Understanding Alternate Shot Format in Golf

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Quick Answer

• You and your partner take turns hitting the same ball.
• One of you tees off, the other hits the second shot, and you keep alternating.
• The person who didn’t tee off on the last hole tees off on the next one.

Who This Is For

• Anyone looking to add a fun, strategic twist to their golf game.
• Golfers who want to improve their communication and teamwork on the course.

What to Check First

• Confirm the rules: Are you playing by official rules, or are there any casual “house rules” for this particular round? Always good to be on the same page before you start.
• Teeing order for Hole 1: Who’s going first? Did you flip a coin, draw straws, or just decide? Lock this in.
• The “play it as it lies” rule: This is crucial. You can’t improve your lie or move the ball. What you get is what you play. Seriously.
• Your partner’s game: Know their strengths and weaknesses. Are they a bomber off the tee? A wizard with their wedges? This intel is gold.

Understanding How Alternate Shot Works in Golf

This format is all about synergy. You and your buddy are a single unit, a two-person team battling the course. It’s a different kind of challenge than stroke play, forcing you to think about every shot, not just your own. You’ve got to consider your partner’s strengths, the lie of the ball, and the overall strategy for the hole. It’s a fantastic way to test your course management skills and your ability to work with someone else. I’ve played a lot of rounds this way, and it really makes you appreciate the nuances of the game. It’s not just about hitting it far; it’s about hitting it smart, together.

Step-by-Step Plan for Alternate Shot

1. Determine teeing order: Decide which player tees off on hole 1.

• What to look for: You’ll either have a pre-agreed order, or you might flip a coin or use some other method to decide. The key is to have it settled before anyone steps up to the tee.
• Mistake to avoid: Walking up to the first tee and then figuring out who goes first. That’s a recipe for awkwardness and a potential slow start. Get it sorted before the round even begins.

2. Player 1 tees off: This player hits the first shot of the hole.

• What to look for: The ball’s position and direction. The goal is always the fairway, but sometimes you get a bit offline. Just try to put it in a playable spot for your partner.
• Mistake to avoid: Hitting a wild shot way off the intended line. Your partner has to play that ball, so a good tee shot sets them up for success. A poor one makes their job a whole lot harder.

3. Player 2 hits second shot: This player now steps up and plays the ball exactly as it lies from where Player 1’s ball ended up.

• What to look for: Assess the lie of the ball. Is it sitting up nicely on the fairway, or is it buried in the rough? Also, consider the distance to the green and the best club selection for that situation.
• Mistake to avoid: Trying to improve your lie. This is a big one. You can’t move the ball, even slightly, to get a better stance or lie. Play it where it is.

4. Player 1 hits third shot: Player 1 now takes their turn, playing the ball from wherever Player 2 left it.

• What to look for: The situation around the ball. Is it in a tricky spot, like the edge of a bunker or a divot? You need to make the best of it.
• Mistake to avoid: Getting visibly frustrated or discouraged after a bad shot. Remember, your partner just hit one, and you’re a team. Keep your head in the game and focus on the shot at hand.

5. Alternate for the rest of the hole: You and your partner continue to take turns hitting the same ball, playing it as it lies each time, until the ball is holed out.

• What to look for: Keep track of your strokes. It’s easy to lose count when you’re alternating, so make sure you know exactly how many shots you’ve taken as a team.
• Mistake to avoid: Losing count of your strokes. This can lead to scorekeeping errors. A quick mental tally after each shot or a verbal confirmation with your partner can prevent this.

6. Alternate teeing order on the next hole: For the next hole, the player who did not tee off on the previous hole is now the one who tees off.

• What to look for: The scorecard and the hole number. This is the fundamental rule for alternating the tee shot. If Player A teed off on hole 1, Player B tees off on hole 2.
• Mistake to avoid: Accidentally teeing off with the same player on consecutive holes. This is a common error and results in a penalty stroke. Always confirm who’s turn it is to tee off.

7. Continue alternating: This pattern of alternating shots and alternating tee order continues for all 18 holes.

• What to look for: Team strategy. Are you playing safe to avoid trouble, or are you going for glory? Discuss club choices, wind conditions, and pin positions.
• Mistake to avoid: Playing the hole as if you were playing alone. You need to consider your partner’s abilities and limitations. A shot that you might normally hit might be too risky for your partner to follow up on.

How Does Alternate Shot Work in Golf? A Deep Dive

Alternate shot, also known as foursomes, is a format that truly tests a team’s mettle. It’s not just about individual skill; it’s about how well two players can mesh their games, communicate effectively, and support each other through the ups and downs of a round. Unlike four-ball, where each player plays their own ball and they take the best score, in alternate shot, you’re sharing one ball. This means every single shot counts, and a bad shot by one player directly impacts the next shot taken by their partner. It’s a high-stakes, high-reward format that can be incredibly rewarding when you’re playing well with your partner. Understanding the flow and strategy is key to success and enjoyment.

Strategic Considerations in Alternate Shot

The strategic element of alternate shot is where the game really gets interesting. You’re not just thinking about your own swing; you’re thinking about your partner’s swing, their strengths, and the position you’re leaving them in.

• Tee Shot Strategy: When it’s your turn to tee off, you need to consider what kind of shot your partner can reliably hit from the fairway. If your partner struggles with a long iron, maybe you aim for the widest part of the fairway, even if it’s a bit longer, rather than a tight fairway that leaves them a shorter, but more difficult, shot.
• Approach Shots: When you’re hitting the second, fourth, or any even-numbered shot, you’re often looking at a longer approach. You need to know your partner’s distances. If they’re typically a 7-iron player from 150 yards, and you’ve got 170 yards, you might need to club up and aim for the green, even if it’s a bit risky. Conversely, if you’re hitting the third, fifth, or odd-numbered shot, you might be playing from a less-than-ideal lie your partner left you, and your job is to get the ball back in play or on the green.
• Putting: Putting is a critical part of alternate shot. When you’re putting, you’re essentially playing for your partner. If your partner leaves you a tap-in, great. But if they leave you a tricky 10-footer, you need to step up and make it. Communication is vital here: discuss the break, the speed, and who feels more confident over the putt. Sometimes, one partner might have a better feel for reading greens, and they should take the lead on those discussions.
• Course Management: Alternate shot forces you to think about the hole differently. You might play a hole more conservatively than you would normally, prioritizing getting the ball in play and avoiding big numbers. For example, if there’s a water hazard on the right, and your partner slices, you might aim more towards the left side of the fairway, even if it means a longer second shot, to give them a better angle.

Common Mistakes in Alternate Shot Golf

• Mistake: Not communicating effectively with your partner.
• Why it matters: This is the biggest killer of alternate shot teams. Without clear communication, you can have conflicting strategies, missed opportunities, and unnecessary frustration. It leads to poor shot selection, you might not know what club your partner wants to hit, and you can even miss putts because you didn’t discuss the read.
• Fix: Talk strategy before every shot and putt. Discuss yardages, club selection, wind conditions, and the intended shot shape. For putts, agree on the line and speed. Even a quick “I’m thinking 7-iron” or “Looks like it breaks left” can make a huge difference.
• Mistake: One player dominating decision-making.
• Why it matters: Golf is a team sport in this format, and when one player dictates everything, it can alienate the partner, make them feel less invested, and overlook valuable insights. It’s like playing with a backseat driver who’s also playing the game.
• Fix: Share responsibilities and actively listen to each other’s ideas and observations. Encourage your partner to speak up. Value their input, even if you ultimately make the final call. It’s about making the best decision together.
• Mistake: Incorrectly determining teeing order.
• Why it matters: This is a fundamental rule, and getting it wrong can lead to confusion on the course and, more importantly, rule infringements and penalty strokes. It shows a lack of preparation and can disrupt the flow of the game.
• Fix: Clearly establish and confirm who tees off on each hole before you play it. A simple nod, a quick mention, or even a mental check on the scorecard can prevent this. If you’re unsure, ask your partner.
• Mistake: Forgetting to play the ball as it lies.
• Why it matters: This is a bedrock rule of golf, and in alternate shot, it’s especially critical because you’re playing your partner’s ball. Moving it to improve your lie, stance, or line of play is a direct violation and incurs a penalty. It shows a lack of respect for the game and your partner.
• Fix: Always double-check the ball’s position before you swing. If you’re unsure whether you can move it (e.g., taking relief from an abnormal course condition), ask your partner or consult the rules. When in doubt, assume you can’t move it.
• Mistake: Getting flustered or discouraged after a bad shot by your partner.
• Why it matters: One bad shot can snowball into more if you let it get to you. If you sigh loudly, shake your head, or show obvious disappointment, it puts immense pressure on your partner for the next shot and can negatively impact your own game.
• Fix: Take a deep breath and offer a supportive word. Your partner is up next, and they’re feeling the pressure too. Remember, you’re a team, and you can regroup for the next hole. Focus on the positive aspects and how you can collectively recover.
• Mistake: Not discussing strategy for different lies.
• Why it matters: If your partner leaves you in the thick stuff, you need a plan. Without discussion, you might try a hero shot that fails, or play too conservatively and leave your partner with an impossible third shot.
• Fix: Before you hit, talk about the lie. Is it a must-get-out situation? Can you advance it a decent distance? What’s the safest play? Agreeing on the objective for that shot is key.

FAQ

• How is the teeing order determined for subsequent holes?

The player who did not tee off on the previous hole tees off on the current hole. This alternates for every hole throughout the round. So, if Player A teed off on hole 1, Player B tees off on hole 2, Player A on hole 3, and so on.

• What happens if a player hits their partner’s ball by mistake?

This is a penalty. The ball that was struck must be replaced to its original spot, and the team incurs a penalty stroke. The player who hit the wrong ball then plays their own ball from where it lies.

• How do you handle a ball that is out of bounds (OB)?

When a ball is declared out of bounds, the team incurs a penalty stroke. They must then replay the shot from the original spot where the previous shot was played. The next player in the alternate shot sequence then plays that ball.

• Can you give your partner advice on their shot in alternate shot?

Yes, absolutely. In alternate shot, partners are allowed to give each other advice on club selection, strategy, the line of play, and reading putts. This is a key part of the format and encourages teamwork.

• What if one player’s ball is in a penalty area (like a water hazard)?

The team has options. They can choose to take a penalty stroke and drop the ball according to the rules for penalty areas. Alternatively, if the ball is playable, they can play it as it lies. The next shot is then taken by the player whose turn it is in the alternate shot sequence.

• Does the teeing order change if a team gets a penalty?

No, penalties do not affect the established teeing order for subsequent holes. The rule of alternating the tee shot based on the previous hole remains in effect regardless of penalties incurred.

• How do you keep score in alternate shot?

You keep a single score for the team on each hole. You count every stroke taken by both players using the same ball, plus any penalty strokes incurred. The goal is to have the lowest team score on each hole.

Sources:

• Understanding Alternate Shot Format in Golf Explained