What is a Bogey in Golf? Demystifying the Golf Term
Golf, with its intricate rules and unique terminology, can sometimes feel like a sport wrapped in its own mysterious language. One such term that often leaves beginners scratching their heads is the infamous “bogey.” So, what exactly is a bogey in golf, and why does it matter? Let’s tee off on a journey to uncover the secrets behind this enigmatic golf term.
In the world of golf, each particular hole presents its own set of challenges, and players strive to complete each one in as few strokes as possible. But not every hole is a straightforward affair, and sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. This is where bogeys come into play.
What does ‘bogey’ mean?
Simply put, a bogey occurs when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke over par. But what exactly is par? In golf, par represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole. For example, if a hole is designated as a par 4, then an expert golfer should ideally complete it in four strokes.
- Double eagle (albatross) – 3 strokes fewer than par
- Eagle – 2 fewer strokes than par
- Birdie – 1 stroke less than par
- Par
- Bogey – 1 stroke more than par
- Double bogey – 2 strokes more than par
- Triple bogey – 3 stroke over par
- Quadruple bogey – 4 strokes over par
Now, back to bogeys. Picture this: you step up to the tee, envisioning a perfect drive that will sail effortlessly down the fairway and land you within striking distance of the green. But alas, your shot veers slightly off course, landing in the rough. Undeterred, you press on, hoping to recover with a well-placed approach shot. However, your next stroke falls short of expectations, leaving you with a tricky putt to save par. Despite your best efforts, the ball stubbornly refuses to drop into the hole, requiring one extra stroke to finish the job. And just like that, you’ve carded a bogey.
Are bogeys a bad score on the golf course?
While bogeys may not be cause for celebration like their counterparts, birdies, they’re an inevitable part of the game. In fact, even professional golfers occasionally find themselves grappling with the dreaded bogey. But far from being a mark of failure, bogeys serve as reference point for each individual hole.
If you are a beginner who regularly shoots a double bogey or triple bogey then a bogey would be something to aim for. Whereas, a good golfer who is well and truly capable of hitting a par on a hole may see a bogey as a bad score no matter the golf course. Golf courses and weather can play a big role in how difficult holes are to play, affecting your likelihood to get a bogey.
Bogeys always describe the score of one stroke over par on a hole, regardless of the competition being played. Whether you are playing Match Play or the final round of a Stroke competition, bogeys always remain the same. Sometimes an individual hole might be a par 4 for men (or one set of tees) and a par 5 for women (another set of tees).
So, the next time you find yourself staring down the fairway, grappling with the pressure of avoiding a bogey, remember this: in golf, as in life, it’s not always about avoiding mistakes but rather how you respond to them. If you have an 18 handicap you’re likely to be getting an average of a bogey on every hole, you might even refer to yourself as a ‘bogey man’
