What is a Golf Scramble?

Golf scrambles of any format can be a a great way to add some fun and camaraderie to your next round of golf. Whether you’re playing with friends or colleagues, a scramble tournament allows teams of golfers to compete against each other using a single score for the team and on some occasions a single ball. We take a look at what a golf scramble is, and how you can play or organise one.

To play a golf scramble, form teams of four players, hit your tee shots, choose the best shot, then play your next shots from that spot, repeat until the hole is completed, and add up the total strokes at the end of the round. The team with the lowest score wins.

In this article we take a look at the different sorts of golf scramble you can play, how to play them and then even how to organise a golf scramble should you wish to.

However, just to be clear, there are two forms of golf scramble – although the other is called golf scrambling and we have an article on that meaning here on the site as well. You can check the link here and below. However if you want to learn how to play a golf scramble then the rest of this article will help you .

What is Golf Scrambling?

A golf scramble is a way of playing a round of golf in a team of golfers who play together rather than against each other. Each player hits a tee shot on each hole and then as a team they choose the best shot and all team members play their second shots from that location. They can choose based on distance, lie and location and although the team captain can make the call, it is usually based on consensus.

This process is repeated until the the ned of the hole. The goal and aim is to complete the round with the lowest score possible as a team and is a much more relaxed way to play golf and allows players of differing abilities to play together without pressure or stress.

This format is often used in tournament or charity golf events and is a fun and social way to play the game. There are different systems and methods to play a golf scramble and we take a look at some of these below.

How to Play a Golf Scramble?

Communication and teamwork and a sense of fun are key to success in a scramble game of whatever format. Each player should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates to make the best use of their shots.

When choosing the best shot, players should consider not only the distance but also the location of the ball (e.g. hazards, fairway, rough, etc.) and as there are multiple facets to each hole is aims to make use of each players skills, be it off the tee, approach, hazard play or putting.

A golf scramble game is a fun and social way to enjoy the game of golf with friends or colleagues. By following the rules, communicating effectively, and using good strategy, teams can improve their chances of success. It is also great for playing golf with children, as it takes the pressure off there ( likely) shorter or more wayward shots.

As we mentioned above there are multiple ways to play a golf scramble game, and we take a look at these below to help you choose which suits you.

What is the Most Common Golf Scramble Format?

The most used format of a scramble game is typically where each player hits a tee shot and the best shot is selected, then all players play their next shots from that location then continue to play the location of the best shot following that until the final putt is made.

We take a look at this in more detail below, but teams are usually made up of 2-4 players and can be chosen randomly or by skill level. The scoring works by counting the total number of strokes it takes the team to complete the round.

Different Formats of Gold Scramble

What Is A Texas Scramble?

A Texas golf scramble, or as it is also known captains choice, is a tournament format that combines elements of both a scramble game and an individual stroke play. Like the traditional scramble described above, teams of golfers compete against each other using a single total score for the team.

However, some variations can include having a minimum number of drives per team member used so that it is not always best ball, or whichever player has their shot chosen as the best shot can not play the next shot. This makes sure that all players are actively involved in the game, and that their shots have consequence.

The scoring works similar to traditional scramble, counting the total number of strokes it takes the team to complete the round. This format is popular among golfers because it allows them to play their own shots while still enjoying the benefits of a scramble, such as teamwork and strategy. Some golf courses or tournaments may use this format as an alternative to traditional scramble or stroke play.

What is a Florida Scramble

The adaptation of the Texas Scramble mentioned above where the player who hits the best shot, or who shot is selected to play next misses out on hitting from that location is also known as the Florida scramble.

This aims to keep all the players on the teams shots relevant on not just have the same golfer (if they are much better than others on the team) have their shots used time after time. It is less common to be played but is fairer on all players.

The scoring is the same, aim for the lowest throughout the round.

What is a Las Vegas Scramble?

In the spirit of the city of sin a Las Vegas scramble adds the element of chance to a golf scramble. Although it still follows the all hit the second shot from the same location it is not jsut up to the team and the players to decide that location.

If the team is made of four players (for example) then each is assigned a number on a dice. After the team has hit their shots they role the dice. If it shows numbers 1 to 4 the the team has to play their shot from the player with that numbers ball location.

if the dice shows 5 or 6 then they can choose which players shot to play from.

it adds an element of luck and risk to the golf scramble, but also stops one player dominating all the shot choice and keeps other players motivated to still do well.

What is a Bloodsome Scramble?

This rather gruesomely named format of golf scramble comes with an equally scary method of play.

It is like a reverse golf scramble as rather than choose the best shot teams have to play the worst shot instead. Now this can be played as a team of four, however as it is sometimes difficult to make yourself choose the best shot it is more likely to be played as two teams of two playing the same hole.

So the opposing team chooses your next shot location, and you do the same for them. Understandably this adds considerable time to your round, and shoud not really be tried by high handicappers.

As Leaderboard.com says it is actually played very often, and often more as a jokey thing to do after a few ( or few too many) beers in the club house.

What is a Golf Shamble?

A shamble is a golf tournament format that combines elements of both a scramble and individual stroke play. Like a scramble, teams of golfers compete against each other using a single score for the team. However, unlike a scramble, after the tee shot and best drive being selected each member then continues to play their own shots after this all the way until the hole.

This format is popular among golfers because it allows them to play their own shots while still enjoying the benefits of a scramble, such as teamwork and strategy. it also allows less able drivers to take advantage of their teams power drivers!

Some golf courses or tournaments may use this format as an alternative to traditional scramble or stroke play. It our opinion it makes a lot more like a round on a pitch and putt!

What is a Best Ball Game?

Although the score for the hole is still part of a team effort, each golfer actually just plays their own ball for the entirety of the hole.

The lowest score from whichever player achieves it is them recorded as the official score. This format is often used in club tournaments and friendly games, but it can also be found in toplevel professional tournaments.

There are other forms of golf scrambles played, and as it is a pretty informal way of playing golf some clubs and tournaments modify the rules to suit themselves. As this article is getting pretty long we will split the types up into their own pages and you can click through them to read more about individual type of golf scrambles if you wish.

Why Play Golf Scrambles?

Scrambling is often used in golf as a way to make the game more enjoyable and less challenging for players of varying skill levels and to help tournaments run a little quicker in clubs.

In a scramble format, players are able to rely on the better shots of their teammates, which can help to reduce the pressure on individual players and make the game more fun. ( and quicker!) it also allows a greater ability range of players to participate in tournaments

Scramble formats typically speed up the pace of play, which can be beneficial for both the players and the course staff. Scrambling also allows players to work as a team and build their team spirit and camaraderie. In a tournament setting, it can also increase the chances of a close and exciting finish.

We will end on 3 questions which

How To Play a Golf Scramble

During a golf scramble, we take a look at the tradditonal ones here – no crazy dice or worst shot ones – it is important for the team to communicate effectively and work together in order to achieve the best possible results.

Here are some general instructions that teams should follow during a scramble:

Tee off: All players on the team should tee off on each hole.
Select the best shot: After all players have teed off, the team should select the best shot and mark its position with a tee or other marker. All players should then play their next shots from this spot. Usually with in a club length, or putter head length on the green
Choose the right club: Players should choose the right club based on the lie of the ball and the distance to the hole.
Communicate effectively: Team members should communicate with each other throughout the round, discussing strategy and offering advice on the shots to come.
Keep the pace of play: Teams should keep up with the group in front of them and be ready to play when it is their turn.
Record scores: Teams should keep track of their scores and make sure they are accurate.
Have fun: Scrambling is a fun way to play golf, so teams should enjoy the experience and build team spirit.

How to Organise a golf Scramble

Organizing a golf scramble can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some planning and preparation. Here are some steps you can take to organize a successful golf scramble:

Determine the date and location of the event. Find a golf course that is willing to host the event and reserve a date that works for both you and the course.
Set the format and rules of the tournament. Decide whether you want to use a traditional scramble format, a Texas scramble format, or a Las Vegas scramble format. Also, establish the rules for the tournament such as handicap, prize money, and dress code.
Promote the event. Create flyers and posters to advertise the event, and send out invitations to potential participants. Use social media, email, and other forms of communication to reach as many people as possible.
Create teams. Divide the participants into teams of two, three, or four players. Some tournaments also have a random draw of players to form teams.
Coordinate with the golf course. Make sure you have all the necessary information and details from the course, such as the number of tee times available, cart rental, and any special rules or regulations.
Prepare for the day of the event. Make sure you have enough volunteers to help run the tournament, such as scorekeepers and marshals. Plan for food and drinks, prizes, and any other amenities you want to provide for the participants.
Have fun! Make sure to enjoy the day and the event. Take pictures and videos, and don’t forget to thank the participants, volunteers and the course staff.

When to Play a golf scramble

A golf scramble is a popular tournament format that can be played at any time, but it is often used in specific situations. Some common situations where a golf scramble is played include:

Charity events: Scrambles are a popular format for charity golf tournaments because they are easy to understand, fun to play, and can accommodate a large number of players.
Corporate events: Scrambles are also a popular format for corporate golf tournaments because they allow teams of employees to compete together in a fun and relaxed environment.
Beginners and social players: Scrambles are a great format for groups of golfers who are new to the game or who play infrequently. Because all members of the team hit the ball and the team score is determined by the best shot, it’s a format that allows everyone to participate and have fun.
Family and friends events: Scrambles are a fun format for family and friends to come together and enjoy a round of golf.
Experienced players: Scrambles can also be a fun format for experienced players who want to try a different type of competition and play with different partners.

It’s a popular format that can be played in a variety of settings and can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. It’s also a great format for fundraising events, social events, and team-building activities.

We have more articles on the different type of golf Scrambles throughout the site, to save you a search we have listed these below.

Conclusion

As you can see golf scrambles evolved over time into many different variations and ways of implementing them into the game. From traditional best shot formats to the less usual worst shot formats there are many ways to try out a golf scramble.

Usually used in tournaments with mixed abilities, there is nothing to stop you trying them on a personal level, perhaps as a way to get your family involved in the sport as well.

What is a Golf Scramble?