This is one for those of you who like to take risks. Or are just bored of playing best ball every time you go out on the course. If you want to change it up, if you want to add a bit of excitement to your weekend round, ditch the weekly Stableford and give the Wolf Golf Game a try.
Because you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you’ve never heard of this strategy extravaganza and probably don’t have a clue how to get it going in on a tee-time.
If you’ve got a regular group who flinch at the mention of a Greensomes – such is their reluctance to trying something new – they might need a bit of convincing about this.
But the Wolf is both entertaining and strategic. It rewards the bold but has plenty of room for both fun and finesse. If you’re bereft at the prospect of another ‘boring’ round, this is the perfect choice to spice things up.
What is it? How does it work? And how do we keep track of who’s doing well? Never fear, we’ve got all the answers in this quick guide to the Wolf Golf Game.
What Is the Wolf Golf Game?
It’s usually played with four players but there are also variations for three and five. On each hole, a player becomes the ‘Wolf’.
The Wolf decides where to go solo or to pick a teammate after seeing everyone’s tee shots. The result is a format that constantly shifts between individual and team play.
How exactly does it work?
At the beginning of a round, the players randomly determine the order to tee off. At the first hole, the last to do so is the Wolf.
The order rotates on each hole so a player becomes the Wolf once every four holes.
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The Wolf watches the first three tee shots and then has two choices:
- They can select a partner after any individual tee shot and the hole is played out as a two-versus-two match – with points scored depending on who wins
- Or they can go Lone Wolf. Taking on and trying to beat three opponents on their hole is harder but carries a greater reward
When a partner is chosen, the team is locked in. If all three shots are taken and a partner is not picked, the player is automatically the Lone Wolf.
What is the Blind Wolf?
Even now there is a twist. Before anyone tees off, the Wolf can declare they are going solo. They become the Blind Wolf and can get more points.
How does the scoring work?
It can be customised but the general points scoring is as follows:
| Format | Points for Wolf | Points for Others |
| Wolf + partner win | 2 each | 0 each |
| Wolf + partner lose | 0 each | 3 each (opposing team) |
| Lone Wolf wins | 4 | 0 each |
| Lone Wolf loses | 0 | 1 each (3 opponents) |
| Blind Wolf wins | 8 (or more) | 0 |
Points are accumulated over 18-holes, and the winner is naturally the player with the most points at the end of the round.
Ways of mixing up the scoring include increasing the points value as the round goes on – such as tripling the points in the last three holes – or by laying down a hammer and challenging other players to double their bets mid-hole.
What’s the best strategy to use?
The Wolf Golf Game is fast moving and it’s easy to get caught up in the action but there are some keys to scooping the pot. Those who are playing well, and have their measure of their group, should capitalise by going Lone Wolf for more points.
Those taking on the Wolf mantle on a hole they always play well, should consider cashing in by going Blind Wolf.
It might be tempting to rush into choosing a partner, but sometimes being watchful can bring dividends.
How do we keep track of the scoring?
With doubles, triples, Lone Wolf and Blind Wolf, it can seem like points are flying all over the place. Isn’t it a recipe for a scorecard disaster?
If maths isn’t your strongpoint you can download an app to do the heavy lifting for you. The Wolf Golf Scorecard on Google Play and the 18 Birdies app are good places to start.
How does the Wolf Golf Game work with three players or even with five?
The basic elements of the game remain the same but taking one player out of the mix in a threesome changes the dynamic.
Each player still takes turns as the Wolf, who now decides whether to pick a partner to form a two-versus-one team or to go Lone Wolf against both.
The scoring can change too, with the points the Wolf gains reduced to reflect that they’ve only beaten two instead of three players.
In the five-player variation (make sure first the golf course are happy with players going out on masse), one player sits out each hole and the Wolf rotates every five holes.
Why should we play the Wolf Golf Game?
For those bored of never-ending Stablefords or who don’t fancy a Scramble, the Wolf Golf Game is a fun alternative that keeps the action going until the end of the round.
Players are always playing with or against someone new and handicaps and net scores can level the playing field even further.
As a betting game, it’s got a lot of action with each hole potentially providing a new opportunity to win or claw back some losses. Don’t forget to gamble responsibly!
And there is a huge strategy element to it that’s just not replicated in a lot of team games in golf.
Now have your say
Have you ever played the Wolf Golf Game? What do you make of these Wolf Golf Game rules? How did it go for you? Let us know by leaving us a comment on X.
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