What Is a Double Bogey in Golf?
If you are a golf fan, you probably know that scoring a double bogey is one of the most frustrating and disappointing outcomes in the game. But what exactly is a double bogey in golf, and how do you avoid it?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the meaning, history, and tips of avoiding a double bogey in golf.
What Is a Double Bogey in Golf?
A double bogey is a golfing term that refers to a player scoring two strokes more than the par of the particular hole that they are playing. Par is the number of shots that an expert golfer is expected to take on a hole.
For example, if a hole is a par-four, a double bogey would be a six. Double bogey is a common score for casual and club players, but less common for pro golfers.
The term “double bogey” is derived from the word “bogey”, which means a score of one over par on a hole. The origin of the word “bogey” dates back to the late 19th century in Britain, when it was used to refer to an imaginary opponent or standard score.
The word “bogey” was also related to the Bogey Man, a mythical creature that scared children. The first recorded use of the term “bogey” in golf was in 1890 at the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England. After that, the use of “double bogey” was a logical extension to describe a score of one worse than a bogey.
Scoring a double bogey is not very rare in golf, especially for beginner and intermediate golfers. According to the USGA statistics, the average score for male golfers in 2019 was 90.9, which means they made about 18 double bogeys per round (one per hole).
For female golfers, the average score was 97.1, which means they made about 25 double bogeys per round (more than one per hole).
How to Avoid a Double Bogey in Golf
There are different ways to avoid a double bogey in golf, depending on the par and length of the hole. Here are some tips and strategies for each scenario:
Avoiding Double Bogey on a Par-3 Hole
A double bogey on a par-3 hole means scoring a five, which usually happens when you miss the green with your tee shot and make mistakes around the green.
To avoid this, you need to choose the right club, aim at the safest part of the green, swing smoothly and confidently, and hope for some luck. You also need to consider factors such as wind direction, elevation change, slope, and pin position.
Some holes are more prone to double bogeys than others, such as those with small or undulating greens or those with water or sand hazards.
If you do miss the green with your tee shot, you need to have a good short game to save your par or make a bogey at worst.
You need to assess your lie, distance, and landing area, and choose the right club and shot type for your situation. You also need to have a good feel for the speed and break of the green, and chip or putt with confidence and precision.
Avoiding Double Bogey on a Par-4 Hole
A double bogey on a par-4 hole means scoring a six, which usually happens when you hit your tee shot into trouble or make mistakes on your approach shot or on the green. To avoid this, you need to have a good strategy, execution, and recovery.
You need to plan your shots carefully, taking into account the distance, shape, and layout of the hole. You need to hit two solid shots to set up a putt or a short game shot for your third. You also need to factor in elements such as wind speed, tee height, ball flight, and landing area.
If you do hit your tee shot into trouble or miss your approach shot badly, you need to have a good recovery game to save your par or make a bogey at worst. You need to know the rules of golf and your options for relief or penalty strokes.
You also need to know how to play different types of trouble shots , such as from trees, rough, bunkers , or water . You also need to have a positive attitude and not let one bad shot ruin your round.
Avoiding Double Bogey on a Par-5 Hole
A double bogey on a par-5 hole means scoring a seven, which usually happens when you try to reach the green in two shots and fail miserably or make mistakes on your lay-up shot or on the green.
To avoid this, you need to have a realistic and conservative approach, depending on your skill level and the difficulty of the hole. You need to decide whether to go for the green in two shots or to lay up in three shots, and stick to your decision. You also need to factor in elements such as wind speed, elevation change, slope, and pin position.
If you do decide to go for the green in two shots, you need to have a combination of power, accuracy, and skill. You also need to pick the right hole to attempt it, as not all par-5s are reachable in two shots.
You need to look for holes that are long enough (usually more than 500 yards), straight enough (without too many doglegs or hazards), and wide enough (with enough room for error) to allow you to go for the green with your driver or fairway wood.
If you do decide to lay up in three shots, you need to have a good course management and shot selection. You need to choose the best distance and angle for your third shot, and avoid any trouble spots along the way. You also need to hit three solid shots to set up a putt or a short game shot for your fourth.
The Pros and Cons of Aiming for a Double Bogey in Golf
Scoring a double bogey in golf can be a demoralizing and frustrating experience, but it also comes with some benefits and challenges. Here are some of them:
Benefits
- Scoring a double bogey can be a learning opportunity, as it can help you identify your weaknesses, mistakes, and areas for improvement.
- Scoring a double bogey can also be a motivating factor, as it can inspire you to work harder, practice more, and improve your game.
- Scoring a double bogey can also be a humbling experience, as it can remind you that golf is a difficult and unpredictable game, and that no one is perfect.
Challenges
- Scoring a double bogey can also be harmful, as it can hurt your scorecard, handicap, and ranking. For example, scoring a double bogey on the last hole can ruin your chances of breaking 80 or 90 or winning a tournament.
- Scoring a double bogey can also be detrimental, as it can affect your confidence, momentum, and morale. For example, scoring a double bogey on the first hole can set a negative tone for the rest of your round.
- Scoring a double bogey can also be distracting, as it can take your focus away from your game plan, process, and routine. For example, scoring a double bogey on a hole can make you dwell on the past or worry about the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a double bogey is one of the most unwanted scores in golf, as it means finishing a hole in two strokes over par. It can happen on any type of hole (par-3, par-4, or par-5), but it requires different skills and strategies to avoid it.
Avoiding a double bogey can have positive and negative effects on your game, depending on how you approach it.
We hope this article has helped you understand what a double bogey is in golf, how to avoid it, and what to consider when facing it. If you have any questions or comments about double bogeys in golf, please feel free to share them below.
And if you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about golf tips and information, please subscribe to our newsletter , follow us on social media , or visit our website . Thank you for reading!