Intermediate 4 Players (2v2) ⛳ Pinehurst Format

How to Play Chapman

Chapman — also called Pinehurst — is a 2-person team format where both partners drive, swap and hit each other's ball for the second shot, then pick the best ball and finish alternate shot. Best of scramble and alternate shot combined. Here's how it works.

What's the deal?

Chapman (also called Pinehurst) is a clever 2-person team format that blends scramble and alternate shot. Both players tee off, then switch balls and hit their partner's drive for the second shot. After two shots, pick the better ball and finish alternate shot.

It's named after Dick Chapman, who developed it at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. The strategic moment is choosing which ball to play in after the second shots.

Setting the stakes: run it as a match — flat or per-hole — or straight stroke play between teams. Stack a Nassau on the team result for extra action.

Best for4 players (2v2)
FormatTeam, 2-person
StakesMatch or stroke play
Time to explain3 min

How to play Chapman

  1. 1Both partners tee off with their own balls.
  2. 2Switch — Player A hits Player B's drive, and Player B hits Player A's drive.
  3. 3After the second shots, select the better ball position. Pick up the other.
  4. 4From there, play alternate shot into the hole — the player who did not hit the chosen ball hits third.
  5. 5Score the hole and compare against the opposing team.
🏌️ First Tee Tip The ball switch on the second shot is where Chapman gets interesting. If your partner bombed a huge drive but you're the better iron player, you benefit from hitting from their tee-shot position. Talk through who's playing better that day before choosing which ball to play in.

More Games to Stack On

Scotch Foursomes
Drive, pick the best, alternate.
Best Ball
Two players, one team score.
Match Play
Win holes, not strokes.

Now Grab the Hat.

Wear it, hit your partner's ball, and play the format Pinehurst made famous.

Shop The 1st Tee → See All 21 Games