How do you play a greensome?
On every hole both players in the team tee off. Together you then choose which drive is in the best position. The player whose drive was not chosen plays the second shot. From then on you take turns with the same ball until it is holed. The team records one score per hole.
Example
Anna and Bas play together. Anna's drive is in the middle of the fairway, so they choose that one. Bas plays the second shot, Anna the third, Bas the fourth, and so on.
Difference from foursomes
In foursomes only one player tees off per hole and the players also alternate the tee shots: one tees off on the odd holes, the other on the even holes. In a greensome both players tee off, so the team gets off to a good start more often.
Difference from a scramble
In a scramble you choose the best ball after every shot, not just after the tee shot.
Handicap in a greensome
Under the World Handicap System the recommended team handicap is 60% of the lower course handicap plus 40% of the higher one. If the players have course handicaps of 10 and 20, the team handicap is 6 + 8 = 14. The committee can set a different allowance in the terms of the competition.
Why play a greensome?
Greensome is popular in club and pairs competitions. It plays faster than a format where everyone plays their own ball, and players of different levels can team up well.
