Golf Glossary
Greensomes
In short
Greensomes is a format for two players. Both tee off, the pair chooses one of the two balls, and the partner whose drive was not chosen plays the second shot. After that the partners hit alternately until the ball is holed. The pair plays only one ball and records a shared score.
Greensomes in golf: the meaning explained
Greensomes is a variation of the classic foursome for two players. Unlike the classic foursome it is not played alternately from the start, because the tee shot gives the pair a choice. Both partners hit a tee shot on every hole. The pair decides which tee shot is better and plays on with that ball.
The second shot is played by the partner whose tee shot was not chosen. After that play is alternate: the first player hits the third shot, the second player the fourth and so on until the ball is holed. One shared score counts per hole.
The name greensomes is an English term used in Germany without translation. Where it comes from exactly is not clearly documented. What matters for you as a player is the principle: two tee shots, one ball, alternate shots. The format is regarded as a good mix of teamwork and tension, because both partners are always involved and yet there is a choice.
Greensomes is often played in club events for pairs, fun competitions and in match play between two teams. It is also popular for a match of four, two against two.
How to play greensomes step by step
A hole is played like this:
- Both partners tee off. There is no fixed order. Either may tee off on any hole.
- The pair chooses one of the two tee shots. Lie and route to the green matter, not necessarily length.
- The partner whose tee shot was not chosen plays the second shot. The ball is played from where the chosen tee shot lies. The other ball is picked up.
- After that the partners hit alternately. The other player makes the third shot, the first player the fourth and so on.
- The pair enters one shared score.
The order of shots is kept even after penalty strokes. If someone hits a ball into water and takes a penalty stroke, for example, that does not change the order. If a partner plays out of turn, there is usually a penalty under the rules for foursomes.
On the next hole everything begins again. Both tee off, the pair chooses again, and the partner of the ball not chosen plays the second shot. The Rules of Golf only cover foursomes expressly (Rule 22). Greensomes is a variation of it, so the conditions of the competition set out the details.
Practical example: a par-4 hole
Anna and Ben play a 400-metre par 4 as a pair.
- Tee shot: Anna hits 210 metres onto the fairway. Ben hits 230 metres, also onto the fairway. The pair chooses Ben's ball because it is longer and well placed.
- Second shot: Anna plays, because her tee shot was not chosen. She hits from 170 metres onto the green, four metres from the flag.
- Third shot: Ben putts and leaves the ball 20 centimetres from the hole.
- Fourth shot: Anna holes the short putt.
The pair completed the hole in four strokes, a par. On the next hole Anna's drive goes further and is chosen. Then Ben plays the second shot, Anna the third and Ben the fourth.
The example shows why pairs often score well. The tee shot can be chosen, and the second shot comes from the fairway rather than the rough. A bad tee shot costs the pair nothing as long as the partner plays a good ball.
Handicap and scoring: 60 and 40 per cent
Because the pair plays only one ball to the hole, it does not receive the sum of both handicaps. The competition terms say which calculation applies. The World Handicap System gives a recommendation in Appendix C for greensomes in stroke play.
- The partner with the lower handicap contributes 60 per cent of their handicap.
- The partner with the higher handicap contributes 40 per cent of their handicap.
- Both values are added and rounded.
Example: Anna has a handicap of 14 and Ben a handicap of 26. That gives 60 per cent of 14, which is 8.4, plus 40 per cent of 26, which is 10.4. Together that is 18.8. The pair plays off 19.
In match play the difference between the team handicaps is usually used. The team with the higher handicap receives the difference as strokes, spread over the hardest holes.
A greensomes round does not count for your personal handicap. In the World Handicap System only formats in which each player plays their own ball are accepted. In greensomes the pair plays one shared ball.
Greensomes, classic foursome, Chapman and four-ball compared
Two partners can play together in several ways. The formats are easily confused.
- Classic foursome: one ball from the start. One player tees off on the odd holes, the other on the even holes. Every shot is played alternately.
- Greensomes: both tee off, the pair chooses one ball, then play is alternate. The second shot belongs to the partner of the ball not chosen.
- Chapman foursome: both tee off, both play a second shot with the partner's ball. Only then is a ball chosen and play continues alternately.
- Four-ball better-ball: each plays their own ball to the hole and the better score of the pair counts.
- Canadian foursome: the term is not used consistently. Often it means the same procedure as greensomes.
Greensomes gives the pair a choice, one shot of room. The Chapman foursome gives two, the classic foursome none. Results in greensomes therefore usually lie between those of the classic foursome and the Chapman foursome.
If a competition simply says greensomes, the procedure described here is usually meant. Check the details, though, because some clubs use house variations.
Tactics: how to choose the best tee shot
Choosing the tee shot is the most important decision in greensomes. A few thoughts help you make it better.
- Do not automatically choose the longest drive. A ball on the fairway with a clear route to the green is often better than a longer one in the rough.
- Think about the second shot. Your choice also decides who plays it. If one partner has the stronger iron play, it can make sense to choose the other player's ball.
- Agree before the hole who tees off first. The second player can then take a risk more calmly.
- Talk to each other. On short putts in particular it matters whose turn it is.
- Be mindful of the pace of play. Both partners should be ready on the tee so play does not stall.
Pairs of different ability benefit from greensomes in particular. The weaker partner can provide a good tee shot and then play the second shot when the stronger partner's drive is chosen. That way both are constantly involved.
Try it at Golf Lounge
The 9-hole ‘Black’ course at Golf Lounge Resort Hamburg in Moorfleet is a good place for a greensomes match as a pair or two against two. The course is a par 33 with par-3 and par-4 holes, water hazards and bunkers. It is open from April to December to players with the DGV Platzreife (course permit). Up to four players can be booked together, so two teams of two. Tee times are booked online. Agree how to score your match among yourselves beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
What are greensomes in golf?
Greensomes is a format for two players. Both tee off, the pair chooses one ball, and the partner whose tee shot was not chosen plays the second shot. After that the partners hit alternately until the ball is holed. One shared score counts per hole.
Who plays the second shot in greensomes?
The second shot is played by the partner whose tee shot was not chosen. If Ben's tee shot was chosen, for example, Anna plays the second shot, Ben the third and Anna the fourth. On the next hole both tee off again and the pair chooses afresh.
How is the handicap worked out in greensomes?
The competition terms set the calculation. The World Handicap System recommends 60 per cent of the lower and 40 per cent of the higher handicap. With handicaps of 14 and 26 that gives 8.4 plus 10.4, or 18.8. The pair plays off 19. In match play the difference between the team handicaps usually counts.
What is the difference between greensomes and a Chapman foursome?
In greensomes the pair chooses one ball after the two tee shots, and the partner of the ball not chosen plays the second shot. In a Chapman foursome both play a second shot with the partner's ball, and only then is a ball chosen. The Chapman foursome therefore gives the pair more choice.
Does a greensomes round count for the handicap?
No. In the World Handicap System only rounds in which each player plays their own ball count. In greensomes the pair plays one shared ball. No personal score results, so it cannot be submitted for the handicap.
As of: October 2026