What Does Scramble Mean In Golf?

Have you ever heard someone talk about playing a scramble in golf? It sounds like it might be a fun game, right? But what does scramble mean when it comes to the world of golfing?

Don’t worry – we’ve got all the answers here. Let’s take a closer look at what a scramble is.

Definition Of A Scramble

A scramble is when two or more players compete as teams rather than individually. The idea behind this golf format is that each team takes a shot and then they decide which was the best one and then everybody plays the next shot from that position and this process is repeated until they hole out. That means all members of the team are contributing shots to get the best score possible. The Rules of Golf go out the window to some extent as everyone is picking up their ball and moving it to a “better” spot as the team plays 18 holes.

In terms of a competition each team ends up with a total score and the lowest score is the winner.

How Many Players In Scramble Golf?

Usually, scrambles are played in teams of 4. Although there is nothing stopping you from having teams of 2 or 3. Usually, if you have mostly teams of 4 players with one or two groups of 3 then a change would be made regarding the handicap allowance. Usually, in a 4-man scramble, teams would get 10% of the combined handicaps of the players but a team of 3 might be given 15% to level the playing field somewhat.

Billy Horschel vs 4 man Scramble at TPC Sawgrass

Golf Scramble Rules

Aside from there being a minimum number of drives you might find other non-standard rules brought into play for a scramble.

For example, on long shots, players might be allowed to play from within one club length of the place where the “best” shot finished. All the scramble I played though limited your movement to 6 inches like you were playing preferred lies.

Different Types Of Scrambles

Without a doubt, the most famous form of scramble is the Texas Scramble. This is because the format became very popular in Texas during the 1950s. A scramble had been known as Captain’s Choice prior to this.

Texas Scramble

Usually, a Texas scramble will have rules regarding the number of drives that each team member must contribute during the round. In four-man teams it would usually be at least three each while in three-man teams it would be four each.

This can introduce an element of strategy into the game depending on the ability of the players in the group. Ideally, you don’t want to leave a high handicapper in a situation where you have to take their drive on the last couple of holes as this can put them under a lot of pressure.

Florida Scramble

In order to prevent one player from playing most or all of the shots this type of scramble prevents players from playing the next shot when their shot has been chosen as the best one. This means the only time all the players hit the ball is on the tee shot.

Las Vegas Scramble

You need to carry a dice for this scramble variation. After driving off you have to roll the dice to see whose drive is selected.

Other Golfing Formats

Aside from scrambles, there are many other formats you could play including:

Best Ball Format

In best ball golf both players just play their own ball and the player who has the lowest score on the hole gets recorded on the scorecard. This is called better ball by some.

Foursome Format

Each pair only plays one ball throughout and they take alternate shots until the golf ball is holed.

Greensomes Format

Both players in a team drive the ball and the best shot is selected. They then play alternate shots from that point until they hole out.

Rye Greensomes Format

Similar to greensomes but one player always plays the second shot on odd-numbered holes and the other always plays the second shot on even-numbered holes irrespective of which drive was picked.

How To Organize A Golf Scramble Tournament

The scramble format is a great option if you have a group of golfers with a wide mix of abilities. If you are organizing a charity event you might consider putting a scramble together.

Try selecting a mixture of players in each team so you have a low handicap, a high handicap and a couple of medium handicaps. This way every player on the team should get a great chance at being involved.

Make sure everyone knows the scramble rules about the number of drives required per player or where they need to drop a ball for the next shot.

Pros And Cons Of Playing A Scramble

If you aren’t the greatest golfer or you aren’t playing well on the day it doesn’t stop you from being involved as every single shot is different and you can still contribute to the team score.

It builds camaraderie between players.

It’s a great format to encourage people to visit the clubhouse after for a drink and some food.

The only downsides of playing a scramble are that the speed of play can be quite slow and you might feel you aren’t contributing to the team.