Golf term
Bogey
A bogey is a score of one over par on a hole — for example, completing a par-4 in five strokes.
Bogeys are by far the most common hole outcome for amateur golfers. A bogey golfer — someone with a Handicap Index around 18 — makes roughly one bogey per hole on average. Counting bogeys per round can reveal scoring consistency, but it doesn't explain where in the hole the extra stroke was lost: an approach that missed the green, a chip that left a long putt, or a three-putt.
Strokes gained pinpoints the shot that costs the bogey. A player who bogeys because their approach finishes 60 feet from the pin — creating a near-impossible two-putt — has a different problem from one who bogeys after a decent approach because their chipping is inconsistent. Understanding which shots cause bogeys is more useful than counting bogeys themselves. Read the strokes gained guide to see how the framework prices every shot in that hole.
Related terms & guides
Glossary
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one under par on a hole — for example, completing a par-4 in three strokes.
Glossary
Par
Par is the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or an entire round, accounting for two putts on each green.
Glossary
Bogey Golfer
A bogey golfer is a player whose Handicap Index is roughly 18 (men) or 24 (women) — someone who averages about one over par per hole.
Strokes Gained
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide
Strokes gained measures every shot against a benchmark of expected scores, revealing exactly where you gain or lose strokes versus a chosen standard — instead of guessing from fairways, greens, and putts.
Guide
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide
Guide
How to Lower Your Handicap With Data