Greensomes Golf: Rules, Scoring and Handicap
What is greensomes?
Greensomes is a two-player team format where both partners tee off on every hole, then choose the best drive and alternate shots from there to the hole. It combines the best elements of foursomes (alternate shot) with a more forgiving start — you always get to pick the better tee shot.
It's one of the most popular formats in UK and Irish club golf, particularly for mixed competitions and team events. In some countries it's called Scotch foursomes, though that name is also used for other formats depending on the region.
How to play greensomes — step by step
- Both players tee off. Unlike foursomes, where only one player hits from the tee, in greensomes both hit their tee shot.
- Choose the best drive. The team selects which tee shot to use. The other ball is picked up.
- Alternate shots from there. The player whose tee shot was not selected plays the second shot. From then on, the players alternate for the rest of the hole.
- Both players putt. Alternating continues on the green — whoever played the approach putt will not putt again until the next stroke.
- Repeat on every hole.
Example
Anna and Ben tee off. Anna's drive lands in the fairway; Ben's goes into the rough. They choose Anna's. Ben plays the second shot (approach to the green). Anna plays the first putt. Ben holes the second putt (or vice versa if Anna misses). One score for the hole.
Greensomes vs Foursomes — what's the difference?
| Foursomes | Greensomes | |
|---|---|---|
| Tee shots | Alternate (one player per hole) | Both players tee off every hole |
| Drive selection | Fixed | Choose the best |
| Rest of hole | Alternate shots | Alternate shots |
| Difficulty | Higher — you're stuck with whoever's turn it is on the tee | Lower — you always get the best start |
Greensomes is noticeably friendlier than foursomes. The ability to choose the better tee shot changes the entire character of the format — it rewards consistent driving and gives a safety net when one player has an off day off the tee.
Handicap in greensomes
Greensomes uses a specific handicap allowance because both players contribute to every hole, unlike foursomes where each player only tees off on half the holes.
The most commonly used formula, recommended by the R&A:
Combined handicap = (lower handicap × 0.6) + (higher handicap × 0.4)
Then apply a 50% allowance to that combined figure for the competition.
Example
Player A: Handicap Index 12 | Player B: Handicap Index 20
Combined = (12 × 0.6) + (20 × 0.4) = 7.2 + 8.0 = 15.2
Playing handicap for the competition = 15.2 × 0.5 = 7.6, rounded to 8 shots.
Note: some clubs use slightly different formulas (e.g., 3/8 of combined instead of 50% of the formula above). Always check your club's local rules for competitions.
Mixed greensomes
Greensomes is particularly well-suited to mixed (male/female) competitions because the format naturally accommodates different distance capabilities — both players drive every hole, so the stronger driver doesn't have to wait for specific tee holes.
Handicap allowances in mixed greensomes usually use the same formula above, applied to playing handicaps (not just handicap indexes) at the respective tees each player uses.
Scoring formats in greensomes
Greensomes can be played as:
- Strokeplay (medal): The team records one gross score per hole. Handicap shots are applied to the combined playing handicap.
- Stableford: Convert the net score per hole to Stableford points. Much more common and forgiving in club play.
- Match play: The two-player teams compete hole by hole against another team. Net scores with combined handicap applied.
Stableford is the most common format for greensomes in club competitions — it limits the damage from a disaster hole and keeps the round enjoyable.
Common mistakes and rules to know
"We forgot whose turn it is" — Happens constantly in greensomes. Track it: after the tee, the player whose shot was not chosen goes next. Alternate from there. If you're ever unsure, it's worth a 10-second check rather than playing out of turn.
Playing out of turn — In strokeplay greensomes, playing out of turn incurs a 2-stroke penalty for the player who played when it wasn't their turn, and the correct player must then replay the shot (the incorrect shot is cancelled). In match play, the opponent can require the shot to be replayed with no penalty.
Both players miss wildly off the tee — You still have to choose one. There's no option to re-tee in strokeplay. In a match play context, check with your opponents whether they'd let you re-tee under a local rule, but under strict rules you pick the lesser of two bad shots.
Why greensomes makes for great social golf
It keeps everyone involved on every hole — nobody has to sit out a tee shot. It's more sociable than foursomes (you're both playing from the tee each time) while still being a genuine team format. The shared decision-making on which drive to use creates a nice element of strategy.
For beginners playing with a stronger partner, it's also much less stressful than foursomes — you always have a decent drive to fall back on.
Frequently asked questions
Is greensomes the same as Scotch foursomes? Not always. The term "Scotch foursomes" is used to mean greensomes in some regions, but in others it refers to standard foursomes. Check what your club or competition means when they use the term.
Can we choose any drive we like? Yes, the team freely chooses which tee shot to use — there's no restriction on always using the better ball or any other rule about selection.
What happens if we play the wrong ball from the tee? If you pick up both balls and tee up a different ball than the ones you played, you'd be playing a wrong ball — 2-stroke penalty in strokeplay. Always identify your balls clearly.
Do both players need the same golf balls? No. Players can use different balls throughout the round — there's no requirement to use a single ball in greensomes, unlike some formats.
Is greensomes played in the Ryder Cup? No. The Ryder Cup uses foursomes and four-ball formats. Greensomes is primarily a club-level format.