Scramble team game

Setup

1. Make teams of two to four, mixing stronger and newer players. Play three to nine holes on a short course or quiet holes of the main course.
2. Agree the placing rules before starting (check your club's competition rules): a common version is to place within one club-length of the chosen ball, not nearer the hole, on the same kind of ground; in a bunker, drop or place in the bunker; on the green, place within a putter head.
3. Safety brief: only one player swings at a time, everyone else stands behind and to the side; wait until the group ahead is out of range; shout "Fore!" if a ball might reach anyone.

How it runs

1. Everyone tees off. The team walks to the balls and chooses the best one for the next shot, which isn't always the longest: think about the lie and the angle to the green.
2. Mark the chosen ball with a tee. Every player picks up their own ball and plays the next shot from beside the marked spot, taking turns.
3. Repeat: choose the best of the new shots, mark it and all play from there. On the green, everyone putts from the chosen spot until one ball drops.
4. The team writes one score per hole: the number of shots taken with the chosen balls. Lowest total wins.
5. Play ready golf: the next player sets up while the previous one finishes, and the team keeps up with the group in front.

Coaching points

• The first player to hit takes the safe option; once one ball is in a good place, the others can be more aggressive.
• On the green, the first putter shows the line and pace for everyone else: watch it closely.
• Talk about why a shorter ball in the fairway can beat a longer one in the rough.
• Encourage every player: each shot gives the team another chance.

Common mistakes

• Always choosing the longest drive, even from a poor lie or angle.
• Standing too close to the player hitting while waiting to play.
• Slow play from too much discussion; agree quickly and move.