Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Greensomes is a two-player team format related to Foursomes. Both partners tee off on each hole, the team chooses one tee shot, and the partners then alternate strokes with that ball until the hole is completed. Clubs should state any named variation in the competition terms.
How it matters in match play
In a Greensomes match, each pair plays one ball under the agreed Greensomes procedure. Both partners tee off, the pair selects one drive, and the partner whose drive was not selected plays the next stroke; play then alternates until the ball is holed. The side with the lower score wins the hole, unless the hole is halved. The Committee should state any format variations and handicap terms.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Greensomes |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 9B (Greensomes); Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C (recommended handicap allowances) |
| Related concepts | Foursomes, Chapman, Team Match Play, Handicap Allowance, Playing Handicap |
Worked example
Alex and Ben play Greensomes against Chris and Dana: both pairs tee off, each selects one drive, and the selected balls are played alternately. If Alex and Ben take 4 strokes and Chris and Dana take 5, Alex and Ben win that hole; a 10 and 20 Course Handicap example gives 60% of 10 plus 40% of 20, or 14, before any match-play stroke comparison.
Rule reference: Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 9B (Greensomes); Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C (recommended handicap allowances)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How does Greensomes start on each hole?
Both partners hit a tee shot. The pair selects one of those two shots, and the partner whose tee shot was not selected plays the next stroke.
Do Greensomes partners alternate every shot?
Yes. After the chosen tee shot, the partners alternate strokes with that ball until it is holed. Both players tee off again on the next hole.
What handicap allowance is recommended for Greensomes?
WHS Appendix C lists 60% of the lower handicap plus 40% of the higher handicap for Greensomes. The applicable national association or Committee may set or adjust the allowance, so the Terms of the Competition control.
Is Greensomes the same as Foursomes?
No. They share alternate-stroke play after the ball is in play, but in standard Foursomes partners use one ball and alternate tee shots. In Greensomes both partners tee off on every hole before one drive is selected.
Can a club change the Greensomes procedure?
A Committee can specify an established variation or other competition terms. Players should check the Terms of the Competition because variations can change who plays the next stroke or how handicaps are applied.
Is Greensomes a match-play format by itself?
No. Greensomes describes the partner format and can be used for match play or stroke play. The competition terms determine how the team score is compared and how a tie is settled.