A scramble in golf is a fun game where you play on a team, usually with two to four players. Everyone on the team hits a shot from the tee. Then, the team looks at all the shots and picks the best one.
From that spot, all players hit again. You keep doing this, always choosing the best shot, until the ball goes into the hole.
This format is different from regular golf because you don’t play your own ball the whole time. Instead, your team works together and plays from the best position each time to get the lowest score.
Why Scrambles Are So Fun and Popular
I’ve played many scrambles as a golf pro, and I can tell you they’re one of the best formats for beginners and casual players. They’re great for charity events, business outings, or friendly weekend games.
In a scramble, everyone gets to take part, even if they’re not hitting perfect shots. That makes it less stressful and a lot more fun. You get to enjoy the game, cheer each other on, and still play smart golf as a team.
This guide will help you understand how a scramble works and explain the main rules in simple steps.
How Does a Golf Scramble Format Work Step-by-Step for Beginners
If you’re playing in your first scramble event, it’s important to understand how the scramble format works in golf, especially if you’re used to regular stroke play.
A scramble is all about teamwork, best shot strategy, and low-pressure fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you play like a pro, even if you’re just starting out.
Step 1: What Happens on the Tee Box in a Golf Scramble
At the start of each hole, every player on the team hits a tee shot. This means if you’re playing a 4-person scramble, all four players will drive the ball.
You don’t have to be the longest hitter; sometimes, a short and straight shot is better. This step gives your team four chances to start strong.
Step 2: How to Choose the Best Tee Shot in Scramble Golf
After everyone has hit from the tee box, your team walks to each ball and picks the best one. This is called selecting the best ball position.
It could be the longest shot or the one in the best spot, like the middle of the fairway. This is the ball everyone will hit from next.
Step 3: Golf Scramble Ball Placement Rule – What Is the One Club Length Rule
Once the team has picked the best ball, all players place their balls within one club length of that spot. You must place the ball no closer to the hole.
This rule lets you move into a slightly better area (like from rough to fairway), but still keeps it fair. Just remember: all shots must be played from the same general location.
Step 4: How to Continue Playing Shots in Scramble Golf Format
The same process continues for every shot. After each group of shots, the team again selects the best ball, and all players hit their next shot from that new spot.
This works for fairway shots, approach shots, chips, and even short pitches. Every shot is a team effort.
Step 5: Putting in a Golf Scramble – How Does It Work on the Green
Once your team reaches the green, you all putt from the same place, the location of the selected best ball.
If the first player doesn’t make it, the next player goes, and so on. Once the ball is holed, you stop putting and record that score.
Here’s a quick putting tip: Let your less-experienced putters go first. That way, your better putters can learn from the line and speed of the earlier putts.
Step 6: How to Keep Score in a Golf Scramble Team Format
In a scramble, your team only keeps one score per hole, the total number of shots it took to get the ball in,using the best shots along the way.
Even though four people are hitting, the team score is what counts.
At the end of the round (usually 9 or 18 holes), you add up all the scores for each hole. The team with the lowest total score wins the scramble.
Scramble Golf Is All About Team Strategy
The scramble format isn’t about who hits the farthest or who plays perfectly. It’s about using your team’s strengths, picking smart shots, and playing together.
If you’re playing with friends or in a local tournament, scramble golf makes the game more fun, faster, and friendly for everyone.
Realistic Golf Scramble Scoring Breakdown (4-Person Team)
| Hole | Player A Drive | Player B Drive | Player C Drive | Player D Drive | Selected Shot | Total Putts | Team Score |
| 1 | Fairway (200 yds) | Rough (240 yds) | Fairway (210 yds) | OB (out) | Player C (210 yds) | 2 putts | 4 strokes |
| 2 | Fairway (190 yds) | Fairway (225 yds) | Fairway (250 yds) | Water hazard | Player C (250 yds) | 1 putt | 3 strokes |
| 3 | Fairway (215 yds) | Fairway (230 yds) | Fairway (210 yds) | Fairway (225 yds) | Player B (230 yds) | 2 putts | 4 strokes |
| 4 | Fairway (240 yds) | Rough (200 yds) | OB (out) | Fairway (225 yds) | Player A (240 yds) | 1 putt | 3 strokes |
| 5 | Fairway (210 yds) | Fairway (205 yds) | Sand (230 yds) | Fairway (200 yds) | Player A (210 yds) | 2 putts | 4 strokes |
Note: This table shows a realistic 5-hole example of a golf scramble played by a 4-person team.
Scramble vs. Best Ball in Golf: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You
If you’re new to team golf, you might hear both “scramble” and “best ball” mentioned at events or weekend games.
As someone who has played both formats in dozens of tournaments, I can say they are both fun, but very different in how you play and score. Let’s break it down so you know which format is better for your next round.
What Is a Scramble in Golf Format? (Team Plays Best Shot Together)
In a scramble, your team works together on every shot. Everyone hits from the tee, then the team picks the best shot, and all players hit their next shot from that same spot. You keep doing this until the ball goes in the hole.
Because everyone shares shots, the scramble format is great for beginners, casual players, or team events like fundraisers. It’s also much faster since the team only plays from one spot at a time.
What Is Best Ball in Golf Format (Team Uses Best Individual Score)
In best golf ball under budget, each player plays their own ball the entire hole, just like normal golf.
After everyone finishes the hole, the team looks at all the scores and uses the lowest score from one player as the team’s score.
So if one person gets a 3 and the rest get 5s, the team score is a 3. It’s still a team format, but more focused on individual play.
Best ball is better for players with more experience, because everyone needs to complete each hole.
Scramble vs Best Ball Comparison Chart (Side-by-Side)
| Feature | Scramble Format (Team Best Shot) | Best Ball Format (Lowest Player Score) |
| Ball Played | One shared ball location (team hits from it) | Each player plays their own ball |
| Shot Selection | The team selects the best shot every time | Everyone completes their hole individually |
| Pace of Play | Fast, fewer total shots taken | Slower, every player plays all shots |
| Scoring | Team score is often lower (easier format) | Team score is the best single score |
| Beginner Friendly? | Yes, easier, less pressure | No, each player must finish the hole |
| Strategy Style | Shared decision-making, teamwork | More individual effort, less team strategy |
| Common Use | Charity events, fun tournaments | Competitive team events or club matches |
Which Golf Format Should You Choose
If you’re new to golf or playing with mixed-skill friends, go with a scramble. It’s social, stress-free, and lets everyone stay involved.
But if your group wants a challenge and can handle their own game, best ball adds more pressure and personal responsibility.
From my experience, both formats help you grow as a player, scrambles build confidence, and best ball builds consistency.
Essential Golf Scramble Rules You Must Know Before Playing
If you’re playing your first scramble or helping plan a tournament, it’s important to know the basic rules of a golf scramble. From team sizes to ball placement and handicaps, these rules help keep the game fair and fun.
I’ve played in both relaxed charity events and serious competitive scrambles, and knowing the rules makes a big difference. Let’s break them down in simple steps.
Team Size Rules in Golf Scramble: 2-Man vs. 4-Person Format
In most cases, scrambles are played with 4 players per team. That means all four hit from the tee, pick the best shot, and continue from there, like we’ve covered earlier.
It’s the easiest format for beginners because you get more chances to help the team. One good drive or putt from any player can help everyone.
Now, the 2-man scramble format is different. It’s more competitive because each team only has two players.
That means fewer shot choices, more pressure, and usually a need for both players to hit solid shots. In pro-ams or club championships, I’ve seen 2-man scrambles where strategy really matters, especially around putting and approach shots.
How to Calculate Handicaps in a Golf Scramble Tournament
A big question I get from new players is: “Do we use handicaps in a scramble?” The answer depends on the tournament.
Some casual games skip them, but most official or competitive scramble events do use them.
Here’s a simple way many events do it, using a formula based on the USGA scramble handicap method:
- For a 4-person team:
Team Handicap = (A × 20%) + (B × 15%) + (C × 10%) + (D × 5%) - For a 2-person team:
Team Handicap = (Player A × 35%) + (Player B × 15%)
The goal is to balance skill levels without giving any team too much advantage. If your team has mixed abilities, this formula keeps things fair and fun.
Can You Place Your Ball in a Scramble
One of the most common scramble rules is how to place the ball after choosing the best shot. Yes, you can place your ball, but there are limits.
The standard rule says you must place your ball within one club length of the chosen ball, but not closer to the hole.
This means you get a little space to move your ball for a better lie, but not to gain distance.
Also, the ball must stay in the same condition or area. If the chosen ball was in the rough, all players must hit from the rough. You can’t move it to the fairway or off a hill just because it’s nearby.
In tournaments I’ve played, this rule keeps things fair while still helping teams avoid bad lies or tricky positions.
Putting Rules in a Golf Scramble: 2-Putt Rule and Putting Order
On the green, all players putt from the same location, the best spot chosen by the team. Once any player sinks the putt, that’s the team’s score. You don’t need everyone to make it.
Some events use a “2-putt maximum rule” to speed up the game. That means if no one makes the putt after two tries, the team automatically scores the next stroke.
It’s not always used, but it helps in big charity events where pace is important.
Who should putt first in a scramble? From experience, I suggest having the least confident or weakest putter go first.
This gives your stronger putters a chance to read the line and speed from the first putt, and gives the team a better shot at success.
Fun and Common Scramble Format Variations in Golf
Once you know how the basic scramble works, you’ll start hearing about other versions like Texas scramble, Florida step-aside, or Mexican scramble.
These small rule changes make the game feel fresh and more challenging, and I’ve played most of them during tournaments, charity events, and even family games.
Let’s look at the most popular types so you know exactly what to expect.
Texas Scramble Format Rules: Why Every Player’s Drive Matters
In a Texas scramble, the main scramble rules still apply, every player tees off, and the team picks the best shot.
But there’s one extra rule: you must use at least a certain number of drives from each player during the round.
For example, in an 18-hole game, you might have to use at least 4 tee shots from every player. This helps balance the team and makes sure everyone contributes.
I’ve seen long hitters have to hold back just so the team doesn’t run out of tee shots from the others!
It adds strategy, especially near the end of the round, when you’re counting how many drives you’ve used from each teammate.
Florida Scramble Rules (Step-Aside Format): How It Changes Team Play
The Florida scramble, also known as a step-aside scramble, is a fun twist on the regular version. Here’s how it works:
After the team chooses the best shot, the player who hit that shot doesn’t get to hit the next one. They “step aside” for one turn while the rest of the team plays from their spot.
This makes it a little harder, you can’t rely on your strongest player every time.
I’ve played in step-aside scrambles where our best putter sank a long one, but then had to sit out the next hole’s approach. It forces everyone to stay sharp and keeps the game interesting.
Champagne Scramble and Mexican Scramble: Combining Best Ball and Scramble Strategy
The Champagne scramble (sometimes called a Mexican scramble) mixes parts of the best ball and the scramble format.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Every player tees off.
- One player plays their own ball all the way to the hole (like in best ball).
- The rest of the team plays regular scramble from the best shot.
This version is great when you want a bit more challenge or want to give your strongest player a chance to play full holes.
I’ve used this during mixed-skill events; it gives new players team support, while better players get to show their full game.
Other Golf Team Formats: Quick Overview for New Players
Not all formats are scramble-based. Here are a few others you might hear about:
Wolf Format in Golf
This game isn’t a scramble; it’s more like a points-based betting game. Players take turns being the “Wolf,” and after each drive, they can choose a partner or go solo to win the hole. It’s more about strategy and risk, not teamwork.
Topgolf Scramble Team Format
Topgolf sometimes runs team games using scramble scoring. You play in teams, and each player hits, and then the best score is used for that round.
It uses Topgolf’s own points system but adds a fun team twist like a normal scramble.
Try Different Scrambles to Keep It Fun
Each scramble variation adds a small twist that can change how the game feels. If it’s counting drives in Texas style or stepping aside in Florida scramble, they all give teams new ways to think and play.
I always suggest beginners try the basic scramble first, then mix it up with these versions as you gain confidence.
How to Win a Golf Scramble: A Strategic Guide for Team Success
If you want to win a golf scramble, it’s not just about good swings; it’s about smart teamwork, order, and shot strategy.
I’ve played in enough pro-am scrambles to know that a strong team plan beats raw talent every time.
Let’s go over how you can build a great team, play smart off the tee, and sink more putts, just like the winners do.
How to Build the Best Golf Scramble Team for Balanced Play
To win, you need more than just four random golfers. The smart way is to build a team using the “A, B, C, D” handicap system. That means:
- Player A is the strongest player (low handicap, great under pressure)
- Player B is solid all-around (usually hits fairways and decent putts)
- Player C is average but can surprise you
- Player D may be new, but can still help on short putts or chip shots
Also, try to include a long driver, someone who’s good with irons, and a confident putter.
A great team has different skills, and when used right, they add up to low scores.
Tee Shot Strategy in a Scramble Format: Who Should Go First and Why
When teeing off, the order matters more than people think. From my own scramble wins, here’s what I’ve learned:
- The safe, consistent player should go first. This person doesn’t hit far, but usually hits straight, keeping the team in play.
- The second and third players aim to improve their position.
- The longest hitter (“the bomber”) should go last. This gives them the freedom to swing hard without worrying, since there’s already a safe shot in play.
This order lets you stay safe but still take big chances. I’ve seen this strategy save strokes and win tiebreakers.
Scramble Putting Strategy: How to Read Greens and Sink More Putts as a Team
Putting can win or lose your scramble round. Since everyone putts from the same spot, use it to your advantage:
- The least experienced or unsure putter should go first. This gives the team a feel for the line, speed, and break.
- Middle players adjust based on what they saw.
- The best, most confident putter should go last; they get the most info and the highest chance to sink it.
When I play as the last putter, I use everything I learned from my teammates’ putts. It’s like watching three practice tries before it really counts.
Bonus tip: Always read the putt as a team. Talk about the slope, speed, and target line. Four eyes are better than one.
Winning Scrambles In Golf Takes More Than Power
Scramble tournaments are fun, but winning takes smart teamwork. Build a team with different skills, play safe and bold when needed, and use every player’s strengths.
In my experience, the best scramble teams are not just talented, they’re organized, calm, and smart with every shot.
FAQs
How Do Flights Work in a Golf Scramble Tournament?
In big scramble events, teams are often separated into “flights”, which are groups based on skill level or final scores. This way, more teams can win prizes, not just the lowest score overall.
For example:
- Flight A = Low handicap or top scores
- Flight B = Mid-level teams
- Flight C = Beginners or higher scores
This system keeps things fair. I’ve seen beginner teams walk away with prizes just because they won their flight, even if another team shot a lower score.
How Many Holes Do You Play in a Golf Scramble Event?
Most golf scramble tournaments are 18 holes, just like a regular round of golf. But if time is limited, you can also do a 9-hole scramble, which is great for evening events or youth tournaments.
How Do You Organize a Golf Scramble Tournament Successfully?
Running a great scramble tournament isn’t too hard, but planning matters. Here’s what I always suggest:
- Choose a golf course and set a date
- Create clear rules (4-person scramble, 2-putt max, etc.)
- Find sponsors to help with prizes and costs
- Open registration online or through your club
- Group teams fairly, using flights or a random draw
- Add extras like food, raffles, or an awards ceremony
I’ve helped organize charity scrambles where we raised over $10,000, and it all came down to good planning and getting people excited to play.
Can You Play a Scramble Format in PGA Tournaments?
No, scramble golf is not used in official PGA Tour events. The pros play individual stroke play, where every shot counts for their own score.
What Is a “Successful” Golf Scramble? (Score and Purpose)
A scramble is “successful” in two ways:
- Score-wise: A great team will often shoot under 60 on 18 holes. Around 65 is still very strong.
- Event-wise: If it’s a fundraiser or charity event, then raising money and having fun are more important than the score.
Some of the best scrambles I’ve played had nothing to do with winning; they were about helping a cause, meeting people, and enjoying the game together.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a golf game that’s fun, fast, and full of teamwork, the scramble format is the way to go.
If you’re a beginner picking up a club for the first time or a seasoned player organizing a tournament, a scramble lets everyone join in and play their part.
So next time you sign up for a round, try a scramble; it might just be the most fun you’ll ever have on a golf course.