Shamble · Stroke¶
What it is¶
A shamble is a cross between a scramble and better ball. Both partners tee off, the side picks the better of the two drives, and then each partner plays their own ball from that spot into the hole. So everyone gets the lift of playing from a good drive, but the scoring stays individual — the side keeps the better of the two own-ball scores on each hole. This is the stroke-play version: the better net counts, and the lowest total wins.
How scoring works¶
- Both partners tee off. The side chooses the better of the two drives and marks both balls there.
- Each partner plays their own ball from that spot to the hole and records a gross score.
- Each partner's net is their gross adjusted for the handicap strokes they receive on the hardest holes by stroke index. A shamble is played off 85% of each partner's handicap by default.
- The side's score for the hole is the lower of the two partners' net scores. Add these across the round; the lowest total wins.
- Level sides are separated on countback — the better back nine, then the last six holes, then the last three, then the final hole.
Worked example¶
One side — Player A and Player B — over three holes, net scores shown (each played from the chosen drive):
| Hole | Par | Player A | Player B | Side (lower) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 12 |
The side scores 12. Because both partners started from the better drive, the scores are typically lower than a straight better ball — but it's still the better of the two own balls that counts.
When to use it¶
A livelier, more sociable pairs game than alternate-shot formats — everyone hits a tee shot and plays their own ball in, so no one is left standing about. Great for charity days and society outings, and forgiving enough for mixed handicaps. A group holds up to four, so two pairs can play together.
Variations¶
- Gross or net. Keep the lower gross of the pair, or apply the 85% handicap allowance and keep the lower net.
- For the points-based version see Shamble · Stableford.
Last updated: 2026-05-07