What Is Alternate Shot in Golf?
Alternate Shot: A two-person format where partners take turns hitting the same ball.
Alternate Shot — full definition
A two-person team format (also called foursomes) where partners take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes, and they alternate shots until the ball is holed. Used in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. Demands strong teamwork and strategic tee assignments.
Alternate Shot — frequently asked
Alternate Shot — how does it work?
- Also called foursomes
- One player tees off on odd holes, the other on even holes
- Partners alternate every shot until the ball is holed
Alternate Shot — where is it played?
- Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup feature alternate shot sessions
- Demands strong teamwork and strategic tee assignments
More on Alternate Shot
Foursomes is the hardest format to play well and the easiest to organize badly — the tee assignment is the whole game.
- Find a partnerAlternate shot is a two-person format; you need the other one.
- Course Handicap calculatorCombined-team allowances start from each player’s Course Handicap.
- Team event directoryWhere team formats actually get played, state by state.
Other game formats
Stroke Play
The most common competitive format — count every stroke, lowest total wins.
Match Play
A hole-by-hole format — win the most holes, not the lowest total score.
Stableford
A points-based scoring system where the highest point total wins.
Best Ball
A team format where each player plays their own ball and the best score on each hole counts.
Scramble
The most popular team format — pick the best shot each time, everyone plays from there.
Skins
A gambling format where each hole has a set value — win the hole outright, win the money.
Nassau
The most common betting format — three bets in one: front nine, back nine, and overall.