Chapman Golf Format: The Ultimate Guide to Rules, Scoring, and Strategy

When precision and teamwork meets strategy, it gets even more fun. That’s what the Chapman golf format is all about. This guide explains everything you need to know about the chapman format, scoring, strategies, and common variations so you can play it with confidence. We’ll keep it simple, practical, and aligned with the USGA’s official rules, whether you’re new to Chapman or just want to improve your game.

What is a Chapman Golf Format?

The Chapman golf format, also known as the Pinehurst System, is a two-person team game in which both players tee off, switch their balls for their second shots, choose the best ball, and then play alternate shots until the hole is finished. This format is fun and popular, and it works well for partners with different skill levels.

The History of the Format

American amateur golfer Dick Chapman developed the Chapman golf format in 1947 which originated as a casual game between two husband-and-wife pairs at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. This format is often called Pinehurst Foursomes or Pinehurst System. Dick Chapman established the format by donating a Men’s and a Ladies’ trophy to Pinehurst which has hosted annual tournaments since then.

How to Play Chapman Golf: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Pinehurst Foursome framework of Chapman Golf creates a strategic game which demands players to cooperate and share information with each other. The following steps show how to execute the Chapman golf format from beginning to end.

Step 1- Both Players Tee Off

Both players on the team start by teeing off; each player hits their own ball from the tee. The initial shot gives two play options to the teams for their upcoming plays.

Step 2- Switch Balls for the Second Shot

After teeing off, partners switch balls for their second shots. For eg. Player A hits Player B’ drive and Player B hits Player A’s drive. This adds a strategic twist requiring players to adapt from different lies and develop flexible and adaptive playing abilities.

Step 3- Select the Best Ball Position

The team evaluates both positions after the second shots to determine which one is superior. The chosen ball will serve as their playing ball until they reach the end of the hole. Players must choose between two options which will affect their success rate when they select their next position.

Step 4- Finish the Hole with an Alternate Shot

From the location of the selected ball, players take alternate shots to complete the hole. Teams continue to alternate shots until the ball is holed. The alternating shots add extra coordination, challenging both players to think two shots ahead.

• Stroke Play: Teams must complete all holes, and their total score must reflect the actual number of strokes used.
• Match Play: Teams compete to win particular holes which determine the match outcome. When one team concedes a hole the game ends for that hole and the opposing team receives the point.

The Golden Rule: Who Hits the Third Shot?

In Chapman (or Pinehurst) golf, the “Golden Rule” for the third shot is that the player whose second shot was not selected plays the third shot. For example, if the team selects the ball that Player A hit as a second shot, then Player B must play the third shot.

Whereas, if Player A makes an impressive second shot and the team decides to use it, Player B is not required to hit their second shot. However, since the Chapman format switches to ‘alternate shot’ after that, Player B must take the third shot. Player A cannot hit both the second and third shots in a row, as this would result in a penalty for hitting out of order.

Official Chapman Golf Rules

The Chapman format combines strategy with the rules of golf, followed by USGA and R&A guidelines and emphasizes teamwork, playing in the right order, and sharing responsibility on every hole.

Determining the Order of Play

According to USGA Committee Procedure 9B, the partner who did not hit the better ball after the second shots must play the third shot. After that, players must take turns hitting the ball until it goes in the hole. If you break this order, you will lose the hole or get a two-stroke penalty.

Penalties and Out-of-Bounds Procedures

If a ball goes out of bounds (OB) or is lost in Chapman golf, the team gets a one-stroke penalty and has to play from the last spot (stroke and distance) again.

For example, if Player A’s tee shot goes out of bounds but Player B finds the fairway, the team can simply select Player B’s ball and continue with no penalty. Both players still hit their second shots as long as one ball is in play. However, if the team chooses to replay Player A’s ball, stroke-and-distance applies, or they may use the Local Rule (MLR E-5) and take a two-stroke penalty instead.

Handling Provisionals and Lost Balls

In Chapman golf, a provisional ball can be played by either partner during the first two shots if there’s a chance a ball may be lost or out of bounds. Once the team selects the better ball, any unused balls are out of play. If the chosen ball is later lost, normal stroke-and-distance rules apply, and from that point on, standard alternate-shot rules must be followed.

Putting Green Etiquette and Holing Out

In the Chapman golf format, teammates alternate shots, requiring strict etiquette on the green: mark balls immediately if they interfere, avoid walking in lines of play, and respect shadows. Both players can be on the green, but must not delay play. Both should leave right after the last putt.

How Scoring Works in a Chapman Format?

Scoring blends teamwork with individual skill in the Chapman golf format. Both players contribute to each hole, but only one score is recorded per team. The format rewards smart shot selection, consistency, and good communication rather than just distance or aggressive play.

The USGA 60/40 Handicap Formula

Chapman format golf calculates player handicaps by using team-based handicap adjustments. Begin with these steps:

Determine Individual Handicaps: Start by determining each player’s current established handicap. The Team Handicap needs to be calculated by adding individual handicaps through this method.

Team Handicap = (60% of the lower handicap) + (40% of the higher handicap)

For example, if Player A has a handicap of 10 and Player B has a handicap of 20, the team handicap would be calculated as follows:

• 60% of Player A’s Handicap: 10 * 0.60 = 6
• 40% of Player B’s Handicap: 20 * 0.40 = 8
• Team Handicap: 6 + 8 = 14

The method establishes equal handicap allowances so that teams of different skill levels can compete on an even playing field while still showing both their individual and combined abilities. If both partners have the same handicap, the team handicap stays the same under the 60/40 formula because no changes are needed. Section 6.2b of the Rules of Handicapping should be applied in competitions when there is a difference in pars.

Gross vs. Net Scoring in Tournaments

• Gross Scoring: Teams record the total, actual strokes taken on each hole without any adjustments. The team that achieves the lowest strokes throughout the 18-hole wins.
• Net Scoring: The total gross score is reduced by the team’s combined handicap allowance to create a net score which enables teams with different skill levels to compete against each other.
• Example: A gross score of 75 with a 14 handicap becomes a net 61. This adjusted scoring system establishes equal competition standards that benefit all players, particularly during tournaments with different skill levels.

Example Scoring

In the standard Chapman golf format, after selecting their best ball, the team records one combined score per hole, not individual scores. Player A drives into the fairway while Player B finds the rough on a par-4 hole. After swapping balls Player B hits Player A’s ball onto the green while Player A misses with Player B’s ball. The team selects the ball on the green and continues alternate shots which they use to finish the hole in four strokes for a par.

Key Variations of the Chapman Format

There are a lot of popular versions of the Chapman golf format that change how shots are played and when the best ball is chosen. Depending on the skill level of the players and the tournament format, these changes can make the game faster, more forgiving, or more strategic. Here are the key variations of the Chapman format in golf:

Modified Chapman

In Standard Chapman, both players must hit their partner’s ball for the second shot before choosing which one to play for the remainder of the hole, whereas in Modified Chapman, the team selects the best drive immediately and both players hit their second shots from that single spot. Essentially, the Standard version requires everyone to play two shots before choosing,

In some cases, it can be like a shamble golf, where the best drive is picked first and both players hit their second shots from that spot. This version usually leads to lower scores and is very common in club tournaments and casual rounds.

Chapman vs. Pinehurst

Both terms refer to the same two-player team format: each golfer tees off, hits their partner’s ball for the second shot, and then the team picks the better ball and takes turns hitting it until the hole is finished. The USGA officially calls it “Chapman,” but “Pinehurst” is a common name, especially in casual and club play.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Chapman Format

The following section details the advantages and disadvantages that exist within the Chapman format golf for both social rounds and competitive club events.

Chapman vs. Other Popular Formats

Here is a comparison of the Chapman format in golf against other popular formats:

Chapman vs. Scramble: In a scramble golf, every player hits every shot, and the team always picks the best one. This makes it very forgiving and easy for beginners. Chapman adds more strategy by making players take turns hitting the ball after it has been chosen. This rewards teamwork and consistency over pure power.

Chapman vs. Greensomes: In greensomes, both players hit the tee, pick the best drive, and then take turns hitting shots from there. Chapman is harder because players have to hit their partner’s ball for the second shot before choosing the better position.

Chapman vs. Foursomes: Foursomes is the hardest format, which uses strict alternate shots with one ball throughout the hole, whereas Chapman is more balanced because both players help out on the tee and the second shot. Foursome requires high consistency and trust, while Chapman used to make the game more enjoyable by reducing the pressure of the single bad shot.

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Winning Strategies for Chapman Golf

Some of the winning strategies for golf chapman format are discussed below:

• Tactical Tee Shot Selection: The primary goal is to get at least one ball in the fairway. If one partner is more consistent, they should play more conservatively, while the other can be more aggressive.
• The “Second Shot” pressure: The best second-shot strategy is to have partners switch balls after tee shots and choose the shot with the best angle and distance to the green. This helps the team get the best position possible. The most important thing is to pick the partner’s ball that makes the approach easy.
• Putting Strategy: The task requires you to identify which player possesses superior lag putting skills. The tight situation demands you to create a short tap-in opportunity for your partner.
• Communication: The team needs to maintain continuous dialogue about which ball to use based on the lie condition and distance to the green. Players should select the ball that provides them the best angle to play their next shot rather than choosing the ball that has traveled the farthest distance along the fairway.

FAQs

Is it possible for two high-handicappers to play Chapman well?

Yes, it is highly possible for two high handicappers to play the Chapman golf format well. By sharing responsibility, the format takes some of the pressure off, but it works best when both players can keep the ball in play all the time.

What if we both hit our second shots out of bounds?

If both players hit their second shots out of bounds (OB), USGA Rule 18.1 says that both players must get the strict “stroke and distance” penalty. You have to go back to where the last shot was played, add a one-stroke penalty, and hit again. This means that the next shot from that spot is your fourth stroke.

Is Chapman longer than a normal round?

Because of extra decision-making and ball switching, Chapman usually takes a little longer than a normal round. But it’s still faster than other formats, like scramble, when you play it well and don’t think too much about your shot choices.

Who gets to go first on the next tee box?

The team that gets the lowest score on the previous hole gets the honors. In Chapman, the honors go to the whole team, not just one player, no matter who made the last putt.