Miles Bennett
Bogey is a term used in golf to refer to a score of one stroke over par on a hole. The term was first used in 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England, where Charles Wellman described his effort to match the course's ground score—the term used at the time for what we now call par—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. Today, a bogey is a common occurrence in golf, with even the best golfers in the world scoring bogeys or worse. For beginners, it is an expected part of the learning curve, and for experienced players, it can affect their game but is not always a dealbreaker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Scoring one stroke over par on a hole |
| Origin | The term was first used in 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England |
| Originating context | During a game, Charles Wellman used the term "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 |
| Synonyms | One-over par, double bogey, triple bogey, quadruple bogey, quintuple bogey, sextuple bogey, disaster hole, blow-up, etc. |
| Frequency | In 2019, PGA golfers averaged 2.62 bogeys in the TOUR Championship. In 2024, the US Open tour average was 2.63 bogeys |
| Occurrence | Bogeys are a part of everyday golf for many players. While pros aim to stay under par, recreational golfers often find themselves managing bogeys regularly |
| Impact | Making a bogey can affect your game, but it's not always a dealbreaker. In casual rounds, bogeys are common and don't drastically alter your score |
| Avoidance | Good course management and a strong short game can help keep bogeys at bay |
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What You'll Learn
Bogey meaning and history
The term "bogey" in golf refers to a score that is one stroke over par. It is an essential part of golf scoring and is a common occurrence for many players, especially beginners. While achieving a bogey may indicate a mistake or a minor setback, it does not necessarily ruin a player's round or performance.
The term "bogey" in golf has an interesting history that dates back to the 19th century in England. Originally, the word "bogey" referred to the ideal score that a skilled golfer was expected to achieve on a hole. It was associated with the quest for the elusive "Bogey Man" or the perfect score. The term gained popularity with the song "The Bogey Man" (later known as "The Colonel Bogey March") in the early 1890s. During this period, Mr Hugh Rotherham, Secretary of the Coventry Golf Club, introduced the concept of "ground score," which standardised the number of strokes a good golfer should take on each hole.
As golf evolved and became more competitive, the meaning of "bogey" shifted. In the late 1900s to early 1910s, the concept of "par" emerged, replacing the term "ground score." Par represented the designated number of strokes a skilled golfer was expected to make under ideal conditions. With this evolution, the term "bogey" took on a new meaning and came to signify a score that was one stroke over par. This change occurred primarily in the United States, and by 1914, British golf magazines were advocating for a similar ratings system.
Today, the term "bogey" is an integral part of golf terminology and is used by golfers worldwide. While the term originated in England, its modern meaning and usage are largely influenced by the United States, where golf scoring terms have evolved and standardised over time.
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Bogey scoring and impact
Bogey is a term used in golf to describe a golfer's performance on a hole in relation to the hole's par. A bogey is a score of one stroke over par. For example, taking 6 strokes on a par-5 hole would result in a bogey.
The term "bogey" was first used in England at the end of the 19th century. It was initially used to refer to the ideal score that a good golfer would aim for on each hole. However, as golf evolved and became more standardised, the term shifted to represent a score that was one over par. This change was influenced by the Americans, who began using "bogey" to refer to one over par, much to the chagrin of the British, who felt their ratings system was outdated.
Bogeys are a common occurrence in golf, even for professionals. In 2019, PGA golfers averaged 2.62 bogeys in the TOUR Championship, and in 2024, the US Open tour average was 2.63. While pros aim to stay under par, recreational golfers often find themselves managing bogeys regularly. Bogeys can affect a player's mindset, especially if they were playing well before a bad hole. They can also impact a player's ranking in competitive play, causing them to slip down the leaderboard.
However, bogeys are not always a negative outcome. In casual rounds, bogeys are common and can be an expected part of the learning curve for amateurs. They offer an opportunity for players to learn from their mistakes and improve their game. Additionally, scoring a bogey can be a significant accomplishment for beginner golfers, as it is closer to the ideal score than a higher number of strokes over par.
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Bogey golfer
The term "bogey golfer" has two distinct meanings. According to most golfers, a bogey golfer is someone who typically scores a bogey, or one-over par, on each hole. This translates to an average score of around 90 on a par-72 golf course.
However, the term also has a more formal definition within the USGA Handicap System. In this context, a male bogey golfer is defined as a player with a USGA Handicap Index of 17.5 to 22.4 strokes, while a female bogey golfer has a Course Handicap of about 24.0. This translates to a male golfer being able to hit a tee shot 200 yards and reach a 370-yard hole in two shots, while a female golfer can hit 150 off the tee and reach 280 yards in two shots.
It's important to note that achieving bogey golfer status is a significant milestone for recreational golfers. It represents a level of consistency and competence on the course that only a small percentage of golfers attain. In fact, studies suggest that the majority of recreational golfers never break 100, and only a select few consistently score below 90.
While bogey golfers may strive for better scores, they are already performing better than most other recreational golfers. This highlights the importance of understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as practising consistently, to improve one's game and lower one's handicap.
The term "bogey" itself has an interesting history in golf. Originating from a popular song in the early 1890s called "The Bogey Man", later known as "The Colonel Bogey March", the term was adopted in golf to represent the pursuit of an ideal score. Over time, as competitive golf evolved, the term shifted to represent a score of one-over par.
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Bogey competitions
In bogey competitions, a player takes on the course itself in matchplay. The course scores a bogey on each hole—a bogey is defined as the score that a good player should be expected to make on that hole. All 18 holes are played, and the player's score is the net number of holes won (so the net score may be a minus figure). The winner of the competition is the player who wins the most net holes.
In golf scoring terms, par is the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. A bogey occurs when you exceed that standard by just one stroke. It's not the worst-case scenario, but it's a mark of a mistake or misstep. Bogeys are a part of everyday golf for many players. While pros aim to stay under par, recreational golfers often find themselves managing bogeys regularly.
In bogey competitions, the aim is to better the score of bogey on as many holes as possible. 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. Unlike traditional match play, a bogey competition is played through all 18 holes, and the total holes won minus the total holes lost determines the winner.
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Avoiding bogeys
In golf, a "bogey" is a term used to describe when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a particular hole. Bogeys are a common occurrence for many players, and while professional golfers aim to stay under par, recreational golfers often find themselves managing bogeys.
Know Your Clubs and the Course
Analyze the hole you're playing and choose your clubs accordingly. Take into account any obstacles or hazards, such as woods or water, that can affect your shot. It's important to be realistic about your abilities and the challenges presented by each hole.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Golf is a game of precision, and mastering your skills requires practice. Dedicate time to practicing your short game, including putting and chipping. These skills are critical for saving strokes, especially around the green. Work on your drive, practice shots out of the sand, and refine your wedge shots. The more you practice, the better your muscle memory will be, and the easier it will be to execute shots during your round.
Risk vs. Reward
Golf is often a game of risk and reward. Assess the risks and potential rewards of each shot. If you're faced with a water hazard, for example, consider playing it safe by laying up, even if it means not reaching the green in regulation. Taking the safer route can help you avoid bogeys and set you up for an easier next shot.
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Understand your strengths and weaknesses as a player. Analyze your statistics and identify the areas where you tend to drop the most strokes. Focus on improving those aspects of your game. Play to your tendencies and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Stay Mentally Focused
Bogeys can be frustrating, and it's easy to let a bad hole affect your mindset. However, it's important to stay mentally tough and not let one bogey turn into multiple bogeys. Learn from your mistakes and maintain a positive attitude. Remember, even the best golfers make bogeys, and it's all part of the learning process.
By following these tips and staying committed to improving your game, you'll be well on your way to avoiding bogeys and lowering your scores.
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Frequently asked questions
A bogey is a term used in golf to refer to a score that is one stroke over par.
The term "bogey" was first used in 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. Charles Wellman used the term "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.
Making a bogey can affect your game, but it's not always a dealbreaker. In casual rounds, bogeys are common and won't drastically alter your score. However, in competitive play, bogeys can become a mental hurdle for players trying to stay on par or better.
Avoiding bogeys starts with good course management and improving your short game. Playing it safe in risky situations and practicing your putting and chipping can help minimize bogeys.
Common terms related to bogeys include "par," which is the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole, "birdie," which is one stroke under par, and "double bogey," which is two strokes over par.
