Team & Partner Formats · Outing & Tournament Formats

Scramble

Also called Captain's Choice, Fort Lauderdale, Four-Person Scramble

Everyone hits, team picks the best shot, everyone plays from there until holed.

Players: 2+ players, best with 4
Play as: Teams
Scorekeeping: Easy
Handicaps: Handicaps optional
Money: No money involved
Type: Team & Partner Formats

How to play

Teams of 2-4 all tee off on each hole. The team chooses the best ball; every player then plays their next shot from within one club-length of that spot (no nearer the hole, same condition of ground). Repeat until the ball is holed. Most charity and corporate outings run this as a shotgun start with 4-person teams.

Scoring

One team score per hole, gross or net. WHS/USGA recommended net allowance for a 4-player scramble is 25% / 20% / 15% / 10% of the players' course handicaps from lowest to highest; 3-player 30/20/10%; 2-player 35/15%. Winning teams routinely post double-digit under-par totals.

Variations

Texas (minimum drives per player)
Florida/Step-Aside (selected player sits out next shot)
Ambrose (Australian, team handicap)
Las Vegas (die roll picks the drive)
Miami (drive-hitter sits out until the green)
Yellow Ball scramble (one individual ball rotates)
Pickup scramble (max score par+2 then pick up)
1-club / 3-club scramble

Tips

Let the safest player hit first and the longest hitter free-swing last
Require minimum drives per player to stop one player carrying the team
Putt the same line in order: short-game specialist last after reading the others' putts

Beginners contribute without fear and every team feels like it's shooting a career round.