Major Misconception - Scramble Vs. Best Ball - VIP Golf Services

Scramble

In a “Scramble” format the players or designated team captain decide after each shot which one the best shot is. To start, each player hits a shot off the tee on every hole. After designating the best shot, each player on the team plays their next shot from that spot; within one club length no closer to the hole. The group then plays this way until the ball is holed out with each golfer hitting, pitching, chipping, or putting from the same spot. The group takes a score at the end of each hole based on the single best shots from each position on that hole. Some of the factors are longest drive, best position for approach shot, easiest putt, etc. So in other words if Player A hits the better drive, Players B-D pick up and go to the Player A’s drive and hit from there. If then, Player B hits the closer iron shot to the pin, Players A, C, & D would play from Player B’s position on the green until the ball is holed out. Each person on the team gets to hit from each position. Scrambles are more popular in corporate events where handicaps are not a concern; you are there to win, but have fun at the same time. You can sometimes buy “mulligans” at registration which allow players to hit additional shots. Mulligans are not free strokes, they are additional attempts at a location on the course. For instance if your foursome has a six foot putt for birdie and no one makes it, anyone in the group can elect to take a “mulligan” and roll another one. If the person who elected to use a mulligan does not make it, the group can elect to take anther one or simply take their original score of par as their team score. If the mulligan putt falls in, then the group would get a birdie and can no longer use that mulligan on a future hole.

Best Ball

In a “Best Ball” format, each player plays their own ball throughout each hole. The team’s score for the hole is the lowest score shot by a single team member on that hole. So in other words, if Player A and Player B are partners and one makes a four and the other a five with their own balls respectively, then the group takes a four for that hole as their team score. Handicaps can be used in this format to make it more fair for everyone. This format is a little more serious as everyone gets to play their ball for a full 18 holes; usually for the more serious of golfers or tournaments/events.

Hit it pure!

Justin RubensteinVIP Golf ServicesPresident/CEO/CFO

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