Wolf or “Lone Wolf” is one of the most popular golf games played today. It’s typically played with four players, but that can vary. Betting on the course is a fun way to add some healthy competition among friends. There are a number of variations of this game, so I’ll explain the most common ways to play. Below are wolf golf game rules explained.
Wolf or Lone Wolf Overview
- Most commonly played with four golfers
- Group decides on the dollar amount per point before the round begins
- Game can be played with our without player handicaps
- The object of the game is to accumulate more points than your competitors. You win points by teaming up with another player or going solo (wolf), and finishing the hole with the lowest score.
- Order is assigned by flipping a tee in between a circle of players. The direction the tee is pointing will determine the first player. The process continues until there is a set order. This order will remain the same throughout holes 1-16. On holes 17 and 18, the player with the lowest point total will be the wolf and tee of last.
- The wolf is always the player who tees off last. Some variations of this game have the wolf teeing off first.
How to Play Wolf
- Hole #1: The first player tees off. Depending on the quality of the shot, the wolf (last to tee off) will either choose that player as a partner or let the next player tee off. If he chooses the first player, this must be declared before the second player tees off.
- The second and third players will tee off following the same guidelines. The wolf can only choose the player who teed off most recently.
- If the wolf doesn’t like any of the shots, they can go lone wolf. This doubles their points if they win, but they must beat the other three players.
- Hole #2: The player who was chosen second during the tee flip will now go first. The order will remain the same with the player teeing off first on the last hole now teeing off last (wolf). This cycle continues throughout the 16th hole. Each player will be wolf four times.
- Hole #17 and #18: The player with the least number of points will be wolf for the last two holes. This gives them the opportunity to make up points.
- Variation: The player in last place doesn’t get this option. The original order continues and two players get to be wolf for one extra turn.
- Variation: The last place player has the option of betting more points on the last two holes. They can bet the amount needed for them to catch up to first place if they win.
- Variation: The first place player has the option to be wolf instead of the last place player.
Wolf Scoring
The scoring system for wolf varies from group to group, but this is one of the most common methods:
- If the wolf chooses a partner, they receive 2 points each for a win. If they lose the hole, the other two players receive 3 points each.
- If the player goes lone wolf, they will receive 4 points for a win. If they lose, the other three players will receive 1 point each.
- Variation: The wolf has the option to go “blind wolf.” This means they declare that they’re playing alone before anyone tees off. This results in 6 points (triple) if they win.
At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. Money will be divided and distributed according to the amount set before the game. These are the basics of wolf golf game rules.
For additional explanations and variations, see How to Play Lone Wolf Golf and How to Play the Wolf Golf Betting Game in Golf.
Wolf is truly one of the most enjoyable ways to golf and take money from your friends at the same time. If you’re interested in trying other games, here are the Best Golf Games To Play With Friends.
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About The Author
As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.
