In golf, +1 signifies a bogey, which means a golfer has taken one stroke more than the designated par for a specific hole. It indicates that the player completed the hole using one extra stroke beyond what an expert golfer is expected to achieve.
Understanding Golf Scoring: The Concept of Par
To fully comprehend what +1 (a bogey) means, it's crucial to understand "par." Par represents the standard number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or an entire golf course. Each hole on a course is assigned a par value, typically par-3, par-4, or par-5, based on its length and difficulty.
- Par-3 Hole: An expert golfer is expected to complete this hole in 3 strokes.
- Par-4 Hole: An expert golfer is expected to complete this hole in 4 strokes.
- Par-5 Hole: An expert golfer is expected to complete this hole in 5 strokes.
A golfer's score for a hole is determined by comparing the number of strokes they took to the hole's par.
How a +1 (Bogey) is Achieved
When a golfer scores a +1 on a hole, it means they used one additional stroke beyond the par rating:
- On a par-3 hole, taking 4 strokes results in a +1 (bogey).
- On a par-4 hole, taking 5 strokes results in a +1 (bogey).
- On a par-5 hole, taking 6 strokes results in a +1 (bogey).
Achieving a bogey is a very common occurrence in golf, even for skilled players, and is a respectable outcome given the challenges of the game.
Common Golf Scoring Terms Relative to Par
Golf uses specific terms to describe scores in relation to par, indicating whether a player is under, even with, or over the expected number of strokes.
The table below illustrates these common scoring terms:
Strokes Relative to Par | Golfing Term | Description |
---|---|---|
-3 | Albatross (or Double-Eagle) | Three strokes under par |
-2 | Eagle | Two strokes under par |
-1 | Birdie | One stroke under par |
0 | Par | Strokes equal to par |
+1 | Bogey | One stroke over par |
+2 | Double-Bogey | Two strokes over par |
+3 | Triple-Bogey | Three strokes over par |
Understanding these terms helps golfers track their performance and communicate their scores accurately. For more detailed rules on golf scoring, you can refer to official golf organizations like the USGA.