
In golf, a bogey is a scoring term used to describe when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par. For example, on a par-3 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they completed the hole in 4 strokes, giving them a score of 1-over par. Bogeys are a common occurrence for many players, and while professional golfers may be disappointed with a bogey, for newer golfers, it is a mark of a good round.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A scoring term in golf |
| Meaning | A golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par |
| Examples | 4 strokes on a par-3 hole, 5 strokes on a par-4 hole, 6 strokes on a par-5 hole |
| Double Bogey | 2 strokes over par on a hole |
| Triple Bogey | 3 strokes over par on a hole |
| Quadruple Bogey | 4 strokes over par on a hole |
| Average | Golfers with a 16-20 handicap average 7.3 bogeys per 18-hole round |
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What You'll Learn
- Bogey golfers average one over par per hole, ending 9 over on 9 holes and 18 over on 18 holes
- A double bogey is scoring two strokes over par, a triple bogey is three strokes over, and so on
- Bogey is a common term in golf, but it also has military origins
- Bogey golfers are often beginners, for whom scoring a bogey is an accomplishment
- Bogey golfers can improve their scores by practising their short game, like putting and chipping

Bogey golfers average one over par per hole, ending 9 over on 9 holes and 18 over on 18 holes
In golf, a "bogey" is a scoring term that means a golfer has scored one stroke over par on a particular hole. For example, if a hole has a par of three and the golfer takes four strokes to get the ball into the hole, they have scored a bogey. A "birdie", on the other hand, is when a golfer scores one stroke under par on a hole.
The term "bogey" dates back to 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. It is believed that the term was first used by Charles Wellman, who used the phrase ""bogey man" to describe his effort to match the course's ground score—the term used at the time for what we now call par. The phrase caught on, and players began to describe their performance as ""chasing the bogey man". By 1892, the term had evolved with the invention of the character Colonel Bogey, representing the score golfers aimed to beat during a round.
A "bogey golfer" is someone who consistently averages a bogey on every hole, ending with a score of nine-over par on nine holes or eighteen-over par on a full eighteen-hole round. This term is often used to refer to amateur golfers who are newer to the game and are still working on refining their skills. For these golfers, reaching or breaking a score of 90 on a par-72 golf course is considered a significant accomplishment.
While bogeys are a common part of everyday golf for many players, they can still be frustrating and can affect a player's mindset. Bogeys are also more acceptable in casual rounds than in competitive play, where they can start to pile up and become a mental hurdle for players trying to stay on par or better. Nevertheless, making mistakes and learning from them is an expected part of the learning curve for amateur golfers.
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A double bogey is scoring two strokes over par, a triple bogey is three strokes over, and so on
In golf, a "bogey" is a scoring term that means a golfer has made a score of one stroke over par on a particular hole. For instance, on a par-3 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they completed the hole in 4 strokes. A bogey golfer is someone who averages one over par per hole throughout their round, ending either 9 over par on 9 holes or 18 over par on a full 18-hole round.
If a golfer goes more than one stroke over par, they score a double bogey (2 strokes over par), a triple bogey (3 strokes over par), or even a quadruple bogey (4 strokes over par), and so on. For example, if a golfer were to get 5 strokes on a par-3 hole, they would have scored a double bogey. Similarly, if a golfer were to get 9 strokes on a par-5 hole, they would receive a quadruple bogey.
Golfers with a handicap of 16-20, which is the average handicap, tend to average 4.7 double bogeys and 2.1 triple bogeys or worse per 18-hole round. For golfers in the 21-25 handicap range, they average 8.9 double bogeys or worse per 18 holes, indicating that they scored worse than a bogey on almost half of their holes.
While professional golfers and those with low handicaps aim to score at or under par, for the average golfer, reaching or breaking a score of 90 is a significant accomplishment. Bogeys are common and do not necessarily indicate a bad round. They are a part of most players' scoring patterns and offer opportunities to learn from mistakes.
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Bogey is a common term in golf, but it also has military origins
In golf, "bogey" is a scoring term that means a golfer has made a score of one stroke over par on a particular hole. For example, on a par-3 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they completed the hole in four strokes. While pros aim to stay under par, recreational golfers often find themselves managing bogeys regularly. Bogey is also used as an adjective or noun to refer to a golfer who averages one over par per hole throughout their round, ending either 9 over par on nine holes or 18 over par on a full 18-hole round.
The term "bogey" in golf dates back to the 19th century in England. Originally, "bogey" referred to the ideal score that a good golfer would aim for on each hole. The evolution of the word is significant in golf history. When golf became more formalized and the rules became standardized, the concept of par was introduced, and "bogey" became the term for one stroke over par.
The term "bogey" also has military origins, specifically in military aviation. "Bogey" is used to refer to an unidentified aircraft that has unknown intentions or nature. This usage of the term originated from World War II fighter pilot jargon, derived from the word "bogy," meaning a person that causes worry. The term is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "bugge," which means "a frightening specter."
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Bogey golfers are often beginners, for whom scoring a bogey is an accomplishment
In golf, a "bogey" is a scoring term that means a golfer has made a score of one stroke over par on a particular hole. For example, on a par-3 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they completed the hole in 4 strokes. While more experienced golfers may be disappointed when they score bogeys, for new golfers, it is a level to aspire to and an accomplishment to celebrate.
A "bogey golfer" is someone who averages one over par per hole throughout their round, ending either 9 over par on nine holes or 18 over par on a full 18-hole round. This term is often used to describe golfers who are beginners and are still learning the game. For these players, scoring a bogey is a sign of improvement and a reason to be proud.
When golf became more formalized and the rules became standardized, the concept of "par" was introduced. Bogey then became the term to define one stroke over par, representing a small yet impactful error in play. Today, it is a common part of golfing for players of all skill levels. While it may not drastically affect the scores of casual players, in competitive play, bogeys can become a mental hurdle for players trying to stay on par or better.
For beginners, a bogey is an expected part of the learning curve. It is important for new golfers to understand that making a bogey is not a failure, but rather an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve their game. By analyzing the hole they are playing, choosing the appropriate clubs, and practicing their short game, golfers can work on reducing the number of bogeys they make.
In summary, while more advanced golfers strive for scores of par or better, for beginner golfers, scoring a bogey is an accomplishment. It is a sign that they are improving and getting closer to reaching the scores of more experienced players. With practice and perseverance, these bogey golfers can continue to lower their scores and enhance their skills on the course.
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Bogey golfers can improve their scores by practising their short game, like putting and chipping
In golf, a "bogey" is a scoring term used when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par. For instance, on a par-3 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they completed the hole in four strokes, giving them a score of 1-over par. A bogey golfer is someone who averages one over par per hole, ending either 9 over par on nine holes or 18 over par on a full 18-hole round.
Bogey golfers can improve their scores by focusing on their short game, such as putting and chipping. Many bogeys occur around the green due to poor chipping or missed putts. By dedicating time to practising their short game, bogey golfers can save strokes when they are near the hole. A well-placed chip or solid putt can turn a potential bogey into a par. Golf instructors often emphasise that a strong short game can significantly impact a player's performance and confidence.
PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas and TPC Danzante Bay's head golf professional, Danny Garcia, agree that improving one's short game is essential. Thomas believes that giving more attention to the short game will lead to lower scores, and Garcia notes that many golfers fear their short game due to a lack of confidence and practice. Therefore, bogey golfers should focus on improving their short game to enhance their overall performance and reduce their scores.
Additionally, bogey golfers can benefit from understanding the concept of course management. This involves making strategic decisions to minimise risks and potential errors. For example, when faced with a water hazard, playing it safe by laying up may prevent a bogey, even if it means sacrificing the opportunity to reach the green in regulation. Effective course management, combined with a strong short game, can significantly improve a bogey golfer's scores.
Furthermore, bogey golfers should recognise their strengths and play to them. Every golfer has unique strong and weak points in their game, and capitalising on their strengths can make a significant difference in their performance. By focusing on their strengths and practising their short game, bogey golfers can improve their scores and overall golfing experience.
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