Ava Romero
Scotch Scramble Golf is a variation of the standard Scramble Golf format, which is one of the most common formats for golf tournaments. The game is played by a team of four golfers, where each golfer hits their ball, and the team captains choose the best shot from the first stroke and use the same spot for each player. The process is repeated until the lowest score for the hole is achieved, and the team with the lowest total score wins. In the Scotch variation, both golfers hit drives, then select the best drive, and play the alternate shot format beginning with the second shot. This format is also known as Scotch Foursomes, and it combines parts of a scramble with an alternate shot format.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 |
| Team composition | 2 golfers |
| Golfers' actions | Both golfers hit drives, then select the best drive and play the alternate shot format beginning with the second shot |
| Strategy | The partners usually select the longest drive or the one that's in the best position |
| Names | Selective drive, alternate shot, Greensomes, Modified Pinehurst, Canadian Foursomes, Scotch Doubles, Scotch Foursomes |
| Team handicaps | For straight alternate shots, the allowance is 50% of the partners’ combined course handicaps; for Scotch Foursomes with selected drives, the allowance is 40% |
| Tournament format | Frequently played as stroke play |
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What You'll Learn
Scotch Foursomes is a combination of scramble and alternate shot
The golf format Scotch Foursomes combines parts of a scramble with alternate shot. It is also known as a "selective drive, alternate shot" format. In a standard foursome, one player on the team hits the drive, and their partner hits the next shot. The players continue to alternate shots with one ball. In the modified Scotch Foursomes version, both golfers hit drives, and then the best drive is selected. Following this, the team plays the alternate shot format with one ball for the rest of the way. This format requires strategic thinking, such as considering which ball is in the best position and which golfer can hit the next shot.
Scotch Foursomes is also known by other names, including Greensomes (in the United Kingdom), Modified Pinehurst, Canadian Foursomes, and Scotch Doubles. The term "Scotch" in golf formats typically refers to "alternate shot," acknowledging the sport's roots in Scotland.
When calculating handicaps for Scotch Foursomes, the United States Golf Association recommends different allowances for straight alternate shots and Scotch Foursomes with selected drives. Scotch Foursomes is frequently played as stroke play in tournaments and can be adapted for match play or betting competitions.
A scramble, another golf format, typically involves a team of four players, each hitting their ball throughout the match. Team captains select the best shot from the first stroke, and all players then play their next shot from that chosen location. This process continues until the hole is completed, and the team with the lowest score wins. Scramble formats are popular for charity and fundraising events due to their relaxed rules and inclusivity.
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It is played by teams of two
Scotch Foursomes is a golf format that combines parts of a scramble with an alternate shot format. It is played by teams of two, with each golfer hitting a drive, after which they walk or ride to their golf balls and decide which ball to continue with. The decision is usually based on the best positioning or the longest drive, but there is also strategy involved. For instance, if one golfer's drive is the longest, but they cannot hit long enough to reach the green, their partner may hit the second shot. The two-person team plays the alternate shot format with one ball for the rest of the game.
In Scotch Foursomes, the golfers do not play with their own ball, and their scores do not count towards their handicap. This format is therefore more popular in Europe than in North America, where the best ball format is preferred. However, Scotch Foursomes is a great way to bring team play to the next level and add a layer of strategy to the game. It is also a good option for a betting competition, as it can be played as either match or stroke play.
When it comes to team handicaps, the United States Golf Association (USGA) recommends that for straight alternate shots, the allowance is 50% of the partners' combined course handicaps. For Scotch Foursomes with selected drives, the allowance is reduced to 40% of the partners' combined course handicaps. While handicaps are not usually used for four-player teams, they often come into play when there are two players per team. The usual USGA rules for bunkers and hazards apply, but organisers have flexibility in determining the rules for their event.
Scotch Foursomes is a fun and relaxed format that is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. It is a great option for casual golfers who want to enjoy a laid-back game without the pressure of having to rely solely on their own skillset. The format also helps speed up the pace of play, especially when there are high-handicap players involved.
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Both golfers hit drives, then select the best one
Scotch Foursomes is a golf format that combines parts of a scramble with an alternate shot format. It is also referred to as "selective drive, alternate shot", Greensomes (in the UK), Modified Pinehurst, Canadian Foursomes, and Scotch Doubles.
In a Scotch Foursomes game, both golfers hit drives and then select the best drive. This is usually the longest drive or the one that is in the best position. However, there is strategy involved in this selection. For instance, if one golfer's drive is the longest, but they cannot hit long enough to reach the green, the other golfer may hit the second shot if they can make it to the green from the first golfer's ball position.
After deciding which drive to use, the two-person team plays the rest of the hole in an alternate shot format with one ball. The golfer whose drive was not chosen plays the second stroke, and their partner plays the third stroke, and so on until they finish the hole.
Scotch Foursomes is frequently played as stroke play in tournaments. The United States Golf Association (USGA) recommends that team handicaps in Scotch Foursomes be calculated as 40% of the partners' combined course handicaps for selected drives.
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Teams then play alternate shots with one ball
The Scotch Foursomes format combines parts of a scramble with alternate shot gameplay. In this format, both golfers hit drives and then select the best drive, before playing the alternate shot format beginning with the second shot.
In the alternate shot format, teams play with one ball, taking alternate shots. This means that one player will take the first shot, and their partner will take the second, and they will continue to alternate shots until the ball is in the hole. This is a variation of the standard foursomes format, in which one player on the team hits the drive, and their partner then hits the next shot. In standard foursomes, players continue to alternate shots with one ball.
The Scotch Foursomes format is also known as the "selective drive, alternate shot" format and is sometimes referred to as Greensomes (in the United Kingdom), Modified Pinehurst, Canadian Foursomes, or Scotch Doubles.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) recommends that team handicaps in Scotch Foursomes be calculated as follows: for straight alternate shot formats, the allowance is 50% of the partners' combined course handicaps; for Scotch Foursomes with selected drives, the allowance is 40% of the partners' combined course handicaps.
Alternate shot gameplay requires a high level of strategy, as partners must decide which ball to continue with after both have hit their drives. In many cases, partners will select the longest drive or the ball that is in the best position. However, there may be cases where the partner whose drive was not chosen takes the second stroke, as they may be better positioned to reach the green.
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It is named after the country where golf originated: Scotland
The golf format named Scotch Foursomes combines parts of a scramble with alternate shot. In a Scotch Foursomes game, both golfers hit drives, and then the team decides which ball to continue with. The two-person team plays the alternate shot format with one ball for the rest of the game. The term "Scotch" in the name of a golf format is likely a nod to the country where golf originated—Scotland.
Scotch Foursomes is known by several other names, depending on the region or country, and whether the term describes standard or modified foursomes. Some of the names are "selective drive, alternate shot", Greensomes (common in the United Kingdom), Modified Pinehurst, Canadian Foursomes, and Scotch Doubles. When playing Scotch Foursomes as a variation of foursomes, it can be thought of as a scramble off the tee, followed by alternate shots into the hole.
Alternate shot games are much more popular in Europe than in North America. In North America, the most likely place to encounter them is at a parent-child or husband-wife tournament. When "Scotch" is used in the name of a golf format, it usually refers to "alternate shot".
A standard golf scramble involves a team of four players, where each member hits their ball throughout the match. Team captains choose the best shot from the first stroke and use the same spot for each player. After completing one round, the team engages in another stroke, selecting one location and playing the balls from there. This process continues until all holes are completed.
The scramble format is popular among charity events because of its relaxed rules and lack of pressure to achieve individual scores. It helps speed up the pace of play, especially when there are high-handicap players involved. It is also a great choice for fun events as it levels the playing field for golfers of all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Scotch Scramble is a variation of the standard Scramble format, where both golfers hit drives, and then select the best drive and play the alternate shot format beginning with the second shot.
Scramble is a common format for golf tournaments, where a team of four players hits their ball throughout the match. Team captains choose the best shot from the first stroke and use the same spot for each player. The process continues until all holes are completed.
The strategy to win a Scramble is to allow weaker players to hit first, while the best putter plays last for every single green.
Some variations of Scramble include Texas Scramble, where each member must contribute at least four drives throughout the round, and Bramble, which combines the format for a best ball and Scramble format.
Scramble is a great format for golfers of all skill levels as it speeds up the pace of play and takes the pressure off individual golfers. It is also a good choice for fun events like fundraisers, as it is a more relaxed format with informal rules.
