The golf scramble format is the most popular team game in the sport. In scramble golf, every player hits a tee shot, the team selects the best position, and everyone plays their next shot from that spot. By repeating this "best ball" selection for every shot until the ball is holed, teams record a single score per hole, making the game faster, more cooperative, and fun for all skill levels.
Usually played as 2-player, 3-player, or 4-player teams.
After each stroke, the team plays from the best location.
Faster pace and more forgiving than individual stroke play.
Teams decide the optimal shot—distance advantage, safer lie, better angle to the pin.
How to Play Scramble Golf?
All players hit a tee shot to start the hole, giving the team multiple options to choose the best position.
The team selects the best ball based on distance, lie, or angle.
All players place their ball near that spot and hit their next shot.
The team repeats the process—pick the best shot, then everyone plays from there—until the ball is holed.
Only one team score is recorded for each hole, making the format quick, fun, and ideal for all skill levels.
Scramble Scoring System
Only one score is recorded per hole based on the team’s total strokes.
The team adds up the strokes from all 9 or 18 holes to get the final score.
Gross scoring counts the team’s actual score with no handicap applied.
Net scoring applies a team handicap to create fair competition among mixed-skill groups.
The team with the lowest total score—gross or net depending on the event—wins the Scramble.
Min Drive = 3
Best Drive
NET FINAL SCORE: 83
Scramble Variations
Same format but includes mandatory minimum tee shots per player.
The player whose shot is selected sits out the next stroke until the ball is holed.
Uses team handicap (popular in Australia/New Zealand).
The player whose shot is selected cannot hit the next shot.
All players tee off, choose best drive, then play their own ball to the hole.
Why Play Scramble?
Great for golfers of all levels
Ideal for bonding and social play
For beginners and higher handicaps
Keeping competition exciting
Perfect for tournaments, charity events, corporate outings, and friendly weekend groups
New to this format? Check out our golf scramble rules guide before your next round.
