Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
Free tool: Open the calculator →
When each fits
Choose better ball when two sides of two should play their own balls and count the lower partner score on each hole. Choose dormie when you are describing a match-play lead equal to the holes remaining; it is a score state, so select an underlying format before play.
better ball in brief
Partners play their own balls; the side counts the lower score on each hole.
dormie in brief
A match-play score state, not a standalone golf format.
Table
| Comparison | better ball | dormie |
|---|---|---|
| One line | Partners play their own balls; the side counts the lower score on each hole. | A match-play score state, not a standalone golf format. |
| Players | Minimum 4 for head-to-head play: two sides of two; ideal 4 for a direct match or 4+ for a field event. It is a partner format, not an individual contest. | Minimum: 2 players in one head-to-head match; ideal: 2 players or 2 sides in a match. It is not an individual-field format. |
| Scoring unit | Match play: holes won, lost or tied using the side's lower score. Stroke play: the lower gross or net partner score on each hole contributes to the side's total. | Match-play holes. Dormie describes a lead equal to the holes remaining, such as 3 up with 3 to play. |
| Handicap method | For a WHS handicap competition, use the Terms of Competition and the applicable format allowance. The recommended allowance is 90% for four-ball match play, with the lowest Playing Handicap set to zero relative to the others; it is 85% for four-ball stroke play. Apply the allowance to the unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap, rather than directly to Handicap Index. | Dormie has no separate WHS allowance because it is a match state, not a format. Apply the underlying match allowance: Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball, then compare Playing Handicaps with the lowest off zero. |
| Money settles how | No money settlement is inherent in better ball. If players agree a side game, settle by the agreed unit, such as a fixed amount per hole won in match play or a round total in stroke play; write the stake and tie rule before starting. | Only where house stakes for the underlying match were agreed. Settle when the match result is decided; dormie creates no automatic per-hole, per-point or payout rule. |
| Pace | Same to slightly slower than individual stroke play as a qualified tendency: four players still play separate balls, although a side can usually stop once its partner's lower score is secure and may choose an efficient order of play. | Same as the underlying match play (editorial tendency). Dormie adds no holes or strokes; it only describes the lead, so pace still depends on normal match-play decisions and concessions. |
| Best for | Pairs who want teamwork without alternate shot, especially a two-versus-two match where each player retains their own ball and a poor hole can be covered by a partner. | Explaining a late-match scoreboard or labelling a match-play position before it is officially won. |
| Weakness | A weaker partner may contribute little when the other partner repeatedly supplies the counting score, and an informal money game can become unclear unless the scoring unit, handicap allowance and ties are agreed. | It is often mistaken for a guaranteed win. A dormie lead equals the holes left; the match is won only when the lead exceeds the holes remaining or the opponent concedes. |
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and selected terms, not historical results. For a defined two-versus-two lower-ball hole, Alex 4 and Ben 5 give their side 4; Chris 5 and Dana 6 give the other side 5. The first side wins a scratch hole. Confirm casual naming and format terms. Alex being 2 up with 2 holes left is a dormie state, not a separate game. If Ben wins both holes and an extra-hole extension is required, Alex could still lose the extended match.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 23 (Four-Ball); Rule 3.2a (when a match is won); WHS Appendix C for the underlying format's handicap allowance
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How do better ball and dormie score differently?
For better ball: Match play: holes won, lost or tied using the side's lower score. Stroke play: the lower gross or net partner score on each hole contributes to the side's total. For dormie: Match-play holes. Dormie describes a lead equal to the holes remaining, such as 3 up with 3 to play.
How do handicaps apply in better ball vs dormie?
better ball: For a WHS handicap competition, use the Terms of Competition and the applicable format allowance. The recommended allowance is 90% for four-ball match play, with the lowest Playing Handicap set to zero relative to the others; it is 85% for four-ball stroke play. Apply the allowance to the unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap, rather than directly to Handicap Index. dormie: Dormie has no separate WHS allowance because it is a match state, not a format. Apply the underlying match allowance: Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball, then compare Playing Handicaps with the lowest off zero.
When should I choose better ball instead of dormie?
Choose better ball when two sides of two should play their own balls and count the lower partner score on each hole. Choose dormie when you are describing a match-play lead equal to the holes remaining; it is a score state, so select an underlying format before play.