Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
Free tool: Open the calculator →
When each fits
Choose Hammer when two golfers want head-to-head match play with a negotiated, capped stake and are happy to decide doubling and carryover terms before teeing off. Choose shamble when a group wants selected-drive teamwork while every player still plays an individual ball to the hole.
Hammer in brief
A match-play side game where players can call a hammer to double the current hole’s agreed stake.
shamble in brief
Teams select the best tee shot, then play individual balls and count the lowest score.
Table
| Comparison | Hammer | shamble |
|---|---|---|
| One line | A match-play side game where players can call a hammer to double the current hole’s agreed stake. | Teams select the best tee shot, then play individual balls and count the lowest score. |
| Players | Minimum 2; ideal 2 head-to-head or 4 as two sides. A three-player version is a house arrangement, not covered here. | Minimum: 2 players forming one team; ideal: 4 players for one team, or 8+ players for head-to-head teams or a field. |
| Scoring unit | The hole, with a dollar stake attached; the hole winner receives the agreed current stake. A halved hole and carryover treatment must be agreed before play. | Strokes: after the selected drive, each player completes the hole with their own ball; the lowest team score is the hole's team score. |
| Handicap method | Hammer has no separate WHS allowance. If the underlying game is individual match play, WHS Appendix C recommends 100% of each player’s unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap; the lowest Playing Handicap normally plays off zero and others receive the difference. For four-ball match play, Appendix C recommends 90%. Confirm the Committee or group’s Terms because Hammer is an informal overlay. | Use the Competition Committee's Terms of Competition. The USGA shamble guidance suggests 75% of each player's Course Handicap for a two-person team and 65% of each player's Course Handicap for a four-person team; apply the percentage to the unrounded Course Handicap, then calculate Playing Handicap. These are shamble guidance figures, not a universal WHS allowance, and other team sizes or formats need a stated house method. |
| Money settles how | Set a base stake before teeing off, such as $1 per hole. A valid hammer doubles the current stake; agree whether it is automatic or may be declined, whether halved-hole stakes carry forward, and whether the stake resets after a won hole. Settle net amounts at the end, not by treating a casual side game as an official Rules competition. | Shamble has no inherent money settlement. If stakes are agreed, settle on the final team totals or on separately agreed per-hole or match bets; write the payment and tie rules before play. |
| Pace | Usually the same as match play or slower than ordinary stroke play, as each hole still uses match-play scoring but calling, accepting and recording doubles adds decisions. This is an editorial tendency, not a measured timing claim. | Usually slower than ordinary stroke play for one group because everyone tees off and then plays an individual ball, although it can be quicker than a scramble after the drive because players do not repeatedly choose and replay one team ball. |
| Best for | Two golfers who want head-to-head match play with a negotiated money side game, or four golfers already comfortable with two-sided match play and clear pre-round limits. It suits players who enjoy risk decisions and can keep the stake modest. | Groups that want the teamwork of a selected-drive game while keeping every player's approach shots and putting in play; it suits a four-person team event or a small head-to-head competition with clear Committee conditions. |
| Weakness | The stake can escalate quickly, and unclear choices about acceptance, carryovers, timing, concessions or four-ball sides can create arguments. The group must agree a cap or stop rule if players do not want an unexpected liability. | The format is not fully standardised: drive-selection limits, team size, scoring, handicap treatment and tie procedures can vary, so an event without written conditions can produce disputes. |
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and selected terms, not historical results. For an accepted single hammer on an agreed $2 hole stake, the stake becomes $4. If Alex wins the hole, Ben pays Alex $4 under that expressly chosen house rule. Alex and Ben select a preferred drive then play separate balls, scoring 4 and 5. If the event counts one best score, their side records 4; another counting rule would require a different result.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.2 for the underlying Hammer match play; no shamble-specific Rule of Golf
Sources: www.golfdigest.com , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
How do Hammer and shamble score differently?
For Hammer: The hole, with a dollar stake attached; the hole winner receives the agreed current stake. A halved hole and carryover treatment must be agreed before play. For shamble: Strokes: after the selected drive, each player completes the hole with their own ball; the lowest team score is the hole's team score.
How do handicaps apply in Hammer vs shamble?
Hammer: Hammer has no separate WHS allowance. If the underlying game is individual match play, WHS Appendix C recommends 100% of each player’s unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap; the lowest Playing Handicap normally plays off zero and others receive the difference. For four-ball match play, Appendix C recommends 90%. Confirm the Committee or group’s Terms because Hammer is an informal overlay. shamble: Use the Competition Committee's Terms of Competition. The USGA shamble guidance suggests 75% of each player's Course Handicap for a two-person team and 65% of each player's Course Handicap for a four-person team; apply the percentage to the unrounded Course Handicap, then calculate Playing Handicap. These are shamble guidance figures, not a universal WHS allowance, and other team sizes or formats need a stated house method.
When should I choose Hammer instead of shamble?
Choose Hammer when two golfers want head-to-head match play with a negotiated, capped stake and are happy to decide doubling and carryover terms before teeing off. Choose shamble when a group wants selected-drive teamwork while every player still plays an individual ball to the hole.