Handicap Allowance in Foursomes (Alternate Shot) Golf

In foursomes match play, each team receives 50% of their combined Course Handicaps, and the difference between the two teams' allowances determines the strokes the higher-handicap team gets on the hardest holes (Rule 5.3b, WHS 2024). In stroke play, the team simply plays to their 50% combined allowance.

What is foursomes (alternate shot)?

In foursomes, two players form a team and share one ball. They alternate hitting it — one player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes, then they alternate shots until the ball is holed. It's the format used in the Ryder Cup team matches and one of the most demanding formats in golf.

Because two players share a ball and neither plays every shot, the handicap calculation works differently from individual or four-ball formats.

The foursomes handicap formula

The R&A recommended allowance for foursomes is 50% of the combined team Playing Handicap:

Team Playing Handicap = (Player A Course Handicap + Player B Course Handicap) × 50%

Round to the nearest whole number.

Why 50%? Because each player only hits approximately half the shots. Over 18 holes, each team member plays roughly 9 shots (the tee shots on their designated holes, then alternate from there). Giving the full combined handicap would overcompensate significantly.

Stroke play vs match play

In match play foursomes, calculate each team's combined allowance at 50%, then take the difference between the two teams. The higher-handicap team receives the difference as strokes on the hardest holes, allocated by Stroke Index in the same way as in individual match play.

Worked example (stroke play)

Player A: Course Handicap 12 Player B: Course Handicap 20

Combined = 12 + 20 = 32 50% of 32 = 16 → Team Playing Handicap: 16

The team receives 16 strokes, allocated to the 16 hardest holes (SI 1–16). On those holes, subtract 1 from the team's gross score to get net.

Worked example (match play)

Team 1: Player A (CH 8) + Player B (CH 14) → combined 22 × 50% = 11 Team 2: Player C (CH 16) + Player D (CH 24) → combined 40 × 50% = 20

Difference = 20 − 11 = 9. Team 2 receives 9 strokes on the 9 hardest holes (SI 1–9).

Who tees off on which holes?

This is agreed before the round starts and must stay fixed. The typical approach:

• Decide which player tees off on hole 1 (odd-numbered holes)
• The other player automatically tees off on all even-numbered holes
• If you go to extra holes in match play, the rotation continues

Strategic consideration: Think about par-3s and long par-5s when deciding who hits the odd/even holes. If your shorter hitter is on the even holes, they'll tee off on the long par-5s — or not, depending on the course's layout. Check the scorecard before you decide.

Common mistakes

Adding full handicaps instead of 50%: The most frequent error. If two players with handicaps of 18 and 22 add them together (40) and apply that to 18 holes, they're getting almost double the correct allowance.

Using Playing Handicap from another format: The Course Handicap is the base — not a Playing Handicap already adjusted for four-ball or Stableford play. Always start from Course Handicap when calculating foursomes.

Choosing who tees off mid-round: You can't change the rotation once play has started. Fix it on the first tee.

Step-by-step foursomes handicap calculation

Start with each player's Course Handicap — not their Handicap Index or a Playing Handicap from another format. Add the two Course Handicaps together, multiply by 50%, and round to the nearest whole number. That result is the team's Playing Handicap for the round. In stroke play, the team receives that many strokes on the hardest holes (SI 1 through the allowance). In match play, calculate both teams' allowances the same way, subtract the lower from the higher, and the difference is the strokes the higher-handicap team gets on the hardest holes. Always use Course Handicap as the base; using a four-ball or Stableford Playing Handicap will inflate the number.

Keep reading: Playing Handicap vs Handicap Index · greensomes

FAQ

How is the handicap difference calculated in foursomes match play?

Each team's allowance is 50% of their combined Course Handicaps (rounded). Subtract the lower team allowance from the higher one — that difference is the number of strokes the higher-handicap team receives on the hardest holes by Stroke Index.

Does the 50% allowance apply to both stroke play and match play?

Yes. The 50% combined Course Handicap is the team's Playing Handicap in both formats. In match play you then take the difference between teams; in stroke play the team plays to that allowance directly.

What happens if the 50% calculation gives a .5?

Round to the nearest whole number. A combined Course Handicap of 23 × 50% = 11.5 rounds to 12.

Can we change who tees off on odd/even holes during the round?

No. The rotation is fixed before the first tee shot and cannot change mid-round, including any playoff holes in match play.

Is foursomes the same as a scramble?

No. In foursomes you alternate shots on a single ball and every shot counts. A scramble lets everyone hit and the team chooses the best shot each time — completely different format.

What Course Handicap do I use if I play off different tees than my partner?

Each player uses their own Course Handicap for the tees they're playing. The 50% calculation works on those individual Course Handicaps, even if they differ because of tee selection.

How are handicap strokes allocated on each hole in foursomes stroke play?

The team's total allowance is applied to the hardest holes by Stroke Index. If the allowance is 14, subtract one stroke from the team's gross score on SI 1 through 14. The player who hits the shot doesn't matter — it's a team score.

In match play foursomes, what if both teams have the same 50% allowance?

The match is played at scratch — no handicap strokes are given to either side. You still calculate each team's 50% allowance to confirm they're equal.

Does the 50% allowance change for mixed-gender foursomes?

No. The WHS recommendation is 50% of combined Course Handicaps regardless of gender. Each player's Course Handicap already reflects the tees they play and the course difficulty for their gender.