
Bogey golf is a format of the game that can be played by any number of players, though it is usually played by 1-4 players. It is a fun and unique scoring format that offers a fresh perspective on the game, emphasising relatable targets and achievable goals for golfers of all skill levels. The concept of bogey golf involves playing match play against the course using stroke play rules, with the goal of beating the score of a bogey to win the hole and gain a +1 advantage. A bogey refers to scoring one stroke over par on a hole, and the term dates back to the 19th century when it was used to describe the ideal score that a good golfer would aim for. Today, it is a fundamental part of the game for beginners and experienced players alike, and understanding how to avoid bogeys is key to improving one's golf game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bogey definition | Scoring one stroke over par on a hole |
| Double bogey | Scoring two strokes over par on a hole |
| Triple bogey | Scoring three strokes over par on a hole |
| Quadruple bogey | Scoring four strokes over par on a hole |
| Higher scores | Colloquially referred to as "disaster holes" |
| Etymology | Coined in 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club, England |
| Original meaning | The score that a good golfer was expected to take on a hole |
| Bogey golf | A format for 1-4 players with a unique perspective on scoring |
| Bogey competition | A format where golfers compete against the course |
| Winning a hole | Scoring better than a bogey, moving the player +1 |
| Scoring a bogey | Results in a tie, and the score remains unchanged |
| Losing a hole | Scoring worse than a bogey, moving the player -1 |
| Determining the winner | Subtracting the number of holes lost from the number of holes won |
| Par | The predetermined number of strokes a proficient golfer should take on a hole |
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What You'll Learn

Bogey golf is a fun format for 1-4 players
Bogey golf is an exciting and fun format for 1-4 players. It is a unique scoring system that offers a fresh perspective on the game, appealing to both amateur and seasoned golfers. Bogey golf sets an achievable target score of a bogey, making it more accessible for beginners or those with higher handicaps.
The concept of bogey golf involves players competing against the course using stroke play rules. On each hole, the player aims to beat the bogey score, which is one stroke over par. Scoring better than a bogey wins the hole, resulting in a +1 score. Making a bogey leads to a tie, while scoring worse, such as a double bogey or triple bogey, results in losing the hole and moving -1.
Unlike traditional match play, bogey golf competitions are played through all 18 holes. The winner is determined by subtracting the number of holes lost from the number of holes won, providing a final score. This format keeps the game fun and exciting for all players as it maintains the competition until the final hole. Bogey golf allows players to set realistic goals and experience the satisfaction of achieving them.
The term "bogey" has an interesting history in golf, dating back to 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. Initially, it referred to the ideal score a skilled golfer was expected to achieve on a hole. Over time, as golf evolved and standardised, the term shifted to represent a score of one stroke over par.
Bogey golf provides a great opportunity for golfers of all levels to refine their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the sport. It adds a unique twist to the traditional scoring system, making it a fun and engaging format for groups of 1 to 4 players.
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Bogey is a scoring system used in amateur and club golf
The term "bogey" dates back to the 19th century in England, specifically 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club. During a game, Charles Wellman used the term "bogey man" when describing his effort to match the course's ground score, which was 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.
In golf scoring terms, par is the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. A bogey occurs when a golfer exceeds that standard by just one stroke. For example, if a hole is a par 4 and a golfer takes 5 strokes to complete it, that's a bogey. Holes are generally assigned par values between 3 and 5, based on the distance from the teeing ground to the putting green, and other factors such as terrain and obstacles.
Bogey golf sets a more achievable goal for amateur or higher-handicap players. It allows players to set and achieve goals that feel more attainable compared to the challenging pars set by the course. In a bogey competition, each hole is played either as a bogey, par, or birdie relative to the player's own handicap.
Understanding bogey golf can add a fresh dimension to the game for both new and experienced players. It provides a unique perspective on scoring, emphasising relatable targets and achievable goals, especially for those who find par golf elusive.
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The term 'bogey' dates back to 1890
The term "bogey" in golf dates back to 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. The term was first used by Charles Wellman during a game where he described 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 soon found themselves describing 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. The United Services Club at Gosport, a services club where all the members had a military rank, gave the honorary rank of Colonel to the elusive figure. This led to the creation of the term "Colonel Bogey."
In the early days of golf, a bogey was considered a good score for an amateur golfer, while par was reserved for expert-level performance. The term "bogey" originally referred to the number of strokes a proficient golfer was expected to take on a hole. As the game evolved and scores became standardised, the term "par" replaced "ground score," and "bogey" shifted to mean one-over par.
Today, a bogey in golf refers to scoring one stroke over par on a hole. For example, if a hole's par is three and a golfer takes four strokes to sink the ball, they have scored a bogey. A double bogey occurs when a golfer scores two strokes over par on a hole, while a triple bogey refers to three strokes over par. Bogey competitions are a popular format in golf, where players compete against the course using stroke play rules. On each hole, the golfer's goal is to beat the bogey score, making it a more achievable goal for amateur or higher-handicap players.
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In bogey competitions, players take on the course itself
The term "bogey" dates back to 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England, when Charles Wellman used the term "bogey man" to describe his effort to match the course's ground score, which was the term used at the time for what we now call par. By 1892, the term had evolved with the invention of the character Colonel Bogey, representing the score golfers aimed to beat during a round. Originally, a bogey referred to the ideal score that a proficient golfer would be expected to make on a hole, but as golf became more standardised, the term shifted to mean one stroke over par.
In bogey competitions, each hole is played either as a bogey, par, or birdie relative to the player's own handicap. For example, on a par-4 hole, a score of 5 or lower would win the hole for a player given a shot. Scoring better than a bogey wins the hole and moves the player +1. Scoring a bogey results in a tie, and the score remains unchanged. Scoring worse than a bogey (e.g. a double bogey) means losing the hole and moving -1. The aim is to win more holes than you lose.
Bogey golf provides a more accessible and less intimidating target for amateur players or those new to the game, allowing them to set and achieve goals that feel more attainable compared to the challenging pars set by the course.
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Bogey golf provides a more accessible target for amateurs
Golf is a game of precision and strategy, with numerous formats and terminologies that intrigue and challenge enthusiasts. One notable concept is "Bogey Golf", which offers a unique perspective on scoring by emphasising relatable targets and achievable goals. This format is particularly appealing to amateur golfers who find the standard "par" scoring system a tad elusive.
In traditional golf scoring, "par" refers to the predetermined number of strokes that an expert or proficient golfer is expected to make on a hole or round. Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five, based on factors such as distance, terrain, and obstacles. Achieving a score of one stroke fewer than par is known as a "birdie", while scoring one stroke over par results in a "bogey".
Bogey Golf, on the other hand, sets the target score as a bogey, making it a more accessible and less intimidating goal for amateurs and high-handicap players. In a bogey competition, golfers compete against the course itself, playing all 18 holes. The aim is to beat the score of bogey on as many holes as possible, with each hole won adding +1 to the player's score. Scoring a bogey results in a tie, while scoring worse, such as a double bogey or triple bogey, loses the hole and subtracts -1 from the player's score.
The concept of Bogey Golf provides a more forgiving and encouraging environment for amateur golfers. Instead of striving for the perfect "par" score, they can focus on achieving a bogey, which is a more realistic goal. This format allows players to set achievable targets and experience the satisfaction of gradual improvement. It also helps amateurs stay engaged and motivated, as they can still enjoy a successful round even with a few bogeys along the way.
Additionally, Bogey Golf competitions can be exciting and fun for all skill levels. By playing all 18 holes and focusing on winning individual holes, the game remains engaging until the final hole. This format encourages a more positive mindset, helping golfers manage their expectations and mental game. Bogey Golf provides a refreshing perspective for newcomers and experienced golfers seeking a different challenge, adding a new dimension to the strategic and precise world of golf.
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Frequently asked questions
A bogey in golf refers to a score of one stroke over par for a hole. For example, if a hole is a par 4 and a golfer takes 5 strokes to complete it, that’s a bogey.
The term “bogey” dates back to 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. During a game, Charles Wellman used the term “bogey man” when describing his effort to match the course’s ground score—the term used at the time for what we now call par.
A bogey competition is a format of play where golfers compete against the course using stroke play rules. On each hole, the golfer’s goal is to beat the bogey score. Bogey competitions are played on all 18 holes, and the winner is determined by the total holes won minus the total holes lost.
Par is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer should require to complete a hole. A bogey occurs when a golfer exceeds that standard by just one stroke.
Bogey Golf offers a unique perspective on scoring, emphasising relatable targets and achievable goals. It sets the target score as a bogey, making it a more accessible and less intimidating target for amateur players or those just learning the game.











































