
Wolf is a golf betting game typically played by a group of four golfers. The game is played by rotating the role of Wolf among the players, with the player designated as the Wolf teeing off first. The Wolf can either choose to play alone or select a partner after watching the other players tee off. The scoring system varies, but generally, the Wolf wins double the bet from each of the three golfers on the other side if they play alone and win, or loses double the bet to each of them if they lose. The game adds excitement to the traditional four-ball match play format and is a fun way to spice up a round of golf with friends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 3 or 4 |
| Order of play | Decided on the first tee and rotates throughout the round |
| Wolf | Tees off first, decides whether to partner up or play alone |
| Points | 1 point for proximity, 2 points for low ball, 2 points for combined total, additional 1 point for birdie |
| Lone Wolf | Wins triple or loses triple |
| Blind Wolf | Wins quadruple |
| Tie | No winner, no loser, no money changing hands |
| Payout | Each player pays out golfers above them |
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What You'll Learn

Paying out the bottom player
Once the round is complete, each player will have a total score, and the bottom player's score is zeroed out. This makes it easier to calculate payouts. For example, if Player One has 12 points, Player Two has 22 points, Player Three has 36 points, and Player Four has 47 points, you would subtract 12 points from each player's score. So, Player One now has zero points, Player Two has 10 points, Player Three has 24 points, and Player Four has 35 points.
Each player then pays out all golfers ranked above them. Continuing with the above example and assuming a $1 per point payout, Player One owes Player Two $10, Player Three $24, and Player Four $35.
It's important to note that Wolf is a golf betting game, and the payouts are just one aspect of the game. The game involves strategy and risk-taking, with players having the option to go it alone as a "Lone Wolf" to win or lose more points or money. The game is typically played with a group of four golfers, but it can also be adapted for three players or a group of five.
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Points for proximity
Wolf is a golf betting game best played with four golfers, although it can be played with three. Each hole, one of the players is designated as the "Wolf", with the remaining golfers referred to as "hunters". The Wolf tees off first and then watches the other golfers take their drives. The Wolf then decides whether to partner up with one of the other players or go it alone against the other players.
The scoring system for Wolf involves points for proximity, with one point awarded for being closest to the pin. If the Wolf chooses to partner up, the golfers on the losing side pay $1 each to the golfers on the winning side. If the Wolf decides to play alone, they win $2 from each of the other golfers or lose $2 to each of them.
When playing with four golfers, the Wolf rotates until holes 17 and 18, where the player with the least amount of points becomes the Wolf. If there is a tie, the Wolf is chosen at random. With five players, the same process starts at hole 16.
There are variations to the scoring system, such as doubling the bet on birdies and quadrupling the bet on eagles, or implementing hammers and presses, which double the bet and can be hammered back for multiple hammers on a hole. Additionally, some players may choose to designate certain holes, such as holes 6, 12, and 18, as double points or dollars holes.
Ultimately, the scoring system, including the point value for proximity, is up to the players to decide and agree upon before starting the game.
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Points for low ball
Wolf is a golf game for groups of four golfers. It is a betting game that creates a different team on every hole or a 1-on-3 situation. The golfer who tees off first on each hole is the Wolf.
The Wolf has to decide whether they want another golfer as their partner on the hole. The Wolf must make this decision after watching each player tee off. If the Wolf doesn't like any of the other drives, they can choose to go it alone on the hole, playing against the other three golfers.
Scoring is one point for proximity (closest to the pin), two points for the low ball, and two points for the combined total. There is an additional point for a birdie, which then doubles the total of points to 12 if all points are secured. Points are not split or awarded for ties.
If the Wolf partners for a 2-vs.-2 hole, then the golfers on the losing side pay $1 to each golfer on the winning side. If the Wolf plays the hole alone, the Wolf wins $2 from each of the three golfers on the other side, or loses $2 to each of them.
The player with the most points after 18 holes wins the game of Wolf.
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Points for combined total
Wolf is a golf game for groups of four golfers, also known as a foursome play. In this game, one golfer on each hole, called the Wolf, chooses whether to play alone (1-vs-3) or to partner up (2-vs-2). The Wolf tees off first, and then the rest of the players go. After each player takes their shot, the Wolf decides whether to team up for the hole or go solo. If the Wolf chooses to have a partner, they work together to score well on that hole. If the Wolf decides to go alone, they need to beat the best score of the other three golfers combined to take the hole.
The scoring system in Wolf is as follows:
- If the Wolf and their partner win the hole, they are granted 2 points per golfer.
- If the non-Wolf golfers (also called the hunters or sheep) win the hole, they each receive one point.
- If the Wolf declares to go alone (also called a lone wolf or blind wolf) and wins the hole, it is worth double the normal amount, so the Wolf can win 4 points for the hole.
- If the Wolf goes alone and loses the hole, they concede 2 points per sheep.
To figure out the combined total for the Wolf, you simply double their score on the hole. For example, if Player One has 12 points, Player Two has 22 points, Player Three has 36 points, and Player Four has 47 points, you would zero out the score by removing 12 points from each player. So now Player One has zero points, Player Two has 10 points, Player Three has 24 points, and Player Four has 35 points. Each player then pays out all golfers above them. Using $1 per point in this scenario, Player One owes Player Two $10, Player Three $24, and Player Four $35.
Wolf is a betting game, so it is important to agree with all the players on the amount to be bet per hole or round before starting the game.
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Paying out the Wolf
One common method, as described by Chi Chi Rodriguez, involves the following payouts:
- If the Wolf partners up, each golfer on the winning team earns $1 from each golfer on the losing team.
- If the Wolf plays alone and wins, they earn $2 from each of the three golfers on the other side.
- If the Wolf plays alone and loses, they pay $2 to each of the three golfers.
- If the Wolf declares a Lone Wolf before teeing off, they can win $3 from each player ($9 total) or lose $3 to each player.
Another variation assigns points instead of dollar values:
- In a 2-vs-2 match, the winning side gets 1 point per player.
- In a 1-vs-3 match, the winning side gets 2 points per player (the Wolf wins double).
- In a Lone Wolf 1-vs-3 match, the winning side gets 3 points (the Lone Wolf wins triple).
Additionally, some groups may choose to double the points or dollar values on specific holes, such as the 6th, 12th, and 18th holes, further increasing the payout potential.
To calculate the final payouts, players can zero out the bottom player's score to determine what everyone owes. Each player then pays out all golfers above them in the standings. For example, if Player One has 12 points, Player Two has 22 points, Player Three has 36 points, and Player Four has 47 points, the scores would be adjusted by subtracting 12 points from each player. This results in Player One having zero points, Player Two having 10 points, Player Three having 24 points, and Player Four having 35 points. Player One would then owe $10 to Player Two, $24 to Player Three, and $35 to Player Four, assuming a $1 per point value.
It's important to note that groups can customize the scoring methods and dollar values based on their preferences, and it's recommended to decide on these details before starting the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Wolf Golf is a golf betting game for groups of four golfers. Each hole, one of the players is the "Wolf". The Wolf tees off first and can decide whether to play alone or choose a partner after watching the other players tee off. If the Wolf decides to partner up, the golfers on the losing side pay $1 to each golfer on the winning side. If the Wolf decides to play alone, they win $2 from each of the other three golfers or lose $2 to each of them.
Scoring is one point for proximity (closest to the pin), two points for the low ball, and two points for the combined total. There is an additional point for birdie, which then doubles the total of points to 12 if all points are secured. Points are not split or awarded for ties.
The bottom player's score is zeroed out, and each player pays out all golfers above them. For example, if Player One has 12 points, Player Two has 22 points, Player Three has 36 points, and Player Four has 47 points, Player One's score would be zeroed out, leaving them with zero points. Player One would then pay out Player Two, Three, and Four. Using $1 per point, Player One owes Player Two $10, Player Three $24, and Player Four $35.




































