Page type: Format comparison (two named formats)
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When each fits
Choose dormie when explaining a late-match score state, such as Alex 3 up with 3 to play, and stressing that it remains live rather than naming a competition format. Choose four-ball when four players want partners, individual balls and the lower score counting for each side on every hole.
dormie in brief
A match-play score state, not a standalone golf format.
four-ball in brief
Partners each play their own ball; the side’s lower score counts on every hole.
Table
| Comparison | dormie | four-ball |
|---|---|---|
| One line | A match-play score state, not a standalone golf format. | Partners each play their own ball; the side’s lower score counts on every hole. |
| Players | 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. | Minimum: 4 players in two sides; ideal: 4 for head-to-head match play. It can also be used as a wider four-ball field, but this record covers the match-play version. |
| Scoring unit | Match-play holes. Dormie describes a lead equal to the holes remaining, such as 3 up with 3 to play. | holes; each side's lower score on a hole is compared with the opponents' lower score |
| Handicap method | 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. | For four-ball match play, WHS Appendix C recommends 90% of each player's unrounded Course Handicap to produce a Playing Handicap. After the allowance and required rounding, the lowest Playing Handicap plays from zero; each other player receives the difference from that lowest value. The Committee or national association sets the allowance in the Terms of the Competition, so confirm the event conditions. |
| Money settles how | 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. | If stakes are agreed, settle by the match result or by an agreed per-hole amount; the Rules of Golf do not set betting terms. Write down whether a halved hole carries, and how ties or extra holes settle, before starting. |
| Pace | 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. | Usually faster than individual stroke play for a four-player group, because a side can stop once its partner's score cannot improve the side's hole score; actual pace depends on walking, searching and local procedures. |
| Best for | Explaining a late-match scoreboard or labelling a match-play position before it is officially won. | Four players who want a strategic team match with partner support and the chance for one strong score to cover an errant hole. It suits a head-to-head day when players agree the handicap allowance and any stakes in advance. |
| Weakness | 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. | A partner's poor hole may never matter, which can leave a player feeling less involved; handicap rounding, stroke allocation and unclear side-bet rules can also cause disputes. |
Worked example
Illustrative inputs and selected terms, not historical results. 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. 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.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.2a and Rule 3.2c; Rule 23; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How do dormie and four-ball score differently?
For dormie: Match-play holes. Dormie describes a lead equal to the holes remaining, such as 3 up with 3 to play. For four-ball: holes; each side's lower score on a hole is compared with the opponents' lower score
How do handicaps apply in dormie vs four-ball?
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. four-ball: For four-ball match play, WHS Appendix C recommends 90% of each player's unrounded Course Handicap to produce a Playing Handicap. After the allowance and required rounding, the lowest Playing Handicap plays from zero; each other player receives the difference from that lowest value. The Committee or national association sets the allowance in the Terms of the Competition, so confirm the event conditions.
When should I choose dormie instead of four-ball?
Choose dormie when explaining a late-match score state, such as Alex 3 up with 3 to play, and stressing that it remains live rather than naming a competition format. Choose four-ball when four players want partners, individual balls and the lower score counting for each side on every hole.