Wolf: the golf game with a decision on every tee

1. 1

   Set the order on the first tee

   Draw for it. That order is the wolf rotation for 16 holes: player 1 is the wolf on holes 1, 5, 9 and 13; player 2 on 2, 6, 10, 14; and so on. On 17 and 18 the player with the fewest points is the wolf.

2. 2

   The wolf drives first and watches

   After each of the other three drives, the wolf decides: take that player as partner, or pass. A passed player cannot be chosen later on that hole. If the wolf passes on all three, the wolf is alone.

3. 3

   Play the hole, best ball

   Each side's score is its best ball (net, if you play with handicaps). Lower side wins the hole; equal is a tie and nothing is scored.

4. 4

   Score it

   2 v 2: each winner gets 1 point. Lone wolf wins: 3 points. Lone wolf loses: 1 point to each of the three. Agree the scheme before the first drive; the scorer uses this one.

Some groups give 2 points for a pair win and 4 for a lone wolf, or double the hole when the wolf declares alone before anyone drives (a blind wolf). Any scheme works as long as the lone wolf pays the three if it goes wrong: that is what keeps the choice honest.

Take the first good drive. Waiting for the best player to hit is how you end up alone with a bad lie. Go alone when the hole is short, your drive is in play and the others are not; never go alone to catch up on a hole you do not like. And watch who is behind on 16: the player who is wolf on 17 and 18 will go alone at some point, so play those holes for par and let them chase.

Net Wolf is better Wolf, because the 20 handicap’s drive is worth picking on a hole where they have a stroke. Agree the Playing Handicaps on the tee from the handicap calculator, and if your group prefers two sides or a pot, see the other games.