Scramble Golf: A Comprehensive Tutorial for Every Level Golfer

There is no avoiding it: at some point you’ll find yourself playing in a scramble. It will probably be to raise funds for a good cause and it’s highly likely that it will be a work-related event. Being a good scramble partner can be professionally useful, or it can be the reason you stopped getting invited to happy hour. As a veteran of countless scrambles I’m here to help you navigate this intricate corner of the golf world.

In case you’re reading this from North Korea let me first explain scramble rules: Each player hits from the tee. You go to the best tee shot and all team members then play the second shot from that location. You keep doing this until you hole out. It’s a fun format that speeds up play and allows players of all skill levels to compete together.  Speaking of skill levels, there are basically four types of players. Let’s call them The A, The B, The C and The D. Here’s a brief dossier for each player (you’ll find yourself in there somewhere) followed by some general Dos and Don’ts.

The A Player

The person everyone wants on their team. A single-digit handicapper who brings consistency to the table. As The A player, your team is counting on you to deliver shots on every hole. There may not be any Ryder Cup points at stake, but you need to play like there are.

Do: Play as hard as you normally would if it was your own ball but with a more aggressive mindset. You need to be firing on all cylinders (and at all pins) at all times. Stay positive throughout your round and encourage your teammates who, for these six glacial hours, will look up to you like a Nordic God who wields 14 swords of war. Also, you should make all of the tactical decisions. As in, “Sorry Claude. We’re not playing from 70 yards, we’re taking the ball back here that gives us a clean 100 yard wedge.” Lastly, you’re the ringer so dress like it. Clean your shoes and look sharp.

Don’t: Do not fall for the ‘you guys show me the line and I’ll putt last’ theory because it doesn’t work. Having to watch your teammates crucify a 20-footer does you no good. Just putt first so your group can learn what sound technique and roll looks like.  Finally, don’t lay up. Hit driver as much as you can. Hitting a hybrid to avoid the fairway bunker might be the sound play but it also makes you kind of a jerk. Bomb and gauge. Let the Big Dog hunt, my friend.

The B Player

We all know this person- the ever present “bogey golfer” who keeps it together well enough. Flashes of brilliance combined with massive clumps of flying sod and the occasional chili-dip. The B Player, not unlike the middle-round players in a fantasy draft, is often the key to victory.

Do: Swing within yourself and try and find your natural rhythm. Go up a club and keep your action as smooth as silk. Be positive and maintain a level of mild intensity. You are the keystone- remember that.

Don’t: Don’t get down on yourself. Remember, this is a team event and you are crucial to the team’s success. Don’t forget who you are- you’re a bogey golfer, which means you’re kind of meant to miss shots with regularity. Don’t sweat the misses and don’t stop believin’. And whatever you do, DON’T start giving people swing tips and turn this round into a playing lesson. We have no time for lessons out here, and if your tips were actually any good you’d be The A player.

The C Player

This player knows the in-and-outs of golf and has some level of enthusiasm but lacks talent. If The C has a shirt, visor, belt or anything with a prestigious logo on it, they are definitely wearing it- and you’re going to hear all about how they got it.  Scramble tournaments are bursting at the seams with C level talent.

Do: Help with the things you can’t mess up. Get yardages for your team. Grab the pin. Be ready and make a solid effort. And just like the A and B, you’ve got to keep your spirits up if you want any chance at hardware.

Don’t: For the love of All Things Holy, do not take more than one practice swing. They are not helping you and they hurt the golf course. Just take one swing and drop the puck. And don’t turn into PGA Tour Guy on us. If the A or B player ever sees you close your eyes in an effort to visualize a shot as if you’re Jason Day, they should immediately and repeatedly stab you with a divot tool. Also please don’t tell us long-winded stories about that time you were in Hawaii or wherever, and “really had it going on the front nine” because you didn’t, OK?  And don’t you dare tell us “I just don’t have it today” because we all know it isn’t just today, right? . Listen, we’re all trying to have fun here, buddy. Pipe down and keep up.

The D Player

My personal favorite. The D player is likely renting clubs and wearing sneakers. A rank beginner, etiquette and golf skill are foreign concepts to The D player. But they are “All In” because “it’s all about the fun.”

Do: Give yourself some credit! Golf can be intimidating and you took the leap. Success for you means you need to hit the bar/drink cart early and often. Be generous and buy rounds for your team. And if the course allows music, bring a Bluetooth speaker. You’re goal is to take par and make it a par-ty. Get a good night sleep, bring a hat and make sure you hydrate well for at least 2 days before you play. Yours is a delicate and slippery path, my friend. Be prepared and proceed with caution.

Don’t: Do not ask people “what did I do wrong on that swing?” because after the first hole no one is really watching you. It’s not because of you, it’s because golfers have fragile psyches and they don’t want any aspect of your swing to wake any sleeping demons in their subconscious.  Frankly, don’t feel the need to hit many shots. If your partner is 250 yards center-cut in the fairway, don’t chase after that. Just offer some high fives and get back in the cart.  And before you think you should  “probably just hit anyway to get some confidence going” I refer you back to the bar/drink cart. They have all the confidence you’ll ever need. Lastly, don’t go to the driving range. Stick to the putting green and learn what 10 and 20 foot putts feel like before you go play. If you make just one putt all day you’ll make a huge difference.

Some General Advice

Golf has always been a great portal for competition and camaraderie and the scramble also provides some unique opportunities to show gratitude. Let’s say you win the closest-to-the-pin hole or long drive. Sure, you could write your name and win a gift card or a dozen yellow golf balls, but it’s much more fun to write the name of a valued customer, or your kid’s teacher or whoever you’re supporting with your presence. The surprise on their face will be a great memory.

Scrambles for fund raising or corporate events are one thing but a scramble tournament for a neighborhood (dive) bar is a completely different beast. These events are often rife with chain-smoking hustlers and sand baggers. This is the blue-collar side of golf I grew up in, and I will tell you flatly: tread with caution in these circles. Intimidation, side bets, and trash-talking are all key elements in this arena. And don’t be fooled by the sleeveless t-shirts: these guys are good. You need to stack your team with as many gritty players as you can and make every putt you look at to even have a shot at winning in this league. Expect shenanigans and be prepared to shoot -18 under yet finish in a four-way tie for third place (because municipal courses that host 144 players from, say, McSullivan’s Irish Pub typically don’t offer much resistance to scoring.) Arrange for a safe ride home because these events typically carry over until well past sunset.

Whatever your ability as a player there’s always a place for you in the scramble. Many people get their first exposure to this great game in the scramble format, and so begins a lifelong love affair with golf. As with anything in life there’s a right and wrong way to do it. Follow these simple guidelines, respect the course and their rules, and hopefully you’ll find success and be the type of player that gets invited back year after year.