
In golf, a bogey is a term used to describe a golfer's score in relation to the hole's par. Specifically, a bogey occurs when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. While it may be disappointing for professional golfers or those with low handicap scores to get a bogey, it is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate a bad round. In fact, bogeys are a part of most players' scoring patterns and can be viewed as opportunities to learn from mistakes. Understanding what a bogey is and why it happens can help golfers improve their scores and approach the game with more strategy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A bogey is a golf term used to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. |
| Synonyms | A bogey is also known as a "mistake" or "misstep". |
| Variants | Double bogey, triple bogey, quadruple bogey, quintuple bogey, etc. |
| Average score | 2.63 bogeys per round (based on 2024 US Open tour stats). |
| Occurrence | Common in casual rounds, less common in competitive play. |
| Mental impact | Bogeys can be frustrating and affect a player's mindset. |
| Strategies | Good course management and strategic play can help avoid bogeys. |
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What You'll Learn

Bogey refers to scoring one stroke over par
In the game of golf, a “bogey” is a term used to describe a golfer's performance on a particular hole in relation to the hole's par. Bogey refers to scoring one stroke over par. In other words, if a hole is a par 5, a golfer would have a bogey if they took 6 strokes to complete the hole.
The term "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes by a golfer. For example, a 150-yard hole is one on which the expert is expected to hit the green with their tee shot, take two putts, and therefore require three strokes to finish the hole.
While bogeys are not ideal, they are also not the worst-case scenario. In casual rounds, bogeys are common and don't drastically alter a golfer's score. However, in competitive play, bogeys can become a mental hurdle for players trying to stay on par or better. For professional golfers, scratch golfers, and golfers with low handicap scores, a bogey would likely be disappointing. These golfers strive to score at or below par on every hole they play. However, even these skilled golfers can still end up with double, triple, or even quadruple bogeys. For average golfers, a bogey is often an exciting achievement, as it means they only took one stroke over par.
The term "bogey" dates back to the 19th century in England. Originally, it referred to the ideal score that a good golfer would aim for on each hole. However, as competitive golf evolved, the term shifted to represent a score that was one over par. The term gained popularity as golf spread across Europe and America, becoming a standard part of golf scoring terminology.
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Bogeys are common and don't drastically alter your score
Bogeys are an inevitable part of golf, and while they can be frustrating, they don't have to ruin your game. In casual rounds, bogeys are common and won't drastically alter your score. Golf is a game of precision, and even the best golfers know the frustration of making a bogey. According to Practical Golf, PGA Tour players make a bogey more than 80% of the time when recovering from tricky situations, such as being stuck behind trees.
The term "bogey" refers to scoring one stroke over par on a particular hole. For instance, on a par-5 hole, taking 6 strokes results in a bogey. While it indicates a mistake or misstep, it doesn't mean a bad round. Bogeys are part of most players' scoring patterns and provide an opportunity to learn from errors.
For professional golfers, scratch golfers, and golfers with low handicap scores, a bogey may be disappointing. These golfers aim to score at or below par on every hole. However, even these skilled golfers can end up with double, triple, or even quadruple bogeys. On the other hand, average golfers may be pleased with a bogey, as it means they only went one stroke over par. For them, consistently scoring below 90 on a par-72 course, which equates to a bogey on every hole, would be a significant achievement.
While bogeys are common, they can still impact your mindset, especially if you were playing well beforehand. Good course management is key to avoiding bogeys. Analyzing the hole, choosing the right clubs, and being mindful of obstacles can help keep bogeys at bay. Golf is often about balancing risk and reward. Understanding bogeys and why they happen will help you improve your score and approach the course with more strategy.
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A double bogey is 2 strokes over par
In golf, a "bogey" is a common term used to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. While a bogey is a bad result for a low-handicap or professional golfer, newer and less skilled golfers are often satisfied with only needing one more stroke than par to complete a hole. For instance, on a par-5 hole, taking 6 strokes would result in a bogey. Bogeys are common and do not drastically alter one's score in casual rounds. However, in competitive play, bogeys can pile up and become a mental hurdle for players striving to stay on par or better.
A "double bogey" is when a golfer scores two strokes over par on a hole. For example, if a golfer were to get 5 strokes on a par-3, they would have a double bogey. A triple bogey refers to a golfer getting three strokes over par on a hole, and a quadruple bogey means a golfer gets four strokes over par on a hole. Completing a bogey-free round is considered an achievement, and it is rare for golfers to complete four bogey-free rounds in professional tournament play.
Golf scoring terms like "birdie", "eagle", "bogey", and "par" describe a golfer's performance on a hole in relation to the hole's par. "Par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes by a golfer. A "birdie" is a score of one-under par on a hole, for example, scoring 4 on a par-5. An "eagle" is a score of two-under par on a hole, for example, 3 strokes on a par-5 hole.
A golfer's score is compared with the par score. If a golfer takes fewer strokes, the reported score is "under par", and if a golfer takes more strokes, the reported score is "over par".
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A triple bogey is 3 strokes over par
In golf, a "bogey" is a term used to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. The term "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete play on a hole. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes by a golfer. On a par-4 hole, a scratch golfer is supposed to reach the green in two strokes, then complete the hole with two putts.
A "triple bogey" is when a golfer scores three strokes over par on a hole. For example, if a golfer were to get 7 strokes on a par-4 hole, they would have a triple bogey. A double bogey, on the other hand, is when a golfer scores two strokes over par. This would be 6 strokes on a par-4 hole. A quadruple bogey is when a golfer scores four strokes over par.
While a bogey is a bad result for a low-handicap or professional golfer, new and less skilled golfers are often fine with only needing one more stroke than par to complete a hole. Average golfers would probably be excited to get a bogey because it means they only had one stroke over par. To put this into perspective, if they were to get a bogey on every round, they would get a score of 90 on a par-72 course, which is a huge accomplishment for someone new to golf.
Bogeys are common in casual rounds and don't drastically alter your score. However, in competitive play, bogeys can start to pile up and become a mental hurdle for players trying to stay on par or better. For pros, where every stroke counts, a bogey might mean slipping down the leaderboard. For amateurs, it's an expected part of the learning curve.
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Bogey is a common golf term with roots in 19th-century England
"Bogey" is a common golf term that is used to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. While it is not the worst-case scenario, it does indicate a mistake or misstep. Bogeys are common in casual rounds and do not drastically alter one's score. However, in competitive play, they can become a mental hurdle for players striving to stay on par or better.
The term "bogey" has its roots in 19th-century England, specifically in a popular song from the 1890s called "The Bogey Man," later known as "The Colonel Bogey March." The song depicted an elusive character, similar to a game of chase, with the lyrics "I'm the Bogey Man, catch me if you can." Golfers in England and Scotland drew a parallel between this elusive character and the pursuit of the ultimate golf score, thus integrating the term into the sport.
Over time, the meaning of "bogey" in golf evolved. Originally, it referred to the ideal score that a skilled golfer would aim for on each hole. However, as competitive golf evolved, the term shifted to represent a score that was one stroke over par. This evolution demonstrates the dynamic nature of sports terminology and how it adapts to the changing landscape of the game.
It's worth noting that the term "par" in golf refers to the standard number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make to complete a hole. The length of the hole will determine the par value, with longer holes requiring more strokes and shorter holes requiring fewer strokes. Regardless of length, the par number for a hole always allows for two putts.
While achieving a bogey may be disappointing for professional golfers or those with low handicap scores, it is a significant milestone for recreational golfers. It represents a level of consistency and competence, indicating improvement in their game. For many, becoming a "bogey golfer" is a major achievement, as it involves consistently scoring in the 80s, which only 3% of golfers in the USA accomplish.
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Frequently asked questions
A bogey is a term used in golf to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole.
Bogeys are not necessarily bad. For professional golfers, a bogey would be disappointing. However, for an average golfer, a bogey is an expected part of the learning curve and can be exciting as it means they are only one stroke over par.
Par refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course.
A double bogey means a golfer got two strokes over par on a hole.
To avoid getting bogeys, it is important to be realistic about your golf game and choose your clubs accordingly. Analyze the hole you are on and be mindful of any obstacles that may affect how the ball moves.










































