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Are you looking for new golf game to play with your friends instead of against them? Do you have multiple foursomes and want to play as a team against other groups. If so, the Cha Cha Cha 4-Player golf game is the perfect option!
It’s an entertaining, easy-to-learn twist on traditional team golf that everyone can enjoy. The rules of Cha Cha Cha are simple, and the game is more collaborative than competitive.
Cha Cha Cha is played in teams of four golfers. A certain number of scores (1, 2 or 3) count on each hole. The final score for the round is calculated by adding the scores from each hole. Trust us, it’s easy to learn!
With no complicated scoring system, playing the Cha Cha Cha golf game can be an excellent way for newcomers and veterans to come together and have fun on the links.
Ready? Let’s tee this off!
Cha Cha Cha Golf Game
What Is Cha Cha Cha Golf Game?
The Cha Cha Cha golf game is a unique and interesting twist on four-ball or best ball game of golf. Instead of two teams of two players engaged in a match play format, Cha Cha Cha uses four player teams working together and competing against other foursomes.
This format requires each team to have four members. A rotation is setup to determine how many scores count on each hole. Instead of scoring each hole the same, the number of balls scored on each hole is set by a three-hole rotation.
The first hole is known as “Cha” (or “The Cha Hole”) and only one score counts. The best ball (single best score) counts for the Cha hole.
The second hole is called “Cha Cha” (or “The Cha Cha Hole”) and the two best balls count for that hole. Those two best scores are added together to make a single score for the hole.
The third hole is the “Cha Cha Cha” (or “The Cha Cha Cha Hole”) and three of the four scores count. The three best balls are added together to make a single score for The Cha Cha Cha Hole.
After three holes, the game rotates bank to the begining for another Cha hole on the fourth hole. Then Cha Cha for the fifth hole, and Cha Cha Cha again for the sixth hole. This process continues until the round is complete.
This means that the team will play six Cha, six Cha Cha, and six Ch Cha Cha holes over a standard 18-hole round of golf.
The game keeps things interesting with different scoring requirements that switch after every hole. It also creates a collaborative atmosphere for all the players since everyone is working together.
How To Play Cha Cha Cha Golf Game
Cha Cha Cha is a great golf game to be played in a larger tournament format. It’s common for guest days at private golf clubs or large charity golf tournaments. The rules are the same for one or two groups of friends or 32 groups of strangers. Let’s recap how Cha Cha Cha works for tournament play.
In the 4-player Cha Cha Cha tournament format, each team includes four players. The team’s score is calculated differently depending on which hole they are playing. This system uses a three-hole rotation to determine how many scores are counted toward the team’s score.
On Hole 1, only one score (lowest in the foursome) counts; on Hole 2, two scores (lowest two balls) count; and on Hole 3, three scores (lowest three scores) count. When the teams reach the fourth hole, the process starts over, and they return to counting just one score again.
All players must tee off on every hole and play their own golf ball. Each ball should be played in accordance with the rules of standard stroke play golf.
Cha Cha Cha 4-Player Golf Game
The Hole Rotation
The hole rotation in Cha Cha Cha emulates a normal competitive match-play format yet stays true to its funny name. Each team member keeps their own score, and some of those scores count toward a collective team score.
The rotation begins again on the fourth hole, where only one low ball score counts among the four teammates. This system adds suspense and excitement as players calculate how well they need to do to contribute to the team.
Specifically, one low ball is scored on holes 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16; two balls count on holes 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17; and three are used on holes 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18. Once mastered, this unique rotation adds an extra dynamic to your typical golf outing.
It’s an exciting way to play golf with friends and gives everyone an equal opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.
How To Score Cha Cha Cha (Example Scorecard)
We’ve already described the hole rotation and scoring in some detail. Twice actually! To add clarity, let’s use an example scorecard to show how the system functions in practice.
Here is a sample of the front nine scorecard for a single team playing in a Cha Cha Cha tournament:
Hole
Player A
Player B
Player C
Player D
Team Score
1
4
5
5
6
4
2
7
3
4
6
7
3
5
4
3
4
11
4
3
4
2
3
2
5
4
3
6
5
7
6
6
7
5
4
15
7
3
5
4
5
3
8
4
4
5
6
8
9
5
4
6
4
13
Total
41
39
40
43
70
As you can see, all the players contributed scores on at least a few of the holes. That’s a big part of the fun!
Why Cha Cha Cha is a Great Golf Game
There are so many great golf games to play. The possibilities are endless! Cha Cha Cha is an excellent option for several reasons.
It’s fun! Players of all skill levels can enjoy it and contribute to the team. Handicaps are used in most cases (we’ll discuss that later), and you cannot rely on a single scratch player to carry the team. The whole team is involved!
It allows newcomers to the game to experience all the challenging and competitive aspects of golf without feeling pressured to make a good score on every hole. For veteran players, it’s an excellent opportunity for camaraderie as the game encourages communication and teamwork among the group.
Other golf games can be played at the same time. A group skins game is easy to add, or a separate four-ball match could be played at the same time. Of course, a game of nearies and whatever other side games you can think of are a perfect fit. Even golf drinking games could be included.
The format works perfectly in a Nassau format as well. You can easily assign a winner for the front nine, and winner for the back nine, and a winner for the overall score.
Also, everyone plays their own ball. This may not sound like a big deal, but many golfers what to record all their scores. If you play a scramble or alternate shot tournament, you don’t get to keep your own score.
The name is fun to say too. It’s a small reason but still a reason to love Cha Cha Cha.
Using Handicaps with Cha Cha Cha
Handicaps are common in Cha Cha Cha events. Strokes are applied to specific holes (played where they fall) as you would expect. However, these events usually only allocate a percentage of your full course handicap.
Generally, the USGA recommends calculating playing handicap allowances as 90% of course handicap (for men) and 95% (for women). However, if even more balanced is needed, the Cha Cha Cha competition can be played with 80% of course handicap for men and 90% of course handicap for women.
Furthermore, in four-ball play, the USGA recommends that the higher-handicapped partners’ course handicaps be no more than eight strokes more than the lower-handicapped colleague or reduce the course handicaps of all teammates by 10%. Golf handicaps ensure an equal playing opportunity amongst competitors regardless of their skill level.
Cha Cha Cha Golf Tournament Format
Strategies for Winning the Game
Winning the Cha Cha Cha golf game can be an exciting challenge, but it takes a lot of skill and strategy to get the job done. It is best to play cautiously but confidently, calculating each move before it is made.
Players can be more aggressive on the Cha hole where only one score counts. However, cautious play is recommended for the Cha Cha Cha holes when three of four scores will count.
Additionally, engaging in strategic communication with your teammates is key. Discuss your strategies and decide on a common plan for making shots. Always stay aware of the other teams’ scores and positions so that you can adjust your play accordingly.
With these tips in mind, you will have a good chance of finding success when playing 4-Player Cha Cha Cha golf.
Difference Between Cha Cha Cha and Best Ball
The Cha Cha Cha golf game is based on standard Best Ball, but there are obvious difference.
Best Ball uses 2-player teams, while Cha Cha Cha uses 4-player teams. Best Ball scores only one best score on each hole, whereas Cha Cha Cha rotates how many scores count on each hole.
Come to think of it, the two games aren’t too similar at all!
Conclusion
Cha Cha Cha golf game is an exciting, team-oriented format that is great for all skill levels. It encourages communication and teamwork among the group while providing a competitive atmosphere to improve one’s golfing skills.
Cha Cha Cha can be played with just one or two groups but is commonly used in large group golf tournaments. With strategies for winning and objectives in place, the game provides a fun opportunity for newcomers and veterans alike.
Try Cha Cha Cha next time you have a group of friends on the golf together. If you like this game, you might also enjoy Wolf or Vegas golf game!
My name is David Shelly and golf has been my passion since early childhood. For more than three decades now, I’ve been trying to make sense of this crazy game.
Golf is the greatest game ever played. I want to help more people experience its joys. Let's hit the links!
