What is a Dormie in Golf? – Definition, Rules, and Strategies

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Terms And Definitions

Have you ever heard the term dormie in golf? If youre a novice golfer, you might be wondering what it means. A dormie is a term used to describe a situation in which one player has a lead of at least two holes over their opponent with only two holes remaining to be played. In other words, if youre up by two holes with two holes to go, youre dormie.

This term comes from the French word dormir, which means to sleep. The idea is that the player who is dormie is so far ahead that they can afford to sleep on the last two holes and still win the match. Of course, things can always change in golf, so even if youre dormie, you should never take your foot off the gas!

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What is a Dormie in Golf? A Dormie is a situation in golf where a player is 2 or more holes ahead of their opponent with only 1 hole remaining to be played. The term Dormie is derived from the French word “dormir”, which means “to sleep”.
History of the Dormie The term Dormie was first used in golf in the 19th century. It is believed that the term was first used by golfers in Scotland, where the game of golf originated.
Dormies in Professional Golf Dormies are a common occurrence in professional golf tournaments. In fact, there have been several instances of golfers winning tournaments after being dormie on the final hole.

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What is a Dormie?

Definition of a Dormie

A dormie is a term used in golf to describe a situation in which one player has a lead of at least two holes with only one hole remaining to be played. In other words, the player who is dormie is guaranteed to win the match, regardless of the outcome of the final hole.

History of the Dormie Rule

The dormie rule is believed to have originated in Scotland in the 19th century. The term is derived from the French word “dormir,” which means “to sleep.” In early golf matches, players would often agree to stop playing after one player had reached a dormie position, as it was considered to be a foregone that the player would win the match.

The dormie rule gradually fell out of favor in professional golf, as players began to view it as unfair. However, it remains a popular rule in amateur golf, as it can help to shorten matches and prevent them from dragging on.

How to Score a Dormie

To score a dormie, a player must win the match by at least two holes. This can be done by winning the final hole outright, or by winning the next hole and then conceding the following hole.

For example, if a player is leading by two holes with two holes remaining, they would be dormie. If they win the next hole, they would win the match by a score of 4 and 3. If they lose the next hole, they would still win the match by a score of 4 and 4.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Dormie Rule

The dormie rule has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of the rule include:

  • It can help to shorten matches and prevent them from dragging on.
  • It can give players who are trailing a chance to come back and win the match.
  • It can add excitement to the final hole of a match.

Some of the disadvantages of the rule include:

  • It can be unfair to players who are leading by a large margin.
  • It can discourage players from trying their best on the final hole.
  • It can lead to matches being decided by a single hole.

Ultimately, whether or not the dormie rule is a good rule is a matter of opinion. Some players love the rule, while others hate it. However, it is a rule that has been around for centuries, and it is likely to continue to be used in amateur golf for many years to come.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Dormie Rule

Advantages of the Dormie Rule

The dormie rule has several advantages, including:

  • It can shorten matches. When a player is dormie, they are guaranteed to win the match if they win the next hole. This can help to shorten matches and prevent them from dragging on.
  • It can give players who are trailing a chance to come back. If a player is trailing by two holes with two holes remaining, they can still win the match if they win the next two holes. This can give players who are trailing a chance to come back and win the match.
  • It can add excitement to the final hole. When a player is dormie, the final hole of the match is often very exciting. The player who is dormie is trying to win the match, while the player who is trailing is trying to come back. This can make for a very exciting finish to the match.

Disadvantages of the Dormie Rule

The dormie rule also has several disadvantages, including:

  • It can be unfair to players who are leading by a large margin. When a player is dormie, they are guaranteed to win the match if they win the next hole. This can be unfair to players who are leading by a large margin, as they may not have to play their best golf to win the match.
  • It can discourage players from trying their best on the final hole. When a player is dormie, they may not feel the need to try their best on the final hole. This is because they are already guaranteed to win the match. This can lead to players not playing their best golf on the final hole, which can take away from the excitement of the match.
  • It can lead to matches being decided by a single hole. When a player is dormie, the final hole of the match is often very important. This is because the player who is dormie is trying to win the match, while the player who is trailing is trying to come back. This can lead to matches being decided by a single hole, which can be seen as unfair.

What Is a Dormie in Golf?

A dormie is a term used in golf to describe a situation in which one player has a lead of at least two holes over their opponent with only one hole remaining to be played. In other words, the player who is dormie is guaranteed to win the match, regardless of the outcome of the final hole.

The term “dormie” is derived from the French word “dormir,” which means “to sleep.” This is because, once a player has a dormie lead, they can essentially “sleepwalk” to victory, knowing that they cannot be caught by their opponent.

Dormies are relatively rare in golf, as they require a player to have a significant lead over their opponent. However, they can be a major source of excitement, as they create a sense of urgency for the player who is behind.

When to Use the Dormie Rule

The dormie rule is typically used in match play, but it can also be used in stroke play. In match play, the dormie rule states that the player who is dormie does not need to play the final hole if they do not want to. This means that the player can simply concede the match and walk off the course, knowing that they have already won.

In stroke play, the dormie rule is not as clear-cut. Some tournaments allow players to concede the match if they are dormie, while others require them to play the final hole regardless. It is important to check the rules of the tournament before you play to see if the dormie rule applies.

In Match Play

In match play, the dormie rule is used to prevent players from prolonging a match that is already decided. If a player is dormie, they can simply concede the match and walk off the course, knowing that they have already won.

There are a few different ways to concede a match in match play. One way is to simply shake hands with your opponent and say “I concede.” Another way is to write “conceded” on your scorecard and sign it.

If you are the player who is dormie, you should always offer to concede the match to your opponent. This is a sign of good sportsmanship and it will help to speed up the pace of play.

In Stroke Play

In stroke play, the dormie rule is not as clear-cut as it is in match play. Some tournaments allow players to concede the match if they are dormie, while others require them to play the final hole regardless.

If you are unsure of whether or not you can concede the match in stroke play, it is best to check the rules of the tournament before you play.

The dormie rule is a unique rule in golf that can have a major impact on the outcome of a match. It is important to understand the dormie rule and how it applies to both match play and stroke play.

What is a Dormie in Golf?

A dormie is a term used in golf to describe a situation in which one player has a lead of two or more holes over their opponent with only one hole remaining to be played. The term is derived from the French word “dormir,” which means “to sleep.” In other words, a player who is dormie is essentially “sleeping” their opponent, as they are so far ahead that it is almost impossible for their opponent to catch up.

How does a player get a dormie?

A player can get a dormie by winning one or more holes by a margin of two or more strokes. For example, if a player is on the green in two strokes and their opponent is on the green in four strokes, the player has a dormie of two.

What happens if a player is dormie?

If a player is dormie, they have essentially won the match. The only way for their opponent to win the match is to win the remaining hole by three or more strokes. This is a very difficult task, as it requires the opponent to play the hole perfectly and their opponent to make a mistake.

Is there a difference between a dormie and a match play win?

Yes, there is a difference between a dormie and a match play win. A dormie is a situation in which one player has a lead of two or more holes with only one hole remaining to be played. A match play win is when a player wins the match by any margin.

What are some tips for avoiding a dormie?

If you are playing against a player who is dormie, there are a few things you can do to try to avoid a loss. First, try to keep your focus and play your best golf. Even if you are behind, it is still possible to win the match if you make some birdies and your opponent makes some bogeys. Second, try to stay positive and don’t get discouraged. If you start to feel down, it will only make it harder to play your best golf. Finally, remember that anything can happen in golf. A dormie is not a guarantee of victory, and your opponent is still capable of making mistakes.

a dormie is a golf term that refers to a situation in which a player is ahead by an amount of strokes equal to the number of holes remaining to be played. This means that the player who is dormie is guaranteed to win the match, as they cannot be caught by their opponent. Dormies are often seen as a sign of dominance, as they indicate that a player is in complete control of the match. However, it is important to note that even if a player is dormie, they can still lose the match if they make a series of bogeys or double bogeys. Therefore, it is important to stay focused and continue to play your best golf, even when you are dormie.

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Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
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