Foursome (golf)
Encyclopedia
A foursome, also known as alternate shot, is a type of match in the sport of golf
.
Golfers compete in teams of two, using one ball
, and taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. Team members also take turns in teeing off
on each hole, i.e. one player will take the tee shot on odd-numbered holes, and the other on even-numbered holes.
Foursomes is commonly played as match play
, with each hole being won by the team that completes it in the fewest shots. This form of golf is often played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup
, Seve Trophy
and the Presidents Cup
. Foursomes can also be played in stroke play
competitions, with the winners being the team who have taken the fewest number of strokes to complete a set number of holes.
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
.
Golfers compete in teams of two, using one ball
Golf ball
A golf ball is a ball designed to be used in the game of golf.Under the Rules of Golf, a golf ball weighs no more than 1.620 oz , has a diameter not less than 1.680 in , and performs within specified velocity, distance, and symmetry limits...
, and taking alternate shots until the hole is completed. Team members also take turns in teeing off
Teeing ground
In golf, the teeing ground is the area at the beginning of a hole from which the player's first stroke is taken. When referring to the area, the terms "tee", "tee box", and "teeing ground" are often used interchangeably....
on each hole, i.e. one player will take the tee shot on odd-numbered holes, and the other on even-numbered holes.
Foursomes is commonly played as match play
Match play
Match play is a scoring system for golf in which a player, or team, earns a point for each hole in which they have bested their opponents; this is as opposed to stroke play, in which the total number of strokes is counted over one or more rounds of 18 holes...
, with each hole being won by the team that completes it in the fewest shots. This form of golf is often played in team golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. The competition is jointly administered by the PGA of America and the PGA European Tour, and is contested every two years, the venue alternating between courses in the United States and Europe...
, Seve Trophy
Seve Trophy
The Seve Trophy is a biennial golf tournament between teams of professional male golfers representing Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe. It is named after five times major winner Seve Ballesteros, the most successful golfer ever from Continental Europe who was one of the key...
and the Presidents Cup
Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup is a series of men's golf matches between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world less Europe. Europe competes against the U.S. in a similar but considerably older event, the Ryder Cup. The Presidents Cup is held biennially...
. Foursomes can also be played in stroke play
Stroke play
Stroke play, also known as medal play, is a scoring system in the sport of golf. It involves counting the total number of strokes taken on each hole during a given round, or series of rounds...
competitions, with the winners being the team who have taken the fewest number of strokes to complete a set number of holes.