The Game of Wolf in Golf: How to Play, Keep Score, & Format Variations

Welcome to the enthralling world of Wolf, a unique twist on traditional golf that combines skill, strategy, and social interaction. This guide will introduce you to the core elements of Wolf, setting you up to not only understand but also excel in this captivating game variation. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or new to the course, the game of Wolf offers a refreshing challenge and a fun way to engage with fellow golfers.

Wolf's beginnings are as intriguing as the game itself, with its origins rooted in the camaraderie and competitive spirit of golfers seeking a new challenge. While its exact inception remains a mystery, Wolf has evolved over the years into a beloved and strategic staple in the golfing community. Today, it's celebrated for its unique blend of individual skill and team dynamics, making it a favorite among golfers worldwide.

Understanding the Rules of Wolf

Basic Format of Wolf

Wolf is a 4-person game involving all golfers and adds a layer of excitement to any foursome out on the golf course. To begin, the foursome must determine the order of play. My favorite way to determine the order of players is by 'flipping a tee' and whomever it is pointed to is selected first, second, third, and then fourth. There is no real advantage of going first in this game type. Once the order of players is determined, it's time to determine the first wolf. 

Since the wolf always tees off last, it is convenient to select the #4 player in order as the first wolf. On the 2nd tee the wolf would become player #1 in the order and then follow 1-4 from there on out. 

Selecting a Partner in Wolf - Or Not!

As each player tees off, the designated wolf observes each tee shot to determine which player, if any, they will choose as a partner for the hole. Whether or not a player selects another golfer as a partner will determine how many points are at stake for the hole, which we will cover in a separate section.

The wolf can sit and observe every tee shot, but here's the catch - the wolf must choose their partner immediately after their tee shot AND before the following golfer's tee shot for them to be an eligible partner. If the next golfer in the order hits their tee shot then the wolf can no longer select the previous golfer as a partner. The wolf may only select the current golfer once the tee shot is made.

Blind Wolf is when the wolf chooses to go alone before seeing any of the players tee off. In this case, the hole is worth double the normal amount of points. Since the goal of wolf is to achieve the most points in the group, this can be a great strategy to win (or lose) extra points.

The Scoring System of Wolf

The variations of wolf make it a very dynamic game for scoring, and yet, it remains a very approachable game to understand and incorporate into your next round. Here's a basic rundown of how the points system works in wolf and the variations that have an impact on the number of points a golfer can win on any given hole.

In a normal round of play where the wolf chooses a partner, their cumulative stroke total for the hole is compared to the other two golfers to determine the winner. If the wolf and their partner win the hole then they are granted 2 points per golfer. If the non-wolves (sheep) win the hole then they each receive one point.

If the wolf declares lone or blind then the hole is worth double the normal amount, meaning that the wolf can win 4 points for the hole or concede 2 points per 'sheep' if they lose. In either scenario of a lone wolf or blind wolf, the best score among the 'sheep' is compared to the wolf's score to determine the winner.

Our Favorite Variation of Wolf

Scotch wolf has to be our favorite variation of wolf that we've heard about so far. In this variation, the wolf is set and teams are determined in the exact same way as before. The difference of scotch wolf as compared to the normal version is that the second shot and all remaining shots alternate by player. The team determines which player's tee shot will be taken and the player whose drive was not taken hits the 2nd shot, alternating back to the golfer with the tee shot, and so on. In this variation, the scoring in team play is based on the total number of strokes taken to get the ball in the hole as compared to the other team. Low score wins the hole. In a wolf scenario, best score on the hole wins for the wolf or sheep.