What Score Is a Double Bogey in Golf?

Scoring in golf can sometimes feel like you're learning a new language, filled with birds, soldiers, and numbers that don't always seem to add up. One of the most common words you'll come across is the double bogey, often spoken with a sigh of frustration. This guide will clearly define what a double bogey is, break down the common ways golfers end up with one on their card, and more importantly, give you practical, coach-approved advice to help you turn those costly mistakes into easy pars and bogeys.

What Exactly Is a Double Bogey?

To put it simply, a double bogey is a score of two strokes over the par of a hole. Think of "par" as the expected score a skilled golfer should make on a given hole. Every stroke you take above that par adds to the terms like bogey, double bogey, and so on.

In golf scoring, a "bogey" means you took one more stroke than par. "Double" obviously means two, so a "double bogey" is literally a score of 'double' one over par, or simply, two-over par.

Here's how that breaks down on the most common types of holes:

• On a Par-3 hole, a score of 5 is a double bogey (3 + 2).
• On a Par-4 hole, a score of 6 is a double bogey (4 + 2).
• On a Par-5 hole, a score of 7 is a double bogey (5 + 2).

To give you some more context, here is how the scoring names stack up around par:

• Double Eagle (Albatross): Three strokes under par (-3)
• Eagle: Two strokes under par (-2)
• Birdie: One stroke under par (-1)
• Par: Even with the hole's par (0)
• Bogey: One stroke over par (+1)
• Double Bogey: Two strokes over par (+2)
• Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par (+3)

The Anatomy of a Double Bogey: How They Actually Happen

A double bogey rarely comes from two slightly off-target shots. More often, it's the result of one big mistake compounded by a series of smaller errors, poor decisions, or a moment of frustration. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward avoiding them. Let’s walk through some relatable stories.

Scenario 1: The Tee Shot Debacle

You step up to a challenging Par-4 with water down the right side. You feel good, take a mighty swing, and watch in horror as your ball sails right, taking a dive into the penalty area. This is where the damage begins.

• Shot 1: Your tee shot lands in the water (or goes out of bounds).
• Shot 2: This isn't a swing, but it's just as real on the scorecard. This is your penalty stroke for hitting it into the hazard.
• Shot 3: You take your drop (or re-tee if out of bounds) and are now playing your third shot. Let’s say you hit a solid shot back into the fairway. You're feeling better, but you're already lying 3.
• Shot 4: You hit a decent approach shot that lands on the green.
• Shot 5 &, 6: You proceed to two-putt.

You've made a 6 - a double bogey. That one bad swing off the tee, combined with the automatic penalty stroke, made saving par nearly impossible. The two-putt was good, but the damage was already done.

Scenario 2: Death by a Thousand (Chunked) Cuts

This double bogey is sneakier and, for many golfers, far more frustrating. It's not caused by one huge mistake, yet it adds up all the same. Let's imagine you're on a simple Par-4 anew.

• Shot 1: A perfectly fine tee shot lands just short of the fairway in some light rough. No big deal. You're in a good position.
• Shot 2: Your approach shot from the rough. You try to lift it out and catch it a little fat. The ball pops up and nose-dives fifty yards short of the green, still in the rough. Frustration starts to build.
• Shot 3: Now lying in thicker grass, you try to chip it on. You overcompensate for the last mistake, catching this one thin. The ball zips across the green and rolls into the bunker on the other side. A full-on disaster.
• Shot 4: You compose yourself and hit a solid sand shot out of the bunker, landing it on the green about 15 feet away.
• Shot 5 &, 6: You lag the first putt close and tap in for your second putt.

Another 6. There was no penalty stroke this time, but a series of poor shots around the green - the "thousand cuts" - led to the exact same score. This often feels even worse because you were "in the hole" all the way.

Scenario 3: Three-Putt &, Co.

You can even make a double bogey on holes where you feel like you are hitting the golf club pretty fine. Many high scores originate on the putting green, or right next to it.

• Shot 1: You hit a great drive right down the middle of the fairway on a Par-5.
• Shot 2: Your second shot is solid too, leaving you just 30 yards from the green. An eagle is out, but a birdie is definitely in play!
• Shot 3: You take your wedge out for a simple pitch shot. But you get tentative, decelerate through impact, and chunk the ball just a few feet in front of you. That birdie chance is gone.
• Shot 4: Now you chip it on the green, leaving yourself a tricky 20-foot putt for par.
• Shot 5: Determined to make par, you are overaggressive with your first putt, sending it blazing eight feet past the hole. Disheartening to say the least.
• Shot 6: Nervous, you miss the 8-footer coming back.
• Shot 7: Finally, the short tap-in for a disappointing 7. A double bogey on a par-5... from a perfect position after two shots.

From Doubles to Pars: How to Prevent a Double Bogey

Now that you recognize how these scores happen, how can you stop them? It comes down to smarter strategy and managing your game, not necessarily hitting every shot perfectly. This is where you can make major improvements to your scores almost overnight.

1. Your Bogey Becomes Your Best Friend on Some Tough Holes

One of the largest leaps in a golfer’s development is realizing that a bogey is not a poor score. When it comes down to it, it's a perfectly adequate goal, particularly following a subpar shot. After a flop or a short lay-up shot, try not to over-correct and feel pressured to score below an easy bogey. Instead of aiming for a miracle chip to make par, just play a shot to the center of the green, reducing stress and potential loss. Turning what could have been a dreaded double bogey into a plain bogey can save strokes significantly over a game.

2. Master Your Own Course Management

Tour pros do not always take the easiest or shortest path. Instead, they carefully consider where not to miss. Think strategically about avoiding traps - if there are bunkers on the right, aim for the left. The more you practice mindfulness, the quicker you'll see score improvements!

• Aim for big targets: Don't aim for the edges unless it gives a clear advantage. Target the center to have a manageable playable distance even with a poor shot.
• Club down off the Tee: Don't feel pressured to drive with your driver on all par 4s or 5s. A hybrid offers safety when narrow fairways are nearby. You'll feel more comfortable playing the hole safely and avoiding disaster ahead.

3. Cultivate Your Go-To Shot from Difficult Lies

How to Play the Punch-Out Shot:

• Ball back: Position your ball slightly back and toward the back of your stance to promote a downward hit.
• Hands forward: Press your hands forward to add power.
• A shorter and quicker swing: Keep your swing compact and controlled for accuracy.

Putts: Three-putts damage your score more than anything else. When standing over a 40-foot putt, focus on getting the ball within a three-foot radius of the hole rather than sinking it. Improve your distance feel by aiming at larger targets around your main goal.

4. Accept Your Score! A Double Bogey Is Not the End

• Remember, golf is just a game. One tough hole doesn’t ruin a scorecard, but anger over one tough hole can destroy the next. Don’t let it get into your head. Instead, take lessons to identify where you can improve. Breathe and move on to the next challenge! Enjoy the process of learning about golf without worrying too much about scores.

Final Thoughts

A double bogey is a score of two over par on the scorecard, but it's rarely just two bad swings. It is typically one poor shot that is further hampered by a weak choice, turning an isolated glitch into a round-derailing event. You can reduce those high scores by focusing on intelligent course management, playing to your strengths, and knowing when to cut losses.

We know that developing this kind of on-course savvy takes time, and making the smart play under pressure can be challenging. That’s why we created Caddie AI. When you find yourself in a tricky spot and aren’t sure of the right play, you can receive simple tips tailored to the current situation. It takes the guesswork out of your game, allowing you to play confidently.