Side game · 4 (2v2) players
How to play Bloodsome
Also called: Reverse Scramble · Bloodsomes · disaster scramble
A scramble run backwards: both partners tee off and the team must play the WORSE drive, then alternate shots in.
The rules
- Both players on a team tee off on every hole.
- The team plays from the worse of the two drives — the opposing team chooses if there is any argument.
- From there the partners alternate shots until the ball is holed.
- The player whose drive was not used plays the second shot, so the alternation follows from the choice.
- Match play by hole: the lower team score wins the hole.
A worked example
Setup. Two teams of two, match play.
- On hole 7 Team A hits one drive 240 down the middle and one 180 into the rough.
- They must play the 180 from the rough.
Result. Team A plays the hole from the worse spot. It is a strategic, punishing format — the safe tee shot is worth more than the long one.
This is exactly how Bagpipe Golf settles it: hole by hole, zero-sum, no arguing at the 19th.
Variations and house rules
- Some groups let the team choose the worse ball themselves rather than the opponents. Same outcome nearly always.
- Handicap allowance for Bloodsome is 100% in the app and the format is scored as individual match play on the team score.
How it works in the app
- Bloodsome is available as a tournament round format and as a side game for a foursome in two teams.
- Enter one team score per hole — the alternate-shot detail happens on the course, not in the app.
- The live screen shows the match status hole by hole.
Bloodsome FAQ
- Is Bloodsome the same as Foursomes?
- Alternate shot is the same. The difference is the tee shot: Foursomes alternates who tees off, Bloodsome has both play and forces the worse ball.
- Who plays the second shot?
- Whoever did not hit the ball being played. That falls out of the rule rather than needing its own decision.