What Is Bogey In Golf? {4 Tips For Avoiding Bogey On The Course}
What is a Bogey in Golf? A bogey refers to a score that is one stroke higher than the established par for a particular hole.
To illustrate, if a hole is categorized as a par four, and a golfer completes it in five strokes, they would have achieved a bogey.

Why Does Bogey Matter In Golf?
Bogey plays a crucial role in golf because it’s a standard for measuring a player’s performance. Additionally, the bogey score tells players how far they are from that goal. It’s also used to calculate a player’s handicap, which is a measure of their skill level.
Bogey also matters because it affects a player’s mental game. Players who consistently score bogeys can become frustrated, leading to poor decision-making and even more bogeys.
On the other hand, players who can avoid bogeys and aim for pars or birdies can gain confidence and momentum on the course.
Tips For Avoiding Bogey In Golf
While scoring a bogey is common in golf, there are ways to avoid it.
- Choose the Right Club
- Focus on Accuracy
- Practice Your Short Game
- Stay Positive
1. Choose The Right Club For Avoiding Bogey In Golf
Firstly, using the right club can help you hit the ball accurately and with the right amount of power.
2. Focus On Accuracy For Avoiding Bogey In Golf
Direct your attention towards hitting the golf ball with precision and accuracy rather than attempting to achieve maximum distance with every swing.
3. Practice Your Short Game For Avoiding Bogey In Golf
On the other hand, a lot of bogeys come from mistakes made near the green. Similarly, by practicing your chipping and putting, you can steer clear of these errors.
4. Stay Positive For Avoiding Bogey In Golf
It’s easy to become frustrated after a bogey, but it’s essential to stay positive and focused on the next shot.

Types Of Bogey In Golf
However, bogey is a standard term in golf that measures a player’s performance. Similarly, it’s a score of one over par for a hole.
Followings are different types of bogeys
- Standard Bogey
- Double Bogey
- Triple Bogey
- Bogey-Free Round
1. Standard Bogey
Firstly, a standard bogey is the most common type of bogey in golf. However, it’s a score of one over par for a hole and is calculated by taking the expected number of strokes for a hole (par) and adding one.
2. Double Bogey
A double bogey is the term used to describe a score that is two strokes over the established par for a hole. Suppose a player takes six strokes to complete a par four hole; in that case, they have achieved a double bogey, which is commonly observed in novice or high-handicap players.
3. Triple Bogey
A triple bogey is a golf term that refers to a score that is three strokes over the established par for a specific hole.
Additionally, if a player completes a par four hole in seven strokes, it indicates a triple bogey. Triple bogeys are rare for low-handicap players but can happen to anyone.
4. Bogey-Free Round
A bogey-free round is when a player doesn’t score any bogeys for an entire round of golf. Also, this is a significant accomplishment and usually reserved for professional or very skilled players.

Why Do Different Types Of Bogey Matter In Golf?
Understanding the different types of bogeys in golf is essential because they affect a player’s mental game and overall score.
On the other hand, double and triple bogeys can be frustrating and cause players to become discouraged or give up on the game. Furthermore, a bogey-free round can boost a player’s confidence and lead to lower scores in future rounds.
Golf Scoring Terms
Term | Definition |
Par | The number of strokes a hole should take to finish |
Birdie | A score that is one stroke under the established par for a specific hole |
Eagle | A score that is two strokes under the established par for a particular hole. |
Bogey | A score that is one stroke over the established par for a specific hole. |
Double Bogey | A score that is two strokes over the established par for a particular hole. |
Triple Bogey | A score that is three strokes over the established par for a particular hole. |
Handicap | A measure of a player’s skill level |
What Is The Bogey Golf Format And How Does It Work?
Bogey golf format is a type of competition in which players try to score as close to a bogey score on each hole as possible. For example, if a hole is a par-4, the bogey score would be 5, so players would try to score a 5 or 6 on that hole.
Furthermore, the player with the lowest score relative to bogey at the end of the round would be declared the winner.
Course Strategy For Bogey Golf
In the same way bogey golf format, each hole is assigned a “target score” based on the golfer’s handicap. Similarly, a golfer’s handicap is a numerical value that represents their ability level, with lower handicaps indicating better players.
To determine the target score for each hole, you add one to the par of the hole and then add the player’s handicap index. For example, if a player has a handicap index of 18 and is playing a par-4 hole, their target score would be 5 (par) + 1 (bogey) + 18 (handicap index) = 24.
The goal of the player is to score at least one stroke less than their target score on each hole. So, for the example above, the player would aim to score a 4 on the par-4 hole to achieve a “birdie” (one stroke under target score).
Although, if they scored a 5, they would have achieved their target score and would have a “par” for that hole. However, if they scored a 6, they would be one stroke over target and would have a “bogey.”
At the end of the round, the player’s score is compared to their target score for each hole. The player who has the most holes where they scored at least one stroke less than their target score is the winner.
Track Scores In A Bogey Golf Competition
Hole | Par | Target Score | Player 1 Score | Player 2 Score | Player 3 Score |
1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
2 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
6 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
7 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
9 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
Out | 36 | 45 | 42 | 46 | 51 |
10 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
11 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
12 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
13 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
14 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
15 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
16 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
17 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
18 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
In | 36 | 45 | 42 | 48 | 52 |
Total | 72 | 90 | 84 | 94 | 103 |
As a result, in this example, there are three players competing, each with a handicap of 18. So, the “Target Score” column shows what each player’s target score would be on each hole, based on their handicap. On the other hand, the “Player X Score” columns show what each player actually scored on each hole.
Finally, after the round concludes, you may add up the scores to determine the winner. In this example, Player 1 had the lowest score relative to their target score, so they would be declared the winner.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, bogey is a standard term in golf that measures a player’s performance. Various kinds of bogeys exist in golf, such as the standard bogey, double bogey, triple bogey, and even bogey-free rounds. Understanding these types of bogeys is crucial because they affect a player’s mental game and overall score.
Meanwhile, players can work towards achieving lower scores and reducing the frequency of bogeys in future rounds by honing and refining their skills through practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding bogey and its various types is crucial for a successful game of golf.
FAQs
Bogey does not surpass par. Par refers to the expected number of strokes that a skilled golfer should require to finish a hole, whereas bogey is a score that is one stroke over par. Therefore, the goal in golf is to achieve a score that is at or below par for each hole.
In golf, a 5 bogey means that a player has completed a hole in five strokes, which is one stroke over par. It indicates that the player did not perform as well as an expert player would be expected to on that hole.
A bogey in golf means finishing a hole one stroke over par. Scoring 5 on a par-4 hole is recognized as a bogey, which is worse than par, but superior to a double bogey that adds two strokes over par.
Yes, bogey is worse than par in golf as it indicates that the player has taken one more stroke than what an expert player is expected to take to complete a hole.
In golf, a player gets a bogey by completing a hole in one stroke over par. If a hole is a par-4, then a player who requires 5 strokes to finish the hole would achieve a bogey score. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as missing a putt or hitting the ball into a hazard.
A “round of golf” is a common term used to describe the complete play of 18 holes, which is the typical standard in golf.