Shamble, scramble, and best ball are constantly confused by amateur golfers.

Working in the golf industry for more than a dozen years taught me that most amateur golfers have no idea what the difference is between these events, and some just think the word shamble is a mispronunciation of scramble.

Rest assured, the shamble is a real thing.

In fact, it’s kind of a fun format and can be a great team event. Here’s what to expect when you play in a shamble tournament.

What is a Shamble Tournament?

A shamble tournament is where each golfer hits a drive, the best drive is chosen, and then all players play their ball into the hole from there. The shamble is different from a scramble or a best ball event.

When you play in a shamble, you will be using some of your own golf drives as you make your way around the golf course, but it can be beneficial if you run into a bad hole to have another drive that you can play off of.

The shamble tournament is great for those who struggle off the tee box but can play the hole on their own.

Many shambles have different variations, and sometimes one team score is all that is needed; sometimes, there are gross and net scores collected, and other times it is two net scores at the end of the hole. It will be up to your tournament committee to decide which is the case for your event.

Differences Between a Golf Shamble vs. Scramble

There are a few main differences between a scramble and a shamble, and it’s important to understand them. Not only do you want to ensure you are following the rules, but it’s also essential to think about strategy when playing in these events.

Shamble Requires More of Your Own Shots

In a scramble, you will continue to choose the best shot from the golfers in your group the entire time you play the hole. This results in some holes where none of your shots are selected as the best ones.

In a shamble format, you may not be playing from your own drive, but you will undoubtedly be playing your ball into the hole.

The nice thing about this for golfers that play in a shamble is that they can enjoy seeing more of the course and get more of a full round in. The downside, of course, is that it’s much harder for higher handicap golfers.

More Than One Score at The End of a Shamble

Most shambles will have you take at least one best gross and one best net at the end of a hole. However, sometimes it can be the two best net balls of the group.

With a scramble tournament, only one score is recorded as all players keep moving to the best shot throughout the hole. When you play a golf shamble format, you will have a more accurate idea as to what your score would have been if you played your own golf ball.

Number of Drives

Most of the time, with a scramble, each of the team members in the foursome needs to contribute at least two drives. Considering the drive is such a vital part of the shamble, this same rule is typically in place.

Make sure that you are paying close attention to this as you move through to ensure that you have the best chance of winning this golf tournament format.

Two Person Formats

The 2-person shamble is rarer, but it is a format that can work. In addition, you can play a 2 person scramble tournament. However, most of the time, this works best with a group of four.

The pace of play for the shamble on the scramble is comparable. However, I can tell you that the scramble will usually be a bit shorter. It really depends on the golfer’s handicaps in the group to be able to estimate the pace of play.

Can You Handicap a Shamble?

Handicapping for shambles will vary based on what your tournament committee decides is the best fit. For the majority of shambles, the handicap of every player will be reduced by about 20 to 25%.

If you are a 20 handicap, you will get 15 shots that day. Considering you will have the chance to play from the best drive out of four, this is pretty fair.

A golf shamble handicap can sometimes be based on player handicap where the lower player gets less of their handicap, and the higher player gets more of their handicap, but this makes things more complicated.

Some tournament committee that is unsure of anyone’s handicap will just play a gross shamble. This is when only a gross score tournament result is collected.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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The aftermath of the 2022 Presidents Cup will not produce tear-jerking essays or over-the-top hyperbole about the future that resulted from last year’s Ryder Cup, but an event that ended in a ninth consecutive United States victory was still a massive success. If one looked exclusively at the Wikipedia of the Presidents Cup’s history, it would be easy to deem the event a bit of a failure; however, that would completely ignore the unique setup of team events and why they are notably entertaining.

At some point over the last 10 years of covering Ryder Cups, Solheim Cups and Presidents Cups, it became apparent that even most (not all, but most) blowouts at these team competitions feel close until the end. They also seemingly always feature bizarre moments that will inevitably take place before their conclusion.

On Saturday afternoon of this year’s Presidents Cup, just after Tom Kim poured in the putt of the week to cap the day of his career, the chances of the International team winning the Presidents Cup improved from 3% to 3.6%, according to Data Golf. And yet, because of what happened at the 2012 Ryder Cup, and because it felt like Kim couldn’t lose, and because we like believing in sports miracles, it felt a lot closer than that.

Fast forward to Sunday. Despite Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay picking up singles points in routes, Justin Thomas was on the ropes against Si Woo Kim, and there was a swath of black and gold on the board as the afternoon wore on. It felt like it was truly getting close and that the Internationals had a real chance of winning 8.5 points in singles their first event of the century. 

The Americans’ odds of winning never dropped below 89% and mostly stayed well in the 90s, according to Data Golf. Even the International team winning 8.5 points in 12 matches against 12 players who are all in the top 25 in the world, as it turns out, was an extremely difficult ask.

This is the part where you holler about how events aren’t played on paper. While that’s true, probability models also provide a reality check on our emotions. Unlike us, they don’t project based on momentum or feeling or acknowledging how many times Si Woo has fist pumped J.T.’s soul but rather on skill and math. While the intangibles of sports seemingly affect myriad games and events we’ve watched over the years, we underrate the tangibles — what matters most — mostly because we want to believe.

This is where the beauty of how team golf is scheduled comes into play. You can talk yourself into a particular match flipping or certain evens transpiring other ways. If you ignored reality — and I almost always want to ignore reality during events like this one — then the event was quite exciting. That’s because team events are set up to become increasingly volatile in terms of point distribution. Nearly half the points available at a team event are in play over a tiny five-hour stretch on Sunday afternoon, and the rest of the week seems to crescendo into that window.

As long as you don’t get a true rout, which does sometimes happen, hope almost always stays flickering for longer than it should. Even in five-point victories (considered blowouts in team competitions like this one), you can talk yourself into it. That can be both beautiful and tragic.

“This week, you know, we were in a tough spot on Friday,” said International captain Trevor Immelman. “We showed a lot of guts to fight back. At some point, I don’t know about you guys, but at some point this afternoon I thought there was still a chance. And when you consider that we were 8-2 down on Friday evening, this team is no joke, and I’m sick and tired of it being spoken of as a joke.

“We love this event, and we love our team, and we cannot wait to run this back and have another shot.”

There was much chatter this week about how the Presidents Cup format and setup needs to change. Infinite possibilities were dangled and mentioned as possible “solutions” to an event the United States has dominated. Though I could be talked into a mixed team event, the Presidents Cup is fun and good because the setup is absolutely perfect. As long as the International team maintains the baseline of competitiveness it has displayed over the last four Cups, the structure of events like this one does most of the heavy lifting.

And if you are in fact a statistician or data nerd and can’t shake the fact that this Presidents Cup (like many other blowouts) was never truly in doubt even if it felt that way, there’s good news for you as well. It seems the tide has turned on continuity and galvanization in the International team room. Now they, like the U.S. a times in its past, just need to plug in some future stars.

“It still hurts not to win,” said Adam Scott. “I think the big difference I felt the last couple years is what’s going on in our team room, what’s going on between the captains and the players, the caddies, everybody involved on our team. I think good things are really starting to happen in that environment.

“Once some of these players who sit here for the first time or the second time start playing a few more and teams, that bond forms over years, I think we’re not going to leave here disappointed. A Cup is coming our way soon.”

When they do find those additional stars, this event is going to be more interesting (and perhaps competitive) than it has ever been. And even if it’s not, it’s likely going to continue to feel that way, which for us as sports fans, is all that really matters.

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The 2022 Presidents Cup is finally upon us after three long years of anticipation. A heavily favored United States side looks to hold onto the cup after a dramatic 16-14 victory at Royal Melbourne in 2019, while an up-and-coming international team will be out to shock the golf world. 

In the time since the last event occurred, the U.S. has retooled its arsenal and introduced young stars such as Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young and Max Homa. They will play in unison with familiar faces such as Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Tony Finau as all 12 Americans find themselves inside the top 25 of the OWGR.

While the Americans have added firepower, the international team has lost some of its own. In place of the losses, Sungjae Im, Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott will lead their squad into Quail Hollow Club and hope to build on nearly winning the international’s first Presidents Cup since 1998 and only the second all-time.

Featuring eight rookies, the international team is a massive underdog in Charlotte. While not unusual, this year’s Presidents Cup brings on a new feel as it finally felt as if the U.S. counterparts were ready to dethrone the 11-time champions. With outside forces at hand, a one-sided affair is all but likely to occur.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know for the week ahead at Quail Hollow Club, and be sure to follow live Presidents Cup scores and results with four-ball on Day 2.

2022 Presidents Cup schedule, format

All times Eastern

Thursday: Foursomes — 1-6 p.m.
Friday: Fourball — 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: Foursomes and fourball — 7 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Sunday: Singles — 12-6 p.m.

Fourball: Teams of two face off against each other with every competitor playing their own golf ball. Each side will take the lower of the two scores for that specific hole. For example: If Jordan Spieth cards a birdie while his teammate Justin Thomas makes bogey, and both Sungjae Im and Hideki Matsuyama make par, the U.S. team wins the hole.

Foursomes: The more difficult of the two team formats. Teammates will play a single golf ball and alternate shots until the hole is completed. Players switch off hitting tee shots no matter who made the final putt on the prior hole. Typically, the better iron players will line up to tee off on the majority of the par 3s while strong drivers kick off the par 5s. Scoring remains the same and is the standard match play.

Singles: One-on-one matches over 18 holes. What is seen at the U.S. Amateur or WGC Match Play.

Check out the complete Presidents Cup TV schedule and coverage guide.

2022 Presidents Cup teams

2022 Presidents Cup course

Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a fixture on the PGA Tour, hosting the Wells Fargo Championship on an annual basis. Redesigned by Tom Fazio in 2016 in preparation for the PGA Championship, it measures 7,576 yards and plays to a par 71. Known for its finishing stretch of holes Nos. 16-18, “The Green Mile” has been moved up on the scorecard and will play as Nos. 13-15 to ensure competitors will see them in the match play format.

Presidents Cup history

With its victory at Royal Melbourne in 2019, the U.S. has compiled 11-1-1 record in the Presidents Cup. Despite the lopsided win total, there have been a couple close calls in recent memory, including the 16-14 affair in 2019 and the 15.5-14.5 bout in South Korea in 2015. The international team has struggled mightily on U.S. soil, and have not gotten within two points since the second Presidents Cup in 1996.

2022 Presidents Cup odds, favorites

Prop bets are abundant for the Presidents Cup, and Caesars Sportsbook has provided a handful in which to indulge. Here are three of my favorites.

1. Top Points Scorer — Sungjae Im (18-1): He is the international team’s best player, and will have to play in all five sessions if it’s are to have a chance. I love his fit for Quail Hollow, and could see him being paired with Tom Kim in what would form a formidable South Korean duo.

2. Day 1 Winner — Tie (25/4): If the internationals come close in any session, it should be the very first one. Without expectations, the visiting team will be able to freewheel around Quail Hollow and send out its stoutest lineup. At longer than 6-1, I don’t mind suggesting it hold serve on Thursday.

3. Day 2 Winner — USA (4/9): The 2/15 price on U.S. to win the Presidents Cup is steep, so instead target them in the preferred team format. The U.S. has made its hay in fourball throughout the years, and this time around should be no different given the substantial edge in skill and continuity. 

Pairings to watch

Check out Day 1 pairings for foursomes.

Not Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth: While they may be best friends, they also cannibalize each other’s skillsets. Their partnership was one of the few lowlights in the U.S. victory at the 2021 Ryder Cup, and it may be time to separate the two most experienced members of this team.

Hideki Matsuyama vs. Justin Thomas in Singles: The two duked it out in the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, and I would love to see them run it back. It could easily turn into a ball-striking exhibition to remember.

Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa: Dustin Johnson went 5-0-0 at the 2021 Ryder Cup thanks in part to his partnership with Morikawa. Young, being adequately long off the tee and proficient on the greens, could seemingly fill the void left by Johnson. This could be the beginning of a very long and successful marriage for the two 25-year-olds.

2022 Presidents Cup prediction

It is hard to imagine the U.S. not winning this Presidents Cup, but I reckon it will not be as easy as most are projecting. After stumbling out of the gates on Thursday, the Americans figure things out over the weekend and win to the tune of 17.5-12.5.

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The 2022 Presidents Cup is finally upon us after three long years of anticipation. A heavily favored United States side looks to hold onto the cup after a dramatic 16-14 victory at Royal Melbourne in 2019, while an up-and-coming international team will be out to shock the golf world. 

In the time since the last event occurred, the U.S. has retooled its arsenal and introduced young stars such as Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young and Max Homa. They will play in unison with familiar faces such as Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Tony Finau as all 12 Americans find themselves inside the top 25 of the OWGR.

While the Americans have added firepower, the international team has lost some of its own. In place of the losses, Sungjae Im, Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott will lead their squad into Quail Hollow Club and hope to build on nearly winning the international’s first Presidents Cup since 1998 and only the second all-time.

Featuring eight rookies, the international team is a massive underdog in Charlotte. While not unusual, this year’s Presidents Cup brings on a new feel as it finally felt as if the U.S. counterparts were ready to dethrone the 11-time champions. With outside forces at hand, a one-sided affair is all but likely to occur.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know for the week ahead at Quail Hollow Club.

2022 Presidents Cup schedule, format

All times Eastern

Thursday: Foursomes — 1-6 p.m.
Friday: Fourball — 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: Foursomes and fourball — 7 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Sunday: Singles — 12-6 p.m.

Fourball: Teams of two face off against each other with every competitor playing their own golf ball. Each side will take the lower of the two scores for that specific hole. For example: If Jordan Spieth cards a birdie while his teammate Justin Thomas makes bogey, and both Sungjae Im and Hideki Matsuyama make par, the U.S. team wins the hole.

Foursomes: The more difficult of the two team formats. Teammates will play a single golf ball and alternate shots until the hole is completed. Players switch off hitting tee shots no matter who made the final putt on the prior hole. Typically, the better iron players will line up to tee off on the majority of the par 3s while strong drivers kick off the par 5s. Scoring remains the same and is the standard match play.

Singles: One-on-one matches over 18 holes. What is seen at the U.S. Amateur or WGC Match Play.

2022 Presidents Cup teams

2022 Presidents Cup course

Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a fixture on the PGA Tour, hosting the Wells Fargo Championship on an annual basis. Redesigned by Tom Fazio in 2016 in preparation for the PGA Championship, it measures 7,576 yards and plays to a par 71. Known for its finishing stretch of holes Nos. 16-18, “The Green Mile” has been moved up on the scorecard and will play as Nos. 13-15 to ensure competitors will see them in the match play format.

Presidents Cup history

With its victory at Royal Melbourne in 2019, the U.S. has compiled 11-1-1 record in the Presidents Cup. Despite the lopsided win total, there have been a couple close calls in recent memory, including the 16-14 affair in 2019 and the 15.5-14.5 bout in South Korea in 2015. The international team has struggled mightily on U.S. soil, and have not gotten within two points since the second Presidents Cup in 1996.

2022 Presidents Cup odds, favorites

Prop bets are abundant for the Presidents Cup, and Caesars Sportsbook has provided a handful in which to indulge. Here are three of my favorites.

1. Top Points Scorer — Sungjae Im (18-1): He is the international team’s best player, and will have to play in all five sessions if it’s are to have a chance. I love his fit for Quail Hollow, and could see him being paired with Tom Kim in what would form a formidable South Korean duo.

2. Day 1 Winner — Tie (25/4): If the internationals come close in any session, it should be the very first one. Without expectations, the visiting team will be able to freewheel around Quail Hollow and send out its stoutest lineup. At longer than 6-1, I don’t mind suggesting it hold serve on Thursday.

3. Day 2 Winner — USA (4/9): The 2/15 price on U.S. to win the Presidents Cup is steep, so instead target them in the preferred team format. The U.S. has made its hay in fourball throughout the years, and this time around should be no different given the substantial edge in skill and continuity. 

Pairings to watch

Not Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth: While they may be best friends, they also cannibalize each other’s skillsets. Their partnership was one of the few lowlights in the U.S. victory at the 2021 Ryder Cup, and it may be time to separate the two most experienced members of this team.

Hideki Matsuyama vs. Justin Thomas in Singles: The two duked it out in the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, and I would love to see them run it back. It could easily turn into a ball-striking exhibition to remember.

Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa: Dustin Johnson went 5-0-0 at the 2021 Ryder Cup thanks in part to his partnership with Morikawa. Young, being adequately long off the tee and proficient on the greens, could seemingly fill the void left by Johnson. This could be the beginning of a very long and successful marriage for the two 25-year-olds.

2022 Presidents Cup prediction

It is hard to imagine the U.S. not winning this Presidents Cup, but I reckon it will not be as easy as most are projecting. After stumbling out of the gates on Thursday, the Americans figure things out over the weekend and win to the tune of 17.5-12.5.

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