What Is A Bogey In Disc Golf?
History of Bogey
The word bogey is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century and is believed to have been derived from the English slang word bogle, which means ghost or goblin. The term was likely first used in golf, where it was used to describe a player’s average score on a particular hole. The origin of the word is not certain, but it may have been a reference to a fictional golfing creature called a “Bogeyman” that was popularized in a song from the 1890s. The word bogey quickly spread to other sports, particularly tennis, where it was used to describe an opponent who was particularly difficult to beat. It was also used to describe a more general state of being, such as when something was going wrong or was difficult to accomplish. Over time, the phrase has become more commonly used in everyday conversation and has come to mean something that is difficult or challenging.
according to the USGA: The term ‘bogey’ comes from a song that was popular in the British Isles in the early 1890s, called “The Bogey Man” (later known as “The Colonel Bogey March”). The character of the song was an elusive figure who hid in the shadows: “I’m the Bogey Man, catch me if you can.”
Golfers in Scotland and England equated the quest for the elusive Bogey Man with the quest for the elusive perfect score. By the mid to late 1890s, the term ‘bogey score’ referred to the ideal score a good player could be expected to make on a hole under perfect conditions. It also came to be used to describe stroke play tournaments – hence, in early Rules books we find a section detailing the regulations for ‘Bogey Competitions.’ It was only in the late 1900s/early 1910s that the concept of ‘Par’ started to emerge – this being the designated number of strokes a scratch player could be expected to take on a hole in ideal conditions. In this way par was distinguished from bogey. The term par itself is a standard term in sports handicapping, where it simply means ‘level’ or ‘even.’
What Exactly Is A Bogey?
In disc golf, a bogey is a score of one stroke over the par for a given hole. For example, if you are playing a course and hole 1 is a PAR 3. Getting a bogey on the hole would mean your score is a 4 or one over par.
How to avoid bogeys in disc golf
1. Learn how to throw different discs. Different discs have different flight patterns, so learning to throw different discs will give you more control over the flight of your disc.
2. Practice proper form. Make sure your grip is correct, your arm and wrist are aligned properly, and you are following through with your throw.
3. Choose the right disc. Make sure you are throwing the correct disc for the situation. Throwing a fairway driver in a tight wooded hole can lead to bogeys.
4. Know the course layout. Study the course layout and determine the best way to approach each hole. Know where the danger spots are and plan your shots accordingly.
5. Avoid obstacles. If there are trees, rocks, or other obstacles in the way of your throw, try to avoid them. Taking an alternate route around the obstacle is often better than risking a bad shot.
6. Take your time. Don’t rush your shots. Take the time to line up your shot and make sure you have the proper angle and power before throwing.
7. Learn the rules. Make sure you understand the rules of disc golf before you play. Knowing which shots are allowed and which are not can help you avoid penalty strokes.
