Best What Is a Bogey in Golf

If you're new to golf, you've probably heard the term "bogey" tossed around. But what is a bogey in golf exactly? Simply put, a bogey is a score of one stroke over par on a single hole. For example, if a hole is a par 4 and you take 5 shots to get the ball in the hole, that's a bogey. Bogeys are one of the most common scoring results for average golfers, and understanding them is key to improving your game. This guide covers everything you need to know about bogeys, including their meaning, origin, and how they fit into your overall score.

What Does Bogey Mean in Golf?

In golf scoring, each hole has a "par" – the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need. A bogey is one over par. So, on a par 3, a bogey is a 4; on a par 5, a bogey is a 6. The term "bogey" is used universally in golf, and it's a common benchmark for amateur players. Many golfers aim to score bogeys or better, as consistent bogey golf (averaging one over par per hole) results in a score around 90 for 18 holes. So, what's a bogey in golf? It's simply a 5 on a par 4, a 4 on a par 3, or a 6 on a par 5.

When people search for "what does a bogey mean in golf," they often want to know if it's a good or bad score. While not as good as a par or birdie, a bogey is still a respectable result for most recreational golfers. In fact, many beginners are thrilled to walk away with a bogey. The meaning of bogey in golf has evolved over time, but its current definition is standard worldwide.

Why Is It Called a Bogey in Golf?

Ever wondered why is it called a bogey in golf? The term dates back to the late 19th century. Originally, "bogey" referred to the "ground score" – the number of strokes an average player should take. The word comes from a popular music hall song, "The Bogey Man," which was about a mischievous creature. In golf, the "bogey score" was the score a good player should aim for, which at the time was actually what we now call par. Later, the term "par" was introduced for the expert standard, and "bogey" shifted to mean one over par. So, the golf term bogey stuck, and now we use it to describe that extra stroke.

Is a Bogey Good or Bad in Golf?

Is a bogey bad in golf? Not necessarily. For a scratch golfer (someone who plays to par), a bogey is a bad hole. But for the average weekend golfer, a bogey is a solid result. Is a bogey in golf good? It depends on your skill level. If you typically score double bogeys or worse, then a bogey is a positive step. Many golfers aim to achieve "bogey golf" – meaning they average one over par per hole, which gives a total score of 90 on a par-72 course. That's a common milestone for intermediate players. So, if you're asking "what is bogey golf," it's a style of play where you accept bogeys as the norm and avoid higher scores.

Double Bogey and Beyond

If a bogey is one over par, a double bogey is two over par (e.g., 6 on a par 4). What's a double bogey in golf? It's a score that most golfers want to avoid, but it happens. Beyond that, there are triple bogeys (three over) and even worse scores. The key is to minimize these big numbers. Understanding the golf term bogey helps you set realistic goals: try to keep each hole at double bogey or better, then work toward turning those into single bogeys. The score for bogey golf is typically around 90, but that varies depending on course difficulty.

What to Consider When Choosing a Golf Scorekeeping Tool

Whether you're tracking your bogeys or aiming for better scores, a reliable scorekeeping method helps. Here are things to consider before buying:

• —Digital vs. Manual: Traditional paper scorecards are cheap but easy to lose. Digital apps and GPS watches track shots, distances, and stats.
• —Ease of Use: Look for a tool that lets you quickly mark scores per hole. Many apps auto-calculate totals and stats like fairways hit and putts.
• —Golf GPS Features: If you want more than just score, consider a watch or handheld that provides yardages and automatically records scores.
• —Budget: Free apps are available, but dedicated devices cost more. Decide how much you're willing to spend.
• —Compatibility: Ensure the app works with your smartphone or the device fits your wrist comfortably.

Popular options include the Garmin Approach series for watches and the 18Birdies app for phones. You can find both on Amazon. Simply search for "golf scorekeeper" or "golf GPS watch" to see current models.

FAQ

Is a bogey a good score? A bogey is a score of one over par. For most amateur golfers, it's a decent result, especially if you usually make higher scores. Scratch golfers consider bogeys bad, but for the average player, bogeys are acceptable.

What is the difference between a bogey and a double bogey? A bogey is one stroke over par, while a double bogey is two strokes over par. For example, on a par 4, a bogey is 5 and a double bogey is 6.

How do you get a bogey in golf? You get a bogey when you complete a hole in one stroke more than the par. For instance, if a par 4 takes you 5 strokes, that's a bogey. To avoid bogeys, focus on consistent ball striking, good course management, and solid short game.