Let’s break down what makes this format so unique and how you can incorporate it into your next round.

The Basics of Greensome

Greensome is a team format played with two golfers per team. It’s similar to the more well-known Foursomes format, where teammates alternate shots.

However, Greensome adds a new twist by allowing both players to hit a tee shot before deciding which one to play.

After the tee shots, the team chooses the best ball, and then they take turns hitting it for the rest of the hole, alternating shots until they finish the hole.

Here’s how it works:

• Both players tee off. This is the key difference between Greensome and Foursomes, where only one player tees off.
• Choose the best tee shot. After both players hit their drives, they select the best ball to continue the hole.
• Alternate shots. From the second shot onward, the players alternate shots using the same ball until the hole is completed.

This format combines the best aspects of individual skill and team strategy. While it may sound simple, the decision-making process after the tee shot can be challenging. Do you go with the longer drive that might be in a risky spot, or do you choose the safer, shorter shot?

Why Play Greensome?

Greensome is popular because it encourages teamwork without putting too much pressure on one player.

Both teammates are involved in every hole from the start, making it a great option for golfers who enjoy collaborating on the course. It’s also an excellent format for social rounds, as it keeps everyone engaged and adds an element of strategy.

• Faster pace of play: Since teams share a ball after the tee shots, the game moves more quickly than traditional stroke play.
• Strategy and excitement: Choosing the best tee shot and then alternating strokes makes every hole feel dynamic and requires careful planning.
• Great for all skill levels: Greensome can be played by golfers of any ability, as the format evens out the playing field by focusing on teamwork and decision-making.

Scoring in Greensome

Scoring in Greensome is straightforward and can be done using stroke play or match play, depending on how competitive you want to be.

In stroke play, you simply record the number of strokes taken to complete each hole, just like in a normal round.

In match play, teams compete hole by hole, with the team that takes fewer strokes on a hole winning that point.

Greensome vs. Other Formats

While Greensome is a variation of Foursomes, it offers some distinct differences.

In traditional Foursomes, only one player tees off, and the team alternates shots throughout the hole.

This can put a lot of pressure on both players, especially when one has an off day.

Greensome alleviates this by letting both players tee off and choose the best shot, making it more forgiving and, often, more fun.

Compared to Scramble, another popular team format, Greensome still requires players to alternate shots, keeping the game competitive. Scramble, on the other hand, allows each team member to hit every shot and then choose the best one—so it’s less stressful but also less strategic.

Tips for Playing Greensome

To excel in Greensome, good communication with your partner is crucial. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy this format and play your best:

• Communicate openly: Discuss which ball to play and your game plan for each hole.
• Consider each player’s strengths: If one player is better with their short game, it might make sense to select a drive that sets them up for the approach shot.
• Stay positive: Like any team format, things won’t always go perfectly. Encouraging each other and staying focused will make the round more enjoyable.