What is a bogey in golf? The Essential Guide to Golf Scoring
- What Are "Bogey", "Birdie", and "Eagle" in Golf?
- Where Did the Term 'Bogey' Come From?
- Why Is "Bogey" Common in Golf?
- Is a Bogey Bad?
- How to Avoid A Bogey in Golf?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What Are "Bogey", "Birdie", and "Eagle" in Golf?
When it comes to bogeys, we can't really talk about them without mentioning "Par". "Par" is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. It’s the target number for each hole, kind of like your "normal" score. A "Bogey" happens when you take one extra stroke over "Par". For example, if the par for a hole is 4, and you take 5 strokes to complete it, that's a "bogey".| Par | Bogey | Birdie | Eagle |
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Where Did the Term "Bogey" Come From?
The term bogey actually comes from a popular song from the late 19th century in the British Isles called "The Bogey Man“. In the song, the Bogey Man is portrayed as a mysterious and elusive figure. People later started using the term to describe the "ground score", or the ideal score a good golfer should aim for on a hole.[1] Surprising, right? Originally, the word "Bogey" actually meant the same thing as what we now call "Par." It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the concept of "Par" started to emerge. In sports, "Par" was used to mean "even" or "equal." As competitive golf grew in popularity, the meaning of "bogey" shifted, and it began to represent one stroke over par— and that's the meaning we still use today.Why Is "Bogey" Common in Golf?
Golf is an elegant yet tricky sport. Why is that? — Because while it may seem simple when the ball rolls toward the hole, it always has a mischievous way of not going in. For many beginners and amateur golfers, bogey is a fairly common occurrence. The reason is simple: controlling the direction of the ball and the force of your swing is much more difficult than it appears, and it really tests your skill. On top of that, the course has various obstacles like sand traps and water hazards, all of which can add an extra stroke. Even the top player on the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler, averages 1.73 bogeys per round.[2] So, it's clear that even professional golfers on the PGA Tour can’t avoid bogeys. As a beginner or amateur, you don't need to fear this happening.
Is a Bogey Bad?
Many beginners, after learning the meaning of bogey, might fear encountering it and believe that scoring a bogey is always a bad thing. But that's not necessarily true. For professional golfers, they don't celebrate scoring a bogey, as they're always striving to make par or even better on every hole. However, for beginners or amateur golfers, scoring a bogey already places them ahead of many other golfers! In a formal competition, a bogey doesn't mean the game is lost. Even if a few bogeys pop up during a round, a good score is still achievable. As a newcomer, what's more important is to adjust your mindset after a mistake, put on the right polo or quarter zip, and focus on making a great performance on the next hole!
How to Avoid A Bogey in Golf?
- Comfortable and Well-Fitting Attire
Before stepping onto the course, make sure to wear clothing that fits comfortably and suits your needs. Personally, I often choose professional golf apparel, like brands such as Travis Mathew, Sunflowers, and Deolax. Don't let ill-fitting clothes affect your swing!
- Perfecting Your Swing
When practicing, focus on maintaining a smooth and standardized swing, reducing errors during the swing process, and improving the accuracy and stability of your shots.
- Improving Putter Accuracy
Once the ball is on the green, you’ll need to use a putter to sink the ball into the hole. This is one of the most common factors that can lead to a bogey. You need to practice controlling the power and direction of your putt, enabling you to achieve a stable and controlled golf ball trajectory.
- Mental Adjustment
As the one controlling the course, staying calm is crucial. Never let the occasional bogey affect your mindset. Deep breathing, positive mental cues, and focusing on the next hole can help you quickly regain composure. Remember, golf is a game for the patient — every hole can be a fresh start!
Conclusion
Golf is a sport full of challenges and patience. Bogey is just a part of the game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the appearance of a bogey is not catastrophic; it's simply a small step in your growth. Don't be afraid. Before your next round, put on a comfortable golf polo , remind yourself that every expert has gone through this, so what's there to fear? Stay calm, learn from your experiences on the course, and you’ll continue to improve, eventually hitting your perfect par or even better!FAQs
What is a fairway hit in golf?
