Scramble

Scrambles are always a favorite among golfers. Many outings and golf trips incorporate the scramble format. It is a team game where the scoring is better and the bad shots don't linger. Many of you reading this probably know how to play a scramble format. But for those of you who do not know I will briefly explain.

How to Play- The scramble format is very simple. Everyone hits their ball. The player that makes the best shot is where everyone hits their next shot. So on and so fourth until the ball goes in the cup. Most scrambles are comprised of four players per group. There are also 2-man and 3-man scrambles. Note: You do not have to take the best shot. If the group decides to play from poor little Johnny's tee shot for sympathy that is perfectly fine.

The exact rules for a scramble can vary, but this is how we play:

When you have picked which ball to play from, you get one club length from that spot to place your ball.

When doing this, you can not place your ball any closer to the hole, improve your lie, or improve the shot in anyway. For example, if the ball the group selects to hit from is behind a tree, you can not use the "club length" rule to drop away from the tree in order to get a better angle to the green. It is up to your group to decide how strict this rule should be enforced. We have had many questionable situations in the past, but we try to stick to the fact that you can not improve the shot at any time.

Whatever the group scores for the hole is the score that is posted. The team with the lowest score at the end of the round is declared the winning team. You can also keep score using the "points system" (see green ball game post for explanation).

Variations- The cool thing about the scramble format is its versatility. You can play scramble many different ways. I am going to list some of the ways we have played a scramble.

Texas Scramble- This scramble can be played against other groups or within the same group.
The only "scrambling" that takes place is right after the tee shot. Every golfer in the group tees off and plays their second shot from the best tee shot made. After you hit your second shot you play your own ball for the rest of the hole. This is done on every hole. This game can get very interesting if you are playing this way against the other golfers in your own group.

Elimination Scramble- Everyone hits their ball from the tee and plays their next shot from the best spot. But, the player whose shot you are using can not hit his next shot and is skipped until the third shot. So any time a player's shot is selected, they are excluded from hitting the next shot, but get thrown back into the rotation after sitting out one turn. This style of play continues (even when you are putting) until the ball goes in the jar. Seems a little difficult to explain, but I think you'll find it is pretty simple. What I like is the strategy this game brings with it. You have to think a lot about the next shot. You may not always take the best drive or the best approach because you may be eliminating your best golfer from being involved in the next play.