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Mostly people believe greensomes are less fun than foursomes, as this kind of play allows everyone to take a tee shot for each hole instead of choosing which player will hit off the tee on each of the even and odd-numbered holes. After hitting the tee shots, score it any way you like; stroke play, match play, or Stableford. The tricky part is to figure out the handicaps. Once you've got that sorted, the greensomes golf format becomes simple, fun, and strategic.
Also Check: Match Play Rules and Winning Tactics for Golf.
What Are The Handicap Rules For Greensomes?
Based on CONGU recommendations, the calculation should be 60% of the low handicap plus 40% of the high handicapper. And if the team is 10 and 20 handicappers, take 60% of the 10 handicap which is 6, and add that to 40% of the 20 handicap which is 8, giving you 14 shots.
If Player A has a handicap of 5 and Player B has a handicap of 15, their greensomes handicap would be 9 (5 x 0.6) + (15 x 0.4) = 3 + 6 = 9. If both handicaps are the same, split their values in half. Two nine handicappers would pair off from nine. If playing greensomes in match play format, use the same method to find the allowance for each team and subtract the difference.
Check Out: A Beginner’s Guide To Golf Handicap: How To Calculate & Improve It
What Are the Greensomes Rules in Golf?
Learn how to play greensomes in golf before your next competition. These greensome rules in golf are simple to understand.
1. Tee Shots
Each player tees off and the team chooses the better of the two.
2. Alternate Shots
The player who did not hit the chosen tee shot then takes the next shot. This alternation goes on until the hole is completed.
3. Scoring
Players log scores using standard stroke play methods.
4. Handicapping
Teams figure out their handicap with the 40/60 rule.
5. Minimum Tee Shots
There may be some courses that need a player to take the least number of tee shots over the round.
How To Win Playing Greensomes In Golf?
Now you know how does greensomes work in golf, but some tactics can help win the game easily. There's no arguing that it's a great and fun format for all levels of golfers to play. Let's see how to succeed in a greensomes golf contest.
Get The Right Partner
Finding a partner that fits well into the game is important. Get a person who can accommodate your style of play for a couple of reasons. Their tee shots can be a bit erratic and maybe strong from difficult spots. You, on the other hand, might be a good driver, hitting easy fades down the middle.
And also, think of someone that you aren't afraid to be around. The greensomes format can be overwhelming if you’re not playing your best golf. If it is a bad second shot, it will leave feeling silly and let the partner down.
Think Strategically
When playing Greensomes, it is not necessarily a question of hitting the longest shot on each hole. Sometimes it can be more advantageous for the team to strike a worse-off shot. Maybe the teammate handles rough better or excels at 100-yard follow-ups. If so, try to play to each person's strong points when picking which ball to play.
Putt For Dough
We all understand that the flat stick is the big moneymaker. But when it comes to Greensomes, don’t get too ahead of yourselves when looking at the putting.
In Greensomes, it is possible to play 8 holes without facing a putt over 3 feet. So when a 30-footer comes into play, it is crucial to focus on speed. Nobody wants to save the score with a 5-foot comeback putt.
Never Tap It In
You might have missed that 2-foot putt and swiped at it with the back of the putter. In Greensomes golf rules, this is an alternate shot. When a ball stays close to the hole, players need to remember that the partner whose turn it is can finish the putt. If a golfer misses a short putt, the last thing to do is walk up and tap it in. It will end up costing the penalty shots.
Practice with the Partner’s Ball
In Greensomes, teams have the opportunity to test their partner's ball before the round kicks off. This gives both players a chance to know how the ball behaves, including its spin, how far it goes, and how it feels when hit. If both players prefer different golf balls, pick one brand to use. Spend time practicing with this ball before the game to avoid any surprises on the course.
Using a nice new Taylormade TP5 while the partner plays an old Callaway can affect the golf game. It’s always best to discuss a ball that works for both players and ensure two of the same are in play throughout. But once the game starts, each player has to use the balls they agreed on, and practicing during the round isn't allowed.
FAQs
Are Greensomes And Foursomes Different?
Both formats are quite similar as they are played as pairs and alternate shots. The main difference lies in the tee-off. In Greensomes, each player tees off on every hole but in Foursomes, players take turns teeing off. Some players might hit on odd-numbered holes and others on even-numbered ones.
Is Greensomes Medal Or Stableford?
Greensomes can be counted in either a medal or a Stableford format. A team handicap can be calculated as the lower divided by 60 the higher divided by 40, of the total score. Do it to calculate a Greensome Stableford per hole or subtract it from the final gross score.
How Is The "Best Shot" Determined In Greensomes?
Teams decide based on the ball's position, considering factors like distance, angle to the green, and potential hazards.
How Do Alternate Shots Work After The Tee Shot?
Following the selection of the best tee shot, the player who has not been selected for the next shot takes the next shot, and partners alternate shots until the hole is reached.
How To Handle Ties In Greensomes Tournaments?
Ties in greensomes tournaments are settled by countbacks, sudden-death playoffs, and pre-established tie-break rules based on the competition format.