What Is A Bogie In Golf? | Learn other common terms in golf

Ah, golfing; one of life’s great mysteries. From slicing a drive to chipping it in for par, the game has captivated us all and kept us coming back for more. But what about those pesky rules that can sometimes make or break your day on the course? One such rule is concerning ‘bogies’. What is a bogie in golf and how do they affect the score you take home? Read on to learn all about these curious points and how to approach them like a pro.

Where does term golf come from?

The term “golf” does not originate from an acronym, but rather it linguistically derives from the Dutch word “kolf” or “kolve,” meaning “club.” In the Scottish dialect of the late 14th or early 15th century, the Dutch term transformed into “goff” or “gouff,” and eventually evolved to “golf” in the 16th century.

What is a bogie in golf?

A “bogey” in golf refers to a score made on a hole where a player takes one stroke more than the par of that particular hole. For example, if a player completes a par 4 hole in 5 strokes, it is considered a bogey.

Is scoring a bogey bad in golf?

Scoring a bogey in golf is not necessarily a bad thing. Low handicap, scratch, and professional golfers strive to score par or better on every hole, so they may not be pleased with a bogey. However, for golfers at an average skill level, achieving a score of one stroke over par should be considered an accomplishment. If you were to score a bogey on every hole of a par-72 golf course, your total score would be 90, which can be seen as a significant achievement for newer golfers.

Bogeys for average golf players

On average, golfers with a 16-20 handicap (considered the average handicap for all golfers) scored an average of 7.3 bogeys per 18-hole round. In addition, they registered 4.7 double bogeys and 2.1 triple bogeys or worse. Conversely, golfers at this skill level achieved an average of 3.6 pars and 0.3 birdies or better per round.

Shifting focus to the next skill level, golfers in the 21-25 handicap range recorded an average of 8.9 double bogeys or worse per 18 holes, meaning they scored worse than a bogey on nearly half of their holes.

Double bogey, triple bogey, quadruple bogey for pros

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The names for scores worse than a bogey lack creativity. For professionals, a score of 2 strokes over par on any individual hole would be a “double bogey,” while a score of 3 strokes over par would be a “triple bogey.” Similarly, a score of 4 strokes over par would be a “quadruple bogey.” For instance, a score of 5 strokes on a par-3 would be classified as a double bogey, and a score of 9 strokes on a par-5 would be categorized as a quadruple bogey.

Every golfer makes bogeys and more worse

Every golfer, even the best in the world, experiences bogeys or worse on occasion. In the 2019 TOUR Championship, PGA golfers averaged 2.62 bogeys per round. Rory McIlroy, despite being exceptional, can still face significant challenges on an off day. During the opening round of the Open Championship, McIlroy began with a quadruple bogey on the first hole, experienced a double bogey with a 4-putt on the par-3 16th hole, and finished his round with a triple bogey on the 18th hole.

Other ultimate to common golf terms

What does fore in golf?

Fore in golf serves as a warning to individuals on the golf course that a ball has been struck and is heading towards them, rather than the intended area. It can also be described as a cautionary term, comparable to “watch out” or “heads up”.

What does albatross mean in golf?

An albatross in golf refers to when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole. It is an extraordinary achievement that has been accomplished by only a select few professional golfers throughout the history of the sport.

What does a mulligan mean in golf?

A mulligan in golf refers to a second chance shot that is taken when a golfer has hit a poor tee shot that they would rather forget. In an informal and friendly game of golf, there is no penalty for taking a mulligan.

What is an ace in golf?

An “ace,” also known as a hole in one or hole-in-one, is achieved in golf when a ball hit from a tee to start a hole finishes in the cup. This remarkable feat typically happens on par 3 holes, which are the shortest distance holes on a standard size golf course.

What does par mean in golf?

Par in golf refers to the number of strokes required to complete a hole on a course. Each hole is assigned its own par rating, which can vary across the 18 holes. Additionally, par can indirectly indicate the length of a hole.

What is match play in golf?

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In golf, match play refers to a format of play where a player or players compete directly against one or more opponents in a head-to-head match. The objective is to win individual holes by completing them in the fewest strokes possible. The match is won when a player is leading by more holes than are left to be played.

What does 4 ball mean in golf?

Four-Ball is a golf format, played either as match play or stroke play, that involves partners. In this format, two partners form a team and each player plays their own ball. The team’s score for a hole is determined by the lower score of the two partners on that hole.

What is fade in golf?

A golf fade, also known as a cut shot, refers to a ball flight that curves left-to-right for right-handed players and right-to-left for left-handed players. Unlike a slice, a fade is more controlled and covers less lateral distance.

What is draw in golf?

A draw in golf refers to a controlled ball flight that moves slightly right-to-left for right-handed players, and slightly left-to-right for left-handers. It is the opposite of a fade ball flight, which moves slightly left-to-right for right-handers.

What is the MDF in golf?

The acronym MDF in golf stands for “made cut, didn’t finish.” It has been a subject of controversy since it was first displayed on scoreboards in January 2008. However, it should be noted that MDF does not refer to a player who withdraws during the third or fourth round due to injury or other reasons.

What does T stand mean in golf?

The “T” on a golf scoreboard stands for “Tied.” It indicates that all players or teams at that score are tied for that position at that specific point in the game.

What does the links mean in golf?

The term “links” in golf refers to the oldest style of golf course, originally developed in Scotland. It originates from the Scots language and denotes a stretch of coastal sand dunes, and occasionally open parkland. In Scottish English dialect, it still retains this broader definition.

What is golf pro?

A golf professional, also known as a golf pro, is an individual who earns a living through the sport of golf. They may work as instructors at local golf courses or stores, or participate in professional tours worldwide. If you require assistance with your swing or any aspect of the game, you can locate a golf pro in your vicinity who will gladly provide guidance for a nominal fee.