Definition: Scotch Foursomes is a competition format that is often no more than another term for Foursomes. That is, 2-person teams play the same ball throughout the round of golf, alternating shots: The first player tees off, the second player hits the second shot, the first player hits the third shot, and so on until the ball is holed.
However, Scotch Foursomes can have a twist, not found in Foursomes, relating to the tee ball. In Foursomes, players on a team alternate hitting the tee ball so that each player hits nine tee shots.
However, if a tournament is advertised as "Scotch Foursomes" rather than just "Foursomes," that might mean that the alternate shot carries over from hole-to-hole. If Player A made the last putt on the preceding hole, then Player B tees off on the next hole.
So while Scotch Foursomes is often just another term for regular Foursomes, it can mean something slightly different and it's a good idea to clarify the rules before teeing off.
Also Known As: Foursomes, alternate shot, Scotch doubles
