Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Pairs means two golfers competing together as a side. It is a broad description rather than one single scoring system: the pair might use Foursomes, with one ball and alternate strokes, or Four-Ball, with each player using a separate ball and the lower score counting.
How it matters in match play
In match play, a pair is a side opposing another player or side, but the competition format must be stated. Under the Rules of Golf, Foursomes pairs alternate strokes with one ball, while Four-Ball pairs each play their own ball and the side uses the lower score on each hole. Casual events may set other house rules.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Pairs |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1b; Rule 22 (Foursomes); Rule 23 (Four-Ball) |
| Related concepts | Four-Ball, Foursomes, Team Competition, Team Match Play, Pairing |
Worked example
In a Four-Ball match, Alex and Ben score 4 and 5 on a hole while Chris and Dana score 4 and 6, so both sides record 4 and the hole is halved; the example assumes the competition uses the Rules of Four-Ball.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1b; Rule 22 (Foursomes); Rule 23 (Four-Ball)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Pairs an official golf format?
Pairs is a general description of two golfers playing together as a side, not a complete scoring format by itself. The Terms of the Competition should identify whether the event is Foursomes, Four-Ball, another recognised format, or a house-rule arrangement.
What is the difference between Pairs and Four-Ball?
Pairs only tells you that two golfers are working together. In Four-Ball, each partner plays a separate ball and the side normally uses the lower score for the hole. A pairs event can instead use Foursomes or another format stated by the Committee.
How are handicaps applied in a Pairs event?
There is no single handicap allowance for the word Pairs alone. The Committee must identify the actual format and set the allowance in the Terms of the Competition; for example, WHS Appendix C recommends 90% for Four-Ball match play and 50% of combined team handicap for Foursomes.
Can Pairs be played as Match Play?
Yes. Two-player sides can play Match Play against another side, but the scoring method still needs to be named. Four-Ball Match Play and Foursomes Match Play are governed formats with different ball and stroke procedures.
Does Pairs always mean alternate shot?
No. Alternate shot is the Foursomes format, where partners play one ball in alternating order. Four-Ball is also a pairs format, but each golfer plays a separate ball. Do not infer the format from the word Pairs alone.
What should a Pairs competition announce before play?
It should state the format, whether play is Match Play or Stroke Play, whether scores are Gross Score or Net Score, the handicap allowance, and any event-specific conditions. This prevents the broad label Pairs from being mistaken for a complete set of rules.