The Bogey in golf: meaning, history and tips for Bogey golf

If you ask professionals on Tour about their biggest enemy, the answer is often: the Bogey. But for most amateur golfers, a Bogey in golf is a solid standard and often even a milestone on the way to a better handicap.

In this article, you will learn everything about the meaning of a Bogey in golf, why the term used to mean the same as "Par" and how you can stabilize your scores with tactical play.

Find out all about the most important golf rules for beginners here.

What is a Bogey in golf? The definition

The simple definition of a Bogey in golf is: It describes a score of one stroke over Par on a hole. So if a player needs one more stroke than the official target (the Par), he or she notes the Bogey on the scorecard.

Examples of a Bogey when playing golf

To answer the question "What is a Bogey in golf?" in a practical way, these examples will help:

• Par-3 hole: you need 4 strokes.
• Par-4 hole: You need 5 strokes.
• Par-5 hole: You need 6 strokes.

Double Bogey, Triple Bogey and Quadruple Bogey

Unfortunately, not everything always goes according to plan on the round. If the hole finishes more than one stroke over par, terms such as double bogey (often called double bogey in German) come into play.

The terms for higher scores are

• Double Bogey: Two strokes over Par (+2).
• Triple Bogey: Three strokes over Par (+3).
• Quadruple Bogey: Four strokes over Par (+4).

For many beginners, these results are completely normal at the start. However, the aim is to gradually reduce these outliers.

The scary story: Where does the meaning of Bogey Golf come from?

There is a fascinating etymology behind the term. At the end of the 19th century, "Bogey" (derived from the Scottish Bogle for ghost or demon) was a synonym for today's Par.

The "Bogey Man" on the green

In the 1890s, the song "Hush, hush, hush, here comes the Bogey Man" was very popular. As it was extremely difficult for players at the time to achieve the ideal number of strokes, this perfect score was referred to as the "Bogey Man" - something mysterious that people were almost afraid of.

Bogey Golf vs. Birdie and Eagle: Understanding the scoring method

Beginners often search online for the combination"Golf Eagle Birdie Bogey" to understand the hierarchy. While a Bogey is a stroke loss (+1), Birdie (-1) and Eagle (-2) are stroke gains. A comparison of Birdie and Bogey in golf shows: If you play a Birdie, you can theoretically allow yourself a Bogey afterwards in order to be "Even Par" (0) again overall.

Bogey golf: why it is a goal worth striving for

The term "Bogey Golf" is often used. This means that a player plays an average of one stroke over par over 18 holes.

• On a standard course (par 72), Bogey Golf corresponds to a total score of 90 strokes.
• Those who consistently play like this often achieve a handicap of between 13 and 18.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ): What does Bogey mean in golf?

What is a Bogey in golf compared to a Par?

Par is the ideal standard. Bogey is the reality for many good amateurs. Anyone who finishes every hole with +1 is already playing better than the average golfer.

What is a double bogey compared to a triple bogey?

A double or double Bogey means two strokes over the target, a triple Bogey three strokes. In golf terminology, these errors are often collectively analyzed as "Bogeys or worse".

How do I avoid high scores?

The best strategy is smart course management. Accept the Bogey instead of risking a Triple Bogey by hitting risky shots out of the woods.