Golf Formats Explained: Scramble, Shamble, and Best Ball for Your Tournament

When planning a golf tournament, one of the first - and most important - choices is deciding on the golf format. The format determines how scoring works, how competitive the event feels, and how much fun your players have.

The scramble format is by far the most popular choice for charity golf tournaments, corporate outings, and casual events - but there are also other great options like shamble and best ball.

In this guide, we’ll break down the scramble golf format in detail, compare it to shamble and best ball, and help you choose the right setup for your event.

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Why Your Golf Format Choice Matters

Your tournament format shapes the entire day:

• Pace of play - How fast the round moves
• Inclusivity - How comfortable beginners feel joining
• Team dynamic - How much teamwork is encouraged
• Competition level - Whether the focus is fun or skill
  

Choosing wisely ensures both first-timers and experienced golfers enjoy the event.

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The Scramble Golf Format

The scramble format is the go-to choice for many tournaments because it’s beginner-friendly, social, and fast-paced.

How a Scramble Works

1. All players on a team (usually four) tee off.
2. The team selects the best shot.
3. Everyone hits from that spot.
4. Repeat until the ball is holed.
   

Common Rule Variation: Require each player’s drive to be used a set number of times to keep things fair.

Why Choose a Scramble:

• Perfect for mixed skill levels
• Speeds up play - fewer shots to track
• Encourages teamwork and camaraderie
• Ideal for charity golf tournaments where fun is the main goal

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The Shamble Golf Format

The shamble format blends teamwork with individual play.

How a Shamble Works

1. Everyone tees off, best drive is selected.
2. Each player finishes the hole individually from that spot.
3. Team score is based on the best individual scores.

Why Choose a Shamble:

• Keeps the event inclusive but allows stronger players to shine‍
• Combines fast starts with traditional scoring

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The Best Ball Golf Format

Best ball is the most individual-focused of the three formats.\

How Best Ball Works

1. Everyone plays their own ball for the entire hole.
2. The team records the lowest single score on each hole.

Why Choose Best Ball:

• Great for experienced or competitive golfers
• True test of individual performance
• Works well for league play or club championships

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Scramble vs. Shamble vs. Best Ball - How to Choose

Here’s a quick guide:

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Also consider:

• Time - Scrambles and shambles are faster than best ball
• Fundraising - Scrambles keep the day moving, which helps auction and dinner events stay on schedule
• Prizes - Competitive events may need formats like best ball or stroke play

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Make Any Format Easy with Partaake

No matter which format you choose - scramble, shamble, or best ball - Partaake makes tournament planning simple:

• Set up registration in minutes
• Collect payments securely
• Manage teams, pairings, and flights
• Communicate updates to players in real time
  

Ready to get started? Learn more about Partaake here.

Plan smarter, play better - and host a tournament everyone will remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scramble format in golf?

In a scramble, all players hit from the same spot after each shot, always playing the team’s best ball. It’s fast, fun, and perfect for large charity events.

What’s the difference between scramble and best ball?

In a scramble, you always hit from the team’s best location. In best ball, everyone plays their own ball, and the best score counts. Scramble = faster & more social, Best Ball = more competitive.

Is scramble golf good for beginners?

Yes - the scramble format is the most beginner-friendly golf format because no one has to play their bad shots for the whole hole.

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