When you have had enough of the same old four-person stroke play and wish to add some serious fun (and maybe a little money) to your regular round, it is time for you to find out how to play wolf golf? This game is a favorite of the people as it requires a team work, a strategy and a little bit of courage, particularly in case you make a decision to go by yourself.
In essence, wolf golf is a hole-by-hole rotating team game in which the “Wolf” player is the only one who has the privilege to either face the other players alone or select a partner. A group of four players is perfect for wolf golf, however, you can also easily modify the wolf golf game rules for three or five. By not letting the players off the hook for a second, the layout keeps them under constant tension from the very first tee box, hence every shot is of utmost importance and every decision is of high-stake.
The competition uses fundamental match play rules, thus understanding the official USGA Rules of Golf for Match Play is necessary, in particular, that which refers to putts given and penalties. Playing Wolf is a fantastic method to challenge your regular golf routine. It pairs perfectly with other simple side games like Skins, you can learn how to play skins in golf next! Ready to learn the simple steps to master this game?
How to Play Wolf Golf? (Step-by-Step Guide)
So, how to play wolf golf! The following is a detailed description of the game progression and the timing of the main choices, which illustrate a typical four-person group.
Step 1: Establish the Wolf Order
Before Hole 1, your group needs to lock down the two foundational elements:
- The Rotation: Decide your fixed playing order (A, B, C, D). The Wolf role moves sequentially down this list every hole. The Wolf role travels one by one down this list each hole. For example, if you are the Wolf on Hole 1, the person next to you will be the Wolf on Hole 2.
- The Base Wager: Decide on the base unit for scoring (e.g., $1, 1 point, or $5). This is the amount that is multiplied when a player goes solo.
Step 2: The Wolf Ties Off Last – Always
The condition of the wolf game that sets it apart from the game of regular golf is the requirement that the player who is designated as the Wolf must be the one to hit the drive last, even if the player who had the lowest score on the previous hole and has the “honor”.
Example: Let’s say that your group consists of Player 1 (P1), Player 2 (P2), Player 3 (P3) and you are the Wolf. P1, P2, and P3 all go ahead and hit their drives first – thus, you will be the one to hit your drive after all three balls have landed.
Step 3: The Critical Decision: Choosing Your Partner
This is the heart of the strategy of the Wolf game. After the first player (P1) hits their drive, you (the Wolf) must decide immediately if you want them as a partner. You cannot wait! You have to decide before P2 even steps up to the tee.
- If you see a great drive: You shout, “I choose [Player 1’s Name]!” You and P1 are now a 2v2 team against P2 and P3 for the rest of the hole.
- If the drive is bad: You simply wait. P2 hits their drive, and you repeat the decision: Do you choose P2, or wait for P3? This must be done instantly.
- The Power of Waiting: You continue this process, observing P1, P2, and P3’s drives, hoping for the best possible partner.
Step 4: Declaring Lone Wolf (The Biggest Bet)
If you wait until the very end, and P3 hits an absolute bomb of a drive, you still have the option to choose them as your partner. However, if you feel truly invincible, or if all three opponents hit weak drives, you can make the ultimate move: going Lone Wolf.
- How to Declare: After the third non-Wolf player (P3) hits, you step up and declare, “Lone Wolf!”.
- The Matchup: This is the moment when you’re risking your one score that it will be better than the best score of the other three players. It is the riskiest, and yet the one with the greatest potential payout.
Step 5: Scoring and Payouts
Everyone plays their ball using standard stroke play. But for scoring, only the best score from each side is compared—like match play.
| Matchup Type | Who Wins the Hole? | Payout / Outcome (based on your $1 wager) |
|---|---|---|
| 2v2 (Wolf with Partner) | The best score of the Wolf team beats the best score of the opponents. | Payout: Each member of the winning Wolf team receives $1 from each of the two opponents (total $2 won per person). |
| 1v3 (Lone Wolf) | Your score (the Wolf’s) beats the best individual score of all three opponents. | Payout: You receive 3× the wager ($3) from each of the three opponents — you win $9 total. |
| Lone Wolf Loses | If any opponent’s score beats yours. | Loss: You pay $3 to each of the three opponents — you lose $9 total. |
| Tie | If the best scores tie in either matchup. | The hole is halved; no money or points are exchanged. |
These simple wolf golf rules ensure constant engagement. The beauty of the wolf golf format is that strategy changes based on the first three drives.
Wolf Golf Game Variants
The basic structure of the Wolf game is highly adaptable. Trying out these wolf game variants can keep the competition fresh and challenging. If you want to add some flavor to your usual round, you can always find a great variety of fantastic golf games to play!
Blind Wolf: The Wolf player has to decide and announce if he is going “Lone Wolf” even before the first tee-off. By doing this, the player with the Wolf hand does not get the advantage of looking at the other players’ drives, thus, the risk and the possible reward are increased considerably. This blind wolf golf version is all about faith in oneself.
Playing with 3 or 5:
- Three Players: The Wolf rotates, and on the hole where they play, they are automatically a Lone Wolf, playing 1-on-2. The scoring payout (e.g., 2 points per player) is agreed upon beforehand.
- Five Players: The player who is the Wolf sits out the hole’s play, but their partner is determined normally. The four players play in a 2v2 format, and the sitting Wolf takes points based on their chosen team’s outcome.
Fun Tweaks: Many groups include extra bets, such as a “Pack Challenge” (where the three non-Wolf players get bonus points for winning against a partnered Wolf), or doubling the wager if a birdie is made.
Note: If you want to know the precise information about scoring multipliers, subtracting handicaps, and intricate payout scenarios, refer to our complete Wolf rules guide.
Winning Tips
Now that you know how to play wolf golf, it’s time to play smart. Applying a sound wolf golf strategy will make the difference between winning a few points and taking the whole pot.
- Be Patient with the Lone Wolf: Don’t declare “Lone Wolf” just for the sake of it. Wait until you see three truly abysmal tee shots and you know the hole favors your strengths. This is one of the core of effective lone wolf golf tips.
- Identify the Hot Putter: If you are selecting a partner, then do not concentrate on the player who made the longest drive but rather on the player who was most consistent in putting. The scoring in this game is done on the green.
- Use Handicaps Wisely: If your group uses full handicaps (we recommend it!), calculate the strokes before choosing a partner. You might pick a higher-handicap player if they get a critical stroke on a tough hole. For more on calculating handicaps, check out how to calculate golf handicap guide.
- Focus on Consistency, Not Distance: The main goal should be to get the victory and not to simply drive the ball as far as possible. A fairway shot with less risk will give a better angle for the approach and therefore increasing your chances of winning the hole.
FAQs
How to score Wolf in golf with 5 players?
With five players, the Wolf sits out the hole but still chooses a partner from the four players who drove. The Wolf team (Wolf + partner) wins or loses based on their partner’s team performance in the 2v2 match. The role of Wolf rotates through all five players.
What are the risks of The wolf game?
The primary risk is playing Lone Wolf and losing, as the points are tripled against you. There’s also the risk of picking a partner based on a good tee shot only for them to struggle with their approach and putts.
What are the weaknesses of a wolf?
A Wolf’s weakness is their ego. They might play Lone Wolf too often or fail to pick the best possible partner, which can quickly turn a potential high payout into a major loss.
What is the best skill in the wolf game?
The best skill is decision-making knowing when to choose a strong partner and, more importantly, when to have the confidence (and skill) to go Lone Wolf. However, sharp short-game ability is essential, which you can always practice with these golf chipping games.
Now get out there and try to win some points!
