules of Handicapping published by the USGA.
How to Calculate the Team Handicap
- Find each partner’s Course Handicap.
- Multiply the lower Course Handicap by 0.60.
- Multiply the higher Course Handicap by 0.40.
- Add the two results.
- Round to the nearest whole number. A result ending in .5 rounds up.
Example: Player A has a Course Handicap of 10 and Player B has 17.
- 10 × 0.60 = 6.0
- 17 × 0.40 = 6.8
- Team handicap = 12.8, which rounds to 13
If the team shoots 80 gross, its net score is 67.
| Format | Recommended Allowance |
|---|---|
| Pinehurst/Chapman | 60% of lower + 40% of higher Course Handicap |
| Greensomes | 60% of lower + 40% of higher Course Handicap |
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | 50% of the combined Course Handicaps |
| Four-ball (better ball) stroke play | 85% of each Course Handicap |
For deeper reading, see what a course handicap is, what a handicap allowance is, and course handicap vs playing handicap. Confirm the exact percentages with your event organizer, since some associations adjust them.
Chapman Format Strategy: How to Win
- Let the long hitter go first. A long drive in play gives the partner a short second shot. A short drive in the rough is not a disaster, because you can still choose the better ball after the second shots.
- Give your partner a good ball to hit. The tee shot becomes your partner’s second shot, so play for the fairway, not just distance.
- Plan the putting. After the selected ball is chosen, shots alternate. Think about who will be putting, and try to select the ball so your best putter is next.
- Use the safer second shot. If one second shot is on the green and the other is near trouble, choose the safe one.
- Stay positive. Chapman rewards teamwork. A bad swing from one partner is often saved by the other.
- Know your handicap strokes. Aim to score on the holes where your team receives strokes.
Pros and Cons of the Chapman Format
Advantages
- Every player hits a tee shot and a second shot on every hole
- A bad drive can be rescued
- Good for mixed events, couples, and different skill levels
- Faster than stroke play
- Adds strategy and teamwork
Drawbacks
- It is harder to explain than scramble or best ball
- Rules for lost balls and penalties can vary
- Scoring mistakes happen if players forget the swap or the shot order
- Alternate shot can feel stressful for newer golfers
Best Events for the Chapman Format
- Couples and mixed events: partners share every shot, so the format feels social and fair.
- Club championships and member events: adds variety to a season of individual play.
- Multi-format weekends: many events pair Chapman with scramble and better ball over a few days.
- Charity tournaments: a small twist that keeps the day interesting. See our guide on how to set up a charity golf tournament.
- Leagues: use it as a “special week” format. Our guide on golf league formats shows other options.
Tips for Organizers Running a Chapman Event
- Explain the format in plain steps. Put a short diagram on the scorecard.
- Publish your lost ball and penalty rules. This prevents arguments on the course.
- State the handicap allowance. Say whether you use the 60/40 recommendation.
- Add a swap reminder. A sign at the first tee helps teams remember to play each other’s drive.
- Print clear scorecards. Include team name, handicaps, and a note on who hit which shot.
- Appoint a scoring lead. One person should check every card before results are posted.
For more event help, read how to organize a golf tournament, how to run a golf tournament, how golf tournament registration works, and our golf tournament management tips.
Common Chapman Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing your own drive on the second shot instead of swapping.
- Forgetting that the partner who did not hit the chosen second shot plays next.
- Not agreeing on what happens with a lost or out-of-bounds drive.
- Using the wrong handicap allowance.
- Mixing up Chapman and greensomes on the scorecard.
- Not marking the chosen ball, which can lead to playing the wrong ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chapman format in golf?
It is a two-player team format. Both partners tee off, they swap balls for the second shot, choose the better ball, and then alternate shots until the ball is holed.
Is Chapman the same as Pinehurst?
Yes. Chapman and Pinehurst describe the same format. It is also called American foursomes.
What is the difference between Chapman and greensomes?
In Chapman, partners swap balls for the second shot. In greensomes, the team picks the better drive and then plays alternate shot from there, with no second-shot swap.
What is the difference between Chapman and a scramble?
In a scramble, everyone hits from the best spot each time until the ball is holed. In Chapman, only the tee shots and second shots are used that way, and then partners alternate shots with one ball.
What handicap allowance is used for Chapman?
The recommended allowance is 60% of the lower Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher Course Handicap. Always confirm with the event organizer.
Who hits the third shot in a Chapman hole?
The partner who did not hit the selected second shot plays the third shot. After that, partners alternate.
What is a modified alternate shot format?
It is a version of alternate shot where both partners hit a tee shot. Chapman and greensomes are the two best-known examples.
Is Chapman good for beginners?
It can be, as long as the rules are explained clearly. The format gives beginners a chance to hit a tee shot and a second shot on every hole, and a good partner can rescue a bad swing.
Can you play Chapman in match play?
Yes. Two teams can play Chapman against each other and compare scores hole by hole.
How many players are in a Chapman team?
Two. A typical group of four players is made up of two Chapman teams playing together.
Final Thoughts
The Chapman format is a smart choice when you want teamwork, strategy, and a bit of variety. Remember the pattern: two drives, a swap for the second shot, pick one ball, then alternate to the hole. Use the 60/40 handicap recommendation, publish your local rules, and keep scoring simple.
Whether you play it in a club event, a mixed tournament, or a friendly round, Chapman gives every player a real part in every hole. For more ways to play, explore our guide on different types of golf tournament formats and our explainer on what a Nassau in golf is.