Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Foursomes Stroke Play is a team format in which two partners play one ball, taking alternate strokes, and compete against the field on total strokes for the round. The partners alternate which one plays first from each teeing area, then continue alternating shots until the hole is completed.
How it matters in match play
This format is stroke play rather than Match Play, so the side is ranked against the field by its total score, not by holes won. The same Foursomes alternate-shot mechanics apply, but a handicap competition may use a recommended allowance of 50% of the partners’ combined Course Handicaps. The Committee or national association sets the competition terms.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Foursomes Stroke Play |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 22.1 and Rule 22.3; Rule 3.1a and Rule 3.3a; WHS Rules of Handicapping Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Foursomes, Stroke Play, Team Stroke Play, Scorecard, Gross Score |
Worked example
Alex and Ben have Course Handicaps of 12 and 20, so a 50% combined allowance gives their side a Playing Handicap of 16; if they return a gross 84, their illustrative net score is 68.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 22.1 and Rule 22.3; Rule 3.1a and Rule 3.3a; WHS Rules of Handicapping Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How many balls do partners use in Foursomes Stroke Play?
The side plays one ball. The partners alternate strokes on every hole, including alternate tee shots and alternate shots after the tee shot.
How is Foursomes Stroke Play scored?
The side records its strokes for each hole and adds them for the round. In regular stroke play, the lowest total score wins; in a handicap competition, the Committee applies the stated allowance and compares net scores.
What handicap allowance is recommended for Foursomes Stroke Play?
WHS Appendix C lists 50% of the combined team handicap as the recommended allowance for Foursomes. It is not an automatic universal rule: the national association, regional authority or Committee can set the allowance in the Terms of the Competition.
Who tees off first in Foursomes Stroke Play?
The side may choose which partner starts from the first teeing area unless the Terms of the Competition specify otherwise. Partners then alternate the order in which they tee off on subsequent holes.
Is Foursomes Stroke Play the same as Four-Ball?
No. In Foursomes the partners share one ball and alternate strokes. In Four-Ball each partner plays their own ball, with the side’s score normally based on the better score for the hole under the competition terms.
Is Foursomes Stroke Play a Match Play format?
No. It is a stroke-play format: the side competes against the field on total strokes. Foursomes can also be played as Match Play, but that is a different scoring method.