Team formats · 2 to 4 per team players
Texas Scramble: how to play
Also known as Scramble with minimum drives
A scramble where every player's drive has to count a set number of times.
Texas Scramble plays exactly like a scramble, with one rule that changes everything: each player's drive must be used a minimum number of times over the round. In a fourball that usually means three or four drives each, so the big hitter cannot carry the team on their own and the weakest driver's tee shots become strategically vital.
It is the society and charity day favourite because it keeps every player involved on the tee. Golf Daddy scores it as a single team card with the proper team handicap.
Score Texas Scramble in Golf Daddy
Pick Texas Scramble on the first tee and the app applies the strokes, keeps the live leaderboard and settles the points for the whole group. Free on iPhone and Android.
Texas Scramble rules
- 1.Every player tees off; the team picks the best drive and all play from there, as in a scramble.
- 2.Each player's drive must be chosen a minimum number of times over the round (agree the number on the first tee).
- 3.After the drive, every shot is a free choice of the best ball.
- 4.One team score per hole; lowest gross or net total wins.
- 5.Texas Scramble rounds do not count towards your handicap.
How handicaps work
The team handicap is 35% of the lower course handicap plus 15% of the higher, the WHS scramble allowance that Golf Daddy applies. Some societies use a tenth of the combined handicaps instead; agree it beforehand.
Worked example
Four drives each required. By the 14th tee Sam has only used two drives, so the team has to take Sam's tee shot on two of the last five holes whatever happens.
Tips and variations
- Use the weakest driver's good tee shots early so you are not forced into their bad ones on the 18th.
- Keep a running count of drives used; Golf Daddy tracks whose drive was taken on each hole.
- Par 3s are the easiest place to 'spend' a required drive.
Texas Scramble FAQs
What is the difference between a scramble and a Texas Scramble?
A Texas Scramble requires each player's tee shot to be used a minimum number of times over the round. A plain scramble has no such rule.
How many drives does each player need in a Texas Scramble?
Usually three or four each in a fourball and six to seven in a pair. The group agrees the minimum on the first tee.
What is the handicap allowance for a Texas Scramble?
Golf Daddy uses 35% of the lower course handicap plus 15% of the higher for pairs, the WHS scramble allowance.
Related formats
All golf formats and games →Play Texas Scramble this weekend
Download Golf Daddy and let the app do the maths while you do the talking. Guests who haven't got the app can play too.