A comprehensive guide to different scramble golf formats and scoring methods used at Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire, NC.
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The Best Golf Scramble Scoring Guide for Burlingame Members

Understanding Scramble Formats at Burlingame

Whether you’re new to our club or a long-time member looking to brush up on your tournament knowledge, mastering scramble scoring is essential for those memorable rounds at Burlingame. Our mountain course provides the perfect backdrop for friendly competition, and scramble formats have become a favorite among members for their social nature and ability to include golfers of all skill levels. This guide breaks down the various scramble formats and scoring methods you’ll encounter during our club events, helping you focus more on the joy of the game and less on keeping score.

Traditional Scramble Scoring Basics

The classic scramble format is the foundation of many Burlingame events. In its simplest form, each player in your group (typically foursomes) hits a tee shot, then the team selects the best shot to play next. All team members place their balls at the chosen spot and hit their next shots. This process continues until the ball is holed.

For scoring, your team simply records one gross score per hole, with no handicaps applied. The team with the lowest 18-hole total wins. This straightforward approach makes the traditional scramble perfect for casual play and charity events where the focus is on fun and camaraderie rather than intense competition.

During our summer socials and family tournaments, we often use this format to create those golden moments of shared success that have become synonymous with the Burlingame experience. When a team member sinks a long putt or hits that perfect approach shot, it becomes a collective victory that strengthens our community bonds.

Modified Scramble Formats at Burlingame

Texas Scramble

A popular variation at our club events is the Texas Scramble. The basic concept remains the same, but with one important twist: each player’s drive must be used at least 3-4 times during the round (depending on our tournament committee’s rules for that event). This requirement adds a strategic element as teams must plan which holes to use each member’s tee shot.

For scorekeeping, we maintain a running tally of whose drives have been selected, usually marked on the scorecard with the player’s initials. The final score remains the team’s gross total for 18 holes, but the drive requirement ensures everyone contributes off the tee.

Florida Scramble (Dropout Scramble)

In this engaging format played during some of our member-guest events, the player whose shot is selected doesn’t hit the next shot. For example, if we select John’s drive, John sits out the second shots. After the second shots, if Mary’s approach is chosen, she sits out the next shots.

The scoring remains a simple team gross score per hole, but the rotation creates a dynamic where each player must contribute throughout the round. This format is particularly popular at Burlingame because it aligns with our community values of inclusion and balanced participation.

Handicapped Scramble Scoring Methods

Percentage of Combined Handicaps

For our more competitive club tournaments, we often implement handicap adjustments to level the playing field. The most common method uses a percentage of the combined team handicap:

For two-person teams: 35% of the lower handicap + 15% of the higher handicap

For four-person teams: 20% of A player + 15% of B player + 10% of C player + 5% of D player

The resulting team handicap is subtracted from the gross score to determine the net score. This system rewards skilled play while still giving everyone a fair chance at victory.

USGA Recommended Method

For certain club championships and premier events, we follow the USGA recommendation of taking 25% of the combined team handicap for four-person teams. This straightforward calculation makes for easy scorekeeping while still providing reasonable equity.

Specialty Scramble Formats

Shamble (Chicago Scramble)

A favorite during our spring and fall member tournaments, the Shamble combines elements of scramble and individual play. All team members hit tee shots, and the best drive is selected. From that point forward, each player plays their own ball until holed. The team then takes the best one or two scores on each hole.

This format rewards good individual play while still providing the team support on the tee shot. For handicapping, we typically apply 80% of each player’s course handicap to their individual scores before selecting the counting scores.

Step-Aside Scramble

During our more casual twilight events, we often play the Step-Aside format. Similar to the Florida Scramble, the player whose shot is selected must “step aside” and not hit the next shot. The difference is that they rejoin play for the shot after next.

This rotation creates natural balance in participation and adds a fun tactical element. Scoring remains straightforward with one team score per hole.

Tips for Scramble Success at Burlingame

Our mountain course presents unique challenges that can be particularly advantageous in scramble formats. The elevation changes and mountain views that make our course special also require strategic thinking. Have your stronger players tee off last so they can adjust based on previous shots. On our signature holes with water features, consider a conservative-aggressive balance where safe players go first, followed by those willing to take risks.

Remember that scramble success is about more than just good shots—it’s about smart decision-making and team cohesion. Some of the most memorable times at Burlingame have come from scramble tournaments where the focus shifts from individual achievement to collective success.

Join Us for Our Next Scramble Event

Ready to put your scramble knowledge to the test? Burlingame hosts regular scramble tournaments throughout the season, each offering a chance to create those “best of times” moments with fellow members. Contact our Golf Shop at (828) 743-3441 to register for upcoming events or speak with our golf professionals about organizing a custom scramble for your group.

Whether you’re competing in our club championship or enjoying a casual round with friends, understanding these scramble formats will enhance your Burlingame golfing experience and help create those golden, sparkling moments that bind our community together.