Greensomes is one of golf’s most enjoyable and strategic team formats, blending individual skill with partner collaboration on every hole. This guide will walk you through exactly what Greensomes is, how to play it step-by-step, and the simple strategies you can use to succeed. We'll cover everything from scoring and handicaps to how it differs from similar formats like Foursomes.
Greensomes is a two-person team golf format where both players hit a tee shot, the team chooses the better of the two drives, and then they play alternate shots from that spot to complete the hole. It's often called Scottish Foursomes or Canadian Foursomes, though there can be slight variations.
The beauty of Greensomes is that it takes the pressure off the tee shot. Since both you and your partner get to hit a drive on every hole, you almost always have a good ball to play for your second shot. This makes it a fantastic format for golfers of all skill levels, especially for club competitions and friendly weekend games. It combines the fun of seeing two tee shots go down the fairway with the strategic challenge of alternate shot play.
Understanding the flow of a Greensomes hole is straightforward. Once you’ve played one or two holes, the rhythm feels completely natural. Let's break it down into easy steps using Team A (Player 1 and Player 2) as our example.
Both Player 1 and Player 2 hit their tee shots, just as they would in a normal game. Both balls are in play, and you'll proceed to where they landed.
This is where the first bit of strategy comes in. The team walks up and assesses the position of both tee shots. They must decide together which ball they want to play from for their second shot. The other ball is picked up and taken out of play for that hole.
Pro Tip: "Best" doesn't always mean longest! Consider factors like the angle into the green, the lie of the ball, any intervening hazards (trees, bunkers), and the distance you'll have left for the next shot.
Here’s the part you really need to remember: the player whose drive was not chosen hits the second shot.
This rule ensures that both partners contribute to the hole. You can't just rely on one person's great driving all day long.
After the second shot has been played, the partners continue to play alternate shots until the ball is in the hole.
Let’s continue our example where Player 1’s drive was chosen:
The team’s score for the hole is 5.
Your team records one score for the hole. Depending on the competition, this can be played as stroke play (aka medal play), where the lowest total score wins, or match play, where the lowest score on a hole wins that hole.
Many golfers confuse Greensomes with Foursomes, so let's clear that up. While both are two-person team formats a involving alternate shots_ the main difference lies in the tee shot.
Essentially, Greensomes is a more forgiving and, for many, a more fun version of Foursomes. It removes the enormous pressure of having to hit a perfect tee shot for your team, as your partner is always there to provide a backup.
Handicaps in Greensomes can vary depending on the club or tournament organizers, so it’s always a good idea to check the official rules before you play. However, a widely accepted method is the a_combined_ handicap allowance.
A common formula used by many golf authorities is:
(60% of the lower handicap) + (40% of the higher handicap) = Team Handicap
For example, let's say Player 1 is a 10-handicap and Player 2 is a 20-handicap.
This combined team handicap is then deducted from their gross score at the end of the round (in stroke play) or used to determine where shots are given (in match play).
Greensomes isn't just about hitting good shots, it’s about a making smart decisions_ as a team. Here is some practical advice to help you and your partner play your best.
Before you step on the tee, have a quick chat. A great strategy is to assign roles based on the hole.
This approach gives you the best of both worlds. You'll likely have a safe ball in play while also having the chance to take advantage of a booming drive.
As mentioned earlier, the longest drive isn't always the best. When deciding, ask yourselves these questions:
Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses is fundamental to success. If your partner is a phenomenal wedge player but struggles with long irons, it's your job to try and set them up with wedge shots. If you're excellent out of greenside bunkers, don't be afraid of choosing a drive near a bunker if it provides a much better angle.
Partnership is about more than just hitting the ball, it’s about putting your partner in a position where they can succeed.
Greensomes can be a mental grind if you get down on yourself or your partner. Remember, a bad shot is a "team" shot. If you find yourself in the woods, figure out the solution together. Stay positive and supportive. More often than not, a great attitude will save you more shots than a perfect swing.
While standard Greensomes is the most common, you might come across a few fun twists on the format.
Pinehurst Foursomes (or Canadian Greensomes): This is a variation where a after choosing the best drive_ *both* players hit a second shot from that spot. The team then chooses the better of the two second shots and begins alternate shot play from there until the ball is holed.
It's an even more forgiving format and often results in some very low scores!
Greensomes is a fantastic format that promotes teamwork, strategic thinking, and a lot of fun on the golf course. By taking the pressure off every tee shot, it allows you and a partner to play more aggressively while still requiring the communication and skill of alternate shot play.
Decisions are a huge part of golf, especially in a team format like Greensomes. Between you and your partner, selecting the right shot and crafting the a perfect strategy_ for any given situation is what separates the winners. That's why I developed a tool like Caddie AI. When you're standing over two drives, wondering which gives you the better statistical chance of scoring, you can describe both lies and get an instant strategic recommendation. It helps remove the guesswork so you can commit to your shots with confidence.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
