Scoring one over par on a golf hole simply means you took one more stroke than the designated score for that hole. This is officially known as a bogey. While it might sound negative, it's one of the most common scores in golf, and understanding it is the first step toward playing smarter golf. This guide will not only define what hitting one over par means but also explain the common reasons it happens and provide clear, actionable strategies to help you turn those bogeys into pars.
In golf, every hole is assigned a "par," which is the expected number of strokes an expert golfer should take to complete it. If you score "one over par," you've made a bogey.
Here’s the simple math:
Think of par as the target. A bogey just means you missed the target by one. It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, the average handicap for male golfers in the United States is around 14, meaning a typical round for them is about 86 - 14 bogeys higher than a par a 72 course. Bogeys are a fundamental part of the amateur golf experience.
To truly grasp "one over par," you first need to be absolutely solid on what "par" itself means. Par isn't just a random number, it's calculated based on how many shots it should take to reach the green, plus two putts.
On a standard 18-hole course, you'll typically find a mix of these: usually four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s, adding up to a total par of 72 for the entire round.
"One over par" is just the beginning. As golf scores rise, the terminology changes. Understanding these terms will help you decode any golf conversation or scorecard.
Let's use a Par 4 hole to illustrate:
Anything higher than a triple bogey is usually just referred to by the number score (e.g., an 8 on a Par 4), because at that point, you're just focused on finishing the hole and moving on!
Here’s a secret for everyday golfers: your scoring potential is tied more to avoiding double and triple bogeys than it is to making birdies. A single "triple" can wipe out three hard-earned pars. Understanding why bogeys and their uglier cousins happen is the key to managing your game and shooting lower scores.
Here are the most common culprits that lead to dropping a shot (or more) to par:
This is arguably the #1 cause of bogeys for recreational golfers. Par assumes two putts once you're on the green. So, even if you execute a perfect tee shot and a perfect approach shot on a Par 4, landing near the pin in two strokes, a three-putt will turn a simple par into a frustrating bogey. Getting your lag putting - your ability to get the first putt close to the hole - under control is fundamental to scoring.
Nothing inflates a score like a penalty. Hitting your ball into a water hazard or out-of-bounds (OB) automatically adds a one-stroke penalty. On a Par 4, if your tee shot goes OB, you're now hitting your third shot from the tee. Just getting on the green from there will take four strokes, and a two-putt means you walk away with a 6 - a double bogey - without even feeling like you hit the ball that poorly.
Let's say you're playing a Par 4. Your drive is in the fairway, but you miss the green with your approach shot, leaving your ball in the rough or a bunker. You are still in a good position to make par. All you need is an "up and down" - get the next shot onto the green and one-putt. However, if you chunk your chip shot (hitting the ground behind the ball), blade it across the green, or take two shots to get out of the bunker, your simple par save has quickly become a bogey or worse.
This is less about skill and more about strategy. Poor decision-making regularly leads to bogeys. Here are some classic examples:
Simply wanting to avoid bogeys won't make it happen. You need a practical, on-course strategy. It’s not about hitting perfect shots all the time, it’s about making smarter decisions that minimize the damage when you don’t.
Forget the flagstick unless you have a wedge in your hand and a green light. On most approach shots, your only goal should be to get the ball on the largest part of the putting surface. Aiming for the "fat" part of the green gives you the biggest margin for error. A slight pull or push might still find the green, whereas aiming at a tight pin can turn that same miss into a trip to the beach (bunker).
Before every single shot, ask yourself: "Where is the absolute worst place I could miss this shot?" Is it in the water on the left? In the pot bunker on the right? Pinpoint the biggest danger and then create a plan that steers you away from it. It's often better to be 30 feet from the hole in the fairway-side rough than 10 feet from the hole in a deep bunker.
The first rule of getting out of trouble is to stop digging. When you find yourself in the trees, a bad lie in the rough, or with an obstructed view, your goal changes. It’s no longer about making par, it’s about making sure you don't make worse than a bogey. This often means taking your medicine and hitting a simple recovery shot back into the fairway, even if it feels like a lost stroke. Hitting a safe sideways punch-out is almost always a better choice than attempting a low-percentage miracle shot. Turning a potential 7 or 8 into a 5 is a massive win.
Don't base your club selection on that one time you flushed your 7-iron 170 yards. Base it on your average distance. Be honest with yourself. It's much better to take one extra club and swing smoothly than to try and force a club to go further than it normally does. Most amateur misses are short of the green, leaving a tricky uphill chip. Taking that extra club gives you a buffer and brings the back half of the green into play.
Scoring "one over par" in golf means you’ve made a bogey. It’s a normal part of the game for 99% of players, but understanding the core reasons *why* it happens - from three-putts to poor strategic choices - is the first step to shooting consistently lower scores and enjoying the game more.
When you're out on the course, making smart decisions is everything. That said, it can be tough to think clearly when you're looking at a challenging shot. We built Caddie AI to serve as that calm, strategic partner right in your pocket. If you're stuck between clubs or facing a tricky recovery and need a simple, smart plan to avoid that blow-up hole, you can get instant, expert advice. Our app helps you navigate the course with more confidence, turning those potential triple bogeys into manageable bogeys.
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