How Texas Scramble Works
Never played before? No worries — it's one of the most enjoyable formats in golf and perfect for a charity day!
What is Texas Scramble?
Texas Scramble is a team format where all four players in your team play each shot, and then the team picks the best ball from the four. Everyone then plays their next shot from where that best ball landed. This continues until the ball is holed.
It's a fantastic format because even if you hit a bad shot, one of your teammates will probably hit a good one! It takes the pressure off individual players and makes for a really fun, social round.
Step by Step
Everyone Tees Off
All four players hit their tee shot.
Pick the Best Ball
The team decides which tee shot is in the best position.
Everyone Plays From There
All four players pick up their balls and play their next shot from as close as possible to the chosen ball, without gaining an advantage (no nearer the hole).
Repeat Until Holed
Keep picking the best shot and playing from there until the ball is in the hole. Record the team score for that hole.
Important: 4-Drive Minimum Rule
Each player in the team must have at least 4 of their tee shots (drives) used during the round.
This means you can't just rely on your best driver all day! With 18 holes and 4 players, each person needs a minimum of 4 drives selected. This adds a tactical element — you'll need to think about which holes to use each player's drive on.
💡 Tip: Keep a tally of whose drives you've used. With 18 holes split between 4 players (4 drives each = 16 minimum), you have 2 "free choice" drives to use tactically on the toughest holes.
How Scoring Works
Your team records one score per hole — the total number of shots it took from tee to hole using the scramble format. Your team's handicap allowance is calculated from all four players' individual handicaps using the WHS formula, and this is subtracted from your gross total to give a net score.
Don't worry about handicaps!
Just enter your gross score (the actual number of shots your team took on each hole). The app automatically applies the slope rating, calculates each player's course handicap, works out your team handicap, and subtracts it from your gross total to give your net score. You don't need to do any maths!
Team Handicap = 25% of lowest + 20% of second + 15% of third + 10% of highest course handicap (calculated automatically)
Tips for Newcomers
- •Don't worry about your ability! In a scramble, you always play from the best shot, so even beginners contribute to the team.
- •Play quickly and have fun. Pick up your ball once the team has chosen the best shot — no need to finish out your own ball.
- •Communicate with your team. Discuss which shot to pick and plan your 4-drive strategy early in the round.
- •Place your ball as close as possible to the chosen ball without gaining an advantage, no nearer the hole. You don't have to place it in exactly the same spot.
- •On the green, place your ball as close as possible to the chosen ball position without gaining an advantage.
- •Hazards: If the chosen best ball is in a hazard (bunker, rough, etc.), the first player plays the ball as it lies. All other players place their balls in the same area without gaining an obvious advantage.
- •Enjoy the day! This is a charity event — the most important thing is to have a great time and support a fantastic cause.
Win Prizes on the Day!
As well as the main team competition, there are individual prizes up for grabs — £10 entry each. Enter on the day or pre-pay online!
Nearest the Pin — Holes 2, 5, 13, 15
Get closest to the pin on the par 3s. One entry covers all 4 holes!
Nearest the Gin — Holes 2, 5, 13, 15
A bottle of gin is placed away from the flag to catch a slice, hook, or unlucky tee shot. Nearest the bottle wins the gin! Please leave the gin in situ!
Longest Drive — Hole 11
Unleash your biggest drive on hole 11. Longest straight drive wins!
Nearest the Pin in 2 — Hole 6
Get closest to the pin in just 2 shots. Precision and power combined!
Texas Hold'em Poker — All round
£10 for cash prize! Collect cards at the start, add at the halfway house, final card at the clubhouse. One last chance to swap a card or two at the end (for a small donation).
Remember
This is a charity day in support of Home Instead Charities. Every pound raised goes towards supporting older people in our community. Have fun, play fair, and enjoy the day!