How to Play Greensomes Golf: Rules, Scoring, and Strategy to Dominate

Have you ever wondered how to play Greensomes? Then you’ve come to the right spot.

Greensomes (aka Greusomes) is a two-player team golf format that blends elements of scramble and alternate shot. Both partners tee off on each hole, then the team selects the best drive and plays alternate shots from that point until the ball is holed.

This format rewards both strong driving and consistent teamwork, making it one of the most balanced and widely played partner formats in golf.

Because of its structure, Greensomes is commonly used in competitive club events and team competitions due to its fairness and pace of play.

How to Play Greensomes (Step-by-Step Rules)

The following rules need to be followed to play a proper game of Greensomes. Grab a screenshot of this checklist at the end of this section.

1. Form Teams of Two – Each team consists of two players competing together as a side.
2. Both Players Tee Off – On every hole, both players hit a tee shot. There is no restriction on which ball must be used. Both shots are evaluated before choosing.
3. Select the Best Drive – The team chooses the most advantageous tee shot based on distance, accuracy, lie, and angle to the green. Strategic selection is critical, especially when weighing risk vs. reward (e.g., a longer drive in the rough vs. a shorter drive in the fairway).
4. Alternate Shots Until Holed – After selecting the drive, the player whose drive was not selected hits the next shot. Players alternate shots until the hole is completed.
5. Record One Team Score – The team records a single score for the hole based on total strokes taken.
6. Repeat for All Holes – The format is typically played over 18 holes, but can be adapted for 9-hole rounds.

Let’s get into how to handle scoring.

Scoring in Greensomes

Greensomes is most commonly played as Stroke Play, though it can also be adapted to Match Play. Scoring is handled a bit differently for both formats.

Stroke Play (Most Common)

• Score is equivalent to the total strokes across all holes
• The lowest cumulative score wins

Match Play Variation

• Teams compete hole-by-hole
• The team with the lowest score on a hole wins that hole
• The team that wins the most holes across the round wins the match.

We recommend Match Play if teams are a bit uneven. A quadruple bogey loses one hole and doesn’t set you back several points/strokes across the round.

Then again, you can also even things up using handicaps.

Playing Greensomes with Handicaps

Handicaps are used to level the playing field between teams of different skill levels.

Standard Handicap Allowance in Greensomes

Since you’re playing as a team, you have to distribute the handicaps to create as fair of a match as possible. A common method is to use the 60/40 handicap rule:

• Take 60% of the lower handicap partner’s course handicap
• Take 40% of the higher handicap partner’s course handicap
• Combine them to form the team handicap. (Use our WHS handicap calculator to get exact numbers for every player in the group without the manual math.)

For a solo match play format with full handicap allocation by player choice, see Bisque — same handicap-fairness goal, different mechanic.

An example helps make this clearer:

Player	Handicap	Calculation
Player A	10	60% = 6
Player B	20	40% = 8
Team Handicap	—	14

This team would receive a one-stroke allocation on each of the 14 most difficult holes, as determined by the course’s handicap index on the scorecard.

This method ensures fairness while still rewarding stronger players.

Let’s get into some strategy to give you a leg up on your competition.

How To Dominate In Greensomes

Greensomes is more strategic than it appears at first glance. There are strategies for the drive selection, player strengths, and risk management, to name a few.

Drive Selection Strategy

Choosing the best drive isn’t always about distance.

It’s best to consider each of the following:

• Angle to the pin (can you avoid sand by taking a shot a bit further out?)
• Lie quality (rough vs fairway)

Playing to Partner Strengths

Since players alternate shots:

• Plan shot selection based on who will hit next
• Avoid leaving difficult shots for weaker areas of your partner’s game

Example:

• If Player B is better with approach shots, selecting Player A’s drive that is a bit further out ensures Player B hits next and gives the team the best shot at a lower score.

This strategic nuance separates average teams from highly effective ones.

Risk Management

In Greensomes, both players tee off. Because both players tee off, it may be best to let the more consistent player drive first. Once they are in the fairway, the other player can swing for more distance. This creates built-in risk balancing.

Understanding strategy is important, but perhaps understanding the common mistakes to avoid is even more important.

Common Mistakes in Greensomes

Keep these common mistakes in mind when playing your round.

1. Always Choosing the Longest Drive – Distance alone is not the best indicator of a good shot. Poor lie or angle can cost strokes later
2. Ignoring Turn Order Strategy – Failing to consider who hits next can put the wrong player in a difficult position.
3. Poor Communication – Successful teams plan ahead and discuss shot selection. They always align on strategy before choosing a drive.

Greensomes vs Other Similar Golf Formats

Many people mix Greensomes up with Scramble and Alternate Shot. Understandably, because it’s really a mixture of both. Here’s a quick comparison to hopefully clear things up.

Format	Key Difference
Scramble	Players hit every shot and choose the best ball after each shot, and repeat until the ball is holed.
Alternate Shot (aka Foursomes)	Only one ball is used per team, with partners alternating shots from the tee box to the cup. Players alternate who drives first on each hole.
Greensomes	Combines both: both partners hit a drive, they choose the best drive, and then alternate shots until holed.

Final Thoughts on Greensomes

Greensomes is one of the most strategically rich and enjoyable formats in golf. It combines the inclusiveness of Scramble with the precision of Alternate Shot, creating a format that rewards both skill and teamwork.

For players looking to elevate their rounds beyond traditional Stroke Play, Greensomes offers a structured yet dynamic way to compete. Whether in a competitive setting or a casual match, it delivers a balanced, engaging experience that keeps both players fully involved from the first tee to the final putt. And that’s exactly why it’s one of our favorites here at Golf Games Hub.

Other Fun Golf Game Formats to Consider

Golf Games Hub is home to every golf game imaginable. Explore our various collections of golf games:

• Traditional Golf Games
• Fun & Social Golf Games
• Points-Based Golf Games
• Betting Golf Games
• Drinking Golf Games

Below are a few of our hand-picked favorites for your consideration.

Vegas is a high-action team format where scores are paired into two-digit numbers instead of added together. A team shooting 4 and 5 makes 45, which is compared to the other team’s number. Vegas creates constant pressure and the potential for huge wins (or losses) on every hole.

Chapman (Pinehurst) is a strategic team format where both players tee off, switch and hit each other’s second shot, then choose the best position from there and alternate shots to finish the hole. It’s a close cousin to Greensomes.

Bingo Bango Bongo is a points-based game that keeps everyone involved on every hole. Points are earned for being first on the green, closest to the pin, and first to hole out. Because scoring isn’t tied strictly to total strokes, players of all skill levels stay competitive throughout the round.

Wolf is an every man for themselves format. In Wolf, one player on each hole decides whether to team up or go solo after seeing tee shots. Choosing wisely is key—going alone offers bigger rewards but comes with more risk. With shifting teams and constant decisions, Wolf brings strategy and excitement to every hole.

Thanks for stopping by, and have fun out there!