Golf is often considered a sport of precision, patience, and skill, with players constantly striving to improve their game. Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, there are many ways to assess your level of play, one of which involves the concept of “bogey golf.” But what exactly does “bogey golf” mean, and how does it relate to your overall performance on the course?
How is it used to measure progress, and what does it mean for casual and competitive golfers?
Understanding the Basics of Scoring in Golf
Before diving into bogey golf, it’s important to understand the basics of how scoring works in golf. If you’re new at this or have never golfed, you’ll need to understand that the goal in golf is to complete a course (or a hole) in as few strokes as possible. The par of a hole refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete it, based on its length and difficulty. For example, a par 3 hole is expected to be completed in three strokes, while a par 5 hole should ideally take five strokes.
In terms of scoring, there are several key terms you’ll need to know:
- Par: The number of strokes an expert golfer should take to complete the hole.
- Birdie: A score of one stroke under par.
- Bogey: A score of one stroke over par.
- Double Bogey: A score of two strokes over par.
- Eagle: A score of two strokes under par.
- Ace: A hole-in-one, meaning the ball is holed in one stroke.
What Is Bogey Golf?
Now that we have the scoring basics down, let’s focus on the term “bogey.” A bogey occurs when a player takes one stroke more than the hole’s par. For example, if you’re playing a par 4 hole and you finish the hole in 5 strokes, you’ve made a bogey. If you take six strokes on a par 5, you’ve made a bogey.
“Bogey golf” refers to a style of play or a level of performance in which a golfer consistently scores a bogey (or worse) on most of the holes they play. Essentially, if you are playing bogey golf, you’re shooting just above par most of the time—usually averaging one stroke over par per hole.
What Does It Mean to Play Bogey Golf?
Playing bogey golf means that, on average, you are completing a golf course with a score that is roughly one stroke over par per hole. For an 18-hole round, this would result in a total score of 18 strokes over par. For example, if you’re playing a course with a par of 72, a bogey golf score would be 90.
For golfers, shooting bogey golf represents a solid level of play. It means you have developed a good understanding of the game and can consistently perform at a certain level, but you still have room for improvement. While bogey golf is not a professional level score, it’s often seen as a milestone for amateur golfers who are working to improve their game.
How Do You Achieve Bogey Golf?
Achieving bogey golf is about developing consistent skills and a well-rounded game. While no two golfers are exactly the same, there are some general areas you can focus on to reach this level of play:
1. Consistent Tee Shots
Your tee shot sets the tone for each hole. If you can consistently hit fairways off the tee, you give yourself a better chance of hitting greens in regulation (i.e., reaching the green in the expected number of strokes based on par). Even if you’re not hitting the fairway every time, you should focus on hitting a safe shot that avoids hazards and places you in a good position for your approach shot.
2. Solid Approach Shots
After the tee shot, the next key aspect is your approach shots. A bogey golfer doesn’t necessarily need to hit greens in regulation every time, but they should aim for consistent approach shots that put them in reasonable position to two-putt for par or minimize the risk of a double bogey.
Focus on hitting to safe parts of the green and avoiding tough pin positions that could lead to mistakes. Accuracy is more important than distance on most approach shots.
3. Short Game (Chipping and Putting)
One of the most important aspects of bogey golf is an effective short game. Chipping and putting are areas where many golfers can save strokes. If you miss a green, it’s essential to have a reliable short game to get up and down (or in) from around the green.
When putting, focus on consistency. A bogey golfer should be able to two-putt from most situations, and even if the first putt isn’t close to the hole, they should be able to sink the second one without too much difficulty.
4. Course Management
Bogey golfers are also good at managing their game. This means they know when to play aggressively and when to play it safe. For example, if you’re facing a par 5, you might not always go for the green in two, especially if the risk of water or a hazard is high. Playing for a safe layup shot is often a better option, allowing you to have a better chance of hitting the green in three and potentially saving a bogey.
5. Mental Game
Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. A bogey golfer has the ability to stay calm and composed, even when things don’t go according to plan. If they hit a bad shot, they don’t let it affect the next one, and they focus on recovering to minimize the damage. Maintaining confidence and not dwelling on mistakes is key to playing consistent bogey golf.
Why Is Bogey Golf a Milestone?
For many amateur golfers, bogey golf represents an important benchmark. It’s a sign that you’ve progressed beyond the beginner stage and have the skills necessary to manage your game. For most golfers, shooting bogey golf is a good indication that they’re on their way to improving further, with the potential to break into the “par” range with more practice and skill development.
Additionally, bogey golf is often viewed as a practical, attainable goal for recreational golfers who play for enjoyment and social reasons. It’s challenging yet achievable, and can be a rewarding achievement for those looking to measure their improvement over time.
The term “bogey golf” serves as a benchmark for many players. It signifies a level of play where a golfer consistently shoots one stroke over par, managing to keep their game competitive without reaching the professional level. To achieve bogey golf, players must develop their tee shots, approach shots, short game, and mental resilience, all while focusing on effective course management. For many golfers, reaching the level of bogey golf is a significant milestone in their golfing journey—a step closer to more consistent play and lower scores. Join us in Tucson and Scottsdale to work on your scores today!