Greensome in Golf

Greensome: What Is Greensome in Golf?

The greensome is a game format for teams of two players that is very popular in friendly club competitions. It is based on the principle of the foursome (a single ball played in alternating strokes), with one difference that makes it more accessible: on each hole, Both partners play the opening move, and the team keeps the best one.

How is a greensome played?

1. Both players leave: Each player hits their ball from the tee box.
2. The team chooses a ball: Usually the best-placed shot, but not necessarily the longest. The other ball is hit high and goes out of play.
3. The partner whose bid was not selected plays the second card. If A is chosen to go first, B plays the next move, then A, then B, and so on.
4. We finish the hole by taking turns hitting the ball., until the ball is in the hole. The same process starts over at the next tee.

This procedure corresponds to the description provided by the Rules authorities (R&A and USGA) in the committee procedures, which describe the greensome as a a variation of foursome. Rule 22 regarding foursomes therefore applies once the ball has been selected, and the tournament rules specify the provisions specific to this format.

Greensome or foursome: What's the difference?

Greensome is more forgiving: a poor tee shot can be made up for by the partner’s shot. There is also a variation, sometimes called “Chinese” greensome or St. Andrews greensome, in which the team decides before the round who will play the second shot on the odd-numbered holes and who will play it on the even-numbered holes, regardless of the tee chosen.

Greensome and Chapman: Don't Confuse Them

In the Chapman (or Pinehurst), the two players are also leaving, but they exchange the balls for the second shot, and the team doesn't make its choice until after that. In greensome, the choice is made right from the start.

How do you calculate the strokes taken in a greensome?

The World Handicap System (WHS) recommendations specify the following for greensomes: 60% of the lowest handicap and 40% of the highest of both partners. The tournament committee may establish a different rule in its regulations. Scores recorded in greensome play are not used to calculate the handicap.

How do you choose the right ball for a greensome?

• Positioning Before Length: A ball in the middle of the fairway is often better than a longer shot into the rough.
• Think about who's up next: Choosing to start with A means letting B take the second shot. If B is the best at playing the irons, that factors into the decision.
• Ensuring a Safe Start: The player who goes first can play it safe to ensure the ball stays in play, which frees up their partner.
• Clearly state the choice before taking your second shot, to avoid hitting the wrong ball.