Best ball for a scramble?

[MileHighClub]

I often read comments about the benefits of using a distance ball (rock) in scrambles. Doesn't the control of a better ball more than offset the additional distance off the tee? Why would your game plan change?

[Pepperturbo]

I put together many a team. Typically I suggest 2 piece like Callaway Hot or HX Diablo type. NO premium balls, as the average person doesn't have enough SS or ball control... best to build on team skills, not the best player.

[PINGWRXforeme]

Whatever your willing to lose. I seem to loose a few more balls in scrambles because your going for a lot miracle shots.

[whatever]

I use HX Hots off the tee almost exclusively during scrambles. I then switch to my normal ball (prov1x) for approach shots. I use the Hots for one reason- I'm 100% concerned with distance, not control. HX hots fly straighter (for me) and give me a lot more roll.

[getwclose]

My go to was always the Callaway HX Hot but it doesn't look like they make it anymore. I believe the HX Diablo replaced it.

[Ben B]

You should use whatever you typically use in a round. For those who usually use premium balls typically, don't switch to a "rock" for tee balls or any other shot where you think you need one. Premium golf balls ie. Pro V(x), TM Pentra, Bridgestone B330(s) all go just as far if not further than any "rock" ball out there, period. I have played in 100's if not 1000's of scrambles and so far I have never seen a benefit of playing a "rock' off the tee. If you are afraid of loosing the ball than don't hit the shot. Whether you are playing your own ball or a scramble you need to be 100% confident in every shot before you pull the trigger, regardless if it is a shot you pull off 9/10 times or a shot you pull off 1/50 times....hit the same ball, with your normal swing, and let the ball go where it may.

The biggest factor in a scramble is energy. No matter what sport you are playing if the energy is hot, everyone game tends to elevate and visa versa. I was on 4 man teams where we shot -20 and two of the guys were 15-18 handicaps and my B player was about a 10-12. We just got hot and everyone came alive, particularly putting....which is the biggest equalizer in golf.

[Smoothduffer]

Most 2-piece rocks are now designed to go straight with minimal sidespin. I am not sure how you can control a ball that has more sidespin better than a ball designed to go dead straight.

[pitch]

Normal ball. Scrambles are typically putting contests. And everyone hits their brand/type of ball. I feel a lot more confident of getting the ball close to the hole with my regular ball.
It's a putting championship.

[scottydoesnt]

Give the Top-Flight Gamer V2s a try. Most stores usually have them for $25-$30 for 2 dozen and if they had a little more green control would probably be every bit as good as the premium balls.

[Min]

I guess, there isn't a problem as long as your okay with the 28 h/c in your group shanking a few $10 balls into the woods

[suwdawg]

Off the tee diablo tour or e 7 into greens if you want more action switch to the urethane balls.

[Raven Logics]

[quote name='pitch' timestamp='1307147154' post='3283405']
Normal ball. Scrambles are typically putting contests. And everyone hits their brand/type of ball. I feel a lot more confident of getting the ball close to the hole with my regular ball.
It's a putting championship.
[/quote]
The idea is to have a "hot" driving ball. If you can hit your Pro V1 270 and one of your partners hits one 285 down the center, what do you do on your tee shot? I like to smack one Happy Gilmore style and hope to make everyone's 2nd just that little bit shorter, without caring too much if that ball ends up lost on the trees. You can play your regular ball on the scoring shots, but one of the advantages of the cheaper balls is less side spin off the driver. At the end of the day though, just play whatever makes you feel more comfortable to you!

[quote name='Min' timestamp='1307374833' post='3287909']I guess, there isn't a problem as long as your okay with the 28 h/c in your group shanking a few $10 balls into the woods
[/quote]
If one player chooses to play a gold-plated Pro V1 off the tee, it doesn't mean the 28 HC has to do the same.

[Ben B]

Most scrambles are played from the shorter tees or the course will set up the tees a little shorter. From playing in more scrambles than I could possibly remember, it is honestly better to play from a full shot distance than it is trying to hit a bunch of 30-60 yards pitches. I have learned that by playing from these short distances, it almost always take out the weaker players because many tend to struggle with these yardages, heck I too can struggle with these yardages from time to time. Personally, from 100-130 yards I am pretty deadly so I always chose to go back in yardage if it means I get to hit a full sand or 3/4 pitching wedge.

That being said, if you want to hit a different ball off the tee that is fine. But that usually means you are swinging harder and again in most cases doing yourself more harm than good.

[highergr0und]

Used to always play a regular TM Burner off the tee in scrambles and a high spinner into the green (like a proV or something)...... However the newer balls like the Tour D or Srixon ZX have eliminated that divide. I love the Tour D off the tee and into the green.

[skyleralan]

I like the Callaway IX balls from a couple years ago, long and pretty good spin/feel. They are my favorite ball and I still play them most of the time (tried to stock pile them). Also, those of you who are saying you shouldn't swing harder/go after a ball if your playing partners already have a good ball in the fairway would obviously not be fun to play with......Nothing wrong with taking a chance and trying to put one out there. It is one thing to put forth more effort it is another thing to swing out of your shoes.

[Elite_Digger]

Personally, I would grab some Noodle+'s. Super distance, soft feel (certainly nowhere near a "rock"), nice off the putter and they're dirt cheap...couple dozen for under $20 so it's not going to hurt if you lose a few.

[csl928]

No question. These... https://www.fookinglong.com/

[larrybud]

[quote name='Min' timestamp='1307374833' post='3287909']
I guess, there isn't a problem as long as your okay with the 28 h/c in your group shanking a few $10 balls into the woods
[/quote]

Why would the 28 handicap be playing with the OPs balls?

[Noles]

How about a Srixon Q Star?

[MuvintotheMusic]

Is anyone else disturbed by the number of people that change their ball depending on the shot? Call me crazy, but I'm pretty confident you can't do that...

[Agent Jim]

I've found that playing the regular ball I put in play is the best thing to do.

[cmrl1986]

I'll play a pinnacle gold off the tee and play my normal ball for every other shot. Sorry but it's a scramble and hard ball will fly straighter and further than a normal Srixon z star.

[mozgolf]

Never thought about using a different ball for scrambles. Two reasons, 1) scrambles aren't real golf and are generally sponsored around here so we play for the beer and comraderie; and 2) I play the low end balls everyone call rocks anyway (Pinnacles, Burners, Gamers etc- though these really aren't true rocks in the 1980s-1990s sense)

[cavemeister]

I found the titleist nxt very long. Anyone who says the v1x is as long as a rock like the nxt(not the tour nxt)--is wrong. Its longer because it doesn't spin! I'd say 10+ yards longer, maybe more. But its crap around the greens and approach shots don't stop on the pin--so no decent golfer uses them...
[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1307058584' post='3280985']
I often read comments about the benefits of using a distance ball (rock) in scrambles. Doesn't the control of a better ball more than offset the additional distance off the tee? Why would your game plan change?
[/quote]

[Noles]

[quote name='MuvintotheMusic' timestamp='1336535652' post='4877454']
Is anyone else disturbed by the number of people that change their ball depending on the shot? Call me crazy, but I'm pretty confident you can't do that...
[/quote]


It's a scramble, of course you can change the ball. It makes sense to use a ball that is better for each type of shot if you are able to do that. You can do it from hole to hole in a regular tournament as long as the one ball rule is not in effect. As long as once you take a ball out of play, you don't put that actual ball back in play.

[cariasii]

anyone tried the polara ball for scrambles?

[geoangus]

[quote name='Noles' timestamp='1336573713' post='4879498']
[quote name='MuvintotheMusic' timestamp='1336535652' post='4877454']
Is anyone else disturbed by the number of people that change their ball depending on the shot? Call me crazy, but I'm pretty confident you can't do that...
[/quote]


It's a scramble, of course you can change the ball. It makes sense to use a ball that is better for each type of shot if you are able to do that. You can do it from hole to hole in a regular tournament as long as the one ball rule is not in effect. As long as once you take a ball out of play, you don't put that actual ball back in play.
[/quote]


For the two scrambles we have in our league, you're required to finish the hole with the same type ball you teed off with. So no long distance rocks of the tee swapped out for a high spin ball for the approach. It sounds like this is not the norm, but it is what I'm used to. As for me, I play what I would normally, although I might pull out a scuffed up one if I'm trying to pull off a hero shot.