Traditionally, a golf scramble involves a team of four players who each hit a separate golf shot. The team will then select the best shot from the group, and play that ball for the next stroke, where each player again hits their own ball. This process is then repeated over the course of the round.
A scramble is a fun twist on the game of golf — it takes a sport that is usually individual and makes it team-oriented, which takes some pressure off of any one player hitting a shot. A scramble usually comes in two versions, a 4-man and a 2-man scramble:
- 4-Man Scramble: Four players each hit their own shot and the team picks the best shot to play. 4-man scrambles are great for large-scale company golf scramble event tournaments or fundraisers.
- 2-Man Scramble: As you may guess, a 2-man scramble features only two players on a team. This type is convenient for foursomes who want to have a fun match.
Although these are the two main types of scrambles, you can play with any variation of teams.
The Rules of a Golf Scramble
There are no professional, specific details outlining the rules of a golf scramble. This makes sense in a lot of ways, as a golf scramble goes against a lot of the central aspects of the game. A scramble is a fun way to play and relies on a lot of good faith on the part of each team.
When it comes to choosing a player’s shot and dropping a ball, there are some assumed rules:
- A player may have a club length from wherever the ball landed, though no closer to the green.
- The ball must be placed on the same surface as the original ball — rough, fairway, green, etc.
- The lie can be improved by hand-placing the ball or adjusting with the clubhead.
- Players from same the team are allowed to stand behind other players while they hit to read greens or see the angle of shots.
These are general rules of golf scrambles, and more technical terms should be agreed upon or outlined before the match starts.
Scramble vs. Best Ball
Scramble golf is often confused with another popular golf game known as best ball. However, in best ball, each player plays their own shots throughout the round, whereas in scramble golf, the team plays the best shot and plays from that spot.
Best ball is usually reserved for those who want to keep their own score throughout the round.
Different Types of Golf Scrambles
A golf scramble is a broad term that accompanies many different variations of the classic game. Feel free to choose one of these versions to play with your friends or mix several together to create your own unique game.
Ambrose
In this version of the golf scramble, a foursome uses a team handicap. You’ll be using net scores based on your team’s handicap.
Bramble or Shamble
This game is a combination of a scramble and best ball. The team chooses their favorite ball after the tee shot and after that each player plays their own ball. The team then takes the lowest score of the hole.
Texas Scramble
A team must choose at least four drives from each player during the round. This is a good variation for teams that have a wide array of skill levels. In a Texas scramble, each player still retains some pressure on their drives and will contribute to the team — either in a good way or a bad way.
The Texas scramble will also bring some strategy into play when it comes to shot choosing — if you don’t play four drives from a certain player early, you could be relying on them to make shots late in the round.
Florida or Step Aside Scramble
The player whose ball you’re playing will sit out for the next shot. For instance, if Bob has a great tee shot that your team decides to play, Bob will then step aside for the next shot, allowing his team to play from his ball’s location while he watches.
Las Vegas Scramble
True to its name, the Las Vegas scramble is a game of luck — after each player tees off, the team flips a die to decide whose drive they use. Obviously, this will work best for a team of six.
Reverse Scramble or “Bloodsome”
A brutal way to play the game of golf. Instead of picking the best shot, the team must choose the worst shot for each stroke. Be prepared for a long day at the course.
The Benefits of a Golf Scramble
As you can probably tell from its many variations, the golf scramble is a very popular version of the game. Here are some advantages of playing a golf scramble:
Make It a Team Sport
Golf is a very unique game, and one of the things that makes it so attractive is its individuality — you don’t have to rely on anyone except yourself. When you shank a ball into the pond, you know that you and you alone are responsible. It’s the same when you putt for an eagle — you can take full responsibility.
As the famous Ryder Cup shows us, golf is also fun in a team atmosphere, where players are relying on one another for great shots. It can make the game more exciting and form a great way to bond with those around you.
Take Pressure Off Your Game
Are you the kind of player who steps to the first tee with a hole in their stomach, their palms sweating and their heart pounding? A golf scramble can take some of the weight off your shoulders, allowing you to free yourself up a bit to play.
Lower Your Score
Though it won’t be your sole score, a scramble will certainly allow you to get to the green in fewer strokes. This is why it’s so attractive for golf events and fundraisers — you can often boast much lower scores than you would be able to with just one shot per stroke.
Have Fun
Overall, a golf scramble is just a fun way to play the game — make teams with your friends and take some pressure off your swing, and battle each other for the lowest score. The endless variations allow you to mix and match rules to make the game unique.
How to Win a Golf Scramble
If you’ve chosen to play a golf scramble with your group, you may start to consider the various strategies that are involved. It seems like a simple premise — everyone hit, take the best ball. Easy. Once you start playing, though, the various intricacies of the scramble will become more evident.
Choosing the right order and determining which shot is actually ‘best’ are a couple of ways you can lead your team to victory.
Choose the Correct Order
One of the most important aspects of a golf scramble is the order your team will tee off. Generally, you’ll want the more advanced and experienced players teeing off last. That way, if someone puts a ball in the water, your next player can take out an iron and strike one safely down the fairway.
Pick the Best Shot
Picking the best shot sounds easier than it actually is. Sometimes it will be easy – you might only have one playable ball. Other times, your best shot will depend on your angle to the hole or attacking the pin from a different direction. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose the shot that the majority of your team feels the most comfortable hitting from.
Keep Morale High
If you’re the more advanced member of the group, go easy on the players who are struggling to contribute. For most people, throwing insults at others and putting them down for a missed shot will only serve to further hurt their game. Some positive motivation and morale-boosting talk will help your team together and work towards a common goal.
Go For It
Scrambles are the places to take chances. If you get a good ball out on the fairway, feel free to haul off with your driver. What do you have to lose? The same goes for putting — in a scramble, you never want to leave a putt short. At least give it a chance to go in.
Enjoy Your Scramble
Now that you have some information about the infamous golf scramble, go out and enjoy your round. Feel free to refer back to this guide for any help.