What Is Alternate Shot in Golf? Rules, Tips and What to Wear
What is alternate shot in golf? Alternate shot (also called foursomes) is a two-person team format where partners share one ball and take turns hitting it until the hole is finished. One partner tees off on the odd holes and the other on the even holes, so every player must hit shots they would rather hand to their partner.
It is one of the most popular formats for couples events, member-guest days and club team matches. Below we explain the official rules, how it compares with scramble and best ball, simple strategy, and how couples and teams usually dress for it. Browse all designs in our matching golf polos collection.
What is alternate shot in golf and how does it work?
The Rules of Golf cover the format in Rule 22. In the words of the R&A, foursomes "is a form of play involving partners (in either match play or stroke play) where two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole" (R&A Rule 22).
- Pick the odd/even split. Before the round, partners decide who drives on the odd holes and who drives on the even holes.
- Alternate every stroke. If Partner A drives, Partner B hits the second shot, A the third, and so on until the ball is holed.
- Penalty strokes do not change the order. The next stroke is still played by whoever was due to play.
- One score per hole. The side records a single score, in match play or stroke play.
Is foursomes the same as alternate shot?
Yes. "Foursomes" is the name used in the official Rules and in team matches; "alternate shot" is the everyday name in most US clubs. A variation called true alternate shot keeps the strict order across holes: if A holes the putt on hole 1, B tees off on hole 2. Many club events use the simpler odd/even tee rule instead, so check the event sheet.
Alternate shot vs scramble vs best ball
| Format | Balls in play | Who hits | Pressure level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate shot (foursomes) | One per team | Partners take turns | High: every shot counts |
| Scramble | Each player hits, team picks the best | Everyone, every shot | Low: friendly, fast |
| Best ball (four-ball) | Each player plays own ball | Everyone | Medium: best score counts |
Alternate shot is usually the quickest of the three because only one ball is in play per team, which is one reason it suits evening couples leagues.
Alternate shot strategy for couples and partners
Choose tees by strength, not ego
Look at the scorecard. If the longer, more demanding par 4s and par 5s fall mostly on odd holes, let the longer driver take the odd tees.
Leave your partner a favorite distance
If your partner loves a 100-yard wedge, lay up there instead of forcing a long shot into trouble.
Agree on putting reads before the round
Short putts are where many teams lose holes. Decide early who reads and who has the final say.
Keep the mood light
A bad shot from your partner is now your next shot. Teams that laugh it off usually score better than teams that keep count of mistakes.
What should couples wear for an alternate shot event?
Most clubs ask for a collared shirt; check your club's rules (we cover the basics in our golf dress code guide). Many couples and two-person teams order matching polos so the pairing is easy to spot on the leaderboard photo. On the product pages of our matching designs, the Men Polo and Women Polo styles are 100% polyester, quick-dry and moisture-wicking, and several designs also offer a Women Sleeveless Polo or long sleeve polo. Polo designs in this collection start from $39.99, and names can be added on designs that include a personalization field.
For a fit check before ordering, read how a golf shirt should fit and compare the size chart on each product page.
Ready to match your partner?
Pick a design for your pairing in the matching golf polos collection, for example the black and gold matching polos or the pink couples polos.
FAQ
What are the rules of alternate shot in golf?
Two partners play one ball, alternating strokes on every hole and alternating tee shots (often odd/even holes). Penalty strokes do not change whose turn it is.
Is foursomes the same as alternate shot?
Yes. Foursomes is the official Rules of Golf name (Rule 22) for alternate shot.
What is the difference between alternate shot and true alternate shot?
In true alternate shot the order continues across holes, so the partner who did not hole out tees off next. The common club version fixes tee shots by odd and even holes.
Is alternate shot faster than a scramble?
Usually yes, because each team has only one ball in play.
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