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.
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:
To give you some more context, here is how the scoring names stack up around par:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Nothing sours a round of golf faster than seeing your ball take a sharp, uncommanded turn to the left. That nasty, diving hook not only misses the target but often sends your ball deep into trouble. Instead of just guessing at a fix, this guide will walk you through the real causes behind the hook and give you a clear, step-by-step plan to straighten out your ball flight for good.
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This simple test often makes the right choice immediately obvious.
A golf ranger is the on-course manager whose primary job is to make sure every golfer has a great experience, mainly by keeping the pace of play flowing smoothly. They are the friendly face you see driving around in a cart, there to help enforce course rules, assist players, and ensure the golf course remains in good condition for everyone. This article will break down exactly what a golf ranger does, why they are so important for the game, and the best way to interact with them to make your round better.
The vast majority of the shots you hit during a round of golf will be with an iron. They are the versatile, precision tools you’ll use from the tee on a short hole, out of the fairway on a long one, and for almost every approach shot into the green. This guide will walk you through exactly what an iron is, break down the different types in your bag, and help you understand when and how to use them with confidence.
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