There are plenty of golf games out there — Wolf, Vegas, Bingo Bango Bongo — a lesser-known golf game is the shamble. It’s a variation of the traditional golf scramble that creates a fun, relaxing round for all different skill levels.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what a golf shamble is, how to set it up and some of the benefits of playing in this format. Here’s everything you need to know about a golf shamble.
What Is a Golf Shamble?
A golf shamble is a slight twist on your typical golf scramble. A golf shamble will be best in foursomes, though it can also be played with three-person and five-person groups.
While a golf scramble can be fun, it often takes a lot of individuality out of the game and makes it more team-oriented. A shamble allows players to still maintain that independence during their round and lets them work on their game.
While you won’t have that teammanship throughout the entire hole, you’ll be able to work on each shot you hit and focus on your skills.
Shamble Golf Format
Here’s how to play a golf shamble:
1. Determine Teams
The first thing you’ll want to do when it comes to shamble golf is to figure out teams. A shamble will work best in a foursome — you can split up teams by two and go from there. If you have an odd number, you can still split up teams as you see fit, trying to make them as even as you can.
2. Tee Off
Next, have each person tee off. Everyone will hit from the tee box.
3. Choose the Best Tee Shot
Once everyone hits, you can walk up the fairway (or rough) and see which team member had the best shot. Your team will then decide which person had the best drive, and everyone on the team will play their next shot from that spot. This first portion of the hole will follow the traditional rules of a golf scramble.
4. Play the Rest of the Hole Individually
Here’s where the traditional golf scramble shifts into the shamble. After everyone hits from the best tee shot, they will then play their own ball for the rest of the hole.
5. Count Up Point Totals
In most shamble formats, you’ll pick the best score from your team at the end of the hole and match this up against the other team’s best score. Whoever has the best team score wins the hole. At the end of the round, whoever has won the most holes wins.
The Benefits of a Golf Shamble
You might be wondering, why not just play a golf scramble? What’s all the hype about a golf shamble, anyways? Well, there’s a reason it was invented — here are some benefits of playing in this unique format.
It’s a Relaxing Format
The golf shamble is one of the most satisfying golf formats to play because it makes your round much more enjoyable. The tee shot is often one of the most stressful parts of a golf round, and also one of the most important. If your ball goes skipping into a pond off the tee, the rest of the hole is likely going to be a struggle.
In a golf shamble, a lot of that pressure is taken off your shoulders. You have the benefit of having other people to lean on if your tee shot goes awry. This lets you relax your shoulders, swing freely, and gain some confidence in your game.
It Introduces Strategy
While golf is full of strategy, the golf shamble introduces even another level of thinking into the game. Some tee shots may be the best distance-wise for instance, while others may have the best angle at the green. Part of the golf shamble is about being strategic with your choices and setting up your team for the best possible chance to win the hole.
It’s Team Oriented and Also Individual
One of the best parts about a golf shamble is that it merges the benefits of a golf scramble with the traditional benefits of an individual round of golf. You get the collaboration and strategy of the scramble while still being able to work on your game independently throughout the round.
How to Win a Golf Shamble Event
If you’re gearing up for a golf shamble event, it’s important to brush up on some basic strategy so you’re ready for the round. Here’s how to win a golf shamble event.
Be Collaborative
Even though a shamble won’t be as team-oriented as a scramble, collaboration will still be hugely important. Make sure all members of the team are giving their input and communicating clearly about which shot they should take off the tee. Along with this, you can even help out other team members during non-tee shots, helping them read greens or determine a specific strategy to get around an obstacle.
The more collaboration and teammanship you have, the better chance you’ll have of winning a golf shamble.
Consider Your Strategy
It’s important to go in with an overall strategy for a golf shamble, particularly with your tee shots. Are you just going to outdrive your opponent on every drive, for instance, if you have the power, or are you going to play with finesse and hit strategic shots to piece together a solid round? Think about this as your start your golf shamble and discuss it with your team.
Focus On Your Own Game
Collaboration is important — but so is focusing on your own game. Don’t get too caught up in the team part of a shamble. Focus on each part of your game and really work on your shot throughout the round.
Play to Your Strengths
Each player brings their own strengths to the round. In a shamble, it’s essential to know what you bring to the table and to use this to your team’s advantage. While you may not have the longest drive, for instance, you may be able to put a ball in a place that sets up your team for a nice shot at the green.
Golf Shamble vs. Scramble
In a golf scramble, players choose the best shot for every stroke. In a shamble, only the best tee shot is chosen — from there, golfers will be playing their own ball for the rest of the hole.
Shamble Golf: The Bottom Line
Shamble golf is an exciting twist on traditional scramble play and can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced golfers alike.
With its easy rules and laid-back atmosphere, shamble golf provides an enjoyable challenge suitable for any type of golfer.