What Is a Bogey in Golf? The Complete Weekend Golfer's Guide to Understanding, Accepting, and Avoiding Bogeys

Standing over that 4-foot putt for par, my heart was pounding so loud I thought my buddies could hear it. I'd been playing decent golf all day, but this putt would determine whether I'd finally break 90 or walk off the 18th green frustrated again. I missed it. Another bogey. Another round in the 90s.

That was three years ago, before I understood something that changed my entire approach to golf: bogeys aren't the enemy. In fact, for weekend golfers like us who live by the Golfeaser Manifesto, understanding bogeys is the first step toward actually improving our own game and earning the right to brag.

Every weekend golfer who wants to break 100, 90, or even 80 needs to understand what a bogey really means - not just the technical definition, but what it represents in your journey from frustration to finally impressing your buddies. Whether you're just learning the game or you've been struggling with the same scores for years, this guide will transform how you think about bogeys and give you the tools to avoid them when it matters most.

What Is a Bogey in Golf? The Simple Definition Every Weekend Golfer Needs

A bogey in golf occurs when you complete a hole in one stroke over par. If you're playing a par-4 hole and it takes you 5 strokes to get the ball in the cup, you've scored a bogey. According to USGA handicap statistics, the average male golfer has a 14.2 handicap, which means bogeys are actually a normal part of most weekend golfers' scorecards.

Here's how bogeys work on each type of hole:

  • Par 3 hole: 4 strokes = bogey
  • Par 4 hole: 5 strokes = bogey
  • Par 5 hole: 6 strokes = bogey

But here's what most golfers don't realize: if you could score a bogey on every single hole during your round, you'd shoot 90 on a par-72 course. For most weekend golfers, that would be cause for celebration in the clubhouse.

As David Leadbetter (golf instructor to 7 former world #1 players, coach for 26 major championship victories) explains: "For recreational golfers, bogey golf represents a significant achievement. It means you're keeping the ball in play and avoiding the big numbers that really hurt your score."

I'm not totally sure why this clicked for me, but after playing weekend golf for years with limited practice time, I finally realized that accepting bogeys actually helped me avoid double and triple bogeys.

🎯 Bogey Basics for Weekend Golfers

  • ⭐ Bogey = one stroke over par on any hole
  • 💡 Shooting all bogeys = 90 on a par-72 course
  • 🔧 Average golfer handicap is 14.2 (USGA data)
  • 📊 Fellow weekend golfers make bogeys regularly - it's normal

The Fascinating History: How "Bogey" Became Golf's Most Misunderstood Term

The term "bogey" has one of the most entertaining origins in golf history. According to Scottish Golf History, it all started in 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England when Mr. Hugh Rotherham created something called the "ground score" - basically what we now call par.

But here's where it gets interesting: during a match play competition, Charles Wellman exclaimed about his opponent, "This player of yours is a regular Bogey man!" - referencing the popular music hall song "Here Comes the Bogey Man." The phrase caught on, and golfers began describing their battle against the standard score as "chasing the bogey man."

Originally, a bogey was actually considered the score a good amateur golfer should achieve, while par was reserved for expert-level play. This means that in golf's early days, making bogey was the goal for weekend golfers - not something to be ashamed of.

Butch Harmon (former coach to Tiger Woods for 11 years, Phil Mickelson for 8 years, coached players to 8 major championships) notes: "Understanding that bogey golf was originally the amateur standard helps weekend players maintain perspective. Even today's tour professionals average over 2.5 bogeys per round."

According to MyGolfSpy research data, golfers in the 16-20 handicap range average 7.7 bogeys per round, while those in the 11-15 range make 7.7 bogeys and 5.1 pars. This data proves that bogeys are a natural part of improvement for weekend golfers who are working to improve their own game.

It might just be my perspective, but knowing that bogey was originally the "good amateur score" made me feel a lot better about my Saturday morning rounds with the usual foursome.

Why Bogeys Aren't Bad: The Weekend Golfer's Reality Check

Here's something that might shock you: PGA Tour professionals miss nearly 40% of fairways and average 2.62 bogeys per round during major championships. If the best players in the world are making bogeys regularly, what does that tell us about our expectations as weekend golfers?

According to Golf Guide Book statistics, only 20% of male golfers and 4% of female golfers can consistently break 80. That means 80% of male golfers would benefit from adopting a "bogey golf" mindset instead of chasing unrealistic scoring goals.

Sean Foley (PGA Tour instructor, former coach to Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, worked with 15+ tour winners) explains: "The biggest mistake I see amateur golfers make is trying to avoid bogeys at all costs. This leads to hero shots and double bogeys instead of smart course management."

Let's put this in perspective for weekend golfers who understand the manifesto:

  • Breaking 100: Requires averaging 1.5 strokes over par per hole
  • Breaking 90: Requires averaging 1 stroke over par per hole (bogey golf)
  • Breaking 80: Requires averaging 0.4 strokes over par per hole

For most weekend warriors, achieving consistent bogey golf means dramatically lower scores than they're currently shooting. According to research from Practical Golf, eliminating double bogeys has more impact on scoring than making occasional birdies.

From what I've noticed playing once a week with work and family commitments, the guys who accept bogeys as "okay" scores actually end up shooting better rounds than those constantly trying hero shots.

💡 Smart Weekend Golfer Perspective

  • 🎯 Tour pros average 2.62 bogeys per round in majors
  • ⭐ Only 20% of male golfers consistently break 80
  • 📊 Bogey golf = breaking 90 consistently
  • 🔧 Eliminating doubles beats chasing birdies for scoring

What Causes Bogeys? The 5 Most Common Mistakes Weekend Golfers Make

Understanding what leads to bogeys is the first step in avoiding them when you need to impress your buddies or earn the right to brag. Based on Golf.com analysis of 90+ shooters, here are the primary culprits:

1. Poor Course Management and Hero Shots

According to PGA Tour statistics, even tour professionals make bogey over 80% of the time when they're in recovery situations like trees or trouble. Yet weekend golfers constantly attempt hero shots that lead to double bogeys instead of smart bogeys.

Luke Kerr-Dineen (2.2 handicap, Golf.com instruction editor) observes: "Most 90s shooters have decent swings, but they turn one bad shot into a blowup hole through poor decisions. Take your medicine, accept the bogey, and move on."

2. Three-Putting and Poor Distance Control

Research from CleverGolfer shows that three-putts are the biggest score killers for weekend golfers. Joe Summa (4.9 handicap, Golf.com contributor) explains: "Most 90s players struggle with distance control on putts. They'll hit a good approach shot, then three-putt for bogey instead of two-putting for par."

3. Missing Greens in Regulation

Professional golfers miss about 35% of greens in regulation, but they have excellent short games to save par. Weekend golfers miss more greens and lack the short game skills to consistently get up and down.

4. Emotional Meltdowns After Bad Shots

According to Sports Psychology Golf, the "bogey mindset" - letting one mistake compound into multiple mistakes - causes more scoring damage than physical swing flaws.

5. Wrong Club Selection and Unrealistic Expectations

Smart club selection requires honest self-assessment. Too many weekend golfers choose clubs based on their best-ever shot instead of their typical performance.

Could be luck, but I've found that when I plan for bogey on tough holes, I often end up with par because I make smarter decisions.

5 Proven Strategies to Avoid Bogeys (That Actually Work for Weekend Golfers)

Every weekend golfer who wants to finally impress their buddies needs these battlefield-tested strategies. These aren't theory - they're practical methods that work for golfers who play once or twice a week with real-world constraints.

Strategy #1: Master the "Bogey Prevention" Mindset

Instead of trying to make par on every hole, adopt what Claude Harmon III (instructor to Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, member of Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers) calls "smart course management." On difficult holes, plan for bogey and you'll often surprise yourself with par.

Here's the practical application:

  • Par 3s: Aim for the middle of the green, take two putts
  • Par 4s: Hit fairway with your most reliable club, then get somewhere on the green
  • Par 5s: Lay up to your favorite wedge distance instead of going for the green in two

This strategy aligns perfectly with Principle #2 of the Golfeaser Manifesto: I Improve My Own Game through smart, self-directed decisions.

Strategy #2: Eliminate Three-Putts Completely

According to USGA data, reducing three-putts from 4 per round to 1 per round immediately saves 3 strokes. That's the difference between shooting 95 and 92.

The Weekend Golfer's Anti-Three-Putt System:

  1. Distance control over line: Focus on getting your first putt within 3 feet
  2. Practice lag putting: Most three-putts come from poor distance control, not missed 3-footers
  3. Conservative read: When in doubt, play less break rather than more

Phil Kenyon (putting coach to Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, helped players win 70+ PGA and European Tour events, 4 Major Championships) emphasizes: "Amateur golfers should prioritize getting the ball close over trying to make everything. A consistent two-putt saves more strokes than occasionally holing long putts."

Strategy #3: Develop Your "Get Up and Down" Skills

Since you'll miss greens regularly, having reliable chipping and pitching skills turns bogeys into pars. The key is having one go-to shot that works in most situations.

The Simple Three-Shot System:

  • Bump and run: Low shot that runs to the pin (most versatile)
  • Standard chip: Mid-trajectory shot for normal lies
  • Flop shot: High, soft shot for tight pins (use sparingly)

Practice these three shots until you can get the ball on the green 90% of the time and within 10 feet 50% of the time.

My guess is this works because it's simple - I used to try different shots every time, but now I stick to bump and run unless I absolutely need something else, and my short game got way more consistent.

Strategy #4: Play "Defense First" Golf

This strategy comes straight from smart course management principles. According to research from Scott Fawcett's DECADE system, playing defensively reduces big numbers without significantly increasing bogeys.

Defensive Golf Guidelines:

  • Water hazards: Always play away from water, even if it means a longer approach
  • Trouble shots: Take the shortest route back to safety
  • Pin positions: Aim for the middle of the green unless the pin is in the middle third
  • Tee shots: Hit the club that keeps you in play 95% of the time

Strategy #5: Develop Your "Scrambling" Mentality

Tour professionals save par about 60% of the time when they miss greens. Weekend golfers can improve their scrambling by adopting what Butch Harmon calls "damage control golf."

Weekend Scrambling System:

  1. Accept the situation: Don't compound mistakes with hero shots
  2. Pick the highest percentage shot: Get the ball on the green, worry about distance second
  3. Make an aggressive putt: Since you're already scrambling, be bold with the putter

James Sieckmann (Top 50 instructor, short game specialist to numerous tour players) notes: "The best scramblers have one thing in common - they're realistic about what they can accomplish from trouble and they execute simple shots well."

This approach perfectly embodies Principle #5 of the manifesto: earning the right to brag through legitimate skill development rather than lucky hero shots.

From what I've experienced during our regular Saturday rounds, the guys who scramble best are usually the ones making fewer bogeys overall.

🏆 Your Journey From Bogey Fear to Bogey Acceptance

  • 😤 Round 1: Fearing bogeys and making doubles instead
  • 💡 Round 2: Learning smart course management and bogey acceptance
  • 🎯 Round 3: First round of consistent bogey golf breaking 90
  • 🏌️ Round 4: Earning the right to brag about smart, steady golf

Double Bogey, Triple Bogey, and Beyond: When Bogeys Get Worse

Understanding the spectrum of over-par scores helps weekend golfers maintain perspective and set realistic goals. Here's what you need to know about bogey's troublesome cousins:

Double Bogey (2 Over Par)

A double bogey occurs when you score two strokes over par on a hole. According to MyGolfSpy handicap research, golfers in the 21-25 handicap range average 8.9 double bogeys or worse per 18 holes - meaning they score worse than bogey on nearly half their holes.

Common Double Bogey Causes:

  • Penalty strokes (water, out of bounds)
  • Three-putts after missing the green
  • Trying hero shots instead of taking medicine

Triple Bogey and Beyond

Triple bogeys (3 over par) and worse are what golf statisticians call "blow-up holes." These score killers can destroy an otherwise decent round. The key to minimizing them is what Mark Broadie calls "damage limitation."

David Leadbetter explains: "The difference between a 15-handicap and a 10-handicap isn't making more birdies - it's eliminating the blow-up holes that add multiple strokes."

The "Disaster Hole" Management System

When things go wrong, follow this weekend golfer's emergency protocol:

  1. Stop the bleeding: Get back in play immediately
  2. Minimize damage: Take your medicine and play for double bogey
  3. Reset mentally: Don't let one hole ruin the entire round

It might just be my approach, but after having a few disaster holes mess up otherwise good rounds, I started treating anything over triple bogey as "taking my medicine" and moving on.

How Good Golfers Really Think About Bogeys

Professional and low-handicap golfers have a completely different relationship with bogeys than weekend warriors. Understanding their mindset can transform your approach to the game.

The Professional Perspective

According to Golf Monthly research, even completing 72 holes without a bogey is extremely rare on tour. Lee Trevino was the first to accomplish this feat, winning the 1974 Greater New Orleans Open bogey-free.

Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams once said: "Tiger's attitude was never about avoiding bogeys - it was about turning bogeys into pars when possible and limiting the damage when they weren't avoidable."

The Low-Handicap Amateur Approach

Golfers who consistently break 80 view bogeys as manageable setbacks, not disasters. They understand that consistent bogey golf leads to occasional par and birdie opportunities.

Cameron McCormick (instructor to Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, member of Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers) observes: "Single-digit handicappers accept that bogeys happen. They focus on the process, not the outcome of individual holes."

Building Your "Bogey Acceptance" Mindset

Fellow weekend golfers who've learned to embrace smart bogey golf report several benefits:

  • Reduced pressure: Less stress leads to better swings
  • Better course management: Strategic thinking over hero attempts
  • More enjoyment: Focus on the process rather than perfect scores
  • Steady improvement: Consistent play leads to breakthrough rounds

This mindset perfectly supports Principle #7 of the Golfeaser Manifesto: believing you're just one round away from your breakthrough while maintaining realistic expectations.

In my experience playing with different skill levels, the guys who stay calm after bogeys usually end up with the best scores at the end of the round.

Bogey vs. Par vs. Birdie: Understanding Golf's Scoring Spectrum

To truly understand bogeys, you need context within golf's complete scoring system. Here's how the scoring spectrum works for weekend golfers:

Par: The Professional Standard

Par represents the number of strokes an expert golfer should need to complete a hole. According to golf scoring history, the term comes from stock exchange terminology, where "par" meant the expected value.

Typical Par Values:

  • Par 3: Usually under 250 yards, reachable in one shot
  • Par 4: Usually 250-500 yards, reachable in two shots
  • Par 5: Usually over 500 yards, reachable in three shots

Birdie: One Under Par

A birdie (one under par) represents excellent play for weekend golfers. According to Golf Bit statistics, golfers in the 16-20 handicap range average only 0.3 birdies per round.

Martin Chuck (member of Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers, Tour Striker Golf Academy founder) notes: "For most amateur golfers, birdies are bonus scores. Focus on eliminating bogeys before chasing birdies."

Eagle and Beyond: The Rare Scores

Eagles (two under par) and better are extremely rare for weekend golfers. The data shows that focusing on these low-percentage outcomes often leads to higher scores through poor course management.

Scorecard Marking System

Understanding how to mark your scorecard helps track improvement:

  • Par: No marking needed
  • Birdie: Circle around the score
  • Eagle: Double circle around the score
  • Bogey: Square around the score
  • Double bogey: Double square around the score

Not sure if this makes sense to everyone, but I found that actually marking bogeys with squares helped me see patterns in where I was losing strokes most often.

📊 Scoring Reality for Weekend Golfers

  • 🎯 16-20 handicappers average 0.3 birdies per round
  • ⭐ Same golfers average 7.7 bogeys per round
  • 💡 Focus on bogey reduction before birdie hunting
  • 📈 Consistent bogey golf = breaking 90 regularly

Practice Drills to Reduce Your Bogey Count

Smart practice targeting your biggest bogey causes will lower your scores faster than hitting endless drivers on the range. Here are the most effective drills for weekend golfers with limited practice time.

The Three-Putt Elimination Drill

Since poor putting causes more bogeys than any other factor, this drill should be your top priority.

Setup: Place balls at 20, 30, and 40 feet from the hole Goal: Get every first putt within 3 feet of the hole Practice: 15 minutes per session, focus on distance control over line

Phil Kenyon explains: "Amateur golfers practice 6-foot putts hoping to make them. Tour players practice 40-foot putts hoping to get them close. Distance control prevents three-putts."

The Fairway Finding Drill

According to driver statistics, hitting more fairways dramatically reduces bogey frequency for amateur golfers.

Setup: Use alignment sticks or pick specific targets at the driving range Goal: Hit 7 out of 10 shots in your target zone Focus: Swing speed that maintains control (usually 80-85% effort)

The Up-and-Down Challenge

Practice your most common short game situation to turn bogeys into pars.

Setup: Drop balls in various positions around the practice green Goal: Get ball on green and two-putt 70% of the time Progression: Start easy, gradually add difficulty

Martin Chuck emphasizes: "Weekend golfers should master one reliable short game shot before trying to learn multiple techniques."

The Pressure Putt Drill

Since bogey putts often come with pressure, practice under simulated stress.

Setup: 10 balls from 4 feet, must make 8 of 10 Consequences: If you miss more than 2, start over Mental game: Visualize these as "bogey savers" during real rounds

What seems to work for me during limited practice time is focusing on these specific situations rather than just hitting balls randomly.

Mental Game: Accepting Bogeys Without Giving Up

The psychological aspect of bogey management separates weekend golfers who improve from those who stay stuck. According to sports psychology research, how you react to bogeys determines whether they multiply into bigger problems.

The "Reset" Technique

Top golf psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella teaches a simple reset process for after bogeys:

  1. Accept it: "Bogeys happen to everyone"
  2. Learn from it: "What caused this bogey?"
  3. Move on: "Next hole is a fresh start"

Avoiding the "Bogey Spiral"

One bogey leading to multiple bogeys is what sports psychologists call "negative momentum." Weekend golfers can break this pattern by:

  • Taking deep breaths between shots
  • Focusing on process rather than score
  • Using positive self-talk instead of criticism
  • Remembering your best holes to rebuild confidence

Sean Foley notes: "The golfers who improve fastest learn to compartmentalize each hole. One bogey doesn't predict the next hole's outcome."

The Weekend Golfer's Perspective Check

When bogeys frustrate you, remember:

  • Even tour pros average 2.5+ bogeys per round
  • Bogey golf (shooting 90) would be a career best for most golfers
  • Your buddies are probably making bogeys too
  • One bogey rarely determines your total score

This mental approach supports Principle #1 of the Golfeaser Manifesto: embracing your identity as a weekend golfer who plays for enjoyment and gradual improvement.

Could be just me, but after I stopped getting mad at bogeys and started seeing them as "normal golf," my overall scores actually improved because I wasn't pressing on every shot.

When Bogeys Actually Help Your Game

This might sound counterintuitive, but strategic bogeys can actually improve your scoring. Advanced course management sometimes means planning for bogey to avoid worse scores.

Strategic Bogey Situations

Smart weekend golfers recognize when bogey is the "right" play:

Tough Pin Positions: When the pin is in a dangerous location, aim for the middle of the green and accept a potential bogey rather than risk double bogey.

Bad Weather: In wind or rain, conservative play that results in bogey often beats aggressive play that results in disaster.

Late in the Round: If you're protecting a good score, smart bogeys can prevent blow-up holes.

Recovery Situations: From trouble, getting back in play for a bogey beats attempting hero shots that lead to bigger numbers.

The "Good Bogey" Concept

Tour professionals often talk about "good bogeys" - situations where bogey represents smart play. Claude Harmon III explains: "Sometimes bogey is a victory. If you hit into water off the tee, making bogey from that position is actually great recovery."

Course Management Examples

Example 1: Par 4 with water right of the green

  • Risky play: Aim at pin, risk water hazard
  • Smart play: Aim left center, accept potential bogey putt

Example 2: Long par 3 into the wind

  • Risky play: Try to force it to the pin
  • Smart play: Take extra club, aim for middle of green

This strategic thinking embodies Principle #2 of the manifesto: improving your own game through intelligent decision-making rather than hoping for perfect execution.

Key Takeaways: Living the Bogey-Smart Weekend Golfer Life

Understanding bogeys isn't just about golf terminology - it's about transforming your entire approach to the game. Fellow weekend golfers who master these concepts report more enjoyment, lower scores, and genuine confidence in their ability to improve their own game.

Remember these essential truths:

  • Bogeys are normal for all golfers, including professionals
  • Consistent bogey golf means breaking 90 regularly
  • Eliminating double bogeys matters more than making birdies
  • Smart bogeys prevent disaster holes
  • Mental acceptance of bogeys often leads to better overall scores

Every weekend golfer deserves to feel confident standing over that crucial putt, knowing they have the knowledge and strategy to handle whatever score results. You're not just learning about bogeys - you're developing the mindset that separates weekend golfers who get better from those who stay frustrated.

The next time you're standing on the first tee with your regular foursome, you'll have the quiet confidence that comes from understanding the game at a deeper level. That's how you earn the right to brag - not through lucky shots, but through intelligent golf that your buddies will notice and respect.

Master these bogey management principles, and you'll discover what smart weekend golfers already know: the path to lower scores isn't about perfection, it's about making fewer big mistakes while staying confident enough to let your natural ability shine through.

You really are just one round away from your breakthrough - and now you have the knowledge to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bogeys in Golf

Is a bogey good or bad in golf?

For weekend golfers, a bogey represents solid play rather than failure. While professional golfers view bogeys as missed opportunities, recreational players should see bogeys as acceptable scores. According to USGA handicap data, shooting bogey golf (18 over par) would represent breaking 90 for most weekend golfers - a significant achievement that earns legitimate bragging rights in any foursome.

What's the difference between bogey, double bogey, and triple bogey?

A bogey is one stroke over par, a double bogey is two strokes over par, and a triple bogey is three strokes over par. MyGolfSpy research shows that golfers in the 16-20 handicap range average 7.7 bogeys per round but should focus on eliminating double bogeys and worse, which occur much less frequently but cause disproportionate scoring damage.

How do you avoid making bogeys?

The five most effective bogey prevention strategies for weekend golfers are: eliminating three-putts through distance control practice, improving course management by playing defensively around trouble, developing reliable short game skills for up-and-down situations, maintaining emotional control after mistakes, and making realistic club selections based on typical performance rather than best-case scenarios.

What does "bogey golf" mean?

Bogey golf means averaging one stroke over par per hole, resulting in a score of 90 on a par-72 course. This scoring level represents a significant milestone for recreational players - according to golf statistics, only about 25% of golfers can consistently break 90, making bogey golf an admirable achievement that fellow weekend golfers respect.

Why is it called a "bogey" in golf?

The term "bogey" originated in 1890 at Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England when Charles Wellman described a challenging opponent as "a regular Bogey man," referencing the popular song "Here Comes the Bogey Man." Originally, bogey represented the score a good amateur golfer should achieve, while par was reserved for expert play - meaning bogey was actually the recreational standard.

Can you still shoot a good score with bogeys?

Absolutely. If you made bogey on every hole of a par-72 course, you'd shoot 90 - a score that would represent a career best for many weekend golfers. Professional golfers average over 2.5 bogeys per round even in major championships, proving that bogeys are compatible with excellent overall scoring when combined with occasional pars and the rare birdie.

Continue Your Weekend Golfer Journey

Ready to take your manifesto-driven golf improvement to the next level? These proven strategies help fellow weekend golfers who are serious about earning the right to brag:

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