How to Play Lone Wolf Golf

Golf by itself is a fascinating game, offering the challenge of trying to shoot your best score while battling the natural elements and hazards presented by the golf course. However, sometimes golfers like to mix it up a bit and try different scoring formats during their golf game. Outside of the normal stroke play, better ball scrambles, stableford, and match play are all popular choices. But one of the best golf betting games is the lone wolf golf game.

In Lone Wolf golf, the objective is to accumulate the highest number of points. On each hole, 1 to 4 points are awarded for the lowest score. The player designated "the wolf" has the opportunity to earn up to 4 points. In the game of wolf, each player of the foursome has the chance to be the wolf at various holes in the match.

How to play wolf?

1. Toss a coin

Toss a coin to determine the first wolf of the game. One golfer tosses the coin and another golfer calls "heads" or "tails." The winner of that toss then tosses the coin for a third golfer to call.

The winner of that toss tosses the coin one more time and the fourth player calls it. The winner of the final coin toss is the first wolf with the last player being the fourth wolf.

2. Alternate the wolf

Alternate the wolf on each hole. The winner of the final coin toss tees off as the wolf on the first hole. The winner of the second coin toss is the wolf on the next hole.

The winner of the first coin toss is the wolf on the third hole and the last place coin toss player is the wolf on the fourth hole. The order repeats itself through 16 holes. At the 17th hole, the player with the second-highest point total at that point is the wolf. At the 18th hole, the player who was in first place in total points on the 16th hole is the wolf.

3. Wolf tees off last

Each player except the wolf tees off. The wolf hits their tee shot last.

After each player tees off, the wolf picks whether to play by himself against each of the other three players or to choose one of the other players to be his partner. Often the wolf will choose the shot that is furthest down the fairway or has the best chance at a birdie. In the blind wolf variation, this decision is made before a golf ball is hit.

If the player decides to be a lone wolf, his score alone determines if he wins any points. If the wolf chooses a partner, their combined score must be lower than the combined score of the other two players to win the hole and the points. It should be noted that they can play separately with four balls or play best ball.

4. Points per Hole

Award points as follows: If the wolf plays alone and shoots the lowest score on a hole, he receives 4 points.

If the wolf and his team member are the winning team, both golfers receive 2 points. If the other two players beat the wolf and his partner they each receive 3 points.

If another player scores lower than the lone wolf, each player except the lone wolf receives 1 point. If no player has the lowest score -- all four players tie on the hole -- no points are awarded. All points earned on each hole carry over

5. Find the Wolf for the 17th and 18th

Add up the points on the scorecard at the end of 16 holes to determine who is in first and second place and who will be the wolf on the 17th hole, and also on the 18th hole.

After 18 holes, the player with the highest point total wins the payout. The prize might be lunch at the club, or each golfer can contribute a set amount of money to a pool at the beginning of the match and the winner takes all.