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.

Green Ball Game

Green Ball Game- One of the best golf trip games to play. Try this game when there are two or more groups playing. The object of this game is to accumulate more points than the other teams, while coming in with at least one green ball.

How to Play- Each team is given a sleeve of three green or yellow golf balls. Players will rotate using one green ball for an entire hole. Designate the rotation before play. Usually you will have your "A" golfer hit first, then "B" golfer second, "C" golfer third, and the "D" golfer fourth.
Although you may want to strategize the rotation, so certain golfers hit the green ball on certain holes. For example, you may want to order the rotation for your long hitter to play the green ball on a certain par five.

When it is your turn to hit the green ball, you must use the green ball for every shot until the hole is finished. If you LOSE a green ball, you MUST grab another green ball and finish the hole with it. If you do not have any more green balls left, your team is automatically disqualified. Keep score as you would regularly. You guys may have other games going on at the same time (skins, par 3's, etc...).

How to Score- Our group plays this game with a points system. Anytime we play a points system we score like this: Double Eagle/Hole in One=16pts. Eagle=8pts. Birdie=4pts. Par=2pts. Bogey=1pt. Anything worse than bogey gets zero pts. You can adjust your point system to the skill level of your group.

In this game, always take the score from the green ball and the next best score. If the green ball is the best score, then you use it twice. So if the green ball comes in with Par (2 pts) and the next best score is a bogey (1pt.), your group would score 4 pts. If the green ball comes in with a triple bogey(0 pts.), and the next best score is a par(2pts.)- your group scores 2pts.

How to Win- The winning team will have at least one green ball left and the highest point total for 18 holes.

Tips and Strategy- You may want to put a time limit on searching for a lost ball. Some people do not like to give up their ball, especially if it is a green ball. We don't have a specific time limit set, but if the group behind us has been waiting for ten minutes, it's time to cut the cord and move on.

Before play starts, pick your rotation based on the strengths and weaknesses of the group. If you have a golfer who normally hits good approach shots, place him in order to hit a difficult par 3. Sometimes you can line it up so he gets a chance to hit the green ball on multiple par 3s. Your weakest golfer should hit the green ball on easier holes. This doesn't always pan out for the entire round, but you should be able to cherry pick some of the holes.

Utilize every player in the group. Many times we will send out members of the group to watch where the green ball might land. For example, on a blind tee shot, we will let the green ball player hit last. The first three players (who have already hit) will find spots down the fairway to watch where the green ball lands. This takes a little more time upfront, but eliminates searching time.

Variations- You may want to adjust a few things based on the level of play in your group. For scratch golfers, it would be more challenging to start with only one or two green balls. For the higher handicappers, you may want to start with four or five green balls. It also depends on how hard the course is. You can also change the way you score. Maybe allowing the top three scores instead of two. Or, put more pressure on the green ball player, take actual scores and do not use the points system. We usually play this game along with a skins pot and a par three pot. This keeps some excitement for the team that has lost all of their balls.


Fun Stuff- This is one of my favorite games to play on golf trips. Especially if you have a bunch hackers in the group! There is nothing like watching a grown man tremble over his green ball, when he is faced with a 180 yard par 3 over a pond. I have seen guys smoke three cigarettes on one hole just to fight off the nerves. Tension seems to constantly grow throughout the match, especially when you are down to the last green ball and there are still six holes to play! The only relief is when you finish the hole and turn over the green ball to your teammate.

I hope your group has as much fun with this game as we do. We have enjoyed playing this game for many years. It is always one of the games we play on our trips.