What Is A 2 Person Scramble?

A 2 Person Scramble is a golf tournament format where two players compete as a team. Both players hit every shot, the team chooses the best result, and both players play their next shot from that selected location.

This continues until the ball is holed. Instead of each golfer recording an individual score, the team records one score for each hole.

Because both players get to contribute throughout the hole, the format is fun, social, beginner friendly, and still competitive enough for strong players.

How A 2 Person Scramble Works

• Both players tee off on every hole.
• The team chooses the preferred tee shot.
• Both players hit their next shot from that selected location.
• The team again chooses the preferred shot.
• This process continues until the ball is holed.
• The team records one score for the hole.

The selected ball is usually marked before the next shots are played. Tournament directors may define whether the ball must be placed within one club length, within a scorecard length, or as near as possible to the original selected spot.

2 Person Scramble Scoring Example

Here is a simple example on a par 4.

• Player A hits a drive into the fairway.
• Player B hits a drive into the rough.
• The team selects Player A's drive.
• Both players hit their second shot from Player A's location.
• Player B hits the approach shot to 12 feet.
• Player A hits the approach shot to 30 feet.
• The team selects Player B's approach shot.
• Both players putt from 12 feet.
• Player A makes the putt.

The team records a score of 3 for the hole.

Common 2 Person Scramble Handicap Methods

Handicap methods vary by club, league, committee, and event type. Some tournaments use official-style percentage allowances, while others use a simple local formula that is easier for casual players to understand.

35% / 15% Method

A common method is to take 35% of the lower-handicap player and 15% of the higher-handicap player, then combine those numbers for the team handicap.

Combined Handicap Divided By 2

Some casual events simply add both player handicaps together and divide by 2. This is easy to explain, but it can sometimes give too much advantage to higher-handicap teams.

Combined Handicap Divided By 4

Another common local method is to add both handicaps together and divide by 4. This produces a smaller team handicap and is often used when the committee wants net scoring without giving away too many strokes.

Gross Scoring Only

Some 2 person scrambles use gross scoring only. This works well for small groups, championship-style events, or tournaments where players have similar ability levels.

Common 2 Person Scramble Rules

• Drive requirements: Each player may be required to use a minimum number of tee shots.
• Lie protection: Balls selected in the rough, bunker, or hazard may need to stay in the same condition.
• Placement rule: Players may place the ball within one club length, one scorecard length, or as near as possible.
• Putting rule: Once one player holes a putt, the team score for that hole is complete.
• Flights: Larger fields may be divided into flights by team handicap or ability level.
• Gross and net winners: Many events award both gross and net divisions.

Popular 2 Person Scramble Variations

• Standard 2 Person Scramble: Both players hit each shot and choose the best result.
• 2 Person Scramble With Drive Requirements: Each player must contribute a set number of tee shots.
• 2 Person Shamble: Both players tee off, select the best drive, then play their own ball into the hole.
• 2 Person Best Ball: Both players play their own ball, and the best score counts for the team.
• 2 Person Chapman: Both players tee off, switch balls for the second shot, then select one ball and alternate shots.

Is A 2 Person Scramble Good For Beginners?

Yes. A 2 Person Scramble is one of the best formats for newer golfers because every player gets help from a partner. A bad shot does not ruin the hole, and a good shot can help the team immediately.

This makes the format ideal for charity tournaments, company outings, couples events, mixed-skill groups, and casual leagues.

2 Person Scramble FAQ

Do both players tee off?

Yes. In a standard 2 person scramble, both players tee off on every hole.

Can both players putt?

Yes. Both players may putt from the selected ball location until the ball is holed.

Does each player need to use a certain number of drives?

That depends on the tournament rules. Many events require each player to contribute a minimum number of tee shots to keep the format balanced.

What is the difference between a scramble and best ball?

In a scramble, both players hit from the selected shot location. In best ball, each player plays their own ball for the entire hole, and the best score counts for the team.

Can a 2 person scramble use handicaps?

Yes. Many tournaments use team handicaps, percentage allowances, flights, or separate gross and net divisions.

Related Golf Tournament Formats

• 4 Person Scramble
• Best Ball
• Match Play
• Individual Stroke Play
• Tournament Template Library