Playing golf can be a laid-back way to relax and have fun with friends. Sometimes, switching up the game and playing by a different set of rules can make the game even better. One way you can shake up the game is by playing a game called scramble. Scramble takes the pressure off of each individual player by allowing everyone to play as a team. There is no official format for a golf scramble or official golf rules associated with it, so you can also modify the rules as you wish, making this a very flexible way to play golf. It is a less intimidating form of playing golf that welcomes golfers of every skill level.

What Is a Golf Scramble? A golf scramble is a style/format of golf in which each player hits their ball, and then the group collectively decides on which player’s ball they are going to play from on the next shot. Essentially, once each player takes their turn, the group then chooses which ball they would like to play from. Once decided, each play shoots from that spot, and the process repeats itself for every turn.

While it is similar to other types of golf games, there is much more to know about golf scramble, read more to find out exactly what golf scramble has to offer.

What Is The Format of Golf Scramble?

A golf scramble is a type of tournament played by a team of at least two players. The golf scramble format allows each player to contribute to the score. The team of individuals comes together to form one exceptional golf player. In this format of playing golf, each person on the team hits their own ball. Once everyone has hit, the players decide which player’s ball they would like to shoot from. Then, each player hits the ball from that spot.

Golf Scramble Alternative Rules

In some instances of the game, the group can select a team captain to choose the best shot, instead of the overall group deciding on which ball to play from. It’s entirely up to the group if they want to elect a team captain, and it generally makes the game a bit faster as there will be less time debating on which ball to hit from. Each player has the option to move the ball around, as long as the ball stays within one club length of the chosen location. This will give players a bit of an extra edge as they can choose a spot with a better angle, lie, etc.

Playing On The Green

Once a player makes their ball onto the green, your team captain or general group consensus will pick one location, the best shot, and everyone will putt their balls from there. Once one person has hit the ball in the hole, that hole is completed. Continue this way until you have played every hole. 

Is Golf Scramble Good For Beginners?

As a result of its informal nature, beginners can feel comfortable playing this style of golf. Adding a beginner to your scramble team is a good idea as it allows them to practice playing and takes the pressure off for making good shots. Your group’s score will not decline by adding a beginner to your team. You want to include players who are good at different shots. Make sure your team has a good long-drive player and a good short game player.

What Is a Good Golf Scramble Score?

Scramble golfing allows you to take your group’s score as a whole. A good score for a golf scramble is 58-62.

Keep in mind, in a golf scramble, you are only as good as your best golfer, so depending on the skill level of your best player, your score is going to vary. If you are looking to get your hands on a scramble scorecard, you check out this site, which allows you to print out your own scorecard, or download an excel version for your computer.

How Long Does a Golf Scramble Take?

A game of golf scramble typically takes 1.5 hours for 9 holes and around 3 hours for 18 holes, assuming you don’t take many breaks in between holes.

A golf scramble does not take as much time as a typical 9-hole or 18-hole game. Playing golf as a scramble speeds up the game because each player plays from the best shot. You don’t have to wait for the players who made bad shots. You can play a golf scramble on a 9-hole or 18-hole course, depending on how long you want the game to last. You can adjust the rules of this game as you please, so you can switch up the rules if the game is taking too long.

How Do You Keep Score In a Golf Scramble?

To keep score in a golf scramble, record your score as a group for each hole based on the single best shots. To calculate your final score, add up the total of the best shots. A golf scramble allows each player to have fun without keeping individual scores. Each person on the scramble team can contribute to the group score. 

How Do You Handicap a Scramble?

While there are no official rules for a golf scramble, there are 2 common ways to calculate a team handicap in scramble:

Method 1:

You can set your own rules for your team’s handicaps. A commonly used handicap allowance for a four-player scramble is: each golfer calculates their own handicap. Take 20% of the first player’s handicap, 15% of the second player’s, 10% of the third player’s, and 5% of the fourth. Add these together to get your team’s handicap.

Method 2:

You can also add up all the course handicaps and divide by twice the number of players on your team. 

Scramble vs. Best Ball

Scramble and best ball are both golf playing formats that are typically played during golf events or charity functions. The main difference between scramble and best ball is that each player uses their own ball throughout the hole, whereas scramble requires players to choose which teammate’s ball they will hit from.

Final Thoughts on Golf Scramble

Playing a golf scramble is a great way to relax and have fun while playing golf as a team. This format takes the pressure off of each individual and lets you work as a team. Scramble golfing is a great way for beginners to practice and have fun with others who may be more skilled golfers. Players of all levels can work as a team to get one good score.