Bogey Golf Strategy: How to Score a Bogey on Every Hole
Bogey golf -- scoring one over par on every hole -- is a realistic and rewarding target for golfers with handicaps between 10 and 20. A round of 18 bogeys is a net score of 90, which is better than most amateur golfers score. The key insight is that bogey golf is not about making pars -- it is about avoiding the holes where you score double bogey or worse.
Key Takeaways
- •Bogey golf requires consistent, conservative play, not exceptional ball-striking.
- •Keep the ball in play off the tee -- position matters more than distance.
- •Get the first putt within 3 feet of the hole from any distance.
- •After a bad hole, focus on returning to bogey golf, not making up the lost shot immediately.
What bogey golf actually requires
To score a bogey on a par 4, you need to reach the green in three shots and two-putt. To score a bogey on a par 5, you need to reach the green in four shots and two-putt. To score a bogey on a par 3, you need to reach the green in two shots and two-putt. None of these requirements demands exceptional ball-striking. They require consistent, conservative play.
The bogey golfer's tee shot strategy
A bogey golfer does not need to hit the fairway every time. They need to be in a position from which they can reach the green in the required number of shots. A drive in the semi-rough is usually acceptable. A drive in the trees or a penalty area is not. The tee shot strategy for bogey golf is to keep the ball in play, not to hit it as far as possible.
The bogey golfer's approach strategy
A bogey golfer does not need to hit the green in regulation. They need to be on or near the green in the correct number of shots. A chip from the fringe is acceptable. A chip from a bunker is more difficult but still manageable. The approach strategy for bogey golf is to get the ball as close to the green as possible, in a position from which a chip and two putts is realistic.
The two-putt target
Bogey golf requires consistent two-putting. This means getting the first putt within 3 feet of the hole from any distance. Distance control is the key skill. On long putts, aim to finish within a 3-foot circle around the hole, not to make the putt. This reduces the pressure on the first putt and makes the second putt straightforward.
How to recover from a bad hole in bogey golf
In bogey golf, a double bogey on one hole can be compensated for by a par on another. The goal is not perfection -- it is consistency. After a bad hole, the priority is to return to bogey golf on the next hole. Do not try to make up the lost shot immediately. Focus on making the best possible decision on each subsequent hole.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What handicap do you need to play bogey golf?
Bogey golf -- scoring 90 on a par-72 course -- is achievable for golfers with handicaps between 12 and 20. With good course management, golfers at the higher end of this range can achieve it on their best days.
Is bogey golf a good target for improving golfers?
Yes. Bogey golf is an excellent target because it is achievable, measurable and requires good decision-making rather than exceptional ball-striking. Golfers who consistently achieve bogey golf will naturally improve their handicap over time.