GOLF GAME FORMAT: What is foursomes and bloodsomes?

Confused about your Presidents Cup formats? Here is the low-down on foursomes along with a few other variations.

Foursomes is played at both the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup, but it is often confused with ambrose. I think it is worthwhile just making the format clear.

Also, I’ve added a few variations on the foursomes format; Canadian Foursomes, American Foursomes and an evil format called Bloodsomes.

Foursomes
Teams consist of two players and use one ball. Golfers take turns teeing off on each hole and thereafter play alternate shots. Scoring is the same as a stroke round. When handicaps are used, half of the golfers’ aggregate handicaps is deducted from the total score.
Note: If either player incurs a penalty stroke it does not change the rotation of play.

Canadian Foursomes (sometimes referred to as Greensomes)
Canadian Foursomes is the same as foursomes except that both players play tee shots on every hole. A ball is nominated then nominated and play continues as alternate shot,

American Foursomes (sometimes referred to as Pinehurst Foursomes)
This is just like Canadian foursomes except after the tee shots, both golfers play a second stroke with their partner’s ball. After this, one ball is then chosen and play continues alternatively like foursomes.

Bloodsomes
I only just heard about this one. It is again played like Canadian foursomes but instead of choosing the best ball after your tee shots, your opponents chose which ball you will play!