Golf Side Games: How To Play Wolf

Looking to spice up your next foursome? Wolf is one of the most popular — and strategic — golf side games you can play. It’s part betting game, part social experiment, and part chaos (in a good way).

If you’ve never played it, don’t worry — here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to what it is, how it works, and how to keep it fun.

What Is Wolf?

Wolf is a rotating-player game typically played in a group of four. One player is the “Wolf” on each hole, and they get to decide — after seeing everyone’s tee shot — whether to:

• Pick a partner for that hole, or
• Go solo and try to beat the other three players on their own

It’s played hole-by-hole, and the Wolf rotates each time (Player A is Wolf on Hole 1, Player B on Hole 2, and so on, cycling through the group).

How to Play Wolf (Step by Step)

1. Establish a tee order on the first hole (usually by drawing tees).
2. Whoever is selected as the Wolf tees off last.
3. The other three tee off in order.
4. After each tee shot, the Wolf can choose to partner with that player or pass and wait to see the next shot.
   • But here’s the catch: once you pass on a player, you can’t go back and pick them.
5. If the Wolf doesn’t like any of the shots, they can go solo and take on all three players.
6. The hole is then played as best ball — lowest score between each team or player wins the hole.

Scoring Basics

Scoring can be adjusted based on the group’s preferences, but here’s the common version:

• Wolf and Partner Win: 2 points each
• Opposing Team Wins: 3 points each
• Lone Wolf Wins: 4 points
• Lone Wolf Loses: 0 points; each other player gets 1

Some groups play for points, some for money, and some just for bragging rights. Pick what keeps the vibe fun.

Why It’s Fun

Wolf keeps everyone engaged — even when you’re not the one swinging. There’s strategy, mind games, and a little bit of risk-reward. Do you take the safe shot with a decent partner? Or go Lone Wolf and try to clean up solo?

It also has a way of exposing personalities in the group. Some guys are aggressive every time. Others play it safe until the back nine. And then there’s always that one person who can’t make up their mind and ends up with the worst partner possible.

Variations to Try

• Blind Wolf: The Wolf decides before anyone tees off whether to go solo. Riskier. More fun.
• Double Points on 18: If the game’s close, this makes the final hole matter more.
• Money Per Point: Assign a dollar value per point to add some stakes.

Final Thoughts

Wolf is one of the best side games out there — easy to learn, fun to play, and just competitive enough to keep things interesting. Whether you’re new to the game or just tired of the same old Nassau, give Wolf a try next time your foursome hits the course.

Just be warned: choosing the wrong partner might be something your buddies won’t let you live down for a while.