Foursome (Alternate Shot)
Game Formats
Explained Simply
Two players share ONE ball, hitting alternate shots. Partner A tees off on odd holes, B on even holes. Very different from four-ball.
Example
“You tee off on hole 1, your partner hits the second shot, you hit the third, and so on until holed.”
Why it matters
Very social and strategic format popular in competitions like the Ryder Cup. Much harder than four-ball.
Common beginner mistake
Confusing foursome (alternate shot) with four-ball (own ball). They're completely different.
Related
improving
Game Formats
Related
- Four-BallTwo-person teams play their own balls; lower score counts. Can be played as stroke play or match play.
- Best Ball (Four-Ball)Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole. The lowest score among your team counts as the team's score for that hole.
- Match PlayA format where you compete hole-by-hole. Win a hole, go 1-up. Lose it, go 1-down. Most holes won = winner.