Hey Guys.. I am in charge of putting together a small tourney/golf outing for my office. Was hoping you guys could chime in on some suggestions on how I can make this as enjoyable and fun as possible. We will have anywhere from 8-16 players with a wide range of handicaps (mostly in the 18 and up range).

I was thinking a scramble would probably be the best format? Any suggestions on making this a better event would be awesome! Thanks!!

A scramble is a decent idea, although personally I am kinda partial to the California scramble. On par 4s you take the best drive and play your own ball from there. On par 5s you take the best drive, the best second shot, and then play your own ball from there. On par 3s everyone plays their own ball. You can then determine how many scores from the foursome you want to count. Just a small variation on a traditional scramble, but I like the California format more.

A variation off of the post above is something we played for the first time this year which was a "shamble." You choose the best tee shot and everyone plays in from there. Instead of the low ball, you take the two lowest scores.

Another fun format is called the texas scramble I believe. All four players tee off on the first hole. But after that only the other three players whose tee shot you didn't take hits the next shot and so on. If player A holes out a putt that player does not tee off on the next tee-box. Basically it turns into a three person scramble. Will help speed up play as well.

thanks for all the input! how does playing a scramble affect speed of play? i would assume that it would speed things up, but have never played in one so am not quite sure. last thing i'd want to do is to disrupt the pace of play for people behind us

scramble is fastest since only ball is played in after tee shot

but with 8-16 peeps, you could pair up in twosomes and play a modified stableford with option of not losing points

I have set-up numerous Corporate golf outings and what has worked best for pace of play, scoring, enjoyment etc. is the following:

1) Scramble Format a must. Definitely speeds up play.
2) If you're able try and form teams with an A player, B player and so on.... keeps pace quick and gives each team a good shot at winning vs a team with 2 or 3 "players" or a 4 some who have never seen a golf course before.
3) Make bogey the highest score possible.
4) Limit the number of prize holes. have Closest to Pin on par 3s and a Long Drive hole (s).

Be creative for giveaways or prizes....80% of those playing probably are not goolfers, so don't stack the prize table with golf gear...

The above has worked for small Corporate groups and 144 full field events.

Good Luck hope this helps.