Playing in a scramble tourney.

[tonyy]

I'm going to be playing in a scramble tournament soon and I've never played this before. I'm familiar with how it works but is it fun? This isn't a "serious" tournament. It's for fun and there will be prizes and such.

I guess a scramble is geared more for all levels of golfers?

[immts007]

I've played two, and I think they are loads of fun. Everyone hits a drive, the best drive is selected, and everyone hits their next shot from there and so on, until the ball drops in the cup. Sometimes there is a rule that at least one drive, approach, and putt must be used from each team member per side.

It's not serious golf - but it can be a very good, low-pressure, good time for golfers of all skill levels.

[tonyy]

That's what I figured. Low pressure, fun yet competitive golf. How does scoring work? Strokes total for each team? We're having 6 teams of 4 players.

[immts007]

That's what I figured. Low pressure, fun yet competitive golf. How does scoring work? Strokes total for each team? We're having 6 teams of 4 players.

Yeah, each team is one player. Basically. I'm sure there are variations.

[JaY_B]

In terms of fun, a Scramble is my favourite event.

Basically a scramble works like this (assuming a team of 4), each player drives off the tee, the team chooses the best ball, mark it and all hit shots from that point and this continues until completion of the hole.

My club introduces a local rule saying that each player must have at least 4 drives used in the round which increases the challenge.

[alf174]

They are a blast but its just for fun. I play a small mixed couples 9 hole scramble every Wednesday night and low score last night was -3. The last big one I attended was part of a fundraiser and we had 54 foursomes, low score was -22 (yeah right!). Both events we consumed lots of beer.

[Slim 11]

They are a blast but its just for fun. I play a small mixed couples 9 hole scramble every Wednesday night and low score last night was -3. The last big one I attended was part of a fundraiser and we had 54 foursomes, low score was -22 (yeah right!). Both events we consumed lots of beer.

That's the one problem with scrambles. You tend to have a few teams that card "questionable" scores.

I still enjoy playing them, though

[JaY_B]

My team of junior single figure handicaps last year had a gross 15 under, this year, myself, a pro, a bloke off 11 and a bloke off 18 had a gross 11 under, both of these scores were with the 4 drives at least each rule, me and the pro played really well, the two others played awful lol.

[alf174]

That's the one problem with scrambles. You tend to have a few teams that card "questionable" scores.

yeah, you can't win those and thats why the first place prizes are nothing special. Its a fundraiser and thats the main focus.

Across the street from my work the GC features a "big" money scramble twice a year that has a $10,000 payout for the first place team - entry is $200 / man. I'm pretty certain that each team will have a assigned scorekeeper to make it fair. Teams will no doubt be stacked.

[geezer]

yeah, you can't win those and thats why the first place prizes are nothing special. Its a fundraiser and thats the main focus.

So they're not amateurs then?

[alf174]

So they're not amateurs then?

I haven't attended but haven't read about any restrictions either. Here is the link to the one coming up this fall:

http://www.northvillehillsgolfclub.com/?page=10&id;=27

[JaY_B]

So they're not amateurs then?

Good point, unless there are ways round the max payout to amateurs rule.... which I am unaware of, maybe a link through charity or something. And... low scores are very possible in a scramble, you shouldn't really doubt the scores, if you have a team of 4 single figure players playing well 22 under is a possibility.

[geezer]

3-2. Prize Limits a. General An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions. Exception: A prize, including a cash prize, for a hole-in-one made while playing golf may exceed the above prize limit.

And heres the linky for your own perusal:

LINK

[Bump-n-MI]

And... low scores are very possible in a scramble, you shouldn't really doubt the scores, if you have a team of 4 single figure players playing well 22 under is a possibility.

True, I've been playing with the same guys for over 10 years at a scramble here

http://www.raisinrivergolf.com …..most of the time we achieve our goal of 22 under. The others in my group are great sticks.

[alf174]

True, I've been playing with the same guys for over 10 years at a scramble here

one of my favorite tracks - even the west side

[Bump-n-MI]

one of my favorite tracks - even the west side

Definitely prefer the east. I only play it once a year because I live about 80 miles from the course.

[goblue107501]

Across the street from my work the GC features a "big" money scramble twice a year that has a $10,000 payout for the first place team - entry is $200 / man. I'm pretty certain that each team will have a assigned scorekeeper to make it fair. Teams will no doubt be stacked.

This would be a lot of fun. I have played in a few scramble tournaments for cash prizes before, but not to this scale.

So they're not amateurs then?

I don't think it really matters. If you win money, you probably couldn't be considered an amateur anymore. But for the most part, unless you compete striclty as an amateur in certain events, does it really matter? I have neither the skill or desire to compete as an amateur, so if I hold that status it is only because I haven't played and won enough events with cash prizes.

Back to the original post...Scrambles are a lot of fun. I'll play in 4-5 a year. In a four person format just go out an make as many birdies and eagles as you can. Unless you have people who aren't any good at all, you probably won't (and shouldn't) even look at a bogey.