Holden Scramble Event Policies
The Holden Scramble will maintain the highest levels of integrity by strict adherence to the Rules of Golf, the Holden Scramble Rules and various policies set in place from time to time by the PGA. These measures are taken to ensure fairness of play for all golfers and to ensure the Holden Scramble is an enjoyable experience.
For a full list of the Holden Scramble Rules, Policies & Eligibility click here
The Holden Scramble is a four-person, elimination format Ambrose
- All team members tee off each hole
- Team chooses the shot they are going to use
- The golfer whose shot is taken is eliminated from participating in the next shot
- A player is only eliminated for the one shot following his/her selected shot
- This process continues up until the ball is on the putting green, and then all four players have the opportunity to sink the putt.
- All four players tee off the next hole and the elimination process begins again, until ball is placed on the putting green
- The eliminated player cannot take a practice shot during the time they are eliminated
Local Holden Scramble Rules SheetElimination Instruction SheetHandicap Requirements
Local teams must consist of four amateurs with current Golf Australia handicaps. All players must use their CURRENT Golf Australia handicap on the day of the Local Event (not their Club Handicap).**
The composition of each team must conform with the Holden Scramble Handicap Format, as follows:
(i) Two single-figure handicap (i.e. 9.4 or less) are allowed in each team at local level.
(ii) Maximum handicap for male members of a team is 36, while 45 is the maximum for female members. Any handicap exceeding these figures will automatically be reduced to the applicable maximum.
(iii) Each team's combined handicap must total at least 32. The maximum team handicap is 112. Team handicaps in excess of 112 will be reduced to the maximum.
For example:
13 + 13 + 4 + 1 = 31 (ineligible)
14 + 12 + 10 + 5= 41 (eligible)
9 + 10 + 40 (36) male + 20 = 75 (eligible)
6 + 48 (45) female + 10 + 38 (36) male = 97 (eligible)
18 + 27 + 32 + 37 female = 114 (eligible but reduced to maximum handicap of 112)
To determine a team's net score for a local Event, the team's total handicap is divided by 8. The resulting figure is then subtracted from the team's gross score for the Ambrose 18-hole event.
For example:
Team aggregate handicap of 55 divided by 8 = 6.875
Team scratch score = 70
Net score = 63.125 (70 minus 6.875)
To determine the net score on the day of the Regional Final and Holden Scramble Championship Final, the team's total handicap is divided by 10.
Please note: The teams handicap established at the Local Event is the base handicap for the entire Championship. A team's handicap may not be increased at Regional/ Championship Final level but it may be subject to reduction if any team member has reduced his/her handicap after the Local Event.
**Players with a Golf Australia Affiliate handicap (acquired through the Golf Australia's Golf Access program introduced in mid 2004) can play in a Holden Scramble with "the approval of the host club." As per the Golf Australia's agreement with the clubs, the club has the right to approve a player with a Golf Australia Affiliate Handicap to play in a competition at the club.
Women's Holden Scramble
The Women's Holden Scramble is played under the same format and policies as the Holden Scramble, with some modifications to rules and eligibility. For information on specific rules about the Women's Holden Scramble refer to
Women's Holden Scramble section
Use of Information
All participants in Holden Scramble Local Events should be aware that as a condition of entry into the Holden Scramble you will receive a promotional offer from Holden Scramble sponsors. If you do not wish to receive additional promotional offers from Holden Scramble sponsors please contact the PGA Events Division.