Bob Lamb: ScrambleScoop helps cart riders retrieve balls

“My husband likes to zoom left and right with a golf cart and I’m too old to reach down and scoop up a golf ball,” said Betty, from her home in St. Charles, Mo., recently.

“There had to be a better way and I was going to figure it out. I just needed longer arms and didn’t know how to go about it.”

One thing led to another, and in 1997 Betty received a patent for her invention she calls, “ScrambleScoop.”

The small device is called the first-ever “drive-by” golf ball retriever and for good reason, especially in scrambles, when only the best ball is selected and others are picked up. ScrambleScoop allows golfers to easily scoop up golf balls from a moving cart without bending, leaning or stretching, according to Betty.

ScrambleScoop extends from 17 inches to 36 inches, including a 7-inch net at the end to snag golf balls. The device can be used from either side of the cart by inverting the mesh net on the scoop.

Fully extended, it fits on the dashboard of most golf carts. It also zooms down to 17 inches and fits inside the zipper portion of golf bags.

Betty said ScrambleScoop reduces back, hip and knee strain caused by bending and squatting, especially for seniors. ScrambleScoop features an aluminum rustproof shaft and comfortable grip, is lightweight, yet durable, according to her Web site.

Although the product has been on the market

12 years, Betty says she hasn’t really marketed it that much, although that is changing.

“It’s not a gimmick. It’s an excellent product,” she said. “People who have them, love them.”

Betty said her invention can also be used as a short ball retriever, or in other problem-solving situations, including picking up grandkids’ small toys or plucking frogs, birds or small animals from window wells.

People with disabilities are also using the ScrambleScoop in their daily lives.

By Bob Lamb, LaCrosse Tribune