Bogey Explained: What It Means in Golf & How to Dodge It

If you’ve ever heard someone say they made a bogey on a hole and wondered what the fuss was about, you’re not alone. In everyday talk a bogey just sounds like a bad word, but on the green it’s a very specific score – one stroke over par. Knowing what a bogey is, why it shows up, and how to keep it from becoming a habit can shave strokes off your game fast.

What Exactly Is a Bogey?

Par is the number of strokes a scratch golfer is expected to need on a hole. If the hole is a par‑4 and you finish it in five strokes, you’ve made a bogey. It’s not a disaster, but repeated bogeys add up and can turn a decent round into a frustrating one. The term dates back to early 20th‑century British golf, where “bogey” was the standard score before the modern “par” system settled in. Today every amateur golfer hits a few bogeys – the goal is to keep them low and learn why they happen.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Score Below Bogey

1. Know Your Distances. Most bogeys stem from mis‑judging club selection. Use a rangefinder or memorize yardages for each club on the course you play most often. When you can reliably hit a 150‑yard iron 150 yards, you’ll avoid the extra shot that pushes you over par.

2. Play Smart Around Trouble. If a fairway bunker or water lies short of the green, aim for the safe part of the fairway instead of trying a risky line. Cutting a shot short but staying out of trouble is usually a lower‑score move than a daring hook that lands in the hazard.

3. Focus on Your Short Game. The majority of strokes after the tee come within 100 yards of the hole. Spend extra practice time on chipping, pitching, and putting. A solid 10‑foot putt saved every few holes can erase several bogeys over a round.

4. Stay Calm After a Mistake. One bad shot can snowball if you get frustrated. Take a deep breath, reset your routine, and treat the next shot as a fresh start. Golf is a mental game; staying positive keeps your swing smooth.

5. Track Your Stats. Keep a simple log of where you tend to bogey – tee shots, approach shots, or putting. Data helps you pinpoint the weak spot and focus practice where it matters most.

Remember, a few bogeys are normal, especially on a challenging course. The key is to understand the why behind each one and apply a plan to improve. By mastering distance control, playing safe, sharpening your short game, keeping a steady mindset, and tracking performance, you’ll see those pesky over‑par scores drop off.

Next time you step onto the tee, think of the word “bogey” as a reminder, not a verdict. Use it as a cue to check your club, your aim, and your mental approach. With a little awareness and practice, you’ll turn many of those bogeys into pars – and maybe even an occasional birdie.