Scramble · Stroke¶
What it is¶
A scramble is the classic team-fun format. Both partners tee off, the side picks the better of the two shots, and then both play their next shot from that spot — and so on, always playing on from the best ball, until it's holed. The side records a single score for the hole. Because every shot is played from the best of two, scores run low and even a weaker player can swing a hole with one good shot, which is why scrambles are the staple of society and charity days. This is the stroke-play version: the lowest team total wins.
How scoring works¶
- Both partners tee off; the side chooses the better shot and both play their next from there. Repeat through the green and on the putting surface until the ball is holed.
- Record one gross score for the side on each hole.
- The side plays off a single team handicap. The standard allowance for a pair is 35% of the lower handicap plus 15% of the higher; the team's net is its gross adjusted for the strokes that team handicap earns on the hardest holes by stroke index.
- Add the side's scores across the round; the lowest total wins (gross for a scratch result, net once the team handicap is applied).
- Level sides are separated on countback — the better back nine, then the last six holes, then the last three, then the final hole.
Worked example¶
Two sides, one team gross per hole (the single score each side made playing the best ball):
| Hole | Par | Side 1 | Side 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 14 |
Side 1 leads on gross, 12 to 14. Note there's just one figure per side each hole — unlike better ball, a scramble produces a single team ball, not two.
When to use it¶
The go-to format for big, mixed-ability team events — everyone contributes, the pace is quick, and the scores feel rewarding. A group holds up to four, so a pair scramble fits comfortably and two pairs can share a group. Sociable first, competitive second.
Variations¶
- Gross or net. Play for the lowest team gross, or apply the team handicap (35% of the lower handicap plus 15% of the higher) and play for net.
- For the points-based version see Scramble · Stableford; for head-to-head see Scramble · Match play.
Last updated: 2026-05-07