Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Bloodsome is a four-player team game in which all four golfers tee off, then each team’s opponents choose which tee shot it must use. The team plays on from that selected ball in alternate-shot style. It is a casual variation, not a format prescribed by the Rules of Golf.
How it matters in match play
Bloodsome is commonly scored as match play: after both teams complete a hole, the lower team score wins the hole, while equal scores halve it. The agreed competition can use an 18-hole match or another settlement such as a Nassau. Confirm the house rules beforehand, because Bloodsome has no single official rulebook or universal handicap method.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Bloodsome |
| Category | betting |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Foursomes, Foursomes Match Play, Match Play, Won Hole, Halved Hole |
Worked example
On a par-four, Alex and Ben make tee shots of 220 metres and 170 metres; Chris and Dana choose Alex’s 220-metre ball for their team, while Alex and Ben choose Dana’s 190-metre ball, then each pair alternates shots until holed; if Alex and Ben score 5 and Chris and Dana score 6, Alex and Ben win the hole.
Sources: www.golfdigest.com , www.golfdistillery.com , www.leaderboard.com , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
How many players do you need for Bloodsome?
Four players are normally needed, divided into two teams of two. All four players hit a tee shot before the opposing team selects which ball the team must continue with.
Is Bloodsome the same as Gruesomes?
The names are often used for closely related games, but house rules vary. In Bloodsome, opponents usually choose the tee shot; some versions called Gruesome automatically use the worse tee shot instead. Agree the selection rule before playing.
How is Bloodsome scored?
A common arrangement is match play: compare the two team scores on each hole, award the hole to the lower score, and halve it if the scores are equal. Stakes and whether to use gross or net scores must be agreed in advance.
Does Bloodsome have an official handicap allowance?
No universal Bloodsome allowance is established by the World Handicap System. If handicaps are used, the players and competition organiser should specify the calculation and whether scores are gross or net before starting.
Is Bloodsome governed by the Rules of Golf?
Bloodsome is a casual betting-game variation rather than a named Rules of Golf format. The Rules of Golf can provide the playing framework where appropriate, but the opponent-choice mechanic and any stakes are house rules.
Why is Bloodsome slower or harder than ordinary foursomes?
The extra tee-shot selection creates discussion and strategy, and a team may be forced to play from a difficult lie. Decide selections promptly and keep the house rules simple if pace matters.