Why Is One Under Par in Golf Called a Birdie and One Over Par Called a Bogey?

In the realm of golf, the terms "birdie" and "bogey" hold significant meanings. These terms indicate a player's performance relative to the par, the expected number of strokes to complete a hole.

Birdie

A birdie refers to a score of one under par. The origin of this term can be traced back to the early 1900s when golf courses typically had 18 holes. Players who scored one under par on a short hole were said to have "birdied" the hole because it was equivalent to having an extra shot to spare like a bird.

Bogey

On the other hand, a bogey denotes a score of one over par. The term "bogey" is believed to have stemmed from the nickname of a fictitious Scottish golfer named "Old Bogey." This golfer represented the average player's skill level, and scoring one over par was seen as playing on par with "Old Bogey."

Conclusion

The terms "birdie" and "bogey" continue to be integral to the language of golf. They provide a convenient shorthand for describing a player's performance relative to the par, adding an element of excitement and friendly competition to the game.

Related Questions:

  • What is the term for a score two under par? Eagle
  • What is the term for a score two over par? Double bogey
  • What is the term for a score three under par? Albatross
  • What is the term for a score four under par? Double eagle
  • What is the term for a score five under par? Condor

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