Key Takeaways
TL;DR: Golf scramble costs range from $50 to $200+ per player depending on the course and location. A typical corporate scramble for 40 players at a premium club costs $6,000 to $15,000 total. At Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC, we customize packages based on your group size, date, and event vision.
- Small corporate outings (20-40 players) typically run $2,500 to $6,000 total
- Mid-size charity tournaments (40-80 players) range from $6,000 to $15,000
- Green fees alone account for $50 to $200 per player at premium mountain courses
- Cart rentals, catering, and event coordination add significant value but increase total cost
- Booking 3 to 6 months ahead in peak season secures better availability and flexibility
If you are planning a golf scramble in the Cashiers, NC area, you probably want a straightforward answer about what this event will cost. The truth is that pricing varies widely based on course prestige, group size, location, and what you include. At Burlingame Country Club, we work with corporate groups, nonprofits, and social organizers every season to create memorable events that fit real budgets. This guide walks you through the factors that affect scramble pricing, shows you what similar events cost across different formats, and explains exactly what a scramble package looks like at our club.
What Factors Drive Golf Scramble Pricing
Not all golf scrambles cost the same. Several variables impact the final bill, and understanding them helps you build a budget that makes sense for your event. The biggest costs are course fees, cart rentals, food and beverages, and staffing. Let us break down each one so you know where your money goes.
Course Fees and Green Fees Per Player
The single largest cost in any golf scramble is the green fee. This is what the club charges each golfer to play 18 holes. According to the National Golf Foundation, average green fees at private clubs range from $75 to $250 per round depending on course quality and region. Mountain courses in the Southeast typically sit in the $100 to $200 range because of the scenic value and course maintenance demands. At Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC, our championship course reflects the quality of our mountain setting and the caliber of players we host. When you are planning a corporate outing or charity scramble, the green fee is non-negotiable, so this is where you start your budget conversation.
Cart Rentals and Equipment
Golf carts are usually a separate line item unless your club bundles them with green fees. Most private clubs charge $20 to $40 per cart for an 18-hole round. A standard four-person team shares one cart, so your per-player cart cost is roughly $5 to $10. Some organizers are surprised by this add-on, but cart maintenance, fuel, and staffing at a quality club justify the cost. Burlingame includes cart rental in most scramble packages, which simplifies budgeting and gives your guests one less thing to worry about on event day.
Food, Beverage, and On-Course Catering
Food and beverages represent the second-largest expense and where you can really customize the experience. A basic scramble might include coffee and pastries before play and a simple lunch afterward. A more robust package adds on-course beverage stations at key holes, a full sit-down dinner, a cocktail hour, or awards banquet. According to Culinary Institute research, catering costs for group events average $25 to $75 per person depending on meal complexity. At Burlingame Country Club, our culinary team can build a package that fits your budget and impresses your guests. If you are hosting a charity tournament, a nice banquet with an awards presentation and sponsor recognition creates value for your participants and supporters.
Event Add-Ons and Special Features
Beyond the basics, many scrambles include contest elements that boost engagement and create memorable moments. Hole-in-one prizes require insurance, which costs $50 to $200 depending on the prize value. Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests are popular additions. Customized scorecards, team swag bags, and branded signage add $5 to $15 per player. If you want a professional leaderboard or live scoring software, that is another $200 to $500 rental. None of these are required, but they make the event feel polished and well-organized.
Event Coordination and Staffing
This is where a private club like Burlingame Country Club delivers real value that a public course cannot match. A dedicated event coordinator manages your timeline, communicates with catering, sets up contests, handles scoring, and coordinates the awards ceremony. This person is your single point of contact from booking through final invoicing. According to event planning industry data, a professional event coordinator typically charges $500 to $2,000 per event depending on scope. When you book a scramble at Burlingame, this coordination is included in your package, which saves you time and stress.
Average Golf Scramble Cost Breakdown by Event Type
Real numbers help you build a realistic budget. Here is what similar scrambles cost across the country and what you can expect to spend based on your event size and type. Remember, these are industry averages. Burlingame Country Club builds custom proposals based on your specific vision and group composition.
| Event Type | Typical Players | Total Cost Range | Per-Player Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Corporate Outing | 20 to 40 | $2,500 to $6,000 | $125 to $150 |
| Mid-Size Charity Tournament | 40 to 80 | $6,000 to $15,000 | $100 to $140 |
| Large Annual Fundraiser | 80 to 144 | $15,000 to $35,000 | $120 to $180 |
| Bachelor or Social Group | 8 to 20 | $800 to $3,000 | $100 to $150 |
Notice that per-player costs stay relatively consistent between $100 and $180 regardless of group size. This means larger groups do not necessarily save money per person, but the event quality and amenities stay high. At Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC, we work with organizers to find the right package tier for their budget and goals. A small team dinner might cost less per player than a full tournament with contests and awards, but both deliver an exceptional experience.
What a Golf Scramble Includes at Burlingame Country Club
When you book a scramble at Burlingame, you get much more than just access to the course. Our championship layout sits on 165 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering views and conditions that rival clubs three times our size. More importantly, you get a team that handles every detail so you can focus on your guests and your business goals.
Core Package Inclusions
Every Burlingame scramble package includes green fees for 18 holes, cart rental with a dedicated cart attendant, range balls and practice facility access before your event, customized scorecards with your company or organization name, a dedicated event coordinator, and access to our dining facilities for a post-round reception. If you want breakfast or lunch added, our culinary team prepares it fresh on-site. If you need awards setup, signage, or a banquet room, these are included. The beauty of booking at a private club is that you work with one coordinator who understands the property and has relationships with every department.
Why Cashiers, NC Groups Choose Burlingame for Scrambles
Our location in Cashiers, NC puts us at the center of one of the Southeast’s most beautiful golf regions. We sit at 3,400 feet elevation, which means cooler temperatures in summer, spectacular fall color in September and October, and a championship course that plays long and demanding. Corporate groups from Asheville, Charlotte, and even Atlanta choose Burlingame because our setting creates a memorable event that attendees talk about for years. Our semi-private status means you get the prestige and service of a private club without the membership requirements. We also work closely with Cashiers and Jackson County hospitality partners to arrange lodging, restaurants, and activities for guests traveling from out of town. Visit our private events page to see packages for other occasions like corporate retreats and celebrations.
How to Plan Your Scramble at Burlingame Country Club
The process is straightforward. You tell us your vision, and we build a proposal that matches your group size, date, and budget. Most planning conversations happen over the phone or through an initial consultation, which is always free and carries no obligation.
Step One: Submit an Event Inquiry
Start by contacting our events team with basic information about your scramble. Tell us your group size, preferred date or date range, event type (corporate outing, charity tournament, social event), and any special requests. You can fill out our online form or call us directly. Either way, you will connect with a real person who knows Burlingame inside and out.
Step Two: Receive Your Custom Proposal
We respond within 24 hours with a detailed proposal that outlines green fees, cart rental, catering options, event coordination, and any add-ons you requested. The proposal shows per-player costs and total event cost. We also note your selected date on our calendar and reserve it tentatively while you review the details. This gives you time to discuss the proposal with your team or board without pressure.
Step Three: Confirm and Secure Your Date
Once you approve the proposal, a signed agreement and deposit reserve your date. Our deposit requirement is reasonable and typical in the industry. Most scrambles are booked 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you are targeting May through October in Cashiers. If you are planning a last-minute event, call us directly at our contact page to check availability.
Step Four: Event Coordination and Execution
As your date approaches, your coordinator sends you a detailed timeline, handles all catering selections, confirms final headcount, and coordinates with every department. You receive a team packet with information about the course, format, contest rules, and what to expect on the day. On scramble day, your coordinator is on-site managing everything while you enjoy your guests and the event. Learn more about our championship course and what makes it perfect for tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Scramble Costs
How much does a golf scramble typically cost per person?
Per-player costs typically range from $100 to $180 depending on the course quality, location, and included amenities. A premium private club in a mountain setting like Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC usually sits at the higher end of this range because the course maintenance and setting justify the investment. Green fees alone account for $75 to $150 of this cost, with the remainder covering cart rental, food, beverages, and event coordination.
What is included in a golf scramble fee?
A complete scramble package at Burlingame includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, range balls, customized scorecards, a dedicated event coordinator, and access to our clubhouse facilities. Most packages also include light refreshments or a meal. Some organizers add on-course beverage stations, contests like longest drive or closest to the pin, or a full banquet with awards ceremony. Each add-on increases the total cost but makes the event more memorable.
How do I budget for a golf scramble event?
Start with your group size and multiply by the per-player cost to get a baseline. At Burlingame Country Club, we typically quote $120 to $160 per player for a full scramble package including green fees, cart, lunch, and coordination. From there, add costs for any contests, signage, or special catering upgrades. Most corporate outings budget $5,000 to $10,000 for 40 to 50 players. Always build in a contingency of 10 percent for unexpected costs or changes.
Can we host a charity golf scramble at Burlingame Country Club?
Absolutely. Burlingame regularly hosts nonprofit fundraisers and charity tournaments. We can accommodate sponsorship signage at holes, set up a registration table, coordinate live or silent auctions, and provide space for raffle drawings. Our team works with you to integrate your fundraising elements seamlessly into the event. Many nonprofits find that hosting a premium golf scramble at Burlingame attracts corporate sponsors and individual donors who appreciate the quality setting.
What is the minimum number of golfers needed for a scramble?
Most scrambles work best with at least 16 golfers (four teams of four). However, Burlingame Country Club can accommodate smaller groups of 12 or larger shotgun starts for up to 144 golfers depending on your preferred format. A shotgun start means all teams tee off simultaneously from different holes, which keeps the event moving and ensures everyone finishes around the same time. This is ideal for awards ceremonies and group meals afterward.
How far in advance should I book a golf scramble in Cashiers, NC?
In peak season (May through October), we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance. This ensures you get your preferred date and allows time for detailed planning and coordination. November through April is typically less busy, so you may have more flexibility. If you are planning a last-minute scramble, contact us directly to check availability. We sometimes have openings for short-notice events, especially for smaller groups or off-season dates.
Does Burlingame Country Club handle all the event logistics?
Yes. Your dedicated event coordinator manages registration, on-course contests, scoring, catering timing, and awards setup. You arrive as the host, and we handle the details. This is a huge value-add compared to public courses, where organizers often manage logistics themselves. Our team has done hundreds of scrambles and knows exactly how to keep everything running smoothly so your guests have an exceptional experience from check-in through awards.
What You Should Know Before Booking Your Scramble
Planning a golf scramble feels overwhelming if you have never done it before, but the key is working with a club that has experience and takes the stress out of logistics. Burlingame Country Club has hosted corporate outings, charity tournaments, and social scrambles for decades. Our team understands that every event is unique. A charity fundraiser needs different support than a bachelor party, and a large sales conference has different needs than a small team outing. We customize every proposal to match your vision and budget. The investment in a quality venue and professional coordination pays off because your guests have a better experience, they remember your organization positively, and the event runs without surprises or stress. Whether you are a first-time event organizer or you run multiple outings each year, we simplify the process and deliver results.
Ready to start planning your golf scramble at Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC? Contact our events team today. Call us, fill out our inquiry form, or send an email with your event details. We respond within 24 hours with a custom proposal that shows you exactly what your scramble will cost and what your guests will experience. There is no obligation and no pressure. Let us show you why groups throughout western North Carolina and beyond choose Burlingame for their most important golf events. Get your scramble quote now.