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Wolf

Wolf is a rotating captain game where one player on each hole becomes the "Wolf" and must decide whether to pick a partner or go it alone against the other three players. It's a game of strategy, timing, and calculated risk-taking that keeps everyone engaged from the first tee to the final putt.

Players
4
Time
18 holes
Difficulty
Moderate
Best For
Strategy

How to Play

Establish Tee Order

Before the first hole, determine your batting order (Players 1-4). This order determines who becomes the Wolf on each hole.

Wolf Rotation

The Wolf role rotates through the foursome:

  • Holes 1, 5, 9, 13, 17: Player 1 is Wolf
  • Holes 2, 6, 10, 14, 18: Player 2 is Wolf
  • Holes 3, 7, 11, 15: Player 3 is Wolf
  • Holes 4, 8, 12, 16: Player 4 is Wolf

Making the Choice

After everyone hits their tee shot, the Wolf must choose:

  • Pick a Partner: Select one of the other three players to team up with for that hole
  • Go Solo: Play alone against the other three as a team (Solo Wolf)
  • Declare Lone Wolf: Before anyone hits, announce you're going alone (Lone Wolf)

Play the Hole

The hole is played as best-ball within each team. The team with the lowest score wins.

Scoring & Point System

Wolf uses a points-based system that varies based on the Wolf's decision:

Standard Partnership (Wolf picks a partner)

  • If Wolf's team wins: Wolf and partner each get 2 points
  • If Wolf's team loses: Each defender gets 1 point

Solo Wolf (declared after seeing tee shots)

  • If Wolf wins: Wolf gets 3 points
  • If Wolf loses: Each defender gets 1 point

Lone Wolf (declared before anyone hits)

  • If Wolf wins: Wolf gets 4 points
  • If Wolf loses: Each defender gets 1 point

Betting & Stakes

You can play Wolf two ways:

Per Point

Set a dollar value for each point (e.g., $1 per point). After 18 holes, total everyone's points and calculate cash settlements based on who finished above or below average.

Settlement Example (Per Point, $1 stake)

Final point totals: 28, 24, 20, 16

Average = 22 points

  • Player 1 (+6): Wins $6
  • Player 2 (+2): Wins $2
  • Player 3 (-2): Pays $2
  • Player 4 (-6): Pays $6

Per Hole

Each hole is worth a set amount (e.g., $5). Points are converted to cash based on the hole value. More volatile with bigger swings.

Recommended Stakes

  • Conservative: $0.50 - $1.00 per point
  • Moderate: $2 - $5 per point
  • Aggressive: $5+ per point

Variations & Strategy Tips

Popular Variations

  • Blind Wolf: Some groups allow the Wolf to declare "Blind Wolf" before anyone tees off for triple the standard payout—ultimate risk/reward
  • Back Nine Shuffle: Consider changing the tee order on hole 10 to refresh dynamics

Winning Strategies

  • Partner Selection: Watch tee shots carefully—picking the player closest to the fairway or green gives you the best chance
  • Risk Management: Save your Lone Wolf declarations for holes where you have an advantage (favorite par 3, downwind par 5, etc.)
  • Position Matters: Being last in the tee order gives you more information before making your Wolf decision

Track Wolf Automatically with Sidebet

Sidebet handles all Wolf calculations automatically—rotating the Wolf role, tracking partner selections, calculating points, and settling payments. No spreadsheets, no arguments, just golf.

Start a free round →