68% OFF
Initially called 'Captain's Choice', it came from the fact that the team's top player got to pick which ball to play. This style of play took off in Texas starting in the 1950s and grew into what we know as Texas Scramble today. Four people are on a team, but it can be adjusted for different group sizes. Everyone on the team helps out so each shot matters in a new and fun way.
Rules of the Texas Scramble
The main guidelines for this format are simple to learn. Here are some basic rules of the Texas Scramble game:
-
Players take turns hitting from the tee then the team picks the best shot. Once everyone has teed off, the group decides which shot stands out.
-
All players take their next shot from this spot. The team keeps going from the top shot.
-
After choosing the best one, each player hits from that location. This goes on until they hole the ball.
-
Players face penalties like in regular golf. If someone gets a penalty, they follow standard golf rules, and the team moves on from the best shot as usual.
-
The team's score comes from their best shots together. They work as one to cut down the total score by picking the top shots each time. This pushes them to think ahead and make smart choices.
-
The teams can have 2 to 4 players. While the number can change, they stick to small groups to keep the game flowing and push teamwork.
2-Ball Texas Scramble rules say each golfer needs to use at least 3 or 4 of their drives. Where they put the ball depends on where it lands. On the fairway, players can move it one club length. In the rough or a bunker, play it as is but on the green, place it on the exact spot. To make a fair competition, the handicap system takes 35-40% of both players' handicaps. The team with the lowest total score wins. If there's a tie, they use a sudden-death playoff or look at the scorecard. This way of playing increases teamwork and strategy and gives all golfers, no matter how good they are, an exciting experience on the golf course.
Know more: How To Play Wolf Golf: Rules Of Wolf Golf
Texas Scramble Variations
This golf format comes with a few variations that spice up the play and make it more fun. Check out these popular Texas Scramble versions:
Florida Scramble
In this format after each shot the player who hit the shot cannot take the next shot. This rule ensures every player plays and no one can rely on a single strong player.
Las Vegas Scramble
This game needs 4 teams and a regular die. Roll the die on each hole to pick which team member's drive you'll use.
Ambrose
This game is a Scramble that uses a team handicap. Play with the net scores based on the team's handicap.
Powerball
Teams get a special ball (often pink) that each player must use on a different hole. This player doesn't follow the usual scramble rules but plays their ball on their own, with their score kept separate. It adds a new challenge to the game.
Shamble
This mixes Texas Scramble with Stroke Play. Everyone hits their tee shots, and you pick the best one. After that, each player plays their own ball until they finish the hole.
Bramble
Bramble combines Texas Scramble and Best Ball. Players start by hitting their tee shots. The team picks the best shot, and from there, each player plays their own ball until they finish the hole. The team's score comes from the lowest individual score.
How to Play a Texas Scramble Game?
Follow these steps to play a Texas Scramble golf game:
1. Handicap Allowance
The info above helps figure out the handicap allowance based on how many players are on each team. The player with the highest handicap always gets a lower percentage.
2. Tee Off
All players on each team must tee off, with no exceptions. Keep in mind, not every ball will be used from where it lands.
3. Choose The Best Drive
Team members can talk it over to pick the best drive. Most of the time, this will be clear, but it might need some discussion if two or more drives end up in similar spots. The team captain makes the final call. Keep in mind that this format has several versions with extra rules. One common rule requires each golfer to use a set number of their drives during the round. In this case, think about which drive to use.
4. Everyone Plays Second Shot
After picking a drive, each team member hits a second shot from this spot. Try to ignore the ball positions from other drives on this hole and pick up the balls to play from the chosen driver's spot.
5. Everyone Plays Third Shot
The same process applies to all shots until the hole is completed. One golfer needs to put the ball on each hole.
6. Write Down Gross Scores
It’s important to record the gross score for each hole on the scorecard. This would mean the total number of strokes played on the hole.
7. Now Add Up Score
When the round ends, add up the total score and subtract the team's handicap to get the total net score.
Playing With Handicaps
Texas Scramble has never had strict rules about golf handicap allowances. Most players used to apply 10% of the combined handicaps of the three or four team members. The World Handicap System has brought changes. Now, the handicap system depends on each team's player count. Here are the new recommended figures:
-
Scramble (4 players) 25% / 20% / 15% / 10% from the lowest to highest handicap
-
Scramble (3 players) 30% / 20% / 10% from the lowest to highest handicap
-
Scramble (2 players) 35% Low / 15% High
Let's look at an example. A team of 4 with handicaps 5, 10, 15, and 20 would have a Texas Scramble handicap of 7.5. Player A: 1.25 (5 x 25%) + Player B: 2 (10 x 20%) + Player C: 2.25 (15 x 15%) + Player D: 2 (20 x 10%) = 7.5
Texas Scramble doesn't involve rounding up or down the handicaps. So, if the team above had a gross score of 71, they'd subtract their 7.5 handicap, resulting in a net score of 63.5. This is what they'd write on the card and turn in. This isn't a hard and fast rule though. Different clubs run competitions of this scramble format in their own ways and might calculate the handicap allowance, but this info comes from the World Handicap System.
Strategies for a Successful Texas Scramble Game
Now that you've got a better grasp of the format rules, let's go over some tips to give your team an edge.
First, make sure to read the rules and note the minimum number of tee shots each player needs to take. As you play, note down the scorecard whose tee shot you used on each hole to avoid any mix-ups later. When playing Texas Scramble, the key thing to keep in mind is to use the drives of less proficient golfers in the game. This approach has an impact on their performance.
If you wait too long to use their shots, they might become nervous. This nervousness can make it tough for them to hit well on the final holes and might result in picking a so-so (or even poor) drive just to meet the required number. Depending on the Texas scramble format, you may also need to think about which drive to choose. If it's a Florida scramble, the player whose drive is picked can't take the next shot (or sometimes play the rest of the hole), which can make scoring tough.
For the other shots near the green and on the green, it's better to have the skilled players go last. This lets them play golf after seeing what their teammates do on chips and putts. This gives them a better chance to hit a great shot or hole an unlikely putt.
Summary
There you have it—a complete guide to mastering the Texas Scramble and getting the most out of every game. We've covered everything from the basic rules to advanced playing strategies, highlighted the importance of smart play, and shown the great benefits of the game. Texas Scramble is more than just golf; it builds friendships and team spirit in a setting that welcomes players of all skill levels. To gain an edge in the next tournament or to enjoy a fun afternoon with friends, give this format a try. It takes the golfing experiences to new heights by combining challenges and camaraderie. So grab the clubs, call your friends, and head to the course—your new favorite game is waiting!