Golf Glossary
Double Bogey and Triple Bogey
In short
A double bogey in golf is a score of two strokes over par on a hole, a triple bogey three strokes over par. On a par 4 that means six or seven strokes. In Stableford a net double bogey already earns no points. Both results usually come from penalty strokes or a chain of mistakes.
Double bogey in golf: meaning and calculation
Besides the bird names for good scores, golf has terms for poor ones. Like every such term, they are measured against the par of a single hole. A bogey is one stroke over par. A double bogey is two strokes over par and a triple bogey three strokes over par. Four over par is usually called a quadruple bogey.
The calculation is par plus two or par plus three:
- Par 3: double bogey in 5 strokes, triple bogey in 6 strokes
- Par 4: double bogey in 6 strokes, triple bogey in 7 strokes
- Par 5: double bogey in 7 strokes, triple bogey in 8 strokes
On leaderboards a double bogey appears as ‘+2’, a triple bogey as ‘+3’. These are not disasters. Even good club golfers make them, and for many beginners they are normal on difficult holes. What matters is that you do not make the mistake bigger with the next stroke.
How a double or triple bogey happens
A double bogey is rarely caused by one bad shot. Usually two mistakes come together, or one mistake and a penalty stroke. Typical causes are:
- A ball in the water. It lies in a penalty area. Taking relief costs one penalty stroke (Rule 17).
- A ball out of bounds. Stroke and distance applies: you play again from where you hit the previous stroke and add a penalty stroke (Rule 18.2).
- An unplayable ball, for example in thick undergrowth. It also costs one penalty stroke (Rule 19).
- A ball in a bunker that does not come out at the first attempt.
- Three putts on the green.
A triple bogey usually happens when several of these follow each other. The first mistake leads to the second, because the player takes too many risks or gets annoyed.
Practical example: double and triple bogey on a par 4
A par 4 is 330 metres long. Your tee shot flies to the right over the boundary of the course and is out of bounds. That is your first stroke. A penalty stroke is added, so your count is two. You play again from the tee, which is your third stroke. The ball lands on the fairway about 110 metres from the green. The fourth stroke finds the green. Then come two putts, strokes five and six. You needed six strokes, which is a double bogey.
Suppose you need three putts instead of two. Then you finish with seven strokes. That is a triple bogey.
The example shows something important. The big damage was done by the first stroke. Stroke and distance effectively costs two strokes at once: the penalty stroke and the wasted tee shot. The rest of the hole was played well. Understanding this means less frustration and more focus on the next hole.
Double bogey in Stableford and for your handicap
The double bogey plays a special role in scoring. In Stableford a net par earns 2 points and a net bogey 1 point. From net double bogey onwards there is no point. The hole scores 0 whether you are two or ten strokes over. That is why you may pick up your ball once you can no longer score points. It saves time and nerves.
An example: on a par 4 you receive no handicap stroke. After your fifth stroke the ball is not yet in the hole. Your next stroke would take you to at least six, a net double bogey worth 0 points. There is nothing left to win, so you may pick up.
In the World Handicap System net double bogey is also the limit. For your handicap, every hole is counted at no more than par plus 2 plus your handicap strokes on that hole. A triple bogey or worse therefore only hurts your handicap up to this limit. For players with a high handicap the limit is higher, because they can receive several handicap strokes on one hole.
Maximum score and picking up: protection from runs of mistakes
Besides Stableford there are other formats that limit bad holes. The Rules of Golf describe ‘Maximum Score’ in Rule 21.2. It is a form of stroke play in which the number of strokes per hole is capped. The committee sets the cap, for example as double par or as net double bogey. A player who has reached the cap or can no longer beat it may pick up. The cap is then the score for the hole.
In ordinary stroke play there is no such limit. You have to finish every hole. A triple bogey or worse then counts with all the strokes.
In a casual round you decide for yourself. Many players pick up at double bogey and move on. It keeps the pace up and nobody has to wait long for the group. For competitions, what counts is what the conditions of competition say.
Tips: how to limit the damage
The difference between a bogey and a double bogey usually lies in the decision after the first mistake.
- After a bad shot play the safe route. A short shot back to the fairway is better than a heroic attempt to rescue the hole.
- From the tee choose a club you can reliably keep on the fairway. A hybrid or 5-wood is often smarter than the driver on narrow holes.
- Avoid three-putts. On long putts focus above all on the right pace, so that the second putt stays short.
- Use the safe side of the green when there is water or out of bounds.
- Accept a bogey. It is a good result when the rest of the hole is difficult.
That way a double bogey does not become a triple bogey, and your round stays in rhythm. After a poor hole a short moment to breathe also helps. Walk briskly to the next tee and leave the result of the previous hole behind.
Try it at Golf Lounge
If you want to avoid double bogeys, practise where penalty strokes happen. The Golf Lounge’s 9-hole ‘Black’ course (par 33) has water hazards, bunkers and protected greens. With the DGV Platzreife you can play there from April to December, with up to four players per tee time. That way you learn on real holes when a safe shot beats a risky one.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double bogey in golf?
A double bogey is a score of two strokes over par on a hole. That is five strokes on a par 3, six on a par 4 and seven on a par 5. It usually comes from a penalty stroke or two mistakes in a row. In Stableford a net double bogey earns no point.
What is a triple bogey in golf?
A triple bogey is a score of three strokes over par on a hole. That is six strokes on a par 3, seven on a par 4 and eight on a par 5. It often happens when further mistakes follow a penalty stroke. Four over par is usually called a quadruple bogey.
How many strokes is a double bogey on a par 4?
On a par 4 it is six strokes. The calculation is par plus two, so four plus two. For a triple bogey on a par 4 you need seven strokes. If you have handicap strokes on the hole, the net result shifts, but the gross result is always the actual number of strokes.
How many Stableford points is a double bogey worth?
A net double bogey earns no Stableford point, and neither does anything worse. A net bogey earns one point and a net par two. A player with no handicap stroke who needs six strokes on a par 4 scores 0 points for the hole. If the ball is not holed after five strokes, it may already be picked up.
How does a double bogey affect my handicap?
The World Handicap System limits every hole to no more than net double bogey, that is par plus two plus your handicap strokes on the hole. A worse result still only counts up to that limit for your handicap. A single triple bogey therefore does not distort your handicap.
As of: October 2026