What Is Texas Scramble in Golf? Format, Rules & Strategy Guide

TL;DR

Texas Scramble is a team golf format where players hit, pick the best shot, and all play from that spot, recording one score per hole.

Key Takeaways

• Texas Scramble = team format, usually 2–4 players
• Best-shot selection on every stroke
• All players hit from the chosen spot until holed
• One score per hole for the entire team
• Handicaps may apply, often as a % of combined total
• Popular in charity, club, and corporate events
• Not an official tournament format, governed by local rules

What Is Texas Scramble?

Texas Scramble is a team golf format where players hit from the same spot, pick the best shot, and all play from there until the hole is finished.

Format Overview

• Team size: Usually 2–4 players
• Tee shots: Everyone tees off
• Choose the best ball: Team picks the best shot
• Play from same spot: All players hit the next shot from that chosen location
• Repeat: Continue selecting the best shot until the ball is holed
• Score: Record a single team score per hole

Key Features

• Team-oriented and beginner-friendly
• Strategic: teams decide shot order and positioning
• Fast-paced: fewer total shots than stroke play
• Often includes rules like “use at least 3 drives per player”
• Handicap may be applied using a percentage of combined handicaps

Texas Scramble is especially popular in charity tournaments, corporate outings, and club events, where fun, teamwork, and pace of play matter more than individual scoring.

How Texas Scramble Works (Step-by-Step)

Texas Scramble is played by selecting the best shot after each stroke and having all players play their next shot from that spot, repeating until the hole is completed. Here’s a 6-step breakdown of how a typical hole is played in Texas Scramble:

Step 1: All players tee off

Everyone in the team hits a tee shot.

Step 2: Choose the best shot

The team selects the most favorable shot based on position, distance, or lie.

Step 3: Mark the chosen spot

The selected ball’s location is marked; all players place their balls within one club length (same cut of grass).

Step 4: All players hit from that spot

Each teammate plays their next shot from the chosen position.

Step 5: Repeat the process

After each round of shots, the team again selects the best result and continues.

Step 6: Complete the hole

The team continues this process until one ball is holed, and that score is recorded as the team’s score for the hole.

This format continues for all 18 holes, encouraging collaboration, strategy, and efficient play.

Rules of Texas Scramble

Texas Scramble is not governed by the official Rules of Golf, but most events follow a common set of local rules to ensure fairness, flow, and fun. Below are the standard rules typically used in this format:

Core Rules

• Team size: Usually 2 to 4 players per team.
• Tee shots: All players tee off on every hole.
• Shot selection: After each shot, the team chooses the best ball to play next.
• Ball placement: All players place their balls within one club length of the chosen shot, no closer to the hole, and within the same cut of grass (fairway, rough, etc.).
• Scoring: Only one score is recorded per hole, based on the best ball holed.

Common Additional Rules

• Minimum tee shots per player: Events often require each team member to contribute a minimum number of drives (e.g., 3 or 4) during the round.
• Putting: All players may putt from the selected ball’s location. In some formats, the player whose shot is chosen may be required to putt first or sit out the next shot.
• No mulligans: Once a shot is played, it counts—unless the event specifically allows mulligans or re-dos.

Handicap Use

If handicaps are used, organizers may apply one of the following methods:

• 10% of the total combined team handicap.
• A weighted system (e.g., 25% for player A, 20% for player B, etc.).
• Averaged or adjusted handicaps, depending on team size and format.

Official Golf Rules Still Apply

While Texas Scramble is not an official format in the Rules of Golf, several standard rules still apply during play. Players should be aware of the following:

Rule 6.3c: Wrong Ball

Each player must ensure they hit their own ball when playing from the chosen position. Playing a wrong ball results in penalty strokes.

Rule 14.1c: Marking and Replacing Ball

The chosen ball must be marked before it is lifted. When placing balls near that spot, players must follow proper placement procedures.

Rule 14.2b: Placing a Ball

When placing a ball (rather than dropping), it must be set down on the ground within one club length of the chosen spot, maintaining the same lie condition (e.g. fairway, rough).

Rule 14.3: Dropping ball in Relief Area

If a local rule or situation requires dropping instead of placing, the ball must be dropped correctly (from knee height, no nearer the hole, within the relief area).

Rule 9.4: Ball Moved by Player

If a ball at rest is accidentally moved, proper procedures must be followed, including penalties if required.

Rule 1.2: Standards of Player Conduct

All players must maintain honesty, pace of play, and consideration for others, even in informal or team-based formats.

For full details, visit the official USGA Rules page: https://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-clarifications/rules-and-clarifications.html

Strategy Tips for Playing Texas Scramble

To play Texas Scramble effectively, focus on smart tee shot order, playing to team strengths, clear communication, strategic ball positioning, managing approach risks, thoughtful putting, and tracking required tee shots.

Plan Tee Shot Order Wisely

Start with your most accurate driver to ensure a safe ball in play.

Let power hitters swing freely once a safe ball is down.

Rotate tee order based on hole layout or wind conditions.

Play to Strengths

Use long hitters for distance and strong iron players for approach shots.

Let confident putters go last, so they can read others’ lines.

Assign roles: e.g., one player always plays aggressively, another conservatively.

Communicate Clearly

Discuss shot options, lie conditions, and club choices as a team.

Always confirm the chosen ball and its position before placing.

Position the Ball Strategically

Choose shots that give everyone a good angle or stance, not just the longest.

Avoid lies in divots, heavy rough, or uneven slopes, even if they’re longer.

Minimize Risk on Approach

If the hole is reachable in two, let one or two players lay up for safety.

Use safer players to set up low-risk pars before others go for birdie.

Take Putting Seriously

Treat every putt like it matters, multiple looks help read greens.

If you have four putters, consider using the weakest putter first to give the others a read.

Track Required Tee Shots

If the format requires using each player’s tee shot a set number of times, keep track throughout the round to avoid rule violations.

Pros and Cons of Texas Scramble

Texas Scramble offers teamwork, beginner-friendliness, faster pace, social fun, and reduced pressure, but sacrifices individual testing, balance, official status, variety, and high challenge.

Pros of Texas Scramble

• Teamwork-focused: Players collaborate and make joint decisions on every shot.
• Beginner-friendly: Weaker players can contribute without pressure.
• Faster pace: Fewer bad shots and faster decisions speed up the round.
• Social and fun: Ideal for charity events, corporate outings, and club tournaments.
• Less pressure: One poor shot doesn’t ruin the hole, mistakes are shared.

Cons of Texas Scramble

• Less individual performance: Personal skill isn’t always reflected in the score.
• Stronger players carry the team: Imbalance can lead to unfair results.
• Not used in official tournaments: It’s a casual format with no pro-level play.
• Can feel repetitive: Strategy often becomes predictable over 18 holes.
• Lower difficulty for skilled players: May lack competitive challenge.

Texas Scramble vs Other Scramble Formats

Texas Scramble, Standard Scramble, Florida Scramble, and Ambrose Scramble all follow the basic “select best shot and play from there” concept, but each has its own twist in rules and strategy. Here’s how they compare:

Format	Shot Selection	Player Rotation	Handicap Use	Typical Use Case
Texas Scramble	Best ball each shot	All play every shot	Optional	Club events, charity rounds
Standard Scramble	Best ball each shot	All play every shot	Rarely used	Fun/social rounds
Florida Scramble	Best ball each shot	Chooser skips next shot	Optional	Balanced casual competition
Ambrose Scramble	Best ball each shot	All play every shot	Adjusted handicaps	Handicap-balanced events

Texas Scramble

All players hit, the best shot is selected, and everyone plays from that spot. Some formats require a minimum number of tee shots per player.

Standard Scramble

The most basic version, same as Texas Scramble but usually without drive usage requirements. No restrictions on how many times a player’s shot can be chosen.

Florida Scramble (Step-Aside Scramble)

After selecting the best shot, the player whose shot was chosen must sit out the next stroke. Promotes equal participation and balances team contribution.

Ambrose Scramble

Similar to Texas Scramble but includes handicap adjustments. Team handicap is calculated using a set formula (often a percentage of combined handicaps), making it more suitable for mixed-ability groups.

Where Is Texas Scramble Played?

Texas Scramble is commonly played in charity tournaments, corporate outings, club events, social golf days, and casual weekend rounds, any setting where fun, pace, and teamwork are priorities.

• Charity tournaments: Ideal for fundraisers where inclusiveness and speed of play are important.
• Corporate and team-building outings: Encourages collaboration, communication, and shared success on the course.
• Club competitions: Popular for mixed-format days or events welcoming new members.
• Social or family rounds: A great way for mixed-skill players to enjoy a pressure-free game together.
• Beginner-friendly events: Makes it easy for newcomers to contribute without feeling overwhelmed.

Texas Scramble is especially effective when the goal is inclusion, enjoyment, and pace over individual scoring, which is why it’s rarely seen in professional or ranked amateur competition.

Common Mistakes in Texas Scramble

Common mistakes in Texas Scramble include forgetting required tee shots, poor ball selection, lack of communication, weak putt strategy, and not playing to each player’s strengths.

• Not tracking required tee shots: Many events require each player to contribute a minimum number of drives (e.g., 3-4). Forgetting this can lead to penalties or disqualification.
• Choosing the longest shot over the best position: Teams often pick the furthest shot instead of one with a better lie, angle, or green approach.
• Poor communication on shot strategy: Teams that don’t discuss shot order, club selection, or ball placement often make rushed or inconsistent decisions.
• Relying too heavily on strong players: Letting one or two teammates dominate every choice limits development and can hurt morale.
• Wasting early putts: Players may rush or not take early putts seriously, losing valuable reads for the final putter.
• Misplacing the ball after selection: Failing to mark the original spot or placing the ball too far from it can violate rules and affect performance.

Avoiding these mistakes helps teams play more efficiently, stay within event rules, and make the most of everyone’s skills.

FAQs About Texas Scramble

What is the difference between Texas Scramble and regular Scramble?

Texas Scramble usually includes drive usage requirements (e.g., each player must use 3 tee shots), while regular Scramble typically has no such rule. Otherwise, both follow the same best-shot format.

How many players are on a Texas Scramble team?

Most teams have 2 to 4 players, with 4 being the most common in charity and club events.

Does Texas Scramble use handicaps?

It can. Some events apply a percentage of the team’s total handicap or use a weighted formula to level the playing field.

Can beginners play Texas Scramble?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly formats, since weaker players can contribute without pressure.

Is Texas Scramble an official golf format?

No. Texas Scramble is not recognized in official USGA or R&A competitions, but it’s widely used in social, charity, and corporate events.

How do you score in Texas Scramble?

Only one team score per hole is recorded, based on the ball that is holed after following the best-shot sequence.