Blog · Rules
Scramble Golf Rules for 2, 3 and 4 Players
A scramble is the friendliest format in golf. Everyone on the team hits, you pick the best shot, everyone plays from there, and you repeat until the ball is in the hole. One team, one score per hole.
It's the go-to format for charity days, company outings and mixed-ability groups, because one good shot from anyone on the team keeps everyone moving.
The basic scramble rules
- Everyone tees off on every hole.
- The team picks the best drive. It doesn't have to be the longest; it's whichever leaves the best next shot.
- Everyone plays their next shot from that spot, usually within a club length of it.
- Pick the best again, and repeat.
- On the green, everyone putts from the chosen spot until one ball drops.
- Write down one score for the team on that hole.
That's it. The team with the lowest total wins.
Placing your ball
The usual rules, which the organiser should confirm before you start:
- Mark the chosen ball with a tee before anyone moves it.
- In the fairway or rough: drop or place within one club length of the mark, no nearer the hole, and in the same type of ground (rough stays rough, sand stays sand).
- In a bunker: drop in the bunker, close to the mark. Some events let you place it.
- On the green: place the ball within a putter-head of the mark, or on the exact spot for tighter events.
- The player whose ball was chosen usually hits last, since their ball is already there.
2-player scramble
With two players, every shot counts. Expect your score to land a few shots better than either player's own.
- Both players tee off and you pick the better drive.
- Common rule: each player's drive must be used at least 6 times over 18 holes (3 over 9) so the stronger player can't carry the team.
- Handicap allowance: the World Handicap System recommends 35% of the lower course handicap plus 15% of the higher.
3-player scramble
Three players is a good balance: there's a safety net, but everyone still matters.
- Same rules, with three balls to choose from.
- Common rule: at least 4 drives from each player over 18 holes.
- Handicap allowance: 30% / 20% / 10% of the course handicaps, from lowest to highest.
4-player scramble
The classic outing format. With four tee shots to pick from, at least one is usually in good shape.
- Common rule: at least 3 or 4 drives from each player over 18 holes.
- Handicap allowance: 25% / 20% / 15% / 10%, from lowest to highest course handicap.
- Expect winning scores well under par, even from groups of average golfers.
Handicaps at a glance
| Team size | WHS recommended allowance (lowest to highest handicap) |
|---|---|
| 2 players | 35% / 15% |
| 3 players | 30% / 20% / 10% |
| 4 players | 25% / 20% / 15% / 10% |
Add the percentages together to get the team handicap, then take it off the team's gross score. If handicaps are new to you, see golf handicap explained.
Popular scramble variations
Texas scramble
In the UK and Ireland, "Texas scramble" usually just means a scramble with a minimum number of drives per player (often 4 each in a team of four). Some groups use the name for any scramble.
Florida scramble (step-aside)
The player whose shot was chosen sits out the next shot. It slows the stronger player down and makes everyone contribute.
Ambrose
The Australian name for a scramble played with handicaps. Team handicap is often worked out as the total of the handicaps divided by twice the number of players.
Shamble
Everyone tees off, the team picks the best drive, then each player plays their own ball into the hole from there. Score the best one or two balls. It's halfway between a scramble and normal golf.
Tips for a better scramble
- Let the steadiest player go first. A safe ball in play frees everyone else to swing hard.
- Putt in order of confidence: the first putter shows everyone the line, and the best putter goes last.
- Don't over-pick distance. A 120-yard shot from the fairway beats 90 yards from behind a tree.
- Keep it moving. Scrambles are slow with four balls on every shot. Be ready when it's your turn.
No course? Run a scramble online
You can play a team golf day without booking a tee time. Mashy has a daily course with the same pins and wind for everyone, so a team can each play it and count the best score on each hole, which is a scramble in spirit. Here's how to run a 10-minute golf tournament for your team.
Playing for a little money as well? Read the Nassau bet explained.