Thinking you can win a best ball golf scramble just by hitting a few good shots is the biggest mistake amateur teams make. Real success comes from having a clear, intelligent team strategy before you even step on the first tee. This article breaks down the exact roles, shot order, and on-course tactics your team needs to give a professional, cohesive performance and dominate your next tournament.
First, let's clear up some common confusion. You'll often hear charity tournaments and casual corporate outings use terms like "Best Ball" and "Scramble" interchangeably. For our purposes, we're talking about the most popular format: a four-person team scramble.
Here’s how it works:
Each hole’s score is the team's collective effort. It's a fantastic format because it takes the pressure off any one individual and lets everyone contribute, making it perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
The single most important strategic decision you'll make is setting the "batting order" for your team. A well-constructed order gives every player a specific job and a chance to play to their strengths without pressure. Most winning scramble teams use a variation of the "A, B, C, D" player methodology, sorting players by their typical game and reliability.
Here’s how you should organize your team:
Who they are: This is often your highest-handicap player or someone who has a solid, reliable, ahem, "boring" game. Their shot doesn't go 300 yards, but it consistently finds the fairway or the green. They putt first and their job is to get pace and read down so others can attack.
Their Job: To provide peace of mind. Player A’s primary goal on every single tee shot is to get a ball somewhere in play. In the fairway is great. In the light rough is fine. Their shot isn't meant to be the hero shot, it’s the security blanket that removes pressure from the rest of the team. Knowing a ball is safe allows everyone else to swing freely.
Who they are: A solid, mid-handicap golfer. This player is dependable and capable of a great shot but might lack the raw power of your best player or the pinpoint accuracy of your sharpshooter. They are a valuable bridge between the safety of Player A and the aggression of C and D.
Their Job: To build on the first shot. If Player A is in the fairway, Player B can try to hit a better shot - maybe longer or in a more advantageous part of the fairway. They can’t be reckless, but they can be a bit more assertive, knowing a ball is already safe behind them.
Who they are: This is generally one of your two best players, likely a low-handicapper. It should be your most accurate player, especially with irons. If someone in your group is known for hitting their yardages perfectly or has a fantastic short game, this is their spot.
Their Job: To execute. After Players A and B have likely secured a decent position, the Sharpshooter’s role is to put the team in a great position. From the fairway, they should be firing at the pin. On putts, they’ve seen the line from two players already and should have a great chance of making it.
Who they are: Usually your lowest handicap and/or longest-hitting player. This golfer has the complete green light to be aggressive on every single shot. They possess the talent to pull off something spectacular.
Their Job: To hit the hero shot. With at least one safe ball (and likely a pretty good one) already in play, Player D has absolutely no pressure. They can aim down the tight-tree line to cut a corner. They can try to drive the green on a short par-4. They can fire at a tucked pin. If they blow it, no problem The team just plays one of the other shots. But if they succeed, they can single-handedly set the team up for eagle or birdie.
Now that you have your lineup, let's apply it directly from tee to green.
The primary goal off the tee is to get on the fairway. Use the A-B-C-D order:
Important Note: The best drive isn't always the longest. A 250-yard drive in the fairway with a clear shot is often better than a 290-yard drive in the rough behind a tree. Communicate as a team and choose wisely.
Once you’re in the fairway, the objective gets more specific: hit the green and get close to the hole. The strategy remains similar.
This is where scrambles are won and lost. A good putting strategy can save a team strokes throughout the day. The putting order often differs from your tee-shot order. You don’t need your longest hitter putting last.
Playing in a best ball scramble is about more than individual skill, it’s a brilliant exercise in teamwork and strategy. By establishing clear roles using the A-B-C-D player method and by applying that strategy to every phase of the game - from driving to the final putt - your team transforms from four individuals into a well-oiled, low-scoring machine.
When the pressure is on and your team is facing a tough decision on the course, like choosing the right play from deep in the trees or figuring out the best strategy on a tricky par 5, remember that expert guidance can make all the difference. Our goal with Caddie AI is to give you that instant, professional caddie advice right in your pocket. You can describe the hole for a hole strategy in seconds or even take a photo of a tricky lie to get an unbiased, smart recommendation, letting your team play with confidence knowing you’re making the smartest choice on every shot.
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