In golf, a bogey refers to a score of one stroke over the par score of a hole. To understand this better, let’s first define what par means. Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer must take to complete a hole or a round. For example, if a hole is a par-4, a golfer is expected to complete the hole in four strokes.
Let’s say you are playing a par-4 hole, and it takes five strokes to complete it. In this case, you have made a bogey on that hole because you have taken one stroke more than the par score.
Bogey is not the only term used to describe a score in relation to par. There are several others, including:
- Birdie: a score of one stroke under par score of a hole.
- Eagle: a score of two strokes under par score of a hole.
- Albatross: a score of three strokes under par score of a hole.
Contents
Different Types of Bogeys:
There are different types of bogeys in golf, each with unique characteristics. Here are the most common types of bogeys you’ll come across:
- Standard Bogey: A standard bogey is when a golfer scores one stroke over par on a hole.
- Double Bogey: A double bogey is when a golfer scores two strokes over par on a hole.
- Triple Bogey: A triple bogey is when a golfer scores three strokes over par on a hole.
- Bogey-Free Round: A bogey-free round is when a golfer completes an entire round without scoring a bogey.
How to Avoid Bogeys?
While bogeys are common in golf, there are ways to avoid them. Here are some tips to help you avoid bogeys:
- Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Practice your swing, putting, and chipping to improve your overall game.
- Know Your Clubs: Different clubs are designed for different shots. Knowing which club to use in each situation can help avoid unnecessary strokes.
- Stay Focused: Golf requires a lot of concentration. Stay focused on your shot, and avoid letting distractions affect your game.
How Does Bogey Affect Your Score?
Golf aims to complete the round with the lowest score possible. Your score is the total number of strokes it takes you to complete all the holes in the round. So, if you make a bogey on one hole, your score for that hole is one stroke higher than the par score.
Let’s say that you are playing an 18-hole course, and each hole has a par score of 4. If you complete all the holes in precisely 4 strokes each, your total score would be 72 (4 x 18). However, if you make a bogey on every hole, your score would be 90 (5 x 18).
As you can see, making a bogey on a hole can significantly impact your score, especially if you make several bogeys throughout the round. That’s why golfers always strive to make the par score or better on each hole.
Bogey and Handicap
In golf, players are assigned a handicap, which is a number that represents their skill level. The higher the handicap, the less skilled the player is. Handicap is used to level the playing field between players of different skill levels.
When calculating a player’s handicap, the scores considered are those that are equal to or less than the par score of a hole. So, if a player makes a bogey on a hole, it will not affect their handicap, as it is still equal to or less than the par score.
Conclusion:
Bogey is a term used to describe a score of one stroke over par on a golf hole. There are different bogeys types, including standard, double, and triple bogeys. While bogeys are common in golf, there are ways to avoid them, such as practicing, knowing your clubs, and staying focused. With this knowledge, you can improve your game and avoid unnecessary strokes on the course.
