Cheating in Golf Scrambles: A National Epidemic
By Bill Hobson
We’ve all seen it happen firsthand.
An impossibly low score posted on the big board at the end of a 6-hour charity scramble. You played directly behind the team that posted the “winning” score and - after watching them hack, flail, chunk, and skull shots all day – know with 100% certainty there is zero chance that score is legit.
Welcome to the new world of rampant cheating in golf scrambles.
The problem is widespread. Stories abound of teams reporting impossible scores that overshadow the efforts of honest players, tainting the spirit of friendly competition and, in many cases, driving participants away from the format entirely.
A Culture of Dishonesty
The allure of winning, whether it’s a trophy, pro shop credit, or a free hot dog, seems enough for some players to bend or outright break the rules. But it’s really not the value of the prize that irritates honest golfers – it’s the mangled spirit of the game and absence of a commitment to integrity.
The problem isn’t just limited to high-stakes events with lucrative prizes. Cheating has been observed even when the rewards are minor, suggesting that the motivation often lies in a bizarre need to claim victory at any cost. This culture of dishonesty undermines the very essence of golf, a sport rooted in integrity and self-regulation.
How Cheating Harms the Game
Cheating in scrambles isn’t just a moral failing—it actively ruins the experience for everyone else. Honest golfers who put effort into their strategy and teamwork leave feeling disillusioned, knowing their best efforts could never compete with fabricated scores.
It also detracts from the event’s purpose. Many scrambles are organized to support charitable causes, but excessive cheating shifts the focus from fundraising and fun to skepticism and frustration. When the competition’s integrity is in question, even participants who join for charity feel let down.
Moreover, cheating erodes the reputation of scrambles as a format. What should be a lighthearted, inclusive way for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game has turned into a circus where honest participants feel like fools for playing by the rules.
Solving The Problem
Short of the impossible idea of finding enough volunteers to handle the scoring for every team in a scramble, there are some practical ways to produce a more accurate, tolerable result and restore fairness and fun to the format:
Playoffs for Top Teams: Organize a 1-hole playoff for the top teams, forcing them to compete publicly. This transparency could deter cheaters who fear being exposed.
Live Scoring: Use apps like Golf Genius to allow real-time score submissions. While not foolproof, this creates greater transparency and accountability.
Flight Systems: Group teams into tiers based on their reported scores, with prizes awarded within each flight. This levels the playing field and reduces the incentive to cheat.
Modified Formats: Introduce formats like the “modified Chapman,” where teammates alternate shots after the tee-off. This increases accountability and makes it harder to cheat.
Focus on Fun Over Competition: Shift the emphasis from scores to enjoyment by offering prizes for random draws, individual skills competitions, or humorous awards like “Most Honest Team.”
The Road Ahead
Despite these proposed solutions, it’s clear that cheating in scrambles is a deeply ingrained issue. Many organizers prioritize fundraising over competitive integrity, leaving it up to players to self-police – a system that relies on a sense of honor increasingly absent in today’s scramble culture.
The only way for scrambles to regain their charm requires both players and organizers to rethink their approach. Players must value integrity over hollow victories, and organizers should consider creative measures to curb dishonesty while keeping the event enjoyable.
Until the cheating stops, they risk becoming a disheartening experience that drives honest players away.
Watch the full length MGL Podcast Report on Cheating in Scrambles: https://youtu.be/3OPOMxBgwEU
Listen to the full length MGL Podcast Report on Cheating in Scrambles: https://traffic.libsyn.com/foregolfersnetwork/FGN_Episode_452_-_Scramble_Cheating.mp3
