A triple bogey is a score of three strokes over par on a single hole: a 6 on a par 3, a 7 on a par 4 or an 8 on a par 5. It usually comes from a couple of mistakes stacking up, like a tee shot into trouble, a penalty stroke and a three-putt.
What does triple bogey mean?
Golf names scores by how far they are from par. One over is a bogey, two over is a double bogey, and three over is a triple bogey. Golfers often shorten it to "triple."
- Par 3: a 6 is a triple bogey.
- Par 4: a 7 is a triple bogey.
- Par 5: an 8 is a triple bogey, which also earns the nickname snowman.
Does a triple bogey count for my handicap?
Maybe not all of it. Under the World Handicap System, the most you can count on any hole for handicap purposes is a net double bogey: par, plus two, plus any handicap strokes you get on that hole. If you get no strokes on a hole and make a triple, you'd post a double bogey for handicap purposes. If you get a stroke on that hole, a triple counts as is. Your official tournament score still counts every stroke. Read more in how golf handicaps work.
How do triple bogeys happen?
- Trying the hero shot after a bad one. The first mistake costs a stroke. The low-percentage recovery costs two more.
- Penalty strokes. Water and out of bounds add strokes fast. A provisional ball at least saves the walk back.
- Short-game trouble. A chunked chip, a bunker shot that stays in, then three putts.
How do you avoid triple bogeys?
- Take your medicine. From the trees, get back to the fairway. A low punch shot back into play beats threading a gap.
- Lay up when the math says so. Read when and how to lay up.
- Aim at the middle of the green after any trouble, not the flag.
- Make sure your clubs fit. Shafts that are too stiff or a driver you can't control make big numbers more likely. See what shaft flex you need.
Where does the term come from?
"Triple bogey" simply builds on bogey, which comes from the old British "Bogey Man" song and the idea of an imaginary opponent who played every hole to a set score. We cover that history on our bogey page. We couldn't find a reliable date for when "double" and "triple" bogey first came into use, so we won't guess.
FAQ
What's worse than a triple bogey?
A quadruple bogey, four over par. After that most golfers just say the number.
Is a triple bogey bad?
For a beginner it's normal. For a single-digit handicap it's a hole to learn from. One triple doesn't ruin a round if you don't chase it.
What is a triple bogey on a par 4?
A score of 7.
Can I pick up after a triple bogey in a casual round?
In casual play many groups let you pick up once you can't beat net double bogey. In competition you have to hole out.
More words explained in our golf terms glossary. Short game leaking strokes? Browse used wedges and used putters.
