Scramble Strategies

Strategy in Scramble Tournaments**

For drives and approach shots:

• Let the weaker players hit first, the long hitters in the middle, and the more consistent (and straightest) hitters last. Leaving the anchor spot to the long hitters is putting too much pressure on them to dial back and hit the fairway (or green) if nobody before already has done so. Going second or third lets the long hitter(s) really fire away with freedom. Of course, this means your consistent, straight hitter has to be able to handle the pressure of anchor duties.
• Let the golfer whose drive was selected hit first on the second shot, since they'll be feeling great about that first stroke.
• Some golfers are great drivers and lousy iron players. Some are the opposite. Take this into account for the order of play from stroke to stroke. Remember, it's up to the team on each stroke the order in which golfers hit. Keep the weaker players in front, the most consistent golfers in back.
• On par-5s, let the shorter hitters (regardless of skill level) play first in order to lay up. Then, the big bombers can go last to fire for the green in two.

For short-game shots and on the putting green:

• Never select a ball in a bunker as the one to play. (Unless all golfers on the team hit into bunkers!)
• Always remember that the shortest shot is not necessarily the easiest shot. So don't automatically select the ball closest to the green. Consider angles, pin position, any hazards, the lie.
• On putts, likewise, remember that shortest doesn't necessarily equal easiest.
• For order on putts, make sure your worst putter never putts first. Let the first putt be taken by a golfer the team knows will give the rest of you a good read.
• Once a ball is in gimme range, the remaining putters must be aggressive—knock it past the hole if you don't make it. Just be sure to get it to the hole so it has a chance.

 

**adapted from liveabout.com