Format · Scotch
The scotch golf format, explained
Scotch, also called alternating shot or "foursomes," is golf's truest team test: two players share one ball and take turns hitting every shot. It's a staple of club competitions and pairs events, and it rewards partnership and strategy more than pure power.
Scotch, also called alternating shot or foursomes, is a two-player team format in which partners share one ball and take turns hitting every shot.
What is scotch golf?
In scotch (alternating shot), a two-player team plays one ball, and the partners alternate strokes: Partner A hits the tee shot, Partner B hits the second, Partner A the third, and so on until the ball is holed. One player handles the odds, the other the evens — and the team posts a single score for each hole.
Who tees off?
The partners decide who hits first on each hole and generally swap who starts each side — traditionally one partner tees off on the odd-numbered holes and the other on the even-numbered holes (or the first nine and the second nine). The key rule: partners always alternate, no player ever takes two shots in a row. Agree on the tee-off split before the round so there's no confusion on the first tee.
How scotch scoring works
- Partner A tees off; Partner B plays the second shot; A the third; and so on.
- The team takes one score per hole — the total strokes from tee to hole with alternating hits.
- Over 18 holes, totals are added for the team's round vs. par.
Because each partner hits roughly half the shots, team chemistry matters as much as individual ability.
An example
Partner A drives down the middle on a par-4. Partner B hits a wedge to 10 feet. A rolls the putt to tap-in range, and B finishes. That's four strokes for the team — a par.
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Run it live on Chase Birdies — $1 per playerFrequently asked questions
- What is the scotch golf format?
- A two-player team format where partners share one ball and alternate every shot, called alternating shot or foursomes.
- Who tees off in scotch?
- Partners alternate tee shots, usually swapping sides of the round; the team decides before starting.
- Is scotch the same as alternate shot?
- Yes — scotch, alternating shot, and foursomes all describe partners sharing a ball and alternating strokes.
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