Date Published: 10/06/2025
If you’re looking to spice up your next round with friends, wolf is one of the most entertaining and strategic golf games you can play. Popular in casual foursomes, it mixes individual performance with tactical partnerships – and a bit of risk-taking.
But what is Wolf Golf, exactly? Here’s everything you need to know.
Wolf is a side-game format played within a group of four golfers. Unlike team formats like Texas Scramble or traditional Stableford, Wolf is all about strategy and shifting alliances. On each hole, one player is designated the “Wolf” and has the power to choose a partner – or go it alone.
The objective? Win the hole outright, either solo or as a team, and earn points.
1. Determine the Player Order
At the start of the round, pick a playing order (A, B, C, D). Players will rotate being the Wolf on each hole: A on hole 1, B on hole 2, and so on. Once all players have been the Wolf, the rotation restarts.
2. The Wolf Watches the Tee Shots
Each player tees off in order, and the Wolf must decide – immediately after each shot – whether to partner with that player or wait to see the next tee shot. Once a partner is chosen, the other two players automatically form the opposing team.
3. Going Solo as the Wolf
If the Wolf doesn’t pick a partner, they can choose to go “Lone Wolf”. This high-risk, high-reward option means taking on all three players alone for extra points if you win the hole.
4. Scoring the Game
The most common point system is:
Team win: 1 point per player
Lone Wolf win: 3 points
If the Wolf and partner lose the hole, the other team earns the points
You can agree on your own scoring rules before the round – some versions even award 5 points to a Lone Wolf who wins and 0 to everyone else.
Wolf keeps players engaged on every hole. Unlike many golf games, it balances strategy with shot-making. You’ll need to size up your mates’ games, know when to pick a partner, and decide when to bet on yourself.
It’s also great for mixing competitiveness with banter, making it a go-to game for weekend fourballs, society days, or casual club comps.
Stay sharp: Decisions must be made quickly, especially when choosing partners.
Set clear rules beforehand: Agree on points, whether ties push or not, and if a Blind Wolf (choosing to go solo before any shots) is worth bonus points.
Have fun: Wolf is all about friendly competition. Play for bragging rights, drinks, or a small prize to add to the excitement.
So next time you’re planning a round with three friends, ditch stroke play and give wolf a go. It might just become your favourite among all golf games.