This subject has probably already been discussed in the past, but how about foursome play as good medicine to cure the 5 hour round of golf?  It is fun, quick to play, very social and reduces the wear on the golf course. I wonder why it has not gained popularity in the US?

I wonder why it has not gained popularity in the US?

I'm sure there are many reasons. One obvious reason is that an alternate shot match does not produce a medal score for each partner individually. For that reason alone the idea would be a complete non-starter in this country.

Tom, we have two foursomes events on our schedule and they are very popular.  Unfortunately nobody else is willing to try to have them.

Tim.

Because guys don't like paying "$you name it" to hit twenty shots.

Bob

Foursomes may be fun but, if you're only going to play 18 holes, it's a waste of time.  I have no problem with it as the second round of the day on the same course.  Also, if you have partners of significantly different skill levels it really makes the day difficult.

This may be GCA politically incorrect but I doubt that anyone could really disagree with me if they thought about it for a minute.  It's a tradition in the UK and many people grew up this way so that's why it works there.

One of the fun things about the WPGA's foursomes championships is that they are 36 holes in one day and whoever tees off on the odd holes in the morning must tee off on the even ones in the afternoon.  That way everyone gets to experience the entire course.

I have really enjoyed foursomes play on the few occassions where I have done it.  The problem for me, which is definitely an American mindset, is that if I am going to spend time on the course, I like to know my score.  

I also think you need to have a certain level of competence to play in such an event, and enjoy the pressure of having to put your partner in play.  Thus, the format eliminates a lot of people as potential participants.

I understand there is a one day 36 foursomes event in town that is great fun.  Rounds are completed in less than 3 hours.  I have wanted to play in it for some time but have always had a conflict.  Sounds a lot better than the typical charity scramble.

I suppose I ought to clarify my feelings here:  I too wouldn't want a steady diet of nothing but foursomes.  Heck at some point one has to be fully responsible for his own golf actions.  But as a change of pace - and particularly as the second 18 in a 36 hole day on the same course - well it is a lot of fun.   For me the fun also works both ways - if I am paired with a better player, well then heck I get to hit from places I always dreamed of reaching.  If it's the other way around, well I enjoy the challenge and the hero (and shit-giving) potential that the game allows.

And I appreciate the "incomparable" adjective, Bob.  Of course even though I know what that really means, I'm going to choose to interpret it in the most positive possible light.

 

Bill - that is indeed what I called a Modified Chapman - and while I could have the term wrong, that is also a lot of fun.  It would appear this is what Sean and the rest of the world call "greensomes."

There are various rules twists on this also - one is you can switch back after 2nd shot, then do alternate.

I tend to play more of these than straight foursomes because most people accept these, given you do at least get to hit every tee shot.

Mike - The Honourable Company most definitely plays foursomes - the way they work is fourball in the am, foursomes in the pm.  They are very strict about these rules.  I'm not sure if it's this way for members, but it is definitely that way for visitors.

Bob -

I have not played many alternate shot matches. And I agree that when your round ends you feel like you are being asked to leave a bar with your beer glass still half full. Nonetheless it was enormous fun at Sandwich.

The atmosphere the format engenders is unique. It's a combination of golf lite and a walk through a beautiful park. The format invites you to study the course. You have the time to take things in without being consumed by your own shot mechanics. You often see the course from outside normal lines of play, something that is almost always a revelation, but something I rarely do when playing my own ball.

I am convinced that I know Sandwich much better for having played alternate shots. I would happily play the format again, especially on a course that I didn't know and merited study. I would love to play PVGC that way, for example.

Bob  

I'm with Sean on this one - as a second round in the day, particularly if it follows a good liquid lunch, which is always welcome in the winter, it has a lot to recommend it.

My club is one of those Sean refers to where fourball play is only permitted after lunch on weekends (and that is a recent development - which caused some old members to resign for the rest it is a two-ball course.

I think Bob is right when he says the clubs who play a lot of foursomes do it that way because they have always done it that way. But if you press a bit harder, I think there are two other factors:

First, foursomes golf is played mostly at quite traditional courses. The ethos of these courses derives in part, I would think, from Oxford and Cambridge who play all their competitive golf in the winter months (hence the President's Putter at Rye in the early days of January). Summer is supposed to be for exams - and then holidays.

Second, these clubs tend to have older memberships and I think foursomes recommends itself more to older players who are not so desperate to flog their own ball and like the camraderie of foursomes.

For myself, I increasingly enjoy foursomes, by way of variation. For anyone who says that the true measure of a person is found in how they behave on a golf course, that truth is multiplied many times when it comes to foursomes. It is one thing to keep your composure when screwing up your own round, but something else altogether when your partner is screwing up your round.