Team & Partner Formats · Outing & Tournament Formats

Chapman (Pinehurst)

Also called Chapman System, Pinehurst System, Pinehurst Foursomes, American Foursomes, Chapman Foursomes

Both drive, swap balls for the second shot, pick one ball, then alternate.

Players: 4+ players, best with 4
Play as: Partners (2 v 2)
Scorekeeping: Medium
Handicaps: Handicaps recommended
Money: Money optional
Type: Team & Partner Formats

How to play

Both partners tee off. Each then plays a second shot with the partner's ball. After the second shots the team picks the ball it prefers; the player whose second shot was NOT selected hits the third stroke, and partners alternate until holed. Devised by Dick and Eloise Chapman in the late 1940s and popularized at Pinehurst in the early 1950s.

Scoring

One side score per hole in match or stroke play. USGA/WHS allowance: 60% of the lower course handicap + 40% of the higher (a casual alternative is the average of the two). Under Rule 22 the format is governed by foursomes rules once alternate shot begins.

Variations

Modified Pinehurst (selected drive only, i.e. greensomes)
Chapman match-play brackets
Mixed Chapman for couples

Tips

Works best when partners have different strengths, e.g. long driver + good wedge player
Remember the selection happens after the second shots, not after the drives

Every hole starts with two chances and a genuine strategy decision.