Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
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When each fits
Choose greensomes when two-player sides want both partners to tee off, select one ball and then play alternate shots in a single match or small pairs event. Choose round robin when three or more players or sides want scheduled head-to-head matches against every other entrant.
greensomes in brief
A pair chooses one of two tee shots, then plays that ball in alternate shots.
round robin in brief
A schedule where each player or side meets the others in separate head-to-head matches.
Table
| Comparison | greensomes | round robin |
|---|---|---|
| One line | A pair chooses one of two tee shots, then plays that ball in alternate shots. | A schedule where each player or side meets the others in separate head-to-head matches. |
| 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 3 competitors or sides for a meaningful schedule; ideal 4-8, with each participant playing the others in turn. This is an individual field or a field of sides, not one group playing every hole together. |
| 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. | Each match is scored hole by hole as match play; the overall table uses agreed match points, wins, halves or another competition countback. |
| 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 individual handicap match play, use the competition's stated allowance; WHS Appendix C recommends 100% of the unrounded Course Handicap for individual match play. After Playing Handicaps are calculated, the lowest plays off zero and each opponent receives the difference. A round robin involving teams or another form must not automatically inherit this allowance: the Committee should state the allowance and stroke-index method in the Terms of Competition. |
| 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. | Only if stakes are agreed: settle after the round-robin table, using the announced value for each match point, win or final placing. The Rules of Golf do not set a round-robin payout or betting convention. |
| 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. | Slower overall than one stroke-play round for the same field is the usual tendency, because a round robin requires multiple head-to-head matches and scheduling; this is an editorial planning judgement, not a measured statistic. |
| 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. | Club leagues, social groups and small competitions that want everyone to meet several opponents rather than be eliminated after one loss. |
| 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. | It needs more match slots than a knockout and can create tie-break disputes or uneven schedules when players withdraw, so the Committee must publish the draw, points and tie procedure. |
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. Four entrants Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana in an all-play-all schedule need 6 pairings. That schedule is different from the rotating six-hole partner game sometimes given the same name.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C; Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2 (match play); R&A Committee Procedures, Section 5A(3)-(4). Greensomes procedure is subject to competition Terms rather than a standalone Rules of Golf format.
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org , englandigolf.co.uk , www.golf.org.au , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
How do greensomes and round robin 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 round robin: Each match is scored hole by hole as match play; the overall table uses agreed match points, wins, halves or another competition countback.
How do handicaps apply in greensomes vs round robin?
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. round robin: For individual handicap match play, use the competition's stated allowance; WHS Appendix C recommends 100% of the unrounded Course Handicap for individual match play. After Playing Handicaps are calculated, the lowest plays off zero and each opponent receives the difference. A round robin involving teams or another form must not automatically inherit this allowance: the Committee should state the allowance and stroke-index method in the Terms of Competition.
When should I choose greensomes instead of round robin?
Choose greensomes when two-player sides want both partners to tee off, select one ball and then play alternate shots in a single match or small pairs event. Choose round robin when three or more players or sides want scheduled head-to-head matches against every other entrant.