A scramble format in golf is a team format where all players hit from the tee. The team chooses the best ball position, and each player plays the next shot from that spot. The process continues until the hole is completed.

All players place their balls at that spot and play the next stroke from there, repeating the process until the hole is completed. The score recorded is one team's score per hole, not individual scores.

The scramble golf format is often used in charity events because individual scores are not recorded. The rules of play may be adjusted based on decisions made by the organizer. 

In some events, players may be allowed to take two tee shots under these conditions. Because the rules can vary, scramble golf does not follow a single standardized format under the Rules of Golf.

Scramble Rules

• Players may move the ball within one club length when it lies through the green. If the chosen shot is in a hazard, including sand or water, the ball must be played from that spot. No club-length movement is allowed when the ball is in a hazard.

• During the tournament, all four players on a team hit a tee shot on each hole. The team then selects one tee shot by agreement, with the captain making the final call in many cases. Once the position for the next stroke is chosen, the spot is marked before play continues.

• The players hit from the chosen spot, and the team selects one position after each shot until the ball is in the hole. The same process is used on every hole until the round ends.

• Only one ball is holed on each hole, and a single score is recorded for the team. The score from each hole is added to form the team’s total for the round. The team with the lowest total score is the winner.

• If teams finish with the same total score, a hole number is selected at random, and the scores from that hole are compared under the local rule. If the scores are still tied, the comparison continues hole by hole until the tie is decided. To maintain the pace of play, teams may stop play after making a bogey.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi