Scotch Foursomes is a fun, fast-paced golf format where two partners take turns hitting the same ball, but with a special twist that makes it one of the most strategic team games you can play. This guide will walk you through exactly how it works, from the basic rules to the smarter strategies that help you and your partner shoot lower scores. We’ll cover how it differs from standard Foursomes and how you can use its unique rules to your team’s advantage.
The beauty of Scotch Foursomes, often called Pinehurst Foursomes, lies in its simplicity. It's a team game for two people, blending individual play with teamwork on every single hole. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a hole is played:
This format solves the biggest challenge of traditional Foursomes, where one bad tee shot can ruin a hole with no chance for recovery. In Scotch Foursomes, having two drives to choose from gives every team a good chance to be in position off the tee.
While friendly games can be played straight-up (scratch), handicap calculation in Scotch Foursomes adds another layer of fairness. There isn't a universally official rule, but the most common method is to combine the handicaps of the two players and take a specific percentage.
A widely used formula is:
Another simpler method sometimes used is to just take 50% of the a team's combined course handicap.
If you're familiar with Foursomes (often just called "Alternate Shot"), popular in events like the Ryder Cup, you know how demanding it can be. The distinction between it and Scotch Foursomes comes down to one critical rule change on the tee box.
Standard Foursomes (Alternate Shot):
Scotch Foursomes (Pinehurst Foursomes):
Think of it this way: standard Foursomes is like running a relay race where each handoff is predetermined. Scotch Foursomes is like starting a relay race but having two racers start, and you get to choose which one has the better position before the second runner takes the baton.
Success in Scotch Foursomes isn't just about hitting good shots - it’s about hitting the right shots to set your partner up. As a coach, I see teams that mesh well thrive in this format by thinking one or two shots ahead. Here are some actionable strategies to help your team win.
The best Scotch Foursomes teams complement each other. It’s not always about pairing two bombers. A better combination is often a player who is long and reliable off the tee with a partner who has a fantastic short game and dialed-in approach shots. If one person bombs the big stick, the other can be the "artist" who gets you up and down from anywhere.
Equally important is temperament. You need a partner you can communicate with openly and who remains positive. Freaking out about a bad shot is poison in alternate shot formats - you win and lose as a team, so find someone who understands that.
Resist the temptation to automatically choose the longest drive. The best drive is not always the one farthest down the fairway. Before you decide, ask these questions:
Your goal off the tee is to leave your partner a shot they feel confident about hitting.
True teamwork begins with understanding and playing to your partner’s go-to shots. Before the round, have a conversation:
With this knowledge, you can manage the hole backward. For example, on a short Par-4, your partner might say, "I'd rather have a full sand wedge from 90 yards than an awkward 40-yard pitch." So, instead of trying to hit your drive as far as possible, the right play for you might be to hit a 3-wood to lay up to that 90-yard mark. You're not just playing the hole, you're playing for your partner.
In alternate shot, one heroic shot attempt that goes wrong puts both of you in a bad spot. Aggressive plays that risk water hazards, out of bounds, or nasty bunkers should be avoided.
A bogey in Scotch Foursomes is not a disaster. It’s often the doubles and triples from risky decisions that lose a match. When in doubt, take the conservative route. Hitting to the fat part of the green is always a good play. Laying up on a risky Par-5 is almost always the smart decision. Protecting your partner from having to hit a recovery shot is one of the highest forms of teamwork in golf.
Talk through every significant decision. On the tee, you should discuss the ideal place to be to start the hole. When choosing between the two drives, openly debate the pros and cons of each position. On approach shots, confirm the target and the club choice with each other. A simple bit of confirmation like, "You thinking inside a flag-high shot here?" can sync up your strategies and prevent a costly mistake.
This communication fosters a sense of shared responsibility and keeps you both engaged in every single shot, not just your own.
Scotch Foursomes is an excellent format that combines strategy, teamwork, and the excitement of giving your team a second chance on every tee. By focusing on setting your partner up for success and making smart, conservative decisions, you can turn this fun game into a rewarding one and enjoy the unique challenge of playing as a truly connected team.
Making a great strategic decision is what Scotch Foursomes is all about, and that kind of on-the-spot analysis is exactly what our team developed Caddie AI to help with. When you and your partner are standing over two drives, stumped on which one truly gives you the better odds, our app can give you an immediate, data-driven recommendation. We designed it to be your24/7 golf coach and caddie, analyzing everything from lie quality to approach angles to help you make smarter decisions and play with more confidence, especially when teamwork really counts.
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