Foursomes Golf Format: Alternate Shot Rules Explained
Foursomes means one ball per team, played in turn: A hits, B hits, A hits… from the tee until the ball is holed. It is golf's most demanding team format — and the most united: your shot dictates your partner's, you win together, you miss together. The tee shots are split in advance: player A takes the odd holes (1, 3, 5…), player B the even holes (2, 4, 6…). It is an official format, also known as Alternate Shot, and played at the Ryder Cup alongside Four-Ball. Foursomes is played by 4, in two teams of 2, and scored either as match play (1 point per hole won, a tie = 0 points) or as stroke play (the lowest total of strokes wins). You do not need to be long to shine: you need to be steady — and the pair's chemistry counts as much as the swing.
▶ The rule in 60 seconds, in French with English subtitles — the Game of Swing channel
How to play Foursomes, hole by hole
- Form 2 teams of 2 players: one ball per team, with shots played alternately.
- Split the tee shots before the round: player A tees off on the odd holes (1, 3, 5…), player B on the even ones (2, 4, 6…).
- Shots then alternate until the ball is holed: A hits, B hits, A hits…
- In match play: 1 point for the team with the lower score on the hole; a tie on a hole = 0 points.
- Or in stroke play: total strokes over the whole round — fewest strokes wins.
Hole 3 (odd), par 4 — Claire tees off for her team, Antoine plays the 2nd shot, Claire puts the 3rd on the green, Antoine holes the putt: 4. Facing them, Malik and Jeanne card a 5 → the hole goes to Claire & Antoine (1 pt). End of the game in match play: Claire & Antoine 7 holes won, Malik & Jeanne 5, six holes halved — victory.
Two ways to score
- Match play (by holes): 1 point for the team with the lower score on the hole.
- Stroke play (by total): total strokes over the whole round — fewest strokes wins.
Both variants can be set up in the app when you create the game. The rules of play do not change — only the way the winner is decided is different.
Why we love it
- Real team golf. One ball, two players: every stroke commits your partner, every hole is built by two.
- Steadiness beats length. You do not need to be long: a ball in play is always better than a risky heroic shot.
- The format of the big occasions. It is the Ryder Cup's format — playing it with friends gives you a taste of the pressure the pros feel.
Strategy tip
Split the tee shots shrewdly: study the card before deciding who takes the odd holes — the long hitter on the par 5s, the accurate one on the par 3s. Then play for your partner: a ball in the middle of the fairway beats a risky heroic shot they will have to rescue.
Frequently asked questions
Who tees off on which hole in Foursomes?
Decide before the round: player A takes the tee shots on the odd holes (1, 3, 5…), player B those on the even holes (2, 4, 6…). This split stays fixed for the whole round, whoever played the last shot on the previous hole.
What is the difference between Foursomes and Four-Ball?
In Four-Ball, each player plays their own ball and the team keeps the best score. In Foursomes, the team plays just one ball, in alternate shots. Both official formats sit side by side at the Ryder Cup.
Is Foursomes an official format?
Yes. It is one of golf's great team formats, also known as Alternate Shot, and played at the Ryder Cup alongside Four-Ball.
How are points scored in Foursomes?
Your choice: in match play, the team with the lower score wins the hole and scores 1 point (a tie on a hole = 0 points); in stroke play, the strokes are added up over the whole round and the lowest total wins. Both variants can be set up in the Game of Swing app.
Every format on a single page: step-by-step rules, a worked example, the points scale and a strategy tip — to read the night before a round or to print. The free sample covers 10 formats, including the 5 you can play for free in the app; Foursomes is in the complete guide.
Download the free sample →PDF · 14 pages · direct download, no email needed · the complete guide covers all 41 formats
Your next Foursomes without wondering whose turn it is
The Game of Swing app reminds you who tees off on each hole, tracks each team's single ball and counts by holes or by total, as you prefer. Foursomes is waiting in the catalogue of 41 formats — with 5 free games to get you started.
Try the app for free → 5 free games, no account required — on your phone and computerGot a game in mind? A house variant to share? The app grows with every update — send us your idea, the best ones join the catalogue.