Scramble vs best ball vs shamble
The three most popular team golf formats look similar but play very differently. Here's how a scramble, best ball, and shamble each work, how they're scored, and which one fits your group.
Scramble
Every player tees off. The team picks the best shot, and everyone plays their next shot from that spot— repeating until the ball is holed. There's one team score per hole.
- Scoring: one combined team score per hole.
- Pace: fast — fewer balls in play, lots of gimmes.
- Best for: mixed-ability groups, charity scrambles, corporate outings.
Best ball (four-ball)
Each golfer plays their own ball the entire hole. The team score is the single lowest score among the players on that hole.
- Scoring: lowest individual score counts as the team score.
- Pace: slower — every player holes out (or picks up).
- Best for: competitive groups of regular players; a staple of member-guests and league play.
Shamble
The hybrid: the team plays the best drive, then each player finishes with their own ball. The team counts the best one or two scores. Full breakdown in our shamble guide.
- Scoring: best 1 or 2 individual scores per hole.
- Pace: medium — shared drive speeds things up.
- Best for: outings that want more individual golf than a scramble without slowing to a crawl.
Quick comparison
- Easiest / fastest: Scramble
- Most individual challenge: Best ball
- Best of both: Shamble
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scramble and best ball?
In a scramble the team plays a single ball — everyone hits, you pick the best shot, and all play again from there until it's holed. In best ball (also called four-ball) every golfer plays their own ball for the entire hole, and the team score is the lowest individual score on that hole.
Is a scramble or best ball easier?
A scramble usually produces lower team scores and is easier for high-handicap players, because the team always plays from the best of several shots. Best ball is harder — each player must complete holes on their own — but it rewards consistent individual play.
What is a shamble?
A shamble is the hybrid: the team plays the best drive (like a scramble), then each player finishes the hole with their own ball (like best ball). The team counts the best one or two individual scores.
Which format is best for a charity outing?
A scramble is the go-to for charity and corporate events — it's fast, forgiving, and fun for all skill levels. Choose a shamble if you want a bit more individual golf, or best ball for a more competitive field of regular players.
Whichever format you pick, score it free
mashie runs scrambles, shambles, and best ball events live — captains score from their phone with no app or login, and the gross/net leaderboard updates in real time.