What you should know before you play your next Charity Scramble
You’ve seen the flyers, advertisements and posts at the golf course, driving range, or even on your local Facebook golf page. “CHARITY SCRAMBLE” It looks like it’d be a fun time, and for such a good cause, but you might have some questions or reservations especially if you’ve never participated in one before. Or maybe a friend, colleague or business sponsored your group’s entry and you’re excited to play but nervous of what to expect. Here’s what to know before you sign up:
Get clear on the format
A big part of the fun playing a scramble is the team golf format. Check out this blog post if you want more details of exactly how the scramble format works. So generally speaking you do not have to play your own ball entirely, and you can rely on your team mates and together do a lot of fun things on the golf course (like make lots of birdies and eagles!).
If the format isn’t totally clear to you or it’s a format you haven’t heard of before, call or email the organizers to inquire.
Know the schedule for the day
Playing a causal scramble with friends on the golf course can make for a super speedy round. However, for a charity golf event trying to raise as much money as possible, expect that the golf course will be totally full. Ensure you clear enough time in your schedule to allow for warming up, playing the event, and staying for the lunch or dinner with awards & recognition. If you have a conflict, be sure you communicate to your host and team mates that you have a hard stop at a certain time.
Charity scrambles are usually played on weekdays since golf courses typically won’t close their course for events on bread and butter weekends. So you may have to take the day off of work, but it’s worth it.
Have a team strategy
Even if the golf course is packed full of groups, you can ensure the day goes smoothly by having a strategy with your team. Pace of play is always important in golf. Don’t worry about the groups behind you, and be sure to keep up with the group in front of you.
Talk with your team and make a strategy. Here are a few things to think about and plan ahead of time:
Who will tee off in what order? Consider saving your longest hitter for last. Hopefully one of the first three to tee off has landed in the fairway, taking some pressure off of the long hitter so that she can swing away!
What’s the putting order? Consider saving the best putter for last.
Who’s getting drinks for everyone else? You gotta stay hydrated!
Where are the bathrooms and when will you stop for them? Let’s face it, we need to know!!!
Will you participate in the events or contests outside of the main scramble play? There may be several add-ons that you have choices to participate or not, so know what those are and talk about it ahead of time.
Pop for the extras
At a charity scramble event, you can expect there will be many opportunities to give a little something extra in exchange for a chance to win or do something fun. Examples:
Buy mulligans for you and your team
Silent auction gift baskets
Putting contests
Shooting a golf ball out of a cannon for a chance to make eagle on a par 5
Silly golf challenges like hitting a put with a garden tool
The most exciting thing I have seen is a caddy auction. I participated in a ladies scramble where 4 men and 1 woman caddy went up in front of the audience for auction to join a group that day at the charity event. The caddies gave a little pitch as to why they were the best one, and brought gifts for the team who won them. One caddy even brought brand new golf bags for each player he was caddying for!
All eyes were on this caddy who brought brand new golf bags for his group that won him at the caddy auction!
While buying these extras is a “nice to do” and not a “have to do”, definitely consider and plan for this extra spending especially if your host paid your entry fee. It’s just a courtesy that you contribute monetarily to the charity since you are playing for free.
Key Takeaways
I hope this helped you get excited and inspired to play a charity scramble this season. Make sure you…
Know the format and schedule
Have a team strategy
Pop for the extras
And if you can, get coordinating or matching outfits for the event! It just adds a little something extra and seals in that team camaraderie.
Do you agree with my tips? Do you have any others to add? If so feel free to drop a comment or send me an email.
