Team & Partner Formats · Betting Games

Threesomes (1 vs 2 Alternate Shot)

Also called Threesome Match, One vs Two, Threesome (1 vs. 2 Alternate Shot), One Against Two, Foursomes for Three

One player plays their own ball against two opponents sharing one ball in alternate shot.

Players: 3 players only, best with 3
Play as: One vs. the group
Scorekeeping: Medium
Handicaps: Handicaps recommended
Money: Money optional
Type: Team & Partner Formats

How to play

A single golfer plays every stroke with their own ball while the pair alternates strokes with one ball, foursomes-style. Historically defined in the Rules of Golf as 'a match in which one player plays against two other players, and each side plays one ball'; now treated as a variation of foursomes under Rule 22.

Scoring

Hole-by-hole match play is traditional (stroke play possible). Handicap the pair as foursomes (50% of combined) against the single's full handicap, or negotiate strokes.

Variations

Rotate the solo player every six holes
Play as a Stableford with the pair's points vs the solo's
Rotate the single every six holes (Round of Three)
Pair plays greensomes (both drive, then alternate)
Stroke play instead of match

Tips

Good when only three show up and abilities are unequal: the strongest plays solo
Confirm who drives on odd/even holes for the pair
Fast: only two balls in play
The single player has an edge in rhythm, so give the pair a stroke or two
Perfect when a foursome member drops out

A neat equalizer that turns an awkward threesome into a real match.