Wolf Golf Game Rules
Wolf combines strategy, risk-taking, and social dynamics into one of golf's most entertaining side games. Every tee box brings a new decision: pick a partner, or go it alone as the Lone Wolf.
What is the Wolf Golf Game?
Wolf is a foursome game where one player is designated as the "Wolf" on each hole. The Wolf tees off first and watches each subsequent player hit their tee shot. After each tee shot, the Wolf must decide: choose that player as a partner for the hole, or wait to see the next player's shot.
The catch is that once a player tees off, the Wolf must decide immediately -- before the next player hits. If the Wolf passes on all three players, they go it alone as the "Lone Wolf," playing one against three for double the points.
Rotating Wolf
The Wolf designation rotates among all four players. Player A is the Wolf on hole 1, Player B on hole 2, and so on, cycling back through after every four holes.
2 vs 2 or 1 vs 3
Each hole is either a 2-on-2 team match (Wolf picks a partner) or a 1-on-3 gamble (Lone Wolf). The format changes hole to hole based on the Wolf's decision.
How to Play Wolf: Step by Step
Determine the tee order
Decide the rotation order before the round. A common method is to draw for positions. The rotation for who is Wolf follows this order throughout the round: Player A, B, C, D, A, B, C, D, and so on. Some groups change the last two holes to let the lowest scorers be Wolf.
Wolf tees off first
The Wolf always hits first on their designated hole. Then the remaining three players tee off in order. After each tee shot lands, the Wolf must decide on the spot: pick that player as a partner, or pass.
Choose or go alone
If the Wolf picks a partner, they play 2 vs 2 best ball for the hole. If the Wolf passes on all three players, they become the Lone Wolf and play 1 vs 3. The Lone Wolf strategy carries higher risk but bigger rewards.
Score the hole
Compare the best ball of each side. The lower best-ball score wins the hole. Winners earn points from the losers. In a 2 vs 2, winners each get 1 point from each loser. A Lone Wolf wins or loses double (2 points from each of the three opponents).
The Lone Wolf
Going Lone Wolf is the boldest move in the game. You are wagering that your individual best ball can beat the best of three opponents. The reward? Double points if you win. The risk? You lose double to all three players if you don't.
Smart players go Lone Wolf when they see three mediocre tee shots and feel confident in their own ball position. It is also a tactical play when you are trailing late in the round and need to make up points in a hurry.
Blind Wolf (Bonus Variation)
Some groups allow the Wolf to declare "Blind Wolf" before anyone tees off -- including themselves. This is a declaration that the Wolf will go alone no matter what, and the payout is tripled instead of doubled. It is a high-risk, high-reward gamble reserved for players with supreme confidence.
Wolf Point Values
Each point has a dollar value agreed upon before the round. At the end of 18 holes, calculate each player's net points and settle up.
Wolf with Partner (2v2)
Standard team hole
Lone Wolf Win
1 vs 3, Wolf wins
Lone Wolf Loss
1 vs 3, Wolf loses
Blind Wolf Win
Declared before any tee shot
Wolf Strategy Tips
Don't pick too early: It is tempting to grab the first player who stripes one down the fairway, but waiting costs nothing. You might see a better tee shot from a later player, or three average shots might make going Lone Wolf viable.
Read the hole, not just the shot: A good tee shot on a par 5 might be less valuable than a safe shot on a tough par 3. Consider where the tee shot leaves the player for their approach, not just how it looked off the tee.
Use Lone Wolf strategically: If you are trailing with four holes left, going Lone Wolf on your designated holes is the fastest way to catch up. But if you are leading, there is no reason to take the added risk.
Know your opponents: Picking the best player is obvious, but sometimes picking the player with the hot hand that day is smarter. Pay attention to who is playing well on the current nine.