If you’re new to golf or watching a tournament, you may hear the term quadruple bogey and wonder what it means. In simple terms, a quadruple bogey is one of the higher scores a golfer can make on a single hole.
What Does Quadruple Bogey Mean in Golf?
A quadruple bogey occurs when a golfer finishes a hole four strokes over par.
Par is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. When a player exceeds that number by four strokes, it is recorded as a quadruple bogey.
Quadruple Bogey Examples by Hole Type
Understanding how this works is easier with examples:
- On a par 3, a quadruple bogey is a score of 7
- On a par 4, a quadruple bogey is a score of 8
- On a par 5, a quadruple bogey is a score of 9
No matter the hole, you simply add four strokes to par.
How Bad Is a Quadruple Bogey?
A quadruple bogey is considered a very high score for a single hole, especially at competitive levels. Professional golfers rarely record quadruple bogeys, while amateur and recreational players may encounter them more often.
Common Causes of a Quadruple Bogey
Several factors can lead to a quadruple bogey, including:
- Hitting the ball into water hazards or out of bounds
- Multiple missed shots or “duffs”
- Poor putting on the green (three-putts or worse)
- Difficult course conditions like wind or rough terrain
Quadruple Bogey vs Other Golf Scores
To better understand where a quadruple bogey stands, here’s a quick comparison:
- Bogey: 1 over par
- Double bogey: 2 over par
- Triple bogey: 3 over par
- Quadruple bogey: 4 over par
As you can see, each level adds one additional stroke over par.
Final Thoughts
A quadruple bogey can be frustrating, but it’s part of the game, especially for beginners. Golf is as much about recovery and consistency as it is about perfect shots. Even experienced players occasionally have tough holes, so the key is to stay focused and bounce back on the next one.