What is a
Bogey Golfer?
In casual conversation, a bogey golfer averages one over par on every hole. In the World Handicap System, the term has a more precise meaning that underpins how Slope Rating is calculated for every course in the world.
Definition
A bogey golfer is a player who averages one over par (a bogey) on every hole. On a standard par 72 course this equates to a gross score of approximately 90. In the WHS, the bogey golfer is also used as a reference point for calculating Slope Rating.
What "bogey" means hole by hole
A "bogey" is one over par on a single hole. A bogey golfer achieves this on average across all 18 holes — not necessarily a bogey on every hole, but an average of +1 per hole for the round.
| Hole type | Par | Bogey score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Par 3 | 3 | 4 | One over — misses green, chips on, one putt |
| Par 4 | 4 | 5 | Missed green in regulation, chip and putt |
| Par 5 | 5 | 6 | Three shots to green area, chip and putt |
On a standard par 72 course (4 par 3s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 5s), a bogey golfer scores 72 + 18 = 90. On a par 70 course they'd score around 88.
Bogey golfer in the WHS — the technical meaning
The WHS uses "bogey golfer" as a precise reference player in the Slope Rating calculation — not just an informal label. Every rated course has two reference points:
A player with zero Handicap Index, expected to score at or near Course Rating. Used to set the Course Rating — the expected score for a scratch player.
A player with a Course Handicap of approximately 20 (men) or 24 (women). Used to set the Bogey Rating — the expected score for this reference player.
The Slope Rating is then calculated from the difference between these two reference scores. A course where the bogey golfer struggles much more than the scratch golfer (lots of carries, tight rough) gets a high Slope Rating. A forgiving course gets a low Slope Rating.
Slope = (Bogey Rating − Course Rating) × 5.381 (men)
Slope = (Bogey Rating − Course Rating) × 4.240 (women)
Standard Slope is 113. A Slope above 113 means the course is proportionally harder for the bogey golfer than for the scratch golfer.
What handicap is a bogey golfer?
In everyday terms, a bogey golfer has a Handicap Index of around 18–22. The WHS technically defines the reference bogey golfer as having a Course Handicap of 20 (men) or 24 (women) — but these figures vary slightly by course.
A player who genuinely averages bogey golf consistently is a capable recreational golfer. They're above the UK average for men (~16) and around average for women (~29). Many golfers hover around this level for years.
Common questions
Is being a bogey golfer good?
It depends on the context. For a recreational golfer who plays once a week, shooting around 90 consistently is a solid level — you can play any course, compete in society events, and give a good account of yourself in matchplay. For someone aiming at club competition or getting to single figures, it represents a significant journey still ahead.
What's the difference between a bogey golfer and a double bogey golfer?
A double bogey golfer averages two over par per hole — roughly 108 on a par 72 — and typically has a Handicap Index of 36 or higher. A bogey golfer is one level better, averaging one over per hole (around 90). Both are legitimate, registered handicap holders who can compete in handicap events using the WHS.
Why does the WHS use a bogey golfer specifically?
The bogey golfer represents a mid-range ability golfer — not a beginner, not an expert. Using two reference points (scratch and bogey) allows the Slope Rating system to measure how course difficulty scales across ability levels. A course that's merely difficult for scratch golfers might be brutally punishing for higher-handicap players, and the bogey golfer reference captures that difference.
How does Slope Rating affect a bogey golfer's Course Handicap?
Significantly. The Course Handicap formula multiplies your Handicap Index by (Slope ÷ 113). A bogey golfer with HI 20 playing a Slope 130 course gets CH = round(20 × 130/113) = round(23.0) = 23 — three more shots than the baseline. On a Slope 100 course they'd get CH = round(20 × 100/113) = round(17.7) = 18 — two fewer. Slope Rating adjusts for exactly how difficult the course is for a golfer at that ability level.
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