The Modified Chapman format can turn a regular round of golf into one of a kind team competition, mixing strategy, partnership, and individual performance. If you've been invited to play in one or are just looking for a new game to try with friends, this article breaks down exactly how it works. We’ll cover the step-by-step rules, the strategic benefits, and a few pro tips to help your team come out on top.
Modified Chapman is a two-person team game that cleverly combines elements of a scramble, foursomes (alternate shot), and a better ball format. Here’s the gist: both players on a team tee off. For the second shot, they swap balls and each play their partner’s drive. After that, they choose the one best ball and play alternate shot into the hole from that spot.
This format is fantastic because it keeps both players involved on every hole. Unlike a standard scramble where the weaker player's shots might never get used, in Modified Chapman, both players are guaranteed to hit at least two shots at the beginning of each hole. It puts a premium on teamwork and strategy while still allowing for individual moments of brilliance.
It's named after a man named Dick Chapman, a noted amateur golfer. The standard Chapman System is slightly different (where you continue to alternate after selecting the best *drive*), but the "Modified Chapman" described here is the most common version you'll see played at clubs and in casual events.
The rules can sound a little confusing at first, but once you play a hole or two, it becomes second nature. Let's walk through it with a hypothetical team: Player A and Player B.
Both Player A and Player B hit their drives from the teeing ground. Just like in a scramble, both tee shots are in play.
Here's the "Chapman" part of the format. For the second shot, you and your partner switch balls. You walk over and play your partner's drive, and they do the same with yours.
At this point, there are two different balls in play, each having been hit twice.
Now, as a team, you walk ahead and look at the results of your two shots. You must choose which ball you want to play from for the rest of the hole. The other ball is picked up.
The decision is easy: the team chooses to play from the spot of Player A's second shot.
Once you've selected the best ball, you finish the hole playing alternate shot. Now here's the rule that most people get wrong: the player whose shot was NOT selected hits the next shot.
That completes the hole! On the next tee, whomever didn't tee off first on the previous odd-numbered hole would tee off first, or you can decide on your own order.
This format is becoming more popular for good reason. It offers a unique set of benefits over other popular team games.
The beauty of Modified Chapman is that it forces partnership. You can't just rely on one hot player to carry the team. If you hit a bad drive, your partner has to try to salvage it. If your partner puts you in a tricky spot, you get to be the hero. Everyone contributes, and the responsibility is shared, which takes some of the sting out of a bad individual shot.
Modified Chapman is a perfect format for pairing players of different abilities. A weaker drive can be saved by a stronger player's awesome second shot. A high-handicapper gets the benefit of hitting their second shot from their partner's excellent drive. The format highlights strengths and minimizes weaknesses, keeping things fun and competitive for everyone.
The most engaging part of the game often comes when choosing which ball to play after the second shots. It’s not always about which one is closest to the hole. You have to consider:
Believe it or not, this format moves along nicely. You're effectively only playing one ball from the third shot onwards, which speeds things up on and around the greens. It’s quicker than a standard four-ball and feels more interactive than a scramble, where you spend a lot of time walking to one spot.
Want to give your team an edge? Keep these coaching tips in mind.
Your strategy starts on the tee box. Don't just mindlessly hit your drives. Discuss the hole. If there's trouble down the left side and Player A has a tendency to hook the ball, maybe the game plan is for Player B to just make sure they put one safely in play. Having one "safe" ball and one "aggressive" ball is a classic strategy. You don't both need to hit hero shots.
It can be tempting to see the second shot (from your partner's drive) as a free-for-all, but it's just as important. Your goal isn’t to hit the shot of your life, it’s to give your partner a great option for the third shot. Playing a smart, conservative shot to the middle of the green is often far better than taking a risk that doesn't pay off. Don’t leave your partner with an impossible recovery.
Newer players often default to picking the ball closest to the hole, but that's not always the right play. A ball that is 20 yards farthee back but sitting on a perfect upslope lie in the fairway might be a better choice than a ball nestled down in the rough just off the green. Also consider whose turn it is. If your partner hates 50-yard pitch shots, maybe you pick the ball that’s 80 yards out so they can take a more comfortable full swing.
The best Modified Chapman teams talk constantly. Don't be afraid to voice your preferences. Saying, "I feel really good about this chip" or "I'm not comfortable with that downhill lie" is incredibly helpful. Your partner can't read your mind. This honest conversation allows you to make the smartest possible decisions as a team, turning potential bogeys into pars or birdies.
Modified Chapman is a brilliant format that challenges you to think strategically and work closely with your partner. It blends the best parts of golf - individual execution, pressure, and teamwork - into a single, fun, and fast-paced game that any golfer can enjoy.
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