Page type: Regional rules guide
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Regional conventions and their limits
In UK play, foursomes is the two-person side format in which partners play one ball and alternate strokes. The R&A Rules of Golf recognise it in both match play and stroke play: partners alternate who tees off on each hole, then alternate shots until the hole is complete. Rule 22 also means a penalty does not change whose turn is next, and either partner may take permitted actions for the side. For handicapping, England Golf's mixed/multi-tee guidance states that each foursomes side's Playing Handicap is 50% of the two players' combined Course Handicaps when one ball is in play. In foursomes match play, the R&A's Appendix C example applies 50% to the difference between the teams' combined Course Handicaps, with the higher-handicap side receiving the resulting strokes. The Committee should put the allowance, tees and any format conditions in the Terms of the Competition; club-day practices are not automatically UK-wide rules. England Golf also says a mixed-tee foursomes competition must nominate one tee's par and stroke index for scoring.
Table
| Item | Regional reference |
|---|---|
| Format | foursomes |
| Region | UK |
| Local name | Foursomes (also called alternate shot) |
| Rules context | Rules of Golf Rule 22; WHS Appendix C (including C/2) |
Worked example
Illustrative match-play calculation: Alex and Ben have Course Handicaps of 10 and 18 (combined 28); Chris and Dana have 6 and 14 (combined 20). The difference is 8, so 50% gives Chris and Dana 4 strokes, subject to the competition Terms.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 22; WHS Appendix C (including C/2)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.englandgolf.org
Common questions
What is foursomes called in the UK?
The usual name is foursomes. The R&A also labels it alternate shot, a useful name when explaining that two partners share one ball and alternate strokes.
What handicap allowance is used for UK foursomes?
The recommended WHS basis is 50% of the combined Course Handicaps for a side. In match play, compare the two team aggregates and normally give the calculated difference to the higher-handicap side, but check the Terms of the Competition.
Who drives first in foursomes?
The side chooses which partner tees off first unless the Terms of the Competition say otherwise. The partners then alternate teeing off on successive holes and alternate strokes during each hole.
Is foursomes the same as greensomes?
No. In foursomes, partners play one ball and alternate from the tee onward. In greensomes, both partners tee off before the side selects a ball; its handicap calculation is different.
Can UK clubs change the foursomes allowance?
The Committee sets the allowance in the Terms of the Competition. The cited WHS figures are recommended guidance, not permission to assume that every informal club game uses identical conditions.
Which tee and stroke index apply in mixed-tee foursomes?
For a mixed-tee competition, England Golf says the Committee must specify one set of tees whose par and stroke index will be used for scoring. Follow that event condition rather than assuming each player uses a separate card.