In the game of golf, a bogey is a term used to describe a score of one over par on a specific hole. This means that a golfer has taken one more stroke than the designated standard for that particular hole. For example, if a hole has a par of 4 and a golfer completes it with a score of 5, they have achieved a bogey. The term bogey is also used to categorize a golfer’s overall performance on a round of 18 holes.
A bogey in golf refers to finishing a hole with one stroke over par. Understanding bogeys and other scoring terms is key for both recreational and competitive golfers when tracking performance. This article will explain the meaning of a bogey, how it fits into overall golf scoring and related concepts like double bogey and triple bogey that all golfers encounter.
Bogey Meaning in Golf
The term “bogey” has been used in golf since the late 19th century and means one over par. Specifically, a bogey occurs when a player takes one stroke more than the set par number to put the ball in the hole. Par represents the expected number of strokes to complete a hole and differs based on hole length and difficulty.
For example, on a par 4 hole, a player would be scored with a bogey if their total stroke count reached 5. In competitive play, each bogey adds one point towards a golfer’s total score. Knowing where you stand against par on every hole is essential for monitoring your golf game and challenging yourself to improve.
What is Double Bogey in Golf?
A double bogey describes finishing a golf hole with two strokes over par. For example, on a par 5 hole with a par of 5 strokes, taking 7 strokes would mean the player scored a double bogey. Like a regular bogey, competitive golfers must add penalty strokes to their total score equal to how many over par they were. Two penalty strokes are added for every double bogey.
Tracking double bogeys shows golfers where they struggle the most in their game and what parts of their play needs refinement. While frustrating in the short term, paying attention to double bogeys and higher is key for lowering scores long-term.
what is bogey golf in game?
Bogey golf, a term often used in the game of golf, refers to a player’s ability to consistently score close to the standard or par for a given course. In the rules of golf, a bogey is one stroke over par for a hole, and thus bogey golf refers to consistently scoring at about one over par for each hole. This term was coined to describe the average player’s skill level, as it is considered to be better than the regular bogey man who consistently scores over par, but not as skilled as a player who consistently scores under par.
The term bogey golf has gained popularity among golfers and is used as a benchmark for measuring one’s performance on the course. While achieving a hole-in-one or an albatross in golf is a rare and impressive feat, the concept of bogey golf speaks to the more common golfers who aim to score consistently and remain within a range of par. The concept of bogey golf has been an important aspect of the game for many years and has led to the creation of guidelines and goals for players aiming to achieve a certain level of skill.
Hazards and Bogeys
Certain features built into golf courses can present added challenges that make bogeys and other high scores more likely. These include bunkers, water hazards, dense rough, and tricky tiered greens. For example, an errant tee shot that lands in a bunker beside the green forces golfers to shoot out from the sand. Bunker shots are difficult to control precisely, meaning players might require multiple strokes just to get the ball on the putting surface.
Other potential hazards like lakes and ponds can force golfers to take a penalty stroke and hit again from the same spot. For recreational players especially, working around course hazards often turns a par hole into a bogey or worse. Learning to avoid bunkers and other features is critical for reducing scores.
Double Bogey Golf
It is not at all uncommon for average golfers to record multiple double bogeys or worse in a single round. Recreational players lacking the finely tuned skills, precision, and course strategy of professionals will naturally require more strokes on longer and more challenging holes. However, consistently high scores can still be frustrating and point to areas for improvement.
For players who record multiple double bogeys and beyond in most rounds, working on fundamentals through lessons and practice can help shave penalty strokes. Key problem areas to address include erratic driving distance and accuracy, inconsistent iron and approach shots, poor chipping and pitching technique, and unreliable putting. Steady incremental improvements in all these areas will lower overall scores.
Triple Bogey or Worse
A triple bogey occurs when a player takes three strokes above par to complete a hole. Going even higher with quadruple bogeys or more can quickly damage a player’s overall score. However, recreational and even pro golfers will occasionally record a disastrous hole far above par, often due to compounding multiple mistakes and penalties.
Days when one hole goes completely awry and screws up the scorecard for no clear reason are simply a frustrating reality of golf. When a triple bogey or worse does happen, the best response is simply shaking it off as an anomaly rather than dwelling on the mistakes. Looking ahead to the next hole with a fresh outlook is better for performance instead of carrying negative momentum.
Double Par Golf
Another related term in golf scoring is a double par. This means finishing a hole with twice the set par number of strokes. For example, on a par 3 hole, a par would be 3 strokes. Taking 6 strokes means the player scored a double par. Understandably, double pars and above are rare even among average recreational golfers and indicate a need for significant skill development.
Players chasing scratch or single-digit handicaps should aim for bogey at worst on nearly every hole. The best competitive players seldom record worse than double bogey at any level. However, for beginners learning the game and building skills through practice, double pars will inevitably pop up. The key is maintaining motivation and focusing improvement efforts on the weakest aspects of your game.
FAQs
Is a bogey better than a birdie?
No, a bogey is worse than a birdie in golf scoring. A bogey means scoring one stroke over par on a hole. So on a par 4, a bogey would be taking 5 shots total. Comparatively, a birdie is scoring one stroke under par on a hole. So on a par 4, making it in 3 shots total would be a birdie. Birdies are better (lower scoring) than bogeys.
What is 3 shots under par called?
Scoring 3 strokes under par on a single golf hole is called making an albatross. For example, scoring a 2 on a par 5 hole would be an albatross. It is a very rare feat even for professional golfers.
What is a hole-in-one on a par 5 called?
Scoring a hole-in-one on a par 5 hole is known as making a condor. A hole-in-one already has a name an ace. So condor was coined to account for the even rarer albatross hole-in-one. It is so rare that is has still never officially happened on the professional golf circuit.
What is a birdie in golf terms?
In golf, a “birdie” is scoring one shot under the set par for a hole. For example, scoring 4 strokes total on a par 5 hole would count as making a birdie. For competitive golfers, birdies are instrumental in achieving low scores that put them high on leaderboards.
Conclusion
Monitoring bogeys, double bogeys and all related scoring terminology on the golf course provides important feedback for recreational and competitive golfers alike. Understanding where your game struggles the most compared to par allows you to set measurable goals for lowering scores. Tracking performance helps you assess your skill and make informed choices about tee boxes and tournaments. By paying attention to key indicators like bogeys on scorecards, all golfers can chart meaningful improvement over time.
