Golf has a language all its own, with many unique terms used to describe the shots, scores, and outcomes on the course. One of the most common golf terms that new players encounter early on is “bogey.” But what is a bogey in golf and what does it actually mean?
A bogey in golf is a score of one stroke over par on a given hole. If par for a hole is 4 and you take 5 strokes to complete the hole, you have made a bogey.
Bogey provides a benchmark for an average score for professional golfers and recreational golfers alike. While not a great score, a bogey is not terrible either – it’s simply one shot over the expected number for the hole.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Bogey Basics: A bogey is one stroke over par on a hole, a common score for average golfers but less ideal for pros.
- Managing Mistakes: To minimize worse scores like double or triple bogeys, focus on consistent play, course knowledge, and mental resilience.
- Improvement Strategies: Reducing bogeys involves better club fitting, golf lessons, practicing short game, and smart course management.
Why Is It Called a Bogey in Golf?
So where did the term “bogey” come from in the first place? Bogey originated as a golf scoring term in the late 19th century.
In 1890, Major Charles Wellman debuted a new system for handicapping and popularized the phrase “the bogey man” to describe a score of one over par per hole. Over time, “a bogey” simply became shorthand for a score of one stroke over par.
The origins of the “bogey man” expression itself are unclear, but early meanings referenced an imaginary goblin or frightening specter. So in golf, bogey became synonymous with the “bad man” who gets you if you don’t play well enough!
What is a Bogey in Golf?
In golf, a “bogey” refers to a score of one stroke over par on a particular hole. The term par represents the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to make to complete a hole. Therefore, scoring a bogey means the golfer has taken one stroke more than the par score. This term is essential in golf as it sets a benchmark for performance and scoring.
What Other Key Golf Scoring Terms Should You Know?
Beyond just bogey, golf has a full lexicon of specialized words to describe scores on each hole:
- Birdie: One stroke under par
- Eagle: Two strokes under par
- Albatross: Three strokes under par (also called a double eagle)
- Par: The expected number of strokes to complete a hole
- Double bogey: Two strokes over par
- Triple bogey: Three strokes over par
Learning these essential golf terms will help you understand your scores and compare yourself to other players.
Is a Bogey in Golf Good or Bad?
The answer is that it depends. For professionals and low handicappers, a bogey is less than ideal since they are expecting to equal or beat par on most holes. But for high-handicap amateur players, the occasional bogey is inevitable and not a disaster.
To put it in perspective, according to data from Arccos Golf, the average golfer in the 11-15 handicap range makes 7.3 bogeys per 18-hole round. For 21-25 handicappers, that number jumps to 8.9 bogeys or worse per round.
So making a few bogeys over 18 holes is perfectly normal for most recreational players. The key is avoiding big mistakes like double bogeys or worse that balloon your score. If you can limit blow-up holes and clean up your bogeys, you’ll start to see your handicap and enjoyment of golf improve dramatically.
Double Bogey: Minimizing Impact on Your Game
A double bogey, or two strokes over par, can notably affect your score. It usually stems from errors like inaccurate drives or missed putts.
To avoid this, prioritize consistent, controlled play and practice recovering from difficult situations.
Understanding each hole’s layout and challenges is also key to reducing the risk of scoring over par.
Navigating a Triple Bogey
A triple bogey, three strokes over par, can be a significant setback. This often results from compounded mistakes or a major error. To handle a triple bogey, maintain mental resilience and focus on the next hole as a learning opportunity. Regular practice in challenging aspects, such as bunker shots and long putts, is essential to avoid such scores.
Quadruple Bogey: Avoiding the High Score
A quadruple bogey, four strokes over par, typically results from a series of misjudged shots or a significant error. To prevent this, focus on strategic play by choosing safer shots and understanding the risk-reward of each shot. Maintaining a positive mindset and staying focused on recovery in subsequent holes is crucial for avoiding high scores.
When Should You Be Happy with a Bogey in Golf?
While bogeys should never be your goal, there are times when an ugly bogey can actually feel like a win:
- On a very challenging par-4 or par-5 hole
- When you hit a poor drive or approach shot and manage to salvage the hole
- Under pressure during competitive match play
- In difficult weather conditions like rain or wind
Saving a bogey after a bad shot is called “grinding” and it’s a skill that keeps good golfers from posting big scores. So don’t get too down on the occasional bogey – it’s a chance to practice your scrambling and avoidance of doubles and triples.
How Can You Start Scoring Better Than a Bogey?
If you find yourself carding a lot of bogeys, there are several strategies to bring your scores down:
- Get fit for proper golf clubs to increase consistency and distance
- Take lessons to improve fundamentals like grip, alignment, and swing mechanics
- Practice short game and putting which account for over 60% of strokes
- Play smarter course management – don’t just always go for the green
- Monitor stats to understand strengths and weaknesses in your game
With practice and dialing in your golf skills, those bogeys will start converting to pars and birdies more often. Getting fitted clubs and a few lessons are two easy ways to get instant results.
FAQs
Is a Bogey Better than a Birdie?
While a bogey signifies a score above par, a “birdie” represents a score one stroke under par. Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial for golfers at all skill levels. Birdies are typically more favorable than bogeys, indicating better performance.
How does a double bogey affect my golf score?
A double bogey, or two strokes over par, can significantly increase your overall score, impacting your round. Avoiding frequent double bogeys is crucial for a better score.
What’s the best way to handle a triple bogey?
After a triple bogey, focus on staying calm and returning to your strategy. Avoid risky shots and aim for consistency to recover in subsequent holes.
How can I avoid a quadruple bogey?
To prevent a quadruple bogey, practice course management, understand the hole’s challenges, and choose safer, more reliable shots over risky ones.
Does a bogey affect my handicap in golf?
Yes, bogeys impact your handicap calculation by reflecting your average performance above par, which is crucial for determining your playing level in handicapped matches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the concept of a bogey and its variants in golf is crucial for any golfer looking to improve their game. From the historical roots of the term to its practical implications on the course, a bogey is more than just a score—it’s a fundamental aspect of golf’s rich and storied tradition.
