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Foursomes Matchplay

Also called Alternate shot matchplay

The Ryder Cup's most nervous format. Each pair plays one ball, taking turns, against another pair doing the same.

Players
4 — two pairs
Scoring
Holes won
Allowance
50% of each pair's combined course handicaps — the higher pair gets the difference
Winner
Most holes won

How it works

  1. 1Each pair's handicap is half its combined course handicaps. The pair with the higher one gets the difference, as shots.
  2. 2One partner drives the odd holes, the other the even holes.
  3. 3Take turns hitting the ball until it's holed.
  4. 4Lower net score wins the hole.

Worked example

Pair A: 6 + 12 = 18, so 9. Pair B: 10 + 20 = 30, so 15. Pair B gets 6 shots.

Close relations

FoursomesOne ball, alternate shots, alternate tees.Greensomes MatchplayBoth drive, pick one, then alternate.Ryder Cup Team MatchSessions of singles, fourballs & foursomes.

Play it on PinPals. Live scoring works out the handicaps and keeps the leaderboard on everyone’s phone.

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Allowances follow the World Handicap System recommendations used by Golf Ireland. Your club or society may set its own — the entry sheet wins.