Best Ball And Scramble in Golf:Which Format Suits Your Game?

Have you ever watched a professional team golf event and wondered how exactly those formats work? Or perhaps you’re planning a charity or corporate golf outing and need to decide which format would create the most enjoyable experience for players of varying skill levels? Team golf formats like Best Ball and Scramble add an exciting social dimension to the game while creating opportunities for players of all abilities to contribute to their team’s success.

By Golf Expert, we’ll explore the key differences between Best Ball and Scramble formats, when to use each, how they affect pace of play, and which might be best suited for your next golf outing. Whether you’re a tournament organizer, a weekend golfer looking to try something new, or simply curious about how team golf works, this article will equip you with expert knowledge to enhance your golfing experience.

What is a Best Ball Format in Golf?

Best Ball is a popular team format where each player competes with their own ball throughout the entire round, but only the lowest score among team members counts for each hole.

How Best Ball Works: The Basics

In a Best Ball format, each golfer plays their own ball from tee to green, just as they would in a standard individual round. After all players have completed the hole, the team records the lowest score achieved by any team member as their team score for that hole.

For example, if Player A scores a 5, Player B scores a 4, Player C scores a 6, and Player D scores a 4, the team would record a score of 4 for that hole.

Common Best Ball Variations

Several variations of Best Ball exist, each with slight modifications to the basic format:

• Four-Ball: A two-person team format where the lowest score between the two partners counts for each hole. This is the variant used in professional competitions like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
  
• 1-2-3 Best Ball: In this three-person format, one best ball counts on par 5s, two best balls count on par 4s, and three best balls count on par 3s.
  
• 2 Best Balls of 4: In this four-person format, the two lowest scores among the four team members count for each hole.
  

Advantages of Best Ball

Best Ball offers several advantages that make it appealing for various types of golf events:

• Individual Accountability: Each player is responsible for their own ball from tee to green, maintaining the integrity of individual play.
  
• Strategic Flexibility: Players can take calculated risks knowing their teammates provide a backup if things go wrong.
  
• Competitive Balance: Handicaps can be easily applied, making it suitable for competitions among players of different skill levels.
  
• Pace of Play: Generally faster than individual stroke play since players can pick up once they can no longer contribute to the team score.
  

When to Choose Best Ball

Best Ball is particularly well-suited for:

• Club Championships: When you want to maintain the integrity of individual play while adding a team element.
• Member-Guest Tournaments: Where players of varying abilities compete together.
• League Play: For regular competitions where tracking individual performance over time is important.
• Skilled Players: Groups where most players can reliably complete holes without major difficulties.

As Dan Jenkins, legendary golf writer, once noted: “Best Ball separates the golfers from the golf-swing makers.” This format rewards consistency and the ability to deliver under pressure, as each player knows their score might be the one that counts.

What is a Scramble Format in Golf?

The Scramble format represents the ultimate team collaboration in golf, where players work together to produce the best possible score on each stroke.

How Scrambles Work: The Basics

In a Scramble, all team members tee off on each hole. The team then selects the best shot among them, and all players play their next shots from that location. This process continues until the ball is holed.

Let’s visualize this process:

1. All four team members hit their tee shots
2. The team selects the most advantageous ball position
3. All four players hit their second shots from this position
4. The team again selects the best result
5. This continues until the ball is holed

Common Scramble Variations

The Scramble format has spawned several popular variations:

• Texas Scramble: Each player must contribute a minimum number of tee shots (typically 3-4 in an 18-hole round).
  
• Florida Scramble: After the best shot is selected, the player whose shot was chosen sits out the next shot.
  
• Las Vegas Scramble: Team uses a dice roll to determine which drive to use rather than selecting the best one.
  
• Bramble: Combines elements of Scramble and Best Ball—all players tee off, best drive is selected, then each player plays their own ball from that position to completion.
  

Advantages of Scrambles

Scrambles offer distinct benefits that make them extremely popular for certain types of events:

• Inclusive Participation: All skill levels can contribute meaningfully to the team.
  
• Faster Play: Generally results in quicker rounds as only one ball is in play after each shot selection.
  
• Lower Scores: Teams typically post scores well below what individual players would shoot, creating a positive experience.
  
• Team Building: Encourages strategy discussions and collaborative decision-making.
  

When to Choose Scrambles

Scrambles are ideal for:

• Charity Events: Where fun and participation are prioritized over competitive outcomes.
• Corporate Outings: Where many participants may be occasional golfers.
• Beginner-Friendly Events: When you want to ensure everyone enjoys the experience regardless of skill level.
• Social Gatherings: Where the focus is on camaraderie rather than individual performance.

Jack Nicklaus once said about scrambles: “It’s the format that lets the weekend golfer feel like a pro for a day.” This sentiment captures why scrambles remain the go-to format for events focused on fun and inclusion.

Direct Comparison: Best Ball vs Scrambles

Understanding the key differences between these formats will help you make an informed choice for your next golf event.

Skill Level Considerations

Best Ball:

• Requires each player to manage their own game
• Better suited for intermediate to advanced players
• Can be frustrating for beginners who struggle to contribute
• Handicap friendly and can level the playing field

Scrambles:

• Perfect for mixed skill levels
• Beginners can contribute key putts or occasional great shots
• Advanced players can consistently provide reliable options
• Less pressure on any individual player

Pace of Play Impact

Best Ball:

• Typically takes longer than Scrambles
• Multiple balls in play throughout the hole
• Can slow down if players search for lost balls
• Usually faster than individual stroke play

Scrambles:

• Generally the fastest team format
• Only one ball in play after each shot selection
• Minimal time spent searching for balls
• Can complete rounds 30-45 minutes faster than Best Ball

Scoring Expectations

Best Ball:

• Scores typically 5-10 strokes below the best individual player’s normal score
• More reflective of genuine golf ability
• Rewards consistency and reliable play
• Creates natural competitive balance

Scrambles:

• Scores often 10-15 strokes below the best player’s normal score
• Can produce unusually low scores (sometimes below 60)
• May require adjustments or handicapping for fair competition
• Creates a positive experience with lower-than-normal scores

Team Dynamics

Best Ball:

• More individual focus with team outcome
• Players can recover from others’ mistakes
• Creates “clutch performer” moments
• Allows different strategies for different team members

Scrambles:

• Highly collaborative on every shot
• Encourages discussion and strategy
• Creates genuine team atmosphere
• Leverages each player’s strengths

Strategic Tips for Both Formats

Whether you’re playing Best Ball or Scrambles, these format-specific strategies can help your team perform at its best.

Best Ball Strategy Tips

1. Play to your strengths: Team members should play their normal game rather than trying to do too much.
   
2. Calculated risk-taking: Once a good score is “in the bank” for a hole, other team members can be more aggressive.
   
3. Order of play matters: Consider having your most consistent player go last, allowing them to adjust their strategy based on teammates’ results.
   
4. Course management: Discuss hole strategies before teeing off to ensure team members understand the priorities.
   
5. Mental approach: Stay positive even when your score isn’t counting—your next hole might be critical.
   

Golf instructor David Leadbetter advises: “In Best Ball, you’re playing your own game, but with awareness of the team situation. It’s about knowing when to play safe and when you have freedom to attack.”

Scramble Strategy Tips

1. Order of play: Have your less experienced players hit first, allowing better players to adjust and execute with knowledge of previous shots.
   
2. Tee shot strategy: Designated long hitters should hit last, allowing them to be aggressive after a safe shot is secured.
   
3. Play percentage golf: Don’t always select the longest drive—sometimes position is more important than distance.
   
4. Putting approach: Have your best putter go last after seeing the line from teammates’ attempts.
   
5. Specialty shots: Identify team members with particular strengths (bunker play, short game, etc.) and leverage these skills.
   

As PGA Tour winner Brandt Snedeker notes: “The key to scrambles is having a plan. Know who’s good at what before you start, and stick to that plan under pressure.”

How to Organize a Best Ball or Scramble Tournament

Planning a successful golf tournament requires attention to detail and clear communication with participants.

Tournament Planning Essentials

1. Clear rules communication: Provide written rules specific to your chosen format.
   
2. Team composition: Consider creating balanced teams if skill levels vary widely.
   
3. Handicap application: Decide how handicaps will be applied (if at all).
   
4. Scoring systems: Prepare appropriate scorecards for your format.
   
5. Pace of play guidelines: Set expectations for round duration.
   

Format-Specific Tournament Tips

For Best Ball Events:

• Clearly specify which variation you’re using (Four-Ball, 2 of 4, etc.)
• Explain handicap application method
• Consider allowing players to pick up after they can no longer contribute
• Provide guidance on when conceded putts are appropriate

For Scramble Events:

• Specify any minimum drive requirements
• Clarify placement rules (within one club length, same cut of grass, etc.)
• Consider implementing a handicap system to level competition
• Prepare for faster play with appropriate starting times

Tournament Enhancements

Regardless of format, these additions can elevate your event:

• On-course contests: Longest drive, closest to the pin, etc.
• Mixed format options: Consider a “6-6-6” event with 6 holes each of Scramble, Best Ball, and Alternate Shot
• Technology integration: Use mobile scoring apps for real-time leaderboards
• Post-round activities: Plan appropriate celebration/awards ceremonies

FAQs About Best Ball and Scramble Formats

What is the difference between Best Ball and Better Ball?

While often used interchangeably, technically “Better Ball” refers specifically to a two-person team format where the lower score counts, while “Best Ball” can refer to teams of any size. In practice, most golfers use “Best Ball” for both scenarios.

How do handicaps work in Best Ball?

In handicapped Best Ball competitions, each player receives their full course handicap (or a percentage, depending on the rules). Players then apply their strokes on holes according to the handicap allocation on the scorecard.

How do handicaps work in Scrambles?

Scramble handicapping varies widely but commonly involves taking a percentage of the team’s combined handicap (often 10-20% of the total). Some events use more complex formulas based on team composition.

Which format is better for beginners?

Scrambles are generally more beginner-friendly as they allow less experienced players to contribute without the pressure of completing every hole individually. The collaborative nature helps beginners learn while still enjoying the round.

How many players are ideal for each format?

Best Ball typically works well with 2-4 players per team, with four-person teams being common in amateur events. Scrambles are most commonly played with four-person teams but can accommodate 2-6 players if necessary.

Can these formats be combined?

Yes! Hybrid formats like the Shamble (Scramble off the tee, then Best Ball to finish) or the Bramble (mentioned earlier) combine elements of both formats for unique playing experiences.

Which format do professional golfers use?

Professional team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup use Four-Ball (a type of Best Ball) along with Foursomes (alternate shot). Professional scramble events are rare because the format de-emphasizes individual skill.

My Opinion: Choosing the Right Format for Your Golf Event

Both Best Ball and Scramble formats offer unique benefits and opportunities for enjoyable team golf experiences. Your choice should align with your event goals and participant profiles:

• Choose Best Ball when: You want to maintain the integrity of individual play, participants are mostly experienced golfers, or you’re organizing a more competitive event.
  
• Choose Scrambles when: Fun and inclusion are top priorities, participants have widely varying skill levels, or pace of play is a significant concern.
  

Remember that the ultimate goal of any golf format is to create an enjoyable experience that brings players back to the course. By understanding the nuances of Best Ball and Scrambles, you can select the format that best serves your specific situation.

Whether you’re teeing it up in your club championship or organizing a charity fundraiser, these team formats add variety and social engagement to the game we all love. So gather your team, choose your format, and enjoy the unique challenges and rewards that team golf provides!