The Chapman golf format – also called the Pinehurst System – is one of the most rewarding two-person team formats in golf. Both partners hit a tee shot, switch balls for the second shot, then pick the position they like best and alternate shots from there until the ball is holed. It rewards teamwork, sharp decision-making, and genuine shot-making skill in equal measure.
Whether you are getting ready for a club tournament, a member-guest event, or just want to understand what your playing partners are talking about, this guide has everything you need: the full rules, step-by-step hole walkthrough, the official USGA 60/40 handicap formula with a worked example, modified Chapman explained, strategy tips, and answers to every question golfers ask about the format.
What Is the Chapman Golf Format?
The Chapman golf format is a two-person team event that combines elements of stroke play and alternate shot (foursomes). Named after American amateur golfer Dick Chapman and his wife Eloise Chapman, the format was developed in the 1940s and became popular at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina – which is why you will also hear it called the Pinehurst System or Pinehurst golf format.
At its core, the format works like this: both players drive, switch to their partner’s ball for the second shot, then pick the ball they want to play and alternate shots from that point until the hole is finished. It sounds simple – and the first hole usually clarifies it instantly.
Quick definition: Chapman golf format = both hit tee shots → switch for 2nd shot → select best ball → alternate shot to hole out.
How to Play Each Hole in the Chapman Golf Format – Step by Step
Here is exactly what happens on every hole, in order:
- Both players tee off. Player A and Player B each hit a tee shot from the same tee box. No pressure yet – you both get a go.
- Switch balls for the second shot. Player A plays Player B’s tee shot, and Player B plays Player A’s tee shot. This is mandatory. You cannot choose the better tee shot for the second shot – you must switch first.
- Select the ball you want to keep. After both players have hit their second shots, the team chooses which ball position they prefer. This is the key decision of the hole. Talk it through with your partner – do not default automatically to the ball that looks further up the fairway.
- Alternate shots from the selected ball. From the chosen ball, partners alternate every shot until the ball is holed. Whoever did NOT hit the shot that put the ball in the chosen position hits the third shot. That same player continues to hit odd-numbered shots; their partner hits even-numbered shots.
- The other ball is picked up. Once you select your ball, the other ball is abandoned for that hole.
The golden rule – who hits third? The player who did NOT hit the selected ball’s second shot hits the third shot. If Player A hit the second shot with the ball you chose to keep, Player B hits third. Keep this straight and you will never waste a stroke.
Chapman Format on Par 3s
This is the one that trips people up the most. On a par 3, there is no fairway second shot – both players hit from the tee, then switch (just as on any other hole). After switching, you choose the better position and alternate from there. The logic is identical to par 4s and 5s. The only difference is the tee shot is also the approach, so selecting the ball becomes even more critical. Go with the ball that gives you the best angle to the flag, not just the one closest to the hole.
How Scoring Works in the Chapman Golf Format
Individual Scoring
Each player tracks their own gross score on every hole using their own golf ball – counted from the tee shot through the second shot played with their partner’s ball. So on a hole where Player A’s tee shot is ultimately selected, Player A’s individual gross score counts all strokes taken with their ball before it was abandoned.
Team Scoring
For team purposes, the two players combine and take the lower gross score between them for each hole. If Player A’s individual score on a hole is 5 and Player B’s is 4, the team score for that hole is 4. Add those team scores over 18 holes for the team gross total.
Chapman Format Scoring Example
On a par 4: Player A drives into the rough. Player B drives into the fairway. Both switch. Player B (now playing from the rough) hits a solid second shot to 50 feet. Player A (now playing from the fairway) sticks it to 8 feet. They choose Player A’s ball – the 8-footer. Player B putts and misses. Player A holes it. Team score: 4 (par). Individual scores: Player A scores a 4 with their ball; Player B scores a 5 with theirs. Team takes the 4.
Chapman Golf Format Handicap: The Official USGA 60/40 Formula
The standard USGA-recommended handicap formula for the Chapman format is called the 60/40 method. It works as follows:
The 60/40 Chapman Handicap Formula: Take 60% of the higher handicap player’s index + 40% of the lower handicap player’s index. Add the two results together. Round to the nearest whole number. That is your team net handicap.
Worked Example – 60/40 Chapman Handicap
| Worked Example | Player A | Player B |
|---|---|---|
| Individual handicap | 16 | 8 |
| Formula applied | 60% × 16 = 9.6 | 40% × 8 = 3.2 |
| Combined team handicap | 9.6 + 3.2 = 12.8 → Round to 13 | |
| Strokes received | 13 strokes off gross score |
Result: The team receives 13 strokes off their gross score for the round.
The higher handicap player’s index carries more weight (60%) because they are hitting the third shot on approximately 60% of holes – the alternate-shot structure means their game has a bigger influence on the team total than it would in a Best Ball or Scramble format.
Who Is the 60% Player?
The 60% share goes to the higher handicap player – the one with the bigger handicap index. The 40% share goes to the lower handicap (stronger) player. Always confirm this at registration if you are unsure.
Modified Chapman Golf Format Handicap
In modified Chapman, because players finish the hole individually (see the modified Chapman section below), the handicap calculation is usually handled differently. Most clubs either use 50% of each player’s handicap or use the full combined average. Always check your specific tournament sheet, as modified Chapman handicap rules vary by club.
Modified Chapman Golf Format: How It Differs from Standard Chapman
Modified Chapman follows the exact same opening as standard Chapman – both players tee off, switch balls, and hit their partner’s ball for the second shot. Then it diverges.
In modified Chapman, after the second shot, both players pick up their own ball and play it individually to the hole. Each takes their own score. The team then records the lower of the two individual scores for that hole.
Standard Chapman vs Modified Chapman – Key Differences
Standard Chapman:
Modified Chapman:
When to use modified Chapman: Modified Chapman suits groups where handicap gaps are large, or where golfers are less comfortable with the pressure of alternate shot. It gives everyone more individual control while keeping the fun of the tee-shot switch.
Chapman Format Variations: Scotch, Pinehurst, and Mixed Chapman
Chapman Scotch Golf Format
Chapman Scotch – sometimes called Scotch Chapman – adds a stroke-play wagering element to the standard Chapman structure. Partners play the full Chapman format but also place individual ‘Scotch’ side bets on specific holes or sequences of holes. The team format stays intact; the Scotch element is a financial overlay. Common in member-guest events and charity scrambles where adding stakes to individual holes keeps slower-paced groups engaged throughout the round.
Pinehurst Chapman Golf Format
The term Pinehurst is often used interchangeably with Chapman because the format was popularised at Pinehurst Resort. Technically, the original Pinehurst System and the Chapman System are the same format. If a club calls their event a Pinehurst tournament, expect the standard Chapman rules: both hit, switch, select, alternate. The only variable is how the club handles handicaps and scoring, so always read the local rules sheet.
Mixed Chapman Golf Format
Mixed Chapman simply refers to Chapman played with mixed-gender pairs – one male and one female partner. The format rules do not change. The main adjustment is usually on the tee: players typically use their respective gender tee boxes for their tee shots. Check your club’s tournament sheet for the specific tee-shot rules as these vary.
2-Man Chapman Golf Format
This is just the standard Chapman format – two players per team. When people search for ‘2 man Chapman golf format’ or ‘2 person Chapman,’ they mean the classic version: two partners per side, both tee off, switch, select, and alternate. All the rules on this page apply.
Chapman vs Other Golf Formats: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chapman | Modified Chapman | Scramble | Greensomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tee shots | Both hit | Both hit | Both hit | Both hit |
| Switch balls? | Yes – 2nd shot | Yes – 2nd shot | No | Yes – 2nd shot |
| Ball selection | After 2nd shot | Take own to hole | After every shot | After tee shot only |
| Finish hole | Alternate shot | Own ball (best score) | Alternate shot | Alternate shot |
| Skill demand | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Best for | Club events | Mixed groups | Fundraisers | Competitive pairs |
Chapman Golf Format Rules You Must Know
Before you tee it up in a Chapman event, make sure you and your partner are clear on these rules. They come up constantly.
- Both players must tee off on every hole. You cannot skip the tee shot. Both tee shots must be made before you switch.
- The switch is mandatory. After tee shots, each player MUST play their partner’s ball for the second shot. There is no option to play your own for the second shot.
- Ball selection happens after the second shot. You choose which ball to keep after – not before – both second shots have been played.
- Once a ball is selected, the other is abandoned. Pick it up and move on. You cannot go back to the other ball later in the hole.
- Out-of-bounds or unplayable on the tee shot. If a tee shot goes OB or is declared unplayable, the player re-tees with a penalty. Their partner still switches to that re-teed ball for the second shot.
- Out-of-bounds or lost on the second shot. If a second shot goes OB, the team must continue with the remaining ball (unless that one is also in trouble – in which case the relevant player replays with penalty).
- Putting order on the green. Alternate putting follows the same alternating order established from the third shot forward. The player who did not hole out the previous hole typically putts first on the next if there’s a disagreement, but agree on this with your partner before you start.
Chapman Golf Format Strategy: How to Give Your Team the Best Chance
Tee Shot Strategy – Play to Your Switch
This is where most amateur pairs lose shots before they realise it. Your tee shot is not just about your own game – you are also setting up a shot for your partner. If Player A typically draws the ball and Player B fades it, Player A should aim to put the tee shot in a position where a fade off that spot works, and vice versa. Think two moves ahead.
The Ball-Selection Decision – Do Not Default to Distance
The most common mistake in Chapman format is automatically choosing the ball that is further up the fairway or closer to the green. Distance is only one factor. Also weigh:
Know Who Hits Third Before You Select
Walk through the ‘who hits next?’ question before you point at a ball. The player who did NOT hit the second shot from the selected ball hits third. If your stronger iron player will be hitting third from Ball A, that may outweigh Ball B being 20 yards closer.
Communicate on Every Shot
Call out your club selection and intended shape before you swing, especially on the second shot (where you are playing your partner’s ball from an unfamiliar lie). Share your read on every putt. The teams that talk throughout the round always outperform the teams that go quiet and play their own games silently.
Chapman Format on Par 3 Strategy
On par 3s, both players effectively hit approach shots off the tee, then switch for the second shot – which becomes a chip, pitch, or putt depending on how close your partner got. The strategy shift is this: on par 3s, aim for the fat part of the green rather than firing at a tucked flag. Giving your partner a makeable putt from the middle of the green from which you alternate is usually worth more than a hero shot that ends up in a bunker.
How to Run a Chapman Golf Tournament
Field Size and Pairing
Chapman works best with 16 to 32 players (8 to 16 pairs). Pair players so that stronger and weaker handicaps are spread evenly across teams – this keeps the competition close and the day enjoyable for everyone. Use the 60/40 handicap formula at registration.
Scorecards
Use a custom scorecard that tracks both individual gross scores and team gross per hole. Print columns for Player A gross, Player B gross, team score, and team net (after applying the 60/40 handicap strokes). This makes scoring transparent and eliminates disputes at the 18th hole.
On-Course Extras
Chapman events are more enjoyable with additional contests layered on: longest drive, closest to the pin on par 3s, skins per hole, or a longest putt competition. These give golfers of all abilities a moment in the sun beyond just the team score and keep the energy up through the round.
Rules Official
Have at least one rules official walking the course or available by radio. Chapman situations – especially around OB tee shots, unplayable lies, and ‘who hits next?’ disputes – come up in every event. Having someone who can rule quickly keeps pace of play moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chapman Golf Format
The Chapman golf format is a two-person team game where both partners hit a tee shot, switch balls for the second shot, choose the better position after that, then alternate shots until the ball is holed. The team records the lower of the two individual scores as their team score for each hole.
The 60/40 Chapman handicap formula is the USGA-recommended method for calculating a team net handicap in Chapman events. Take 60% of the higher handicap player’s index and add it to 40% of the lower handicap player’s index. Round to the nearest whole number. For example: a 16-handicapper paired with an 8-handicapper → (0.60 × 16) + (0.40 × 8) = 9.6 + 3.2 = 12.8, rounded to 13 strokes.
In standard Chapman, after both players hit their second shots and the team selects a ball, they play that one ball in alternate shot to the hole. In modified Chapman, after the second shot both players return to their own balls and finish the hole individually – the team then takes the lower of the two individual scores. Modified Chapman removes the pressure of alternate shot for the back half of each hole.
The player who did NOT hit the second shot that produced the selected ball hits the third shot. If Player A hit the 2nd shot that you chose to keep playing, Player B hits the third shot. If Player B hit the 2nd shot from the chosen ball, Player A hits third. Get this agreed before you reach the ball to avoid wasted time.
Yes. On par 3s, both players still tee off, then switch and play their partner’s tee shot as the second shot. After those second shots, the team selects the best position and alternates from there. The rules are identical to par 4s and 5s – the only difference is the shots happen faster and every decision matters more because you are closer to the flag from the start.
Chapman Scotch – also called Scotch Chapman – combines the standard Chapman format with individual hole or sequence betting (‘Scotch’ side games). The team format and rules are unchanged; the Scotch element is a financial side game on specific holes. Common in club events where keeping all players engaged through a long day matters.
In a Scramble, all team members hit every shot from the spot of the best previous shot – meaning your weakest shot is always replaced by a better one. In Chapman, you must play your partner’s tee shot for the second shot (regardless of quality), then alternate shots from one ball for the rest of the hole. Chapman demands much more from each individual player and rewards strategic decision-making in a way a Scramble does not.
Yes. Chapman and Pinehurst refer to the same format. The Pinehurst name comes from the format’s popularisation at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina in the late 1940s. The Chapman name honours the amateur golfer Dick Chapman (and his wife Eloise) who helped develop it. You will see both names used in tournament sheets – the rules are identical.
Ready to Play the Chapman Golf Format?
The Chapman golf format rewards real golf – not just who is longest off the tee or who chips it closest on a good day. The tee-shot switch, the ball-selection decision, and the alternate-shot pressure all create moments of genuine drama that stroke play and Scramble events simply cannot match.
Get the 60/40 handicap calculation sorted before you tee off, agree on your tee-shot strategy with your partner, and have the ‘who hits third?’ conversation before you reach the ball every time. Do those three things and you will be ahead of most pairs on the course.
Want to explore more team formats? Check out the Madknows guides to Best Ball golf format, Scramble format, and Greensomes golf format – or browse the full Madknows golf formats hub to find the right format for your next round.
Good luck out there. Play smart, talk to your partner, and trust your ball-selection instincts.