Shamble format with handicap?

[12_Over]

Played in a shamble tournament on Friday and I'm stil confused how the winning team shot 42 on a par 71 courrse. Yes, 42.

How is this possible? I thought shambles were more difficult to score than a regular scramble.

For those not familiar with the format, a shamble starts by the team pickig the best drive but from there, each team member plays out their own ball.

Can one get more than one stroke per hole if their handicap is high enough?

[iacas]

Can one get more than one stroke per hole if their handicap is high enough?

Did you play a shamble with full handicaps?

[goblue107501]

It is more difficult to score in a shamble, but putting the handicap with it and scores can really come down. 42 is a great score, but I am not surprised by it. I play in a pro-am each year and that is the same format we play. Typically, anything in the 44-47 range will win, and this is on a tour course under tour conditions. I think my group tied for 1st one year with a 45. I think with our format, the handicap is limited to a 20, so they will get a stroke on all 18, and two on the two hardest holes. You have 4 people playing for one score, so you only need a couple good shots a hole.


If you use a full handicap with that format, scores can go way down. Think of all the good players who can't hit past their own shadow so their handicap might be an 18. You get them in the fairway where they can hit irons into grees and reach par 5's, they can really start to score. Plus on the par 3's, you just need one person to hit a good shot and you will have 4 putts at birdie (for a net 1, with most people). You can play four par 3's and only use 4 strokes. Someone makes a birdie thanks to one great drive and it might be a net 2.

The higher handicaps really have an advantage score wise since they will get a shot on most every hole. A lucky birdie will be an eagle, a good par is a birdie. It can add up (or down) pretty quick.