Got a golf buddy who talks a big game? There's a charity scramble in San Marcos on November 7 where the scorecard isn't the only thing that matters.

Dirty Birdies San Diego Golf Club has a Toys for Tots charity scramble planned for Saturday, November 7, at The Links at Lakehouse in San Marcos. Teams play four-person scramble format, with part of the proceeds helping buy holiday toys.

A Scramble With Something Extra

In a scramble, everyone tees off and teammates keep playing from their best shot. One bad swing doesn't have to sink the group. That makes the format friendly to mixed-skill foursomes, at least until someone starts keeping track of whose ball everyone is using.

The organizer's flyer lists $175 per golfer. Sign-in and cart assignments start at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

There's a driving range, a brown-bag lunch, raffle and prizes, with a meal and announcements after the round. The event listing also mentions team awards, longest-drive contests and closest-to-the-pin challenges. With a shotgun start, teams begin at different holes rather than all lining up at the first tee. It's worth checking the event instructions so you're at the right place when play begins.

Why the Timing Matters in San Marcos

The tournament falls at the start of the holiday toy drive. The San Diego-South Toys for Tots campaign advertises collection of new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

Organizers say some tournament proceeds will go toward purchasing toys. The flyer doesn't specify a percentage, so the advertised entry price shouldn't be mistaken for a dollar-for-dollar donation. If the charitable contribution is important to you, ask the organizer how the proceeds are handled. A tournament can support a good cause without every dollar of the registration fee going directly to it.

The Details Before You Tee Off

The Links at Lakehouse is at 1750 San Pablo Drive in San Marcos, near Lake San Marcos.

Golfers can use Golf Genius event code T4T2026 to look up registration. The flyer also lists 619-717-7583 and bryan.hillman@gmail.com for questions. Ask whether individual golfers can be matched with a team or whether you need to register all four players together. The available information doesn't spell that out. It's also worth confirming what the $175 covers before you pay.

Check registration availability and the final cost before rounding up your foursome. Nobody wants to find out at the first tee that they missed a signup deadline.

Questions & Answers

When is the Toys for Tots golf tournament in San Marcos?

Saturday, November 7, 2026, with 10 a.m. sign-in and an 11 a.m. shotgun start listed on the flyer.

Where is the tournament?

The Links at Lakehouse, 1750 San Pablo Drive, San Marcos.

How much does it cost?

The event flyer lists $175 per golfer.

Who is hosting the charity scramble?

Dirty Birdies San Diego Golf Club.

How do golfers register?

Use Golf Genius event code T4T2026, and confirm current availability with the organizer.