Texas Scramble is a competition format that rewards both team and individual
play using the popular Stableford format as a basis for scoring.
Example of Texas Scramble Format
With Texas Scramble each team member tees off at each hole. The captain selects
the best tee shot, then each member drops his balls from this point and plays
out the hole with his/her own ball. The selected drive is counted as the first
shot of each of the team members for that particular hole.
The use of another golfer's tee shot DOES NOT apply on par 3 holes. On these
holes each member of the team must play their ball for the entire hole.
There is one additional requirement. During the course of the round all player's
drives must be used on a set number of occasions. So if you have a beginner
golfer in your group it may be prudent to use their drives early in the round
so as to not put pressure on them as the end of the game approaches.
The method of scoring in Texas Scramble is based on the popular Stableford
format which is outlined below.
At the end of the round, the captain submits the scorecard which clearly shows
the following:
- Individual Stableford Scores for each player
- Team Stableford Score comprising the best 2 scores from each player for
each hole
Golfers are allocated a certain number of points on a hole depending on the
net score of the player (or team). The aim of Stableford is to accumulate the
most number of points over the course of 18 holes.
Depending on a players handicap a certain number of strokes are allocated on
each hole.
The table of points is based on the net score of the individual player (after
handicap adjustment) or the best team score as follows:
- Double Bogey or worse - 0 points
- Par - 2 points
- Birdie - 3 points
- Eagle - 4 points
- Albatross - 5 points
Example—Golfer off 22 Handicap
If a golfer plays off a 22 handicap then they will receive 22 shots during
the course of the round - 1 on each of the 18 holes and 2 strokes on those holes
which are rated in difficulty of 1, 2, 3 and 4.
In this case a par 4 hole which is rated number 3 in difficulty will ensure
the golfer receives 2 shots on the hole thus making the hole a Par 6. So if
this golfer then scores a 5 on the hole this equates to a net birdie thus scoring
the person 3 points (refer above table)
Example—Golfer off 14 Handicap
If a golfer plays off a 14 handicap then they will receive 14 shots during
the course of the round—one on each of the 14 hardest holes. No strokes
will be received on the holes rated 15, 16, 17 and 18 in difficulty.
Key Features of Texas Scramble
- Each player plays their own golf ball after the original choice of tee shot
and records points based on their net score
- Each players plays their own ball for the duration of each par 3 hole
- Points are awarded according to the above table and reflect the difference
between the Net Score of the golfer against the par of each particular hole
- Once a player has reached a certain number of strokes the ball can be picked
up without penalty and move onto the next hole
- Each hole has a difficulty rating (as noted on the scorecard) which helps
the golfer to determine if they receive an extra shot relative to the par
of that hole
- Points, once awarded, cannot be taken away. This means that a player who
has played a good first 9 and then faded may still be in the running to win
a prize for the good holes they played
Positives of Texas Scramble
- The choice of the best tee shot provides players with the comfort that they
will generally be in a good position off the tee at which point they can then
continue playing with their own ball
- It allows each golfer to feel as though they have played the golf course
with their own ball. This is often important to participants especially if
they have not played a particular golf course before
- Once a player has reached a certain number of strokes the ball can be picked
up without penalty. This helps a player who may have been struggling on a
given hole simply move onto the next hole
- Good scores on individual holes are rewarded with a greater number of points
allocated. Other formats (particularly Par) may not always reward good play
fairly
- Stableford can be a fast format if the standard of golfers is intermediate
or higher
- Points, once scored, cannot be taken away. This helps to relieve pressure
on a player who may have started well but faded badly
Negatives of Texas Scramble
- Stableford is a format most suited where the standard of players in your
field is intermediate or higher. Beginner golfers may feel intimidated (even
though they can pick up their ball after a certain number of strokes) playing
with better golfers
- Stableford can be a slow format if the standard of golfers is beginner or
thereabouts
Overall Comment on Texas Scramble
A format where good play is rewarded and takes the pressure of individuals
with the choice of the best tee shot allowed on all non par 3 holes. Generally
is only used where the standard of golfers in the field is intermediate or higher.
Used on occasion for Corporate Golf Days.