Ever joined a golf event and had no idea what format you were playing?
Scramble? Best ball? Sounds like brunch options, not golf. But these two popular formats show up all the time in charity outings, work events and casual weekend tournaments. They sound similar, but they play very differently.
Let’s break down what each one means, how they work, and which format suits different types of players and groups.
What is a scramble?
A scramble is one of the most beginner-friendly and team-oriented formats in golf. Here’s how it works:
- Everyone in the group (usually 2, 3, or 4 players) hits a tee shot
- The group picks the best shot of the bunch
- From that spot, everyone hits again
- This process repeats until the ball is in the hole
At the end of the hole, the team records one single score, which reflects the best possible outcome using everyone’s shots.
Why people love it:
- You can have a bad hole and it won’t hurt the score
- It (some times) speeds up play
- It keeps pressure low for newer or less confident players
- Everyone contributes in different ways (good drives, great putts, clutch chips)
Typical scoring: Gross or net team score, depending on the event. Handicap adjustments can be made using a team average or percentage system.
Common in:
- Charity outings
- Corporate golf days
- Large tournaments where fun and pace of play matter more than pure competition
Example: You and three friends tee off. One crushes a drive 270 yards down the middle, so you all pick that shot. From there, everyone hits their approach. One sticks it to 10 feet. You all putt from there. One person makes the birdie. That’s a team birdie and you move to the next hole.
What is best ball?
Best ball is more individual within a team structure. It’s still a team format, but the strategy and pressure shift a bit. Here’s how it works:
- Everyone plays their own ball from tee to green
- At the end of each hole, the best individual score among the team counts as the team score for that hole
So if you’re playing in a two-person best ball and you make a 5 while your partner makes a 3, your team score is a 3.
Why people like it:
- Each golfer plays their own game
- Good players can carry the team but weaker players still contribute
- It rewards consistency but allows for some recovery
Typical scoring: Can be gross or net, depending on the event. Handicap strokes are often applied hole-by-hole to make things fair.
Common in:
- Member-guest tournaments
- Competitive team play
- Leagues and club events with a mix of skill levels
Example: You’re playing best ball with a buddy. On a par 4, you both tee off. You make bogey, your partner makes par. Your team score is par. On the next hole, you birdie while they make double bogey. Your birdie stands. Both scores matter, but only the lowest one counts each hole.
Key differences
| Feature | Scramble | Best Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Do players hit their own shots? | Yes, but only after choosing the best previous shot | Yes, every player plays every shot |
| How is the score recorded? | One single team score per hole | Best individual score per hole is used |
| Skill level impact | Easier for beginners, team carries each other | Each player’s performance matters more |
| Pressure level | Low pressure, forgiving | Higher pressure, especially if teammates are struggling |
| Time per round | Generally faster | Can take longer, especially with 4 players all playing their own ball |
Which format is better?
It depends on the occasion and who you’re playing with.
Scramble is best when:
- You’re playing with mixed skill levels
- You want to keep things light and fun
- Time is a concern
- It’s a large group or charity event
- You’re introducing new players to golf
Best ball is better when:
- You want more traditional golf with a team twist
- You’re playing competitively
- Everyone is comfortable playing their own ball
- You want to compare scores and test individual performance within a team format
Can these formats be combined?
Yes, and they often are. Some tournaments use what’s called a scramble on the front nine and best ball on the back. Others might do shamble formats, where everyone tees off, selects the best drive, and then plays their own ball into the hole from that spot. These hybrids blend the relaxed pace of scramble with the individual challenge of best ball.
Final thoughts: know before you tee it up
If you’re heading to an event or tournament, take a second to confirm the format. It’ll help you show up prepared and avoid any confusion when scoring starts.
Scramble and best ball both offer fun ways to compete as a team. Whether you’re leaning on your buddies for every shot or playing your own ball with confidence, the right format makes all the difference.
Let’s hear from you
Have a favorite format? Do you love the low pressure of a scramble or the test of best ball? Share your stories, victories, or wild shots that helped your team out of a jam. We want to hear how you play team golf.