A bogey occurs when a golfer takes one more stroke than par for a given hole. A par is the number of strokes the golf course expects you to take to complete the hole. So if the par on a hole is a 4, a bogey would be the score of 5. In golf scoring, bogey ranks just below par, with the hierarchy including double bogey (two strokes over par) and triple bogey (three strokes over par).
History of the Term “Bogey”
The term “bogey” has its origins in late 19th-century Britain. Originally, a bogey was the score a skilled player was expected to achieve on each hole, with the term even deriving from the character of “The Bogey Man,” an imaginary figure that set the scoring standard. Over time, as golf developed, the idea of “par” emerged as the standard for professional play, and the meaning of “bogey” shifted to represent one stroke over par.
Examples of the Scores That Result in a Bogey
Here are some examples of bogeys:
- Use 4 strokes on a Par 3 hole
- Use 5 strokes on a Par 4 hole
- Use 6 strokes on a Par 5 hole
A bogey is always worse than a par, but better than a double bogey. The scoring goal in golf is to use as few swings as possible.
The Role of Bogeys in Golf Strategy
For high-handicap players, or beginners, bogeys are often a reasonable target score that allows them to enjoy the game without overly pressuring themselves. Mid-handicap players, who generally have a bit more experience, aim to minimize bogeys as they work toward achieving more pars and birdies. Professional players, however, strive to avoid bogeys altogether, as they rely on consistent par or better scores to stay competitive.
Strategically, sometimes even pros will “take a bogey” to avoid greater risks. For instance, if a green is surrounded by water, a golfer may choose to play it safe and take a bogey rather than attempting a difficult shot that could result in a penalty stroke and an even higher score.
Psychological Impact of Bogeys
Managing a bogey often requires mental discipline. Bogeys can create a feeling of lost opportunity, and players may need to focus on the next hole to keep their overall score in check. Keeping calm after a bogey is key to maintaining consistency, as frustration may lead to further mistakes.
Is a Bogey Good or Bad?
Whether or not a bogey is good or bad depends on the expectations of the golfer. A scratch golfer (someone who expects to hit a par on every hole) would not be pleased with a bogey while a beginner golfer with a high handicap may be thrilled with a bogey. Or if you hit your tee shot in the water, scoring a bogey could be a ‘save’ where a golfer would feel relief to escape the hole with just a bogey and not a higher number.
What is a Bogey Golfer?
A bogey golfer is a player who expects to hit a bogey on every hole. Thus, their handicap will be around 18 or 20. This is akin to a scratch golfer who expects to hit a par on every hole. Most regular golfers are bogey golfers so a bogey isn’t out of the norm.
What is a Net Bogey?
A net bogey is a +1 on your scorecard after your strokes over par are adjusted for any handicap stroke applied on that hole.
So if you’re playing in a tournament with a Net score award, then the handicap system may assign you a stroke for a particular hole. So if a hole has a Par of 4 and the handicap system provides a golfer with a stroke on that particular hole, then the strokes taken for a net bogey for the hole is a 6 (Par 4 + 1 extra stroke + 1 stroke given).
How Do I Avoid a Bogey?
As I mentioned above, a bogey isn’t necessarily bad depending on your skill level and golf handicap. But to avoid a bogey, there isn’t any room for error so all of your shots must be a good shot, or 1 bad shot with 1 great shot to recover from the bad shot.
To give yourself the best chance at avoiding a bogey, here are some common tips:
- Improve Driving Accuracy: Hitting the fairway consistently can set up easier second shots, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
- Approach Play: Practicing approach shots, particularly with mid-irons, helps golfers land closer to the green, which is critical for setting up potential pars.
- Master the Short Game: Chipping and putting often decide whether a player can save par or end up with a bogey.
- Course Management: If playing in a tournament, play a round at the golf course before the tournament begins. Knowing the nooks and crannies of holes on a course can be extremely valuable. It also helps to know the speed of the greens.
- Hire an instructor: A professional golf teacher can help smooth out your swing and remove any bad habits you’ve built up over the years. A good instructor will explains the whys and why-nots so you have a better understanding of your own swing.
- Practice, practice, practice!: The more you practice the more you’ll feel comfortable with your swing and improve your short game.
FAQ
Do Pros Shoot Bogeys?
Yes, even the best golfers in the world hit bogeys. It’s all part of the game, for every level of golfer. According to PGA golf statistics, a PGA Tour Pro will hit anywhere from 2 – 3 bogeys per round.
How Do You Mark a Double Bogey on a Scorecard?
On your golf scorecard, a bogey is indicated by adding 1 square around the score. For a double bogey, you simply add a second square around the score.