Understanding Bogey: One Over Par
A bogey happens when you take one stroke more than the hole’s par. For example:
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4 strokes on a par 3 hole → bogey
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6 strokes on a par 5 hole → bogey
If you're wondering what is a bogey in golf, it's essentially scoring +1 over par on any given hole—an important benchmark for both beginners and seasoned golfers.
Why the Name “Bogey”?
Originally, "bogey" referred to the score a good golfer would aim for—not necessarily one over par. The term emerged in the late 1800s in England, with golfers playing against an imaginary opponent called “Colonel Bogey.” Eventually, as par became standardized, bogey became synonymous with +1.
Bogey in Different Formats
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In match play formats, like bogey/par competitions, your result is often noted as win, half, or loss.
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In Stableford scoring, a bogey typically earns you one point.
🔍 Why Is Avoiding Bogeys Important?
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Boosts Your Handicap
Reducing bogeys means shooting closer to par and improving your handicap score. -
Enhances Consistency
Fewer bogeys means fewer costly holes—great for tournament play and confidence. -
Controls Your Scorecard
Turning potential bogeys (or worse) into pars keeps your round on track.
📈 How to Reduce Bogeys on the Course
Follow these strategies to improve your bogey score and elevate your overall play:
1. Course Management
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Lay up in the fairway if necessary to avoid hazards.
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Choose safer club selections when going for the green isn’t smart.
2. Solid Short Game
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Commit to your chip and pitch shots—good execution prevents scrambling bogeys.
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Putt with Confidence: Avoid three-putts by reading greens for pace and break.
3. Play Smart Off the Tee
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Accuracy can be more valuable than power; avoid penalties that lead to big numbers.
4. Practice Drills & Routines
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Create a pre-shot routine—alignment, grip, and mental visualization help every tee shot count.
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Work on lag putting and up-and-down challenges to simulate clutch situations.
🎯 Pro Tip: Track “Bogey Avoidance”
Many golfers track how often they avoid bogey—either parring or better—as a performance metric. Aim to score Bogey or Better on at least ~70% of holes.
Final Thoughts
If you've ever wondered what is bogey in golf, you're not alone—it’s one of the most commonly searched golf terms online. While a bogey isn’t a disaster, learning to minimize them is the key to consistent scoring. Focus on smart course management, a sharp short game, and practice routines—and you’ll see your handicap drop in no time.