Miles Bennett
In golf, a bogey is a scoring term that refers to a golfer completing a hole in one stroke over par. For example, on a par-4 hole, a bogey would mean it took 5 strokes to get the ball into the cup. Bogey golf is a benchmark for many players, and achieving this milestone symbolises improvement, consistency, and competence on the course. For the average golfer, reaching or breaking a score of 90 is a significant accomplishment, and bogey golfers make up only 3% of all golfers in the USA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bogey definition | A score of one stroke over par on a particular hole |
| Par definition | The target score for each hole, representing the ideal number of strokes for a skilled golfer |
| Birdie definition | One stroke under par |
| Eagle definition | Two strokes under par |
| Double bogey definition | Two strokes over par |
| Triple bogey definition | Three strokes over par |
| Quadruple bogey definition | Four strokes over par |
| Quintuple bogey definition | Five strokes over par |
| Sextuple bogey definition | Six strokes over par |
| Bogey golfer definition | A player who averages a bogey score on every hole, nine-over par for nine holes or 18-over par for 18 holes |
| Bogey golf definition | An achievable benchmark for many players, marking a significant milestone |
| Average golfer score | 100 |
| Average beginner golfer score | 115 |
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What You'll Learn
Bogey meaning: one stroke over par
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. In other words, a bogey occurs when a golfer exceeds the standard number of strokes by just one stroke. For example, on a par-4 hole, a bogey would mean finishing the hole in 5 strokes.
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 instance, 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 that hole. Such a hole is called a par-3.
The term "bogey" originated in the 19th century in England and was initially used to refer to the ideal score that a proficient golfer would aim for on each hole. However, as competitive golf evolved, the term shifted and came to represent a score that was one stroke over par. The term gained popularity as golf spread across Europe and America, becoming a fundamental part of golfing terminology for both beginners and experienced players.
Achieving bogey golf is a significant milestone for recreational golfers, symbolizing improvement, consistency, and competence on the course. It is considered an achievable benchmark for many players, but it requires avoiding common pitfalls such as over-aggressiveness, neglecting to play to one's strengths, and poor course management.
While low handicap, scratch, and professional golfers strive for a score of par or better on each hole, for the average golfer who is newer to the game, reaching or breaking a score of 90 (bogey golf) is a notable accomplishment.
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Bogey golfer: a player who averages a bogey score on every hole
Bogey golf is a scoring term in golf. A bogey refers to scoring one stroke over par on a particular hole. So, on a par-4 hole, a bogey would be 5 strokes. On a par-5 hole, a bogey would be 6 strokes.
A bogey golfer is a player who averages a bogey score on every hole. This would mean a score of 9-over par for 9 holes or 18-over par for 18 holes. Bogey golf is considered a significant milestone for many recreational golfers, representing a level of consistency and competence. It is also a notable achievement for beginners, with the average golfer shooting around 100 or playing double bogey golf.
In the late 1890s, the term "bogey score" referred to the ideal score achievable by a proficient golfer under optimal conditions. However, with the introduction of the term "par", bogey came to represent a score that was one over par. The term is believed to have originated from a popular song in the early 1890s called "The Bogey Man", later known as "The Colonel Bogey March". The song's elusive character was likened to the pursuit of the ultimate golf score.
While low handicap, scratch, and professional golfers aim for par or better, bogey golf is a respectable level for new golfers. It is a challenging yet achievable benchmark, and reaching this level can take between 3 to 5 years. For many, it is a goal that requires dedication, practice, and effective course management.
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Bogey golf: an achievable benchmark for many players
Bogey golf is an achievable benchmark for many players, but it requires dedication and a good strategy to reach this level. The term "bogey" has evolved over time, and it is now commonly understood as scoring one stroke over par on a particular hole.
For beginners, bogey golf is an excellent goal to strive towards as it represents a level of consistency and competence on the course. It is a significant milestone that signifies not just improvement but also a certain level of proficiency. While breaking a score of 100 is already commendable, bogey golf is typically characterised by scores in the 80s and 90s on a par-72 course. This means maintaining a performance of just over +1 stroke per 18 holes, which is no easy feat.
To achieve bogey golf, players must be mindful of common pitfalls. Over-aggressiveness is one such pitfall, where golfers aim for risky shots instead of playing it safe, often leading to unnecessary hazards. It is important to play to one's strengths and recognise the areas where you excel to capitalise on them. Another mistake is neglecting practice in critical areas, especially the short game. Most shots in a round occur within a close radius of the green, yet many players disproportionately focus on long drives.
Effective course management is also crucial to achieving bogey golf. Understanding the nuances of each hole and the conditions can help prevent unnecessary strokes on the scorecard. Golf is often a game of risk versus reward, and sometimes playing it safe can be the better strategy. For example, laying up before a water hazard may prevent a bogey, even if it means not reaching the green in regulation.
While bogey golf is a respectable achievement for beginners, it is important to note that more experienced golfers will strive for par or better on each hole. However, for new golfers, achieving bogey golf can be a significant milestone and a source of pride.
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Double bogey: two strokes over par
In golf, a "bogey" is a scoring term that means a golfer scored 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 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 score of 4 strokes on a par-3 hole or 6 strokes on a par-5 hole would be considered a bogey.
While a bogey is a bad result for a low-handicap or professional golfer, newer and less-skilled golfers can be satisfied with scoring one more stroke than par to complete a hole. If a golfer gets a bogey on every hole of a par-72 course, they would shoot a 90, which is a major milestone for newer golfers.
A "double bogey" is a score of two strokes over par on any individual hole. For example, 6 strokes on a par-4 hole would be a double bogey. Double bogeys are a common occurrence for golfers of all skill levels. In fact, golfers in the 21-25 handicap range averaged 8.9 double bogeys or worse per 18 holes.
Bogey golf signifies a golfer's consistency and competence on the course. It is an achievable benchmark for many players, but there are common mistakes that hinder reaching this standard, such as over-aggressiveness, neglecting to play to one's strengths, and poor course management.
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History of the term: the word bogey traces back to the 19th century
The term "bogey" in golf can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed that the word was first used in the context of golf in England at the end of the 19th century. The term is said to have originated from a popular song called "The Bogey Man" or "Here Comes the Bogey Man", which was a British dancehall song from the late 19th century. The song is also mentioned in some sources as "Hush! Hush! Hush! Here Comes the Bogey Man", an Edwardian music hall song that was popular around that time.
In the late 19th century, golfers in the UK, particularly in Scotland, began to adopt a modern form of the game, and they played a significant role in shaping the rules and terminology that are still used today. The Scots can lay claim to the idea of the "Bogey Man" in golf, although the specific origin stories vary. Some sources mention that the term was first used by Major Charles Wellman, who remarked that a player was "a regular Bogey man". Others suggest that the term comes from Scottish slang for goblins or devils, which dates back to the 16th century when a "bogle" was a Scottish term for a goblin.
During this time, golfers used the term "bogey" to describe a standard score or the score set by players as the target to beat. This concept of "chasing the bogey man" became popular, and golfers tried to beat Colonel Bogey. The term "bogey" was originally used in a similar way to how we use "par" today. Par represents the ideal number of strokes for a skilled golfer, and a bogey occurs when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par.
In the early 20th century, as golf evolved and more structured rules and scoring systems were introduced, the term "bogey" also evolved. It shifted from being a target score to representing a score one stroke over that target. This change reflected a broader effort to standardize and formalize golf rules and terminology across different courses. By the early 1900s, the term "par" was distinguished from "bogey", with "par" referring to the standard score for a skilled golfer, and "bogey" becoming associated with a score one stroke higher than the par rating.
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Frequently asked questions
A bogey is a golf scoring term for when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par.
Bogey golf refers to a golfer who averages a bogey score on every hole, i.e., nine-over par for nine holes or 18-over par for 18 holes.
Bogey golf is a significant milestone for beginners and achieving this standard signals improvement, consistency, and competence on the course. It is a respectable achievement for beginners and a good goal to strive towards.
Some common mistakes to avoid include over-aggressiveness, not playing to your strengths, neglecting practice in critical areas, and poor course management.
Other golf scoring terms include birdie (one stroke under par), eagle (two strokes under par), double bogey (two strokes over par), and so on.
