What Is A Texas Scramble?

Texas Scramble, which is also called a ‘Scramble’, is one of the most popular golf formats – one that can be played in teams of twos, threes and fours.

Most golf clubs will have a Texas Scramble or two in the calendar, and they’re usually well attended because the format is generally less punishing and it gives everyone in the team a chance to make a contribution.

There are different forms of a ‘Scramble’ but a Texas, in its purest, simplest form means all members of the team get the chance to hit every shot.

After every player has teed off, the team decides which shot to take – which is usually, but not always, the best one (more on that below).

All members of the team place their golf balls where the chosen tee shot ended up, and from there they all play the second shot.

This process is repeated until the ball is holed. Each team returns one score for each hole and the team with the lowest score for the round wins. If your team isn't making birdies, you're probably not going to finish in the prizes!

Some forms of Texas Scramble have additional rules. For example, to avoid a situation where one player, such as a scratch golfer, hits all the shots, there may be a rule in place that says each player must hit three (counting) tee shots, which is typical in a four-player Texas.

This is where tactics come into play. For example, if your poor driver/high handicap player hits a drive 150 yards (short but in play) early in the round, it’s often a good idea to take it to avoid a situation where they need to hit one more drive with the final tee shot.

Another variation is that the person whose shot you decide to take cannot play the next shot, whatever that is (drive, approach, putt). Thus, if John, Steve, Laura and Rachel are playing together and John‘s drive is selected, only Steve, Laura and Rachel can play the second shots.

The aim of these modifications is to keep all players involved. In pure Texas Scramble, in theory, one player could play every shot that counts. For some, the attraction of Texas Scramble is precisely that one or two players can carry a team.

For this reason, Texas Scramble is often used for charity events and when several of the golfers may be rookies or very out of practice.

Scramble is most often played in threes and fours in strokeplay or Stableford, but can also be played in pairs as either strokeplay, Stableford or even matchplay.

One of the most appealing aspects of the format is that golfers with less ability/beginners can join in with little fear of embarrassment or of being a burden to other players. With more than one ball in play, the chances are the odd stray shot isn’t going to be too costly.

Not everyone is a fan, however. Golf Monthly deputy editor, Joel Tadman, insists Texas Scramble “is not proper golf”. “Call me a traditionalist, but I like to play my ball where it lies,” he says.

“If I hit my longest ever drive, I want to reap the rewards of that and if I hit a bad drive, I want the opportunity to make amends with an exquisite recovery shot. But in a scramble, this luxury is often taken away from you.”

Make of that what you will, but it sounds like Joel just isn’t a team player.

Why Is It Called A Texas Scramble?

Originally, Texas Scramble was known as Captain’s Choice. In the 1950s, the format became extremely popular in Texas, America, hence why it then became known as a Texas Scramble.

What Other Golf Formats Can You Play?

There are lots of other fun golf formats that you can play, aside from Texas Scramble, including Bingo, Bango, Bongo, Nassau, Stringball, Pink/Yellow Ball, 6-6-6, Snake, 3-Club Challenge, Herman Sherman, and Worst Ball.