The six-time Walker Cup player has moved to Heysham from Leicestershire to look after his 70-year-old mum, who suffers from asthma.
But by the time Lancashire discovered he was coming north, Cumbria captain Cliff Heath had an agreement in place for him to represent them.
"They were a few weeks too late. I contacted him as soon as I heard he was leaving his old club Kilworth Springs," said Heath.
Denton's Bob Bardsley, whose three-year tenure as Lancashire captain ends in March, said: "I did not find out that Gary was coming here until after he'd spoken to Cumbria. I rang him and asked what the situation was and he told me he had already committed himself to them.
"I'm sure he'll motivate a few league players as well as his new team-mates."
Wolstenholme, who has played more than 200 times for England and on many occasions for Great Britain and Ireland, was born in Surrey but brought up in Grange-over-Sands.
He said: "I've always had a strong affinity to the region which I left when I was 19.
"Despite the fact that Cumbria has only 22 courses, they are well-organised and looking to improve in any way possible.
"I'm sure that with a little luck, sponsorship and continued good organisation they could well be the role model for English golf."
Wolstenholme is a member of Morecambe, Heysham and Silverdale golf clubs as well as Grange but he will represent Carus Green, a relatively new facility in Kendal.
But Cumbria may have to make the most of his services because he has hinted he may turn professional in a couple of years and try to qualify for the PGA Seniors' Tour.
He also admitted that his busy international schedule will restrict his appearances.
Heath added: "He will play for us in the Northern Counties Championship in the Isle of Man and in league matches when he's available and I'm hoping he will turn out against Lancashire at Seascale on May 10.
"Gary's also keen to get involved with our junior golf development.
"It's also possible he could offer his services to Kendal College, who are planning to run a golf-related degree course similar to the one at Myerscough near Preston."
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