Jackson Reid
Dormie is a term used in match play in golf, indicating that a player or side is ahead by the same number of holes as there are holes remaining to be played. For example, a golfer who is 1-up with one hole to play or 2-up with two holes remaining is considered dormie. In match play tournaments where halves are possible, a dormie golfer can no longer lose the match, as they have already secured at least a half-point. While the term is believed to be derived from the French word dormir, meaning to sleep, the exact origin and history of its adoption in golf remain uncertain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Golf | Matchplay |
| Leading Player's Position | Ahead by the same number of holes as remain to be played |
| Trailing Player's Position | Limited to a half-point as the best-case scenario |
| Etymology | Derived from the French word 'dormir', meaning 'to sleep' |
| Origin | Unknown; attributed to Mary Queen of Scots |
| Usage | No longer appears in the Official Rules of Golf |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- 'Dormie' means a golfer or team is ahead by as many holes as remain to be played
- It is only used in match play, not stroke play
- It is derived from the French word 'dormir', meaning 'to sleep'
- It is not used in the knockout stages of the WGC World Matchplay
- The term 'dormy' or 'dormie' is used to refer to overnight accommodation for visiting golfers
'Dormie' means a golfer or team is ahead by as many holes as remain to be played
The term "dormie" is used in match play in golf to indicate that a golfer or team is ahead by as many holes as remain to be played. This means that the player or team leading the match cannot lose, as they are ahead by the exact number of holes left to play. For example, a golfer who is 1-up with one hole to play or 2-up with two holes remaining is considered "dormie".
"Dormie" is typically used in match play tournaments where halves are possible, meaning a match can end in a tie rather than going to extra holes. In these situations, the golfer or team that is "dormie" is guaranteed to earn at least a half-point.
It is important to note that "dormie" is not applicable in match play events where ties are not allowed. In such cases, the trailing golfer or team can still win the match by winning the remaining holes.
The term "dormie" is believed to be derived from the French word "dormir," which means "to sleep." The theory suggests that a player who is "dormie" can relax or metaphorically "go to sleep" since they can no longer lose the match. However, the exact origin of the term in golf is unknown, and there are various legends and theories surrounding its adoption.
While "dormie" is a well-known term in golf, it is no longer included in the Official Rules of Golf as of the 2019 revisions. Despite this, it is expected to remain in use by golfers, fans, journalists, and broadcasters for the foreseeable future.
Golfing Presidents: Taxpayers Foot the Bill?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is only used in match play, not stroke play
The term 'dormie' is used in match play in golf, and it means that the golfer or side that is leading the match is ahead by the same number of holes as remain to be played. It is a term that is used only in match play and does not apply in stroke play.
For example, a golfer who is 1-up with one hole to play, or 2-up with two holes remaining, is dormie. In this situation, the golfer who is dormie can no longer lose the match. This is because, in match play tournaments, a match can end in a tie rather than going to extra holes.
Dormie is possible in the Ryder Cup, where all matches are decided after 18 holes. It is also possible in the Walker Cup, where matches can be halved rather than playing extra holes. However, it is not possible in the knockout stages of the WGC World Matchplay, where matches are played to a conclusion regardless of how many extra holes are required.
The term 'dormie' is not found in the Official Rules of Golf and was removed in the 2019 revisions to the rule book. Despite this, it is still used by golfers, fans, journalists, and broadcasters.
TGL Golf: Where the Pros Compete Globally
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is derived from the French word 'dormir', meaning 'to sleep'
The term 'dormie' in golf refers to a situation in match play where a player or side is leading by the same number of holes that remain to be played, meaning they can no longer lose the match. This term is used by golfers, fans, journalists, and broadcasters and is particularly relevant in match play tournaments where halves are possible.
The origin of the word 'dormie' is uncertain, with most dictionaries listing its etymology as unknown. However, it is widely believed to be derived from the French word 'dormir', which means 'to sleep'. This theory suggests that since a player who is 'dormie' can relax and is guaranteed at least a half-point, they can metaphorically 'go to sleep'.
Some historians attribute the use of the word 'dormie' to Mary Queen of Scots, the first known female golfer. She spent a significant part of her childhood in France and was fluent in the French language. However, etymologists and golf historians reject this idea due to a lack of historical evidence.
It is worth noting that the word 'dormie' is not exclusively tied to the game of golf. It can also be found in the context of Dormy House at some golf clubs, referring to a place for visiting golfers to sleep overnight.
Golf's Stymie Rule: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is not used in the knockout stages of the WGC World Matchplay
The term "dormie" in golf means being ahead by as many holes in a match as remain to be played. It is only used in match play golf, where no extra holes are played, and the winner emerges after 18 holes.
The WGC World Matchplay Championship is a professional golf tournament that was played on the PGA Tour from the late 1990s into the early 2020s. It was part of the World Golf Championships (WGC) series of limited-field events. The tournament has had several different names over the years, including the WGC-Dell Match Play, WGC-Cadillac Match Play, and WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
The WGC World Matchplay Championship originally used a 36-hole format but switched to 18-hole matches from 2011. The tournament is structured as a straight knockout involving the top 64 players in the Official World Golf Ranking. Each match is played over 18 holes, except for the final, which was played over 36 holes until 2011 when it was reduced to 18 holes.
The term "dormie" is not used in the knockout stages of the WGC World Matchplay. This is because, in the knockout stages, each match is played to a conclusion, regardless of how many extra holes are required. Therefore, the score could never be "dormie" in these stages, as the term specifically refers to a situation where the winner of the match has already been decided after 18 holes, and there are no extra holes being played.
Golf Clap: Understanding the Subtle Art of Polite Applause
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The term 'dormy' or 'dormie' is used to refer to overnight accommodation for visiting golfers
The term "dormy" or "dormie" is used in golf to describe a situation where a player or team is leading by as many holes as there are holes remaining to be played. This typically occurs in match play tournaments where halves are possible, and the leading player or team is assured of earning at least a half-point. However, the term does not apply when extra holes are played to determine an outright winner, as in the knockout stages of some competitions.
While the exact origin of the term is unknown, it is believed to be derived from the French word "dormir," which means "to sleep." This etymology suggests that a player who is "dormie" can relax or metaphorically "go to sleep" since they can no longer lose the match. Some also attribute the use of the word to Mary Queen of Scots, who was an avid golfer and spoke French fluently.
Interestingly, the term "dormie" is also used in the context of golf clubs with a "Dormy House." In this context, it simply refers to overnight accommodation for visiting golfers. Golf clubs with a "Dormy House" provide a convenient place for golfers who need a place to stay while visiting the club or participating in tournaments.
The "Dormy House" is typically a separate building or area within the golf club premises that offers comfortable and convenient accommodation specifically tailored to the needs of golfers. It allows visiting golfers to stay close to the golf course, providing easy access to the facilities and creating a more immersive golfing experience.
In summary, while "dormie" primarily refers to a specific situation in match play golf, the term has also been adopted by golf clubs to denote overnight accommodation for their visiting golfers, contributing to the rich vocabulary and culture associated with the game.
Vice Golf Tour Equivalents: What's Your Match?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
'Dormie' is a term used in match play in golf, indicating that a player or side is leading by the same number of holes as remain to be played.
The origin of the word is unknown, but it is believed to be derived from the French word 'dormir', which means 'to sleep'. According to a legend, Mary Queen of Scots, the first known female golfer, first used the term.
In competitions where matches can end in a tie, such as the Ryder Cup, a golfer who achieves dormie is assured of earning at least a half-point. In competitions where ties are not allowed, absolutists argue that the term 'dormie' does not apply as the trailing golfer can still win by playing extra holes.
Yes, 'dormy' is a variant spelling of 'dormie', although it is rarely used today. Additionally, 'dormie' or 'dormy' is used in the context of golf clubs to refer to overnight accommodation for visiting golfers.
