I'll Go Alone: The Thrill and Strategy of Wolf on the Golf Course
Nothing beats the feeling of a flushed iron, a bomb birdie putt or an up and down par save. The high gets even higher when that perfect stroke takes the match and wins the bet. The spoils from a golf bet just spend better.
The stakes on a round of golf can be as low as a hotdog or as stressful as pink slips. Lee Trevino once said, “Pressure is when you play for five dollars a hole with only two in your pocket.” Lee Trevino's Favorite Gambling Story: Betting Makes Things More Interesting | The Action Network
Another way to take your friend’s money on the course is from a game of Wolf. The game is played like this:
On the first tee Luke, Marty, Danielle and Ava decide the order randomly, knowing that turn order rotates every hole.
The First Hole: The Wolf's Dilemma
Luke is the first Wolf, meaning he has a decision to make. He watches carefully as each of the other three players-Marty, Danielle, and Ava-take their tee shots. Marty’s drive finds the fairway but is a bit short. Ava rips one straight down the middle, leaving a perfect approach. Danielle, however, hooks her shot into the rough.
Now, Luke has a choice:
- Take Ava as his partner, because she hit the best tee shot, and play the hole as a two-on-two battle against Marty and Danielle. Or Luke can…
- Go alone as the "Lone Wolf," betting that he can beat all three of them by himself.
Luke decides to play it safe and chooses Ava as his partner. The hole is now a two-on-two match, with Luke and Ava facing off against Marty and Danielle.
The teams play the hole, and Luke and Ava win with a par. They each earn one point for the victory, while Marty and Danielle leave empty-handed.
The Second Hole: The Wolf Goes Alone
On the next hole, the order shifts. Now, Marty as the Wolf hits first and must decide whether to pick a teammate or go solo.
After the tee shots, he sees that everyone else is out of position. Feeling confident, he boldly declares, “Lone Wolf!”—choosing to take on all three opponents by himself.
The stakes are now higher:
- If Marty wins the hole alone, he earns triple points (3 points).
- If he loses, each of the other three players earn one point instead.
- If all four players tie, not points are assessed.
With the pressure on, Marty plays aggressively and sinks a clutch putt for birdie. He beats the entire group, cashing in on his Lone Wolf gamble and wins three points for himself.
The Strategy Evolves
As the round progresses, the golfers adjust their strategies:
- Some play conservatively, choosing strong partners.
- Others take risks, opting for Lone Wolf status when they see an opportunity.
- On tough holes, players might pass up better partners for the chance at bigger rewards later.
Each hole presents a new challenge, forcing the Wolf to weigh teamwork versus self-reliance, risk versus reward. The game stays competitive and thrilling until the final hole, where every point counts.
The Final Hole: Everything on the Line
On the 18th tee box Ava is trailing by two points. She’s the Wolf for this final hole—her last chance to win.
After watching the drives, she makes the call: “Lone Wolf!”
If she wins the hole outright, she’ll earn triple points and take the match. If she loses, the others will score, sealing her fate.
With ice (or beer) in her veins, Ava flushes her second shot onto the green, then rolls it in for bird and wins it all.
Final Score:
🏆 Ava wins by one point, thanks to her last-hole Lone Wolf gamble!
So next time you hit the course with three friends, call the game "Wolf"—and let the strategy begin!