"Dormie" is a match play term in golf that applies when one of the golfers or sides in the match achieves a lead that equals the number of holes remaining. For exampke, 2-up with two holes to play, 3-up with three holes to play, 4-up with four holes to play — all are examples of a match that is dormie.
What is the origin of the golf term dormie?
Other theories of Dormie's first use in golf comes out of The Historical Dictionary of Golf, which cites "it may have originated in Scotland, where doormice, or dormies, are small rodents that inhabit the heaths... they are quite reclusive, and a doormice sighting is said to be good luck, hence the term."
What does'dormie'mean in golf?
Here, we break down the meaning of 'dormie' and the history of how the term came to be. For a player or foursome partners to be ‘dormie’ in matchplay is to be as many holes up as there are holes remaining. This means that a half at any one of the closing holes is good enough to win the match.
Why is Dormie associated with Matchplay?
The word dormie is associated with matchplay because originally a team would play against another team and whoever lost the most holes would have to withdraw from the match. : Things you need to know before playing frisbee golf? Update 04/2022
What is a dormice?
Dormice were at home on the heaths and near the coasts where golf was played. As the dormice were extremely shy and would usually hide at the approach of golfers, it was considered a good omen to see one.
Did Marry Queen of Scotland have Anything Related to the Term dormie?
According to some purists, the term dormie is related to the queen of Scotland, Marry. Basically, behind this thought, there were some reasons.
Another Origin of the Term Dormie
There is also another fun myth which is known as the theory of Dormice. The dormice theory came out of the Historical dictionary of Golf. The dormie is local Scottish slang for dormice. This origin also has no evidence to prove to be worthy.
Who is Dormie in a Match Play?
The golfer who has a lead of the score which is equal to the hole remaining is called dormie. Suppose that a golfer in a match play is in the lead of 2 while there are two holes remaining to complete. Also, if there are three holes remaining and the player gets a lead of 3 then it will also be called dormie.
How does Match Play Scoring Work?
In stroke play, the total number of strokes over one or more rounds is known as the score. From this aspect, the match play is different. In match play, the score of a player is determined by each individual hole win or lost. For winning each hole a player will get 1 point.
What does "dormy" mean in golf?
The word ‘dormy’ or ‘dormie’ is also found in use at golf clubs which have a ‘Dormy House’, but in this context it simply means somewhere for visiting golfers to sleep overnight.
What does it mean to be Dormie in matchplay?
For a player or foursome partners to be ‘dormie’ in matchplay is to be as many holes up as there are holes remaining. This means that a half at any one of the closing holes is good enough to win the match.
How many holes does Dormie have?
‘Dormie’ can only apply in matches where the result is decided after 18 holes.
What does Dormir mean in soccer?
The USGA Museum explains the term as being a derivation of the French word ‘dormir’, meaning to sleep – the theory being that since a player who is ‘dormie’ can no longer lose the match, they can now relax, or metaphorically ‘go to sleep’.
Where were dormice at home?
Dormice were at home on the heaths and near the coasts where golf was played. As the dormice were extremely shy and would usually hide at the approach of golfers, it was considered a good omen to see one.
Who was the first woman to use the word "caddie"?
Some purists, however, attribute this use of the word to the first known women’s golfer – Mary Queen of Scots. She spent much of her childhood in France and spoke the language fluently. She is also credited by some with bringing the word ‘caddie’ from France to Scotland.
The history of the term dormie
Dormie is an old Scottish term which means “asleep”. It was first recorded in 1886 when an English golfer, the Rev. A. W Macdonald said it to his opponent- John Ball .
The benefits of using dormie in golf
In matchplay , the benefits of using dormie are that it is a gracious way of ending a game. A player can concede with honour, as it demonstrates sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Conclusion
Golf is a gentleman’s game and thus it involves the use of sportsmanship. The word dormie is probably not used by players who need to learn how to play the game, as they do not know how to concede defeat politely with honour.
What does Dormie mean in golf?
Of the biggest amendments, the matchplay term 'Dormie' - used to indicate where a player leads or trails by the same number of holes left in the match - has been removed from the Rules of Golf.
What is Dormie House?
Another theory notes that 'dormie house' is the term for a building at a golf club where golfers can get overnight lodging - again tying in nicely to the word's French meaning of sleep.
