Golf Game Format
Wolf is a golf betting game for 4 players where one player is the "Wolf" each hole. The Wolf tees off first, watches others hit, and decides: pick a partner for 2v2, or go alone against the other three for double the stakes.
Wolf
Hole 12
The Basics
A game of strategy, risk, and reading your opponents
Players take turns being the Wolf. The Wolf tees off first on their hole. Rotation: Player 1 is Wolf on holes 1, 5, 9, 13, 17.
After each player's tee shot, the Wolf decides: pick them as partner, or wait. Once the next player hits, the window closes.
Pick a partner: you're 2v2 for normal points. Go alone: Lone Wolf vs 3 for double stakes.
Each team uses their best score on the hole. Lowest best ball wins.
Step by Step
The designated Wolf for the hole tees off first. See the fairway, know your position before anyone else hits.
Players B, C, and D tee off in order. After each shot, the Wolf must immediately decide: pick that player as a partner, or pass.
Pick a partner for a 2v2 hole at normal stakes, or pass on everyone to go Lone Wolf for double the points.
Each team uses their best score on the hole. The team with the lowest best ball wins the points.
The next player becomes Wolf. Continue through all 18 holes, tallying points after each.
Risk vs Reward
The core strategy that makes Wolf exciting
| Scenario | If You Win | If You Lose |
|---|---|---|
| Pick a Partner (2v2) | +1 point each | -1 point each |
| Lone Wolf (1v3) | +2 points each | -2 points each |
| Blind Wolf (declare before tee shots) | +3 points each | -3 points each |
Strategy
Tips for managing risk and maximizing your points
Player B hits a great shot - but Player C might be even better. If B is in the fairway, wait to see C. You can always go Lone Wolf if everyone else struggles.
If all three opponents hit poor tee shots and you're in the fairway, go alone. Your solo par likely beats their best ball. Double the winnings.
On a tough par 3, a safe shot to the green is valuable even if it's not close to the pin. On a wide par 5, position matters less than distance.
Ahead by a lot? Play conservative, pick partners. Behind? Go Lone Wolf more often. You need big swings to catch up.
Variations
Declare Lone Wolf before anyone tees off. Maximum risk, maximum reward (3x or 4x points).
Either team can "hammer" mid-hole to double the stakes. The other team can accept or fold.
Player in last place is Wolf for holes 17 and 18 - extra chances to catch up.
Apply handicap strokes to individual scores before comparing best ball. Levels the field.
Wolf is best with 4 players - the rotating Wolf and 2v2 team structure shine at that size. caddie.fun also supports 3-player Wolf, which automatically uses the canonical 3-handed variant (one player is Wolf each hole and either takes a single partner or goes it alone). 5 or more isn't supported; split into two groups instead.
When the Wolf plays alone against the other three players, they're the 'Lone Wolf.' If the Lone Wolf wins the hole, they win double points from each opponent. If they lose, they pay double to each opponent.
Traditional Wolf rules say you must pick a partner immediately after their tee shot - before the next player hits. Once the next player addresses the ball, you've lost the chance to pick the previous player.
Blind Wolf (or Pig) is when the Wolf declares they're going alone BEFORE anyone tees off. This is the riskiest play but pays out the most - typically 3x or 4x normal points.
Players rotate being the Wolf. Common rotations: 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4... for 18 holes, or use handicaps to set the order. The Wolf tees off first on their hole to see the fairway before choosing a partner.
Play a Format
Track Wolf rotation, record partner picks, calculate points automatically. Focus on the strategy, not the math.
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