Chapman Format Golf: Rules, Scoring & How to Play

What Is the Chapman Format?

In the Chapman format, both players on a two-person team tee off on every hole. After the tee shots, they switch balls — Player A plays Player B's ball, and Player B plays Player A's ball. After those second shots, the team picks the better ball and alternates shots from there until the ball is holed.

The basic flow:

1. Both players tee off
2. Players switch balls and hit their second shots
3. Team selects the better of the two second shots
4. Players alternate shots until the hole is finished

Step-by-Step Example

Let's say Player A and Player B are teammates on a par 4.

1. Tee shots: A hits to the fairway. B hits into the rough.
2. Switch: A now plays B's ball from the rough. B plays A's ball from the fairway.
3. Second shots: A (playing B's ball) gets it back to the fairway, 100 yards out. B (playing A's ball) hits the green.
4. Select: The team picks B's shot (the one on the green).
5. Alternate: A putts. If they miss, B putts. Continue alternating until holed.

Why the Chapman Format Works

• It values both players' tee shots. Unlike a scramble, where only the best drive matters, both tee shots come into play on the second stroke.
• It rewards versatility. Because you're hitting your partner's ball on the second shot, you need to be comfortable with different lies.
• It's more competitive than a scramble. The Chapman format tests skill and teamwork without the safety net of always playing from the best position.
• It's social. Two-person teams create natural partnerships, and the format encourages collaboration.

Scoring in the Chapman Format

Chapman is typically played as stroke play — the team records one score per hole, and the lowest total wins.

With handicaps:

• Combine both players' course handicaps
• Divide by 4 (some events use different divisors)
• Subtract that number from the team's gross score

Example: Player A has a 12 handicap, Player B has a 20. Combined: 32. Divided by 4: 8. The team gets 8 strokes for the round.

Chapman vs. Other Formats

• Scramble: Best shot, everyone plays from there. Fastest pace.
• Best Ball: Everyone plays own ball, take best score. Slower pace.
• Alternate Shot: Partners share one ball and alternate every shot. Most challenging.
• Chapman: Both tee off, switch, pick best second shot, alternate. Medium pace, intermediate difficulty.

Tips for Playing Chapman Format

• Tee off smart. Since your partner is hitting your ball next, think about where you're leaving them.
• Know your partner's game. If your partner struggles with long irons, don't leave them a 200-yard approach.
• Communicate before the second shot. After the switch, quickly discuss what each player is looking at.
• Play to your strengths on alternating shots. If one player is a better putter, try to set up the sequence so they're putting on crucial holes.

When to Use the Chapman Format

Chapman works well for:

• Club championships and member-guest events
• Couples tournaments (fun for mixed-skill pairings)
• Competitive charity events that want more than a scramble
• Corporate outings with golfers who want a challenge

Final Thought

The Chapman format rewards teamwork, strategy, and versatility — without taking all day. It's a step up from the standard scramble and a favorite for club events where competition matters.