Golf Scramble vs Best Ball Formats

Scramble and best ball are two different formats used in recreational golf matches. These formats are not used in professional play, but are commonly used recreationally and at international tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and President’s Cup.

A scramble is when a team picks the best shot, and then each person plays from there. Best ball is when each team member plays their own ball for the entire hole, and the best score is used. 

Golf is usually an individual sport, but if you are playing with a group and want to turn it into a team game, playing either best ball or scramble formats are entertaining ways to do so. These formats turn golf into a team game that can make your day on the course more fun and competitive.

What is Scramble in Golf?

In golf, a scramble is a format played by teams that is designed to make the game more fun and a bit easier. This can be played by teams of two or more, depending on how many golfers are in the group. A scramble format is started with each player hitting their own tee shots; then for every following shot, each team member plays from whichever ball they decide is the best. This continues for every shot in the round.

This format is used when players are trying to have a casual round that is more fun than serious. It is also a good way for beginners to learn the game and play for fun.

Example: A team of two is playing a scramble; they both hit their tee shots and decide which shot was better. For their next shot, both play from the same spot they chose as the better shot. After their next shots from that spot, they again choose the better shot and continue this format until the hole is over. The team will have one combined score for the hole.

Benefits of a Scramble

• Great way for inexperienced players to compete alongside more skilled golfers
• Provides a fast and unique team-formatted game
• A fun and strategic game that usually results in lower scores
• Allows golfers to take more risky shots that they would normally not attempt

What is Best Ball in Golf?

A best ball format, also known as “four-ball” and “better ball,” is another way to turn golf into a team game. Best ball is similar to a scramble, but the difference is the golfers play their own balls from where they lie for the entire hole. Teams can have two or more golfers and this format is typically played by more experienced golfers. Each player will play their ball for the entire hole, then the team will record the lowest score between the two golfers. There is no minimum or maximum number of times a team member’s score can be used in the round.

This format is used when a group wants to play in a team format, but also wants to keep track of their own scores for the round. This is a good way to combine the individual game of golf with a team format to create a fun and competitive environment on the course.

Best ball is used in major international tournaments such as the President’s Cup and the Ryder Cup. In these tournaments, the term used to describe the format is “four-ball.”

Example: A team is playing best ball; they both tee-off and move to where their respective balls landed. Each golfer continues to play their original ball, keeping separate scores. Both golfers play until they successfully put the ball in the hole. However, only the lowest score between the team members is recorded.

Benefits of Best Ball

• While not as much as a scramble, best ball competitions allow golfers of all skill levels to compete against each other fairly
• Best ball allows you to keep both your own score and the team’s score
• Best ball can be played with teams of any size (usually two or four person)

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