Wolf
One player is the Wolf each hole, choosing a partner — or going it alone for more.
4 players
Wolf is a points game for a foursome built around one twist: each hole, one player is the "Wolf," and after watching the others tee off, the Wolf decides whether to take a partner or take everyone on alone.
The order rotates so each player is the Wolf an equal number of times. The gamble — pick a safe partner for a smaller reward, or go Lone Wolf against all three for more points — is what makes Wolf a group favorite.
How to play Wolf
- 1Set the tee order and rotate the Wolf
Fix a tee order for the group. On each hole the designated player is the Wolf; the role rotates every hole so everyone is Wolf the same number of times.
- 2The Wolf watches the tee shots
The Wolf tees off and then watches the other three hit. After each player's tee shot the Wolf can immediately choose them as a partner — but must decide before the next player tees off. Pass on all three and the Wolf plays alone.
- 3Partner up (2 vs. 2)
If the Wolf picks a partner, it's a two-on-two hole using each side's better ball. The winning side earns points for that hole.
- 4Or go Lone Wolf (1 vs. 3)
The Wolf can decline a partner and take on all three players alone for a bigger reward. Beating the other three's best ball is worth extra points; losing rewards the field.
- 5Tally the points
Add up points across all 18 holes. Groups either play for a value per point, or pay out to the high scorer, with the exact points-to-money rule agreed up front.
A single Wolf hole
- You're the Wolf. The first player smashes a drive down the middle — you take them as your partner.
- It's now your side's better ball vs. the other two players' better ball.
- Your team makes the low net score, so both you and your partner earn a point for the hole.
- Had you gone Lone Wolf and beaten all three, you'd have earned the larger solo reward instead.
Common variations
Going Lone Wolf after seeing the tee shots is worth extra. Declaring 'Blind Wolf' — going alone before anyone tees off — is the boldest call and pays the most.
A common scheme: a partner win is worth 1 point to each winner, a Lone Wolf win is worth more, and a Blind Wolf win the most. Set the exact numbers before you start.
Because being Wolf is an advantage, some groups make the player in last place the Wolf on the closing holes to keep it competitive.
Frequently asked questions
How many players do you need for Wolf?
Wolf is designed for exactly four players so the Wolf can face a two-player partnership or take on the other three alone.
When does the Wolf have to pick a partner?
Right after watching a player's tee shot and before the next player tees off. If the Wolf passes on all three, they play the hole alone as the Lone Wolf.
What is a Lone Wolf?
When the Wolf declines a partner and plays one-against-three for a larger reward. Beating the other three's best ball earns extra points.
Skip the 18th-green math
Three Putt scores Wolf for you and shows exactly who owes who. Everyone can score from their own phone, or one person can handle it. Nothing to download.
Start a round