Page type: Regional rules guide
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Regional conventions and their limits
In UK golf, a basic scramble is normally organised as a two-, three- or four-person team event. Everyone plays from the teeing area, the team selects one ball, and everyone plays the next stroke from that spot; the selection process continues until the ball is holed. The R&A describes Texas Scramble as a four-person scramble that normally requires a minimum number of tee shots from each team member, but it does not prescribe one UK-wide number. Other conditions, such as whether the selected ball must be marked, how close to the selected ball teammates may place their balls, relief near bunkers or greens, and any drive minimum, belong in the Terms of the Competition. For a handicap competition, the committee should state the allowance. WHS Appendix C recommends 25% of the lowest Course Handicap, 20% of the next, 15% of the next and 10% of the highest for a four-player scramble. Apply percentages to unrounded Course Handicap as the final step in calculating Playing Handicap, subject to the competition authority's published rounding and terms.
Table
| Item | Regional reference |
|---|---|
| Format | scramble |
| Region | UK |
| Local name | Scramble; a four-person version is commonly called Texas Scramble in the R&A description. The name and detailed playing conditions are not a single universal UK convention: the competition committee should publish its terms. |
| Rules context | Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 9C (Other Forms of Play); Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C |
Worked example
Illustrative only: Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana have unrounded Course Handicaps of 4, 8, 12 and 16. An adopted four-player scramble allowance gives 25% × 4 = 1.0, 20% × 8 = 1.6, 15% × 12 = 1.8 and 10% × 16 = 1.6. These total a team Playing Handicap of 6.0 before final rounding. The Committee must specify the method used.
Rule reference: Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Section 9C (Other Forms of Play); Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.englandgolf.org
Common questions
Is Texas Scramble the only UK name for a scramble?
No. Scramble is the general name. The R&A describes Texas Scramble as a four-person variant, usually with a minimum number of tee shots from each player, but the exact conditions are set for the competition.
What handicap allowance is recommended for four-player scramble in the UK?
WHS Appendix C recommends 25% of the lowest Course Handicap, then 20%, 15% and 10% of the other three in handicap order. The committee should publish the allowance and rounding in the Terms of the Competition.
Does every UK scramble have the same drive or placement rules?
No. Minimum drives, placement limits and other details are competition conditions rather than a universal UK rule. Check the event's written terms before playing.
Is scramble itself a format defined in the Rules of Golf?
The R&A lists scramble under Other Forms of Play and gives a basic description and variants. Where the Rules or the format's additional modifications do not cover a situation, the committee decides reasonably, fairly and consistently.
Can a two-person team use the four-player allowance?
No automatic substitution is justified. Appendix C lists separate recommended allowances for two-, three- and four-player scrambles, so use the allowance stated for the actual team size and competition terms.
Are the players in the example real results?
No. Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana are available house names for illustrative examples only; the handicap arithmetic is not a historical event result.