What Is a Bogey in Golf? Meaning, Scoring & Examples

Golf is a sport that involves precision, patience, and strategy, and, like all sports, it has its own unique terminology. If you have ever watched or participated in a round of golf, then you will also have heard the term “bogey.” For beginner golfers, bogey can be an abstract concept, especially when you see it in conjunction with words like “par,” “birdie,” or “eagle.”

Then what exactly does it mean when a golfer states they made a bogey on a hole? 

Today, in this guide, we will explain the meaning of bogey in golf, the history behind it, types of bogeys, and more. 

What is a Bogey in Golf?

When a player scores a bogey in golf, it means that the golfer has taken one stroke over par on a hole. To understand the golf bogey meaning, you need to understand what par means. 

Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to complete a hole. Golf holes are assigned a number based on many factors, and that is called par. Most golf holes are par 3, par 4, and par 5. 

So, the golf bogey definition is if a golfer finishes with 4 strokes on a par 3 hole. 

In short, if a golfer takes on an extra stroke beyond par to complete the hole, it is called a bogey. 

For beginners, it is common to score bogeys, and it is not a bad thing. Over time, they will improve and match the performance of a scratch golfer by scoring on par. 

History of the Term “Bogey” in Golf

The term “bogey” in golf may have a strange origin, steeped in history. Bogey was first introduced in Britain in the late 19th century, but meant a “bogey score,” the number of strokes a good player should take to complete a hole. 

Golfers would refer to “playing to the Bogey Man” because of a popular song at the time. As the sport developed, the term “par” took hold as the standard score for expert play, and “bogey” became synonymous with one stroke over par. 

Now a custom term in the game of golf around the world, while “bogey” has a strange origin, it represents the strong historical nature of golf and its tradition.

Types of Bogeys in Golf

Not all bogeys are equal. The score changes depending on how many strokes over par you take. Here is the list of bogey in golf you need to know about. 

Single Bogey – When you take one stroke over par, it is called a single bogey. For example, you take 3 strokes to complete a par 2 hole. 

Double Bogey – When you take two strokes over par, it is called double bogey. For example, you take 5 strokes to complete a par 3 hole. 

Triple Bogey – When you take three strokes over par, it is called triple bogey. For example, you take 6 strokes to complete a par 3 hole. 

Quadruple Bogey – When you take four strokes over par, it is called quadruple bogey. For example, you take 7 strokes to complete a par 3 hole. 

Bogey vs. Other Golf Scoring Terms

To understand bogey in golf better, you must understand other golf terms. 

Have a look. 

Par – It is the even score with what is expected from a golfer for a particular hole. For example, on a par-4 hole, you take 4 strokes. 

Birdie – When a golfer takes one stroke less than par, it is called a birdie. For example, taking 2 strokes in a par-3 hole. 

Eagle – Eagle is achieved when a golfer takes two strokes less than par. For example, you finish a par-5 hole in just 3 strokes. 

Albatross (Double Eagle) – Now comes the extremely rare score of Albatross. It is achieved when a golfer takes three strokes less than the par score of a hole. For example, you take only 2 strokes to complete the par-5 hole. 

So, what does bogey mean in golf, and how does it fit among these? Well, the simple way to remember is that bogey is above par. While all these terms like birdie and eagle are below par. For amateur golfers, bogey is still considered a good score. 

Tips to Avoid Bogeys in Golf

Bogeys in golf are normal for many players; however, most of them want to minimize them. Have a look at some tips to avoid bogeys in golf. 

• Improve Course Management – Play smart shots instead of risky ones and know when to lay up rather than going for green. 
• Strengthen Short Game – Many bogeys come from poor chipping or putting. So, you need to spend more on your short game on the green. 
• Avoid Penalty Strokes – Always try to keep the ball in play and avoid water hazards and out-of-bounds strokes. These penalty strokes often turn a par into a bogey. 
• Practice Consistency – Focus on making solid and repeatable swings. That will limit errors instead of always going the distance. 
• Stay Focused Mentally – Always maintain your composure and don’t let one shot ruin your entire game. 

Conclusion

Bogey In Golf simply refers to one stroke over par, and every golfer, whether they are just getting started or a seasoned pro, experiences the term bogey often. For professionals, bogeys are considered mistakes, but for casual golfers, they are often just a part of the journey and a solid representation of being steady and respectable.

Understanding bogeys and how they stack up against par, birdies, and eagles gives golfers context to track their improvement. 

When you hear someone say they made a bogey, you will know what they mean. And if you are ever scoring bogeys — don’t worry.

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