How to Play the Golf Game 'Wolf'

Including ideas to take it to the next level

Golf might be a gentleman’s game, but sometimes, it needs a little extra bite. Enter: Wolf—the perfect golf side game for spicing up your round, stirring some friendly rivalry, and proving that yes, you can still win the day even if you can’t quite hit a fairway.

Let’s break down how to play Wolf, why it’s brilliant, and how you can give it a Royal & Awesome-style glow-up.

What Is the Wolf game?

A rotating strategy game, where picking the right partner—or going solo—makes all the difference.

Wolf is a betting golf game for 3 to 4 players, though it's best with 4. It's played hole-by-hole, with one player becoming the Wolf on each hole. The Wolf then chooses whether to team up with another player—or go it alone like a lone wolf, playing 1-vs-3 for that juicy double-or-nothing win.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s strategic, sneaky, and sometimes savage. Just like your putting stroke.

• Every player gets a chance to be the Wolf.

• Strategic choices make it about more than just good shots.

• Creates drama and pressure on every tee box.

How to Play: The Basics

1. Choose the Play Order

• On each hole, one player is designated the Wolf (the role rotates through the players on every hole).

• The Wolf always tees off last.

For example:

And so on…

If you are playing a fourball, for 9 or 18 holes.

9 holes. On the 9th: The person placed last in the score, goes wolf.

18 hole. On the 17th & 18th The person placed last in the score, goes wolf.

2. Wolf Watches Drives

The Wolf tees off last on each hole and watches the others hit. After each drive, the Wolf decides if they want to team up with that player for the hole. Once the next player tees off, the Wolf cannot go back and pick a previous player.

Once they choose a partner, it's locked in—no take-backs! They can only choose a player before the next player (or the wolf) tees off.

OR they can go solo—howl at the moon and try to beat everyone else on their own. That’s a bold move... and it scores double points if successful.

3. Scoring

Best net ball wins the hole

• If a team wins: both players get 1 point each.

• If the solo Wolf wins: 2 points.

• If no one wins: 0 points

Handicapping:

• Play off the lowest handicap.

• Other players receive 90% of the difference.

• Apply strokes using the Stroke Index.

Why Wolf Is One of the Best Golf Side Games

• Great for golf trips and society days

• Keeps every player engaged on every hole

• Perfect mix of strategy and banter

• No need to be a scratch golfer—just cunning

Whether you’re a high-handicap hero or a mid-round menace, Wolf adds spice to even the most serene Sunday stroll.

Making Wolf More Fun: The Royal & Awesome Way

Ready to level up your game of Wolf? Here’s how to add some Royal & Awesome flavour to the fairway.

Double Trouble – “Blind Wolf”

Want to gamble like you're on the back nine in Vegas? Call “Blind Wolf” before you see any drives. You commit to going solo no matter what—and if you win, it’s worth double points. Yes, double.

Vegas rules

A friendly bet always ups the ante. Swap points for dollars.

The “Pack Challenge”

Let the Wolf set a wild bonus challenge for the hole:

• Everyone must putt with their eyes closed

• Down a beer before teeing off

• Play the hole only with each others clubs

• Left-handed only (even if you're right-handed—embrace the chaos)

This keeps things unpredictable, and provides some memorable moments.

The “Howl” Rule

Any solo Wolf must let out a proper howl before teeing off. Fail to howl? That’s a shot penalty—or at least a one drink penalty in the clubhouse after.

Bonus Round: Best Dressed Wolf

At the end of the round, vote for the “Best Dressed Wolf.” Winner gets a prize, a drink, or first pick of the next game’s teams. Think of it as fashion Matchplay.

Final Thoughts

Wolf is more than just a side game—it's a tactical dance of trust, betrayal, and booming drives. But throw in some Royal & Awesome threads, and it becomes a full-blown fairway festival.

So next time you’re out with the gang, mix it up. Play Wolf and remember—if you’re not standing out, you’re blending in... and that’s not very Awesome, is it?

Ready to dress like a true Alpha on the course? Check out our latest golf trousers and wildest polos. Your game might be average—but your outfit won’t be.

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