The alternate shot match, also known as foursomes, is a golf format typically played in team competitions or events. It is a format where two players partner up to form a team, and they alternate hitting the same ball throughout the round.Here's how the alternate shot match (foursomes) works:

1. Team Composition: Each team consists of two players who partner together.
2. Sharing a Single Ball: The team shares a single golf ball throughout the round. They take turns hitting shots with the same ball, alternating on each stroke.
3. Tee Shots: The teammates decide who will tee off on the odd-numbered holes (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) and who will tee off on the even-numbered holes (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.). This tee-off order remains consistent throughout the round.
4. Alternating Shots: After the tee shot, the players alternate hitting shots until the ball is holed. For example, Player A tees off, then Player B hits the second shot, Player A hits the third shot, and so on until the ball is in the hole.
5. No Mulligans: Unlike some other formats, there are no second chances or mulligans for a missed shot. Each player must play the ball as it lies and deal with the consequences of their partner's shot.
6. Strategy and Communication: Communication and strategy are crucial in alternate shot matches. Teammates need to discuss shot selection, club choices, and course management to optimize their performance and minimize errors.
7. Scoring: The team's score for each hole is the number of strokes taken to complete the hole. The team with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins the match.

Alternate shot matches (foursomes) require coordination, teamwork, and trust between partners. It adds an element of strategy and pressure, as each player's shot directly affects the next. It is a popular format in team events, such as the Ryder Cup, where teams from different countries compete against each other in this format.

Match play format pitting a pair of twosomes against each other; each team plays a single ball, the partners alternating shots with that ball. For example, Tom and Dale are a team; Tom hits the tee shot on hole No. 4, then Dale plays the next shot, followed by Tom, until the hole is completed. Regardless of who putts out, Dale tees off on the next hole.