What Is Bogey in Golf? A Complete Guide
It's no secret that golf is a game of precision, but even the best golfers know the frustration of making a bogey. In fact, on average, PGA Tour players make a bogey more than 80% of the time when recovering from difficult situations, like being stuck in the trees, according to Practical Golf. If the pros find it challenging, what hope is there for the rest of us?
But here's the thing: understanding what is bogey in golf, and why it happens, is the first step to mastering your own game.
In this guide, we'll break down the essentials of bogeys, their role in golf scoring, and how even beginners can avoid them by sharpening their skills. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to improve your score and the confidence to tackle the course with more strategy. Keep reading to turn your bogeys into better scores.
What Is Bogey in Golf?
A bogey is a score that happens when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par. If you're on a par 4 hole, that means it took you 5 strokes to get the ball into the cup.
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 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.
For example, on a par 5 hole, taking 6 strokes would result in a bogey. It's important to note that bogeys don't mean a bad round; they're part of most players' scoring patterns and offer opportunities to learn from mistakes.
The History of the Bogey
The term "bogey" traces back to the 19th century in England. Originally, "bogey" referred to the ideal score that a good golfer would aim for on each hole.
However, as competitive golf evolved, the term shifted. It no longer referred to the ideal score but instead came to represent a score that was one over par. The term gained popularity as golf spread across Europe and America, solidifying its place in modern golf scoring terms.
The evolution of the word is significant in golf history. When golf became more formalized, and rules became standardized, the concept of par was introduced. Bogey naturally became the word to define one stroke over par, representing a small yet impactful error in play.
Today, it's a fundamental part of golfing for beginners and experienced players alike.
How a Bogey Impacts Your Game
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. 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.
Mentally, bogeys can be frustrating. It's easy to let a bad hole affect your mindset, especially if you were playing well before it. But bogeys are part of the game, even for professionals. In fact, 2024 US Open tour stats showed a bogey tour average of 2.63.
Tips to Avoid Bogeys
Avoiding bogeys starts with good course management. You can keep bogeys at bay by:
- Planning your shots
- Avoiding risky plays
- Knowing when to play it safe
Golf is often about risk versus reward. For example, if there's a water hazard between you and the green, playing it safe by laying up might prevent a bogey, even if it means not reaching the green in regulation.
Improving your short game is another effective way to minimize bogeys. Many bogeys happen around the green, whether from poor chipping or missed putts. Dedicate time to practicing your putting and chipping, as these are critical for saving strokes when you're near the hole.
PGA professionals often stress that your short game can make or break a round. A well-placed chip or solid putt can turn what could have been a bogey into a par.
Accuracy off the tee is also important. Hitting the fairway consistently gives you a much better chance of reaching the green in regulation and reduces your chances of scrambling to save par. Focus on improving your driving accuracy by working on your swing mechanics and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Finally, stay calm under pressure. Golf is a mental game, and a potential bogey can feel like a disaster, but it's not. Staying composed allows you to make better decisions and execute your shots more effectively.
Other Key Golf Scores
Bogey is just one part of the bigger picture when it comes to understanding golf scoring.
Par is the target score for each hole, representing the ideal number of strokes for a skilled golfer. A birdie is one stroke under par, while an eagle is two strokes under par. Double bogey, on the other hand, is two strokes over par.
For example, if you're on a par 4 hole, scoring a birdie would mean finishing the hole in 3 strokes. A double bogey would mean you finished in 6 strokes.
In many cases, bogeys don't ruin an entire round. A round with a few bogeys can still be a solid performance. Golfing for beginners often involves learning how to recover from mistakes and focus on the next hole rather than dwelling on a bogey.
Turn Bogeys into Opportunities at The Country Club of Ocala
Understanding what is bogey in golf is just one of the many ways to sharpen your golfing knowledge and skills. From its history to its impact on your score, mastering this term can help you approach the game with confidence.
At The Country Club of Ocala, we offer more than just an 18-hole championship golf course; we provide a complete golfing experience. With five sets of tees for all skill levels, a spacious driving range, and dedicated short-game practice areas, we create the perfect environment for honing your skills.
Contact us today to learn how you can become a member and enjoy all that The Country Club of Ocala has to offer.