How Wolf works
- Set the order. On the first tee, decide a hitting order (a ball toss works). That order rotates each hole, and the Wolf rotates with it, so everyone is the Wolf about four times through 16 holes.
- The Wolf watches the drives. In the most common version, the Wolf tees off first and then watches the other three hit in order.
- Pick a partner — right away. After each player’s drive, the Wolf must decide immediately whether that player is their partner. Pass on someone and you can’t go back to them.
- Or go Lone Wolf. If the Wolf passes on everyone, they play the hole alone against the other three, for bigger points.
- Play best ball. Each side uses its best score on the hole. Lower best ball wins the hole; a tie means no points.
Lone Wolf and Blind Wolf
Lone Wolf: the Wolf decides to play alone after seeing the drives. Their single score has to beat the best of the other three.
Blind Wolf: the Wolf declares they’re going alone before anyone tees off — including themselves. It’s the boldest call in the game and pays the most. OnlyBirdies shows when the current Wolf has gone blind right at the top of the scorecard.
Scoring Wolf with points
Groups use a lot of different point systems. Here’s a popular one:
| Outcome | Points |
|---|---|
| Wolf and partner win the hole | 2 points each to the Wolf and partner |
| The other two win the hole | 3 points each to the two opponents |
| Lone Wolf wins the hole | 4 points to the Wolf |
| Lone Wolf loses the hole | 1 point each to the three opponents |
| Blind Wolf wins / loses | Usually double the Lone Wolf points |
| Hole is tied | No points (some groups carry them over) |
At the end of the round, points are settled at an agreed value. A common way is to pay the difference: if you finish with 14 points and a friend has 9, they owe you 5 points’ worth.
A worked example
On hole 3, Cal is the Wolf. He hits a good drive, then watches: Anne pulls hers into the trees (pass), Ben hits it 280 down the middle — “Ben, you’re with me.” Dev is now on Anne’s side.
| Team | Scores | Best ball | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cal (Wolf) & Ben | 5, 4 | 4 | +2 each |
| Anne & Dev | 6, 5 | 5 | 0 |
On hole 4, Dev is the Wolf. Nobody hits a great drive, so Dev goes Lone Wolf and makes a 4. The best of the other three is a 5. Dev takes 4 points.
The last two holes
With four players, 16 holes gives everyone four turns as the Wolf. For holes 17 and 18, the most common rule is that the player in last place becomes the Wolf — a chance to catch up.
Strategy tips
- Don’t grab the first good drive automatically. If the last player to hit is your group’s best golfer, it can pay to wait — but you risk ending up with nobody.
- Go Lone Wolf on your strong holes. A short par 3 you play well is the best place to go alone.
- Save Blind Wolf for when you’re behind. It’s a big swing, best used late when you need points.
Wolf FAQ
How many players do you need for Wolf?
Wolf is designed for four players. There are three- and five-player versions, but the rotation and points work best with four.
Does the Wolf hit first or last?
It varies by group. In the most common version the Wolf tees off first and then watches the other three drives before choosing. Some groups have the Wolf hit last instead.
What is a Lone Wolf?
A Lone Wolf is when the Wolf passes on every partner and plays the hole alone against the other three, for more points if they win.
What is a Blind Wolf?
A Blind Wolf is when the Wolf announces they are going alone before anyone tees off on the hole. It is the riskiest call and usually pays double a Lone Wolf.
Who is the Wolf on 17 and 18?
A common rule is that the player in last place is the Wolf on the final two holes, giving them a chance to catch up.
