Game of the Week: Wolf

Ideal number of players: 4 or 5

Wolf! One of my favorite games. Wolf can be played in a four-ball or five-ball, with the five-ball having a slight variation, but similar rules.‍

Four-ball Wolf

Just like most games, each player’s handicap will be utilized. On the first tee you need to settle the order in which everyone will tee off, which is very important as it relates to how the game runs. For this scenario, we are playing for $1 a point.  

The first player to tee off each hole is designated as the Wolf. After they hit, they watch each player tee off to decide who their partner on the hole is. You must select your teammate before the next player tees off if you are satisfied with their tee ball. Once the next golfer tees off, you can no longer go back and choose someone who has already played.

The scoring is identical to Scotch in that it is one point for proximity (closest to the pin), two points for the low ball, and two points for the combined total. There is an additional point for birdie, which then doubles the total of points to 12 if you are able to secure all points. Points are not split or awarded for ties.

But why is the game called Wolf? The player who tees off first always has the option to be a Lone Wolf and play on their own against the three other players. This then doubles the points, so it’s a high risk. To figure out the combined total for the Wolf, you simply double their score on the hole. Another rule to keep in mind is any player who is picked by the Wolf can “spit,” which means they decline the partnership and play against the other three players.This can happen if the Wolf hits a poor tee shot.

The Wolf alternates per hole based on the order that was decided on the first tee, and you play in that same order for the entire round. Players will keep track of the points earned on each hole, and at the end of the round each player will have a total score. If you’re playing for more than bragging rights, the group will zero out the bottom player to decide what everyone owes.

Scoring scenario: It’s easier to figure out the payment if the bottom player is zeroed out. For example, let’s say Player One has 12 points, Player Two has 22 points, Player Three has 36 points, and Player Four has 47 points. You would zero out the score by removing 12 points from each player, so now Player One has zero points, Player Two has 10 points, Player Three has 24 points, and PlayerFour has 35 points. Each player then pays out all golfers above them. Since we’re using $1 per point for this scenario, Player One owes Player Two $10, PlayerThree $24, and Player Four $35. You follow this method until every player is paid out. In this example, Player Four is the big winner, earning $71 total from the group. Player Three would earn $23 as they would get paid $34 from PlayerOne and Two, but would owe Player 4 $11. Make sense?

Five-ball Wolf

All of the rules for Five-ball Wolf remain the same, with a small wrinkle. The Wolf will pick their partner, and they will be a team of two playing against the other three players. This is obviously a disadvantage, so to make up for it, if the two-player team beats the team of three, their points will double for that hole. The first player to tee off still has the opportunity to go Lone Wolf and double the points for the hole.

Wolf certainly carries some risk, but it is a fun game to mix things up at the course as you get the chance to team up with different players throughout the round. If you’re familiar with Wolf and looking for something fresh, check out our other Games of the Week below.

This post is part of our B. Draddy Game of the Week series. Visit B. Draddy and use promo code SGS30 at checkout for 30% off.

MORE GAMES TO PLAY ON THE COURSE

• 40 Score
• Banker
• Bingo Bango Bongo
• Calvin Peete‍
• The Card Game
• Hogans‍
• The Masters‍
• Nine Point‍
• Scotch‍
• Vegas
• Wolf
• Wolfman