Chapman golf: What is the Chapman in golf?
The Chapman is a game format played in teams of two, also known as Pinehurst or an “American foursome.” It combines several formats: each player hits their own ball off the tee, then the partners take turns hitting each other’s ball, and finally the team finishes with a single ball, taking turns hitting it, as in foursome.
The formula is called Dick Chapman, an American amateur golfer (winner of the 1940 U.S. Amateur), who is credited with developing it, and Pinehurst, the famous golf resort in North Carolina where he used to play.
How do you play a Chapman?
- Both players leave: Each player hits their own ball from the tee box.
- They're passing the ball back and forth: On the second shot, A plays B's ball, and B plays A's ball.
- The team chooses a ball after those two second shots. The other one is up.
- We finish with alternating shots: The partner who did not play the second shot of the held ball plays the third, and then they alternate until the ball is holed.
Example: B's ball is held after the second shot. Since that second shot was played by A, it is B, who is playing third, then A, then B.
The committee procedures published by the R&A and the USGA describe this format (known as “Pinehurst foursomes”) as a a variation of greensome. The Rules of Golf apply as they do in a foursome once the ball has been selected; the tournament rules specify the rest.
Chapman, greensome, foursome: What's the difference?
| Format | Start | Second shot | Choosing a Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foursome | One starting point; take turns | The Other Partner | None |
| Greensome | The two partners | The person whose resignation is not accepted | After the start |
| Chapman | The two partners | Both of them, each with the other's ball | After the second shot |
The Chapman format is the most lenient of the three: the team has two tee shots and two second shots before making a choice. It is also the longest to play, since each player takes two shots on every hole before the choice is made.
How do you calculate hits allowed in the Chapman system?
The World Handicap System (WHS) recommendations specify the following for Chapman (Pinehurst): 60% of the lowest handicap and 40% of the highest, as in greensome. The committee may establish a different rule in the tournament rules. Scores recorded under this format are not used to calculate the handicap.
How do you play a Chapman correctly?
- Play freely from the start: With two balls in play, at least one of the two players can attempt a more ambitious shot.
- Make your choice with the next move in mind: The ball that is left on the green determines who will take the third shot. On a tricky approach shot, it's best for the ball to land with the player who is best at short game.
- State the choice clearly before playing, to avoid playing in the wrong order.
- Keep up the pace: This format requires more shots than a foursome, so you have to get ready while your partner is playing.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Chapman Golf
What is a Chapman in golf?
This is a two-person team format: each player tees off, the players exchange balls for the second shot, then choose one ball and finish the hole by taking turns hitting.
Chapman and Pinehurst—is it the same formula?
Yes. Pinehurst is another name for the Chapman, after the golf resort in North Carolina. It's also known as the American foursome.
Who plays the third shot in Chapman?
The partner who did not play the second shot of the held ball. If B's ball is chosen, A played the second shot, so B plays the third.
How many strokes do you get in Chapman?
The Global Handicap System recommends 60% of the lowest handicap plus 40% of the highest, as in greensome. The tournament rules may specify otherwise.