What is a wolf golf game?

If you’re looking for something to mix up your standard fourball round and add a bit more jeopardy to proceedings, then a wolf golf game might be for you.

In wolf, each hole is different. Your group of four is separated into two teams, with one player designated the ‘wolf’. Their role is to determine the teams and decide whether to partner up or take on the other three players on their own.

One of wolf’s best characteristics is that it keeps a round fresh from start to finish. No two holes are the same, with teams and stakes constantly changing.

Some people will play a wolf golf game for cash, others for points. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to discover a new way of playing golf, and it just might become one of your favourites.

How to play wolf golf

As mentioned, wolf golf is played with four players, all of whom should be numbered. This determines the order in which each will become the wolf. For example, player one is the wolf for the first hole, before player two is the wolf for the second, player three for the third, and so on. Once everyone has been the wolf, the rotation begins again. 

The role of the wolf

It's the wolf’s job to decide who their partner for the round will be. There are multiple variations to the game, but typically, the wolf will tee off first. From there, they have a small window to decide which player, if any, will be their partner.

After a player tees off, the wolf must decide whether they will partner up with said player before the following player tees off.

So, once player two tees off, the wolf must decide whether to partner up with them before player three begins their turn. If they decide not to join up with player two, the same process begins again between players three and four. The reason for this is so that the wolf can’t just wait for the best shot and pick them as their partner.

If the wolf then picks player four as their partner, players two and three would join together and make up the other team. 

The lone wolf

However, the wolf may instead opt to go it alone and partner up with no one, becoming the lone wolf in the process. This increases the stakes, meaning the wolf will either win double points or be forced to owe double points to all of the opponents.

The wolf can even take this a step further by becoming the blind lone wolf. This is when they declare their solo status before anyone has teed off, including themselves. Then, points would be tripled instead of doubled.

It’s important to remember that all of this is only the case for one hole at a time. Each hole makes up its own mini contest, keeping the game fresh from start to finish. 

Points scoring in a wolf golf game

The exact figures for points (or cash) available in a game of wolf golf can vary.

As a general rule, each hole is decided in accordance with the better-ball scoring format, whereby the team’s score for a hole is decided by the best score from one of its players.

For example, if players one and four were in a team together and player one finished with a birdie while player four finished with a bogey, the team’s score would be a birdie.

If a team wins, both players would earn one point (or, for example, £1 if there was money involved). The other team would win nothing or be made to give the cash in the event of betting. However, if the lone wolf won, they’d win two points. If the blind lone wolf won, they’d win three. In the event of a tie, the points or money would carry over to the next hole.

This is just one variation. In others, the lone wolf could win as many as three or five points. Another great aspect of a wolf golf game is that you have a lot of freedom to score it however you’d like.

Ultimately, the winner of the entire game is the player who has accumulated the most points (or cash) across 18 holes. 

Why play a wolf golf game?

Wolf golf adds a different dynamic to standard fourball or foursomes rounds.

By making each hole a distinct contest, you’ll find yourselves gripped by all 18 competitions. Everything is different from hole to hole: the score, the stakes, the winner, the teams, and even the number of players on each side.

There might not be a more constantly refreshing system by which to enjoy a round, which is what makes wolf a one-of-a-kind game.

It’s all about freedom and choice, too. You can choose whether to play for cash, a prize, or simply pride. You can choose by which system you award points, and you can choose exactly how a hole plays out when you’re the wolf. No two groups will ever play an identical game of wolf, and that’s one of the things that’s so great about it. 

Final thoughts and tips

In a wolf golf game, it’s important to be strategic as well as bold. For example, while you have a limited window to pick a partner when you’re the wolf, it would be ill-advised to dive in and pick someone without properly considering your options. Sometimes, it is genuinely advantageous to play as the lone wolf, so don’t rush into picking a partner just because you feel like you have to.

It's also important that everyone understands the rules before you begin. For a format which has so many different scoring systems and ways of playing, there is potential for arguments and disagreements if everyone’s not on the same page beforehand.

Remember, wolf golf is all about having fun in a friendly setting. Don’t feel the need to play in any way you’re not comfortable with, and have a good time with your friends. You might just find you want to return to a wolf golf game time and time again!

Now you know all about wolf golf, read up on match play and stroke play golf, too. 

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