Bogey in Golf Meaning
Golf terminology can make a big difference in your game. One term you’ll hear all the time on the course is bogey.
A bogey is when a golfer takes one more stroke than par on a given golf hole.
For example, on a par 4 if you take 5 you’ve made a bogey.
Not ideal but common, especially for most of us, including beginners.
History of the Term Bogey
The word bogey has an interesting history. Interestingly, the term ‘birdie’ also has historical roots, originating from The Country Club in Atlantic City in the late 1890s.
In the late 19th century, the term “bogey” was associated with the bogey man, a mythical figure that was the ideal score a golfer should shoot on a hole.
As golf evolved, the definition changed and bogey came to mean one stroke over par on a hole as we know it today.
What is Bogey in Golf?
A bogey in golf is taking one more stroke than the par on a hole. For example, on a par 5 taking 6, on a par 3 taking 4.
Knowing what a bogey is is key to improving your scoring and measuring your progress as a golfer.
For example, if you’re making bogeys on most holes, it means your game is improving if you’re reducing the number of strokes to finish each hole with fewer strokes.
Double Bogey, Triple Bogey, and Beyond
It’s a double bogey when a golfer takes two strokes over par.
For example, you’ve made a double bogey if you take 6 on a par 4. It gets worse from there. A triple bogey is 3 over par, and a quadruple bogey is 4 over par.
Most golfers try to avoid these higher scores by reducing mistakes such as missed putts or wayward tee shots.
While an expert golfer aims to avoid these higher scores, understanding them can help average players identify areas for improvement.
Knowing how bogeys, double bogeys and other bad scores affect your round will help you identify areas to improve in your game.
Bogey vs Par on a Hole and Birdie
In golf parlance, par means you’ve shot the expected number of strokes on a hole, a birdie means you’ve shot less than par, and a bogey means you’ve taken more strokes to finish the hole.
For example, if you’re playing a par 4 and take 5 you’ve made a bogey. If you shoot 3 on the same hole you’ve made a birdie.
The word birdie, which means one stroke under par, originated in early 20th century American slang.
For most golfers, the goal is to keep the bogeys low and shoot par or birdie on as many holes as possible. The fewer bogeys, the better your score.
Why Do Golfers Make Bogeys on a Golf Course?
There are many reasons why golfers make bogeys.
A poorly hit first shot (or tee shot) might land your ball in the water or off the green, and you’ll have to take extra strokes. Mistakes on the green such as taking more than 2 putts to finish are common culprits.
Even good golfers make bogeys because golf courses are hard. Tight fairways, fast greens, and tricky pin positions can all lead to bogey scores.
Managing the course is key to minimizing those mistakes and shooting good scores.
How to Avoid Bogeys
Avoiding bogeys starts with making good decisions on the course. Here are some practical tips to reduce bogeys:
1. Improve Your Tee Shots
A good tee shot can set up an easier approach to the green and avoid mistakes that lead to extra strokes, keeping the golf ball in play. Use the club that gives you the best chance of keeping the ball in play.
2. Work on Your Putting
Many bogeys come from taking more than two putts to finish a hole. Spend time practicing short and long putts to get a feel for different greens.
3. Avoid Water Hazards
Keep your ball out of trouble. Hazards like water or bunkers can lead to extra strokes. Play smart and aim for safer areas when you can.
4. Course Management
Different courses present different challenges. On a short par 3, focus on accuracy. On a longer par 5, focus on getting the golf ball in a position where you can attack the hole with your next shot.
Bogeys and Your Score
In a round of golf, bogeys can add up fast if you’re not careful. Making a bogey on a tough hole isn’t the end of the world, but too many bogeys can blow your score up, especially if they’re double bogeys or worse.
For beginners, making bogeys consistently might feel like an achievement because you’re close to par.
In golf, avoiding bogeys is crucial for maintaining a competitive score. But for more experienced players or a golf expert, avoiding bogeys is key to shooting par or better on the course.
Other Scoring Terms
As you get more into the game you’ll come across many other scoring terms. Here are a few to know:
Eagle: When you score 2 under par for a given hole (e.g. par 5 in 3).
Double Eagle (Albatross): When you score 3 under par (e.g. par 5 in 2).
Hole in One: When you hit the ball in the hole in one shot from the tee. Most common on par 3s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a birdie better than a bogey?
A birdie is better because you scored under par and a bogey is over par.
Why is it called a bogey?
The term “bogey” came from the idea of a golfer’s ideal score which evolved to mean one stroke over par on a hole.
What is an eagle and a birdie in golf?
An eagle is two strokes under par and a birdie is one under par.
Is a bogey worse than par?
Yes, a bogey is worse because you took more strokes than par to finish the hole.
Conclusion
In golf, a bogey is more than just one stroke over par. It’s a common score most golfers experience. A bogey isn’t ideal, but it’s not the end of the world, especially for beginners.
By working on your shots, minimizing mistakes, and playing smart course management, you can reduce the number of bogeys in your round and shoot better scores.
Golf is a game of continual improvement, and learning to manage bogeys is a key part of that process.