Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
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When each fits
Choose greensomes when two partners want each hole to begin with two tee shots, select one ball, and continue in alternate shots under team competition terms. Choose Nassau when players want separate front-nine, back-nine and 18-hole match-play contests with agreed stakes, rather than a shared alternate-shot team format.
greensomes in brief
A pair chooses one of two tee shots, then plays that ball in alternate shots.
Nassau in brief
Three linked matches: front nine, back nine and the overall 18-hole result.
Table
| Comparison | greensomes | Nassau |
|---|---|---|
| One line | A pair chooses one of two tee shots, then plays that ball in alternate shots. | Three linked matches: front nine, back nine and the overall 18-hole result. |
| Players | Minimum 2 players as one pair; ideal 4 players as two pairs in head-to-head match play or a two-pair stroke-play field. Larger fields can run multiple pairs under the Committee's terms. | Minimum 2 in a head-to-head match; 4 is ideal for two sides, with 1v1 or 2v2 agreed in advance. |
| Scoring unit | Strokes per hole, normally totalled as gross or net stroke play; the same pair-versus-pair structure can be used for match play if the competition terms say so. | Holes for each match segment; the front nine, back nine and overall 18-hole contests are tracked separately. |
| Handicap method | For a team handicap, apply the recommended WHS allowance of 60% of the lower player's unrounded Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher player's unrounded Course Handicap, then follow the applicable Playing Handicap and competition terms. In match play, the lowest team Playing Handicap generally plays off zero and the other team receives the difference, but the Committee sets the allowance and terms. | For 1v1 match play, use the recommended 100% individual match-play allowance and give the full Playing Handicap difference from the lower player. For 2v2 better-ball/four-ball sides, the recommended allowance is 90% for four-ball; apply strokes within each side under the Terms of the Competition. Allowances are applied to unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap, not directly to Handicap Index. |
| Money settles how | Only by prior agreement: settle a match stake at the end of the match, or settle a stroke-play pool after the final net scores. Greensomes itself does not prescribe money, stakes, or a payout method. | Agree one stake for each of the three contests before teeing off. Settle the front-nine, back-nine and overall bets separately at the agreed amount; presses or unequal values are optional house terms, not automatic Nassau rules. |
| Pace | Usually slower than ordinary four-ball stroke play because each hole starts with two tee shots and the chosen ball is then played alternately; this is an editorial tendency, not a measured timing claim. | Same to slightly slower than ordinary stroke play: playing the holes does not require extra shots, but recording three concurrent results and any agreed presses adds administration. |
| Best for | Pairs who want shared decisions and alternate-shot pressure while keeping both players involved from every tee. It suits a four-player head-to-head match or a small pairs competition with clear Committee terms. | Two golfers or a foursome who want match-play pressure with three chances to win, while keeping an 18-hole result in play after a poor nine. |
| Weakness | A poor tee-shot choice can leave the partner an awkward second shot, and alternate play means one mistake can affect the whole pair. Minimum tee-shot quotas, tie procedures, and whether the event is stroke play or match play must be settled in advance. | Unagreed press rules and unclear handicap treatment can make the settlement confusing, especially when a 2v2 side is mixed with individual scoring. |
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and selected terms, not historical results. Alex and Ben both tee off, select Alex's drive, and Ben plays the second shot before alternate play finishes in 4. Chris and Dana finish in 5, so the first side wins this defined scratch hole. For an agreed $2 singles Nassau with no presses, Alex wins the front nine, ties the back nine and wins the overall match: net +$4 for Alex and −$4 for Ben.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C; Rules of Golf Rule 3.2
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org , englandigolf.co.uk , www.golfdigest.com , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How do greensomes and Nassau score differently?
For greensomes: Strokes per hole, normally totalled as gross or net stroke play; the same pair-versus-pair structure can be used for match play if the competition terms say so. For Nassau: Holes for each match segment; the front nine, back nine and overall 18-hole contests are tracked separately.
How do handicaps apply in greensomes vs Nassau?
greensomes: For a team handicap, apply the recommended WHS allowance of 60% of the lower player's unrounded Course Handicap plus 40% of the higher player's unrounded Course Handicap, then follow the applicable Playing Handicap and competition terms. In match play, the lowest team Playing Handicap generally plays off zero and the other team receives the difference, but the Committee sets the allowance and terms. Nassau: For 1v1 match play, use the recommended 100% individual match-play allowance and give the full Playing Handicap difference from the lower player. For 2v2 better-ball/four-ball sides, the recommended allowance is 90% for four-ball; apply strokes within each side under the Terms of the Competition. Allowances are applied to unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap, not directly to Handicap Index.
When should I choose greensomes instead of Nassau?
Choose greensomes when two partners want each hole to begin with two tee shots, select one ball, and continue in alternate shots under team competition terms. Choose Nassau when players want separate front-nine, back-nine and 18-hole match-play contests with agreed stakes, rather than a shared alternate-shot team format.