Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Par/Bogey is stroke play scored hole by hole against a Committee-set target, usually par or bogey. A lower score wins the hole, an equal score ties it and a higher score loses it. The overall result is holes won minus holes lost.
How it matters in match play
Par/Bogey is not match play, even though its hole-by-hole scoring resembles match play. It is a Rules-defined form of stroke play: the player compares their strokes, including penalties, with the Committee's fixed target on each hole. The competition winner has the highest total of holes won minus holes lost, rather than a match result against one opponent.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Par/Bogey |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 21.3 (Par/Bogey); WHS Appendix C (Individual Par/Bogey recommended handicap allowance) |
| Related concepts | Stroke Play, Match Play, Par, Bogey, Score Relative to Par |
Worked example
On a par-4 hole, Alex makes 3 strokes and wins the hole, Ben makes 4 and halves it, and Chris makes 5 and loses it; after 18 holes, Alex's total is 4 wins minus 2 losses, or +2.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 21.3 (Par/Bogey); WHS Appendix C (Individual Par/Bogey recommended handicap allowance)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is Par/Bogey the same as match play?
No. The Rules classify Par/Bogey as stroke play, but it borrows match-play-style hole scoring. You play against a fixed target for each hole, not directly against one opponent, and the overall competition is decided by holes won minus holes lost.
What score wins a Par/Bogey hole?
The Committee sets the fixed target, typically par or bogey. A score below that target wins the hole, the same score halves it, and a score above it—or no score returned—loses it. Strokes and penalty strokes count in the comparison.
What handicap allowance is recommended for individual Par/Bogey?
WHS Appendix C lists 95% as the recommended allowance for Individual Par/Bogey. The allowance is applied to the unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap, and the Terms of the Competition should specify the allowance for the event.
Can a player stop before holing out in Par/Bogey?
A player who does not hole out under the Rules loses the hole, and the scorecard may show no score or a score that results in the hole being lost. The Committee and players should follow Rule 21.3b and the applicable competition terms.
Who wins a Par/Bogey competition?
The player or side with the highest total of holes won minus holes lost wins. For example, a record of 8 holes won and 5 lost produces +3; tied holes do not add to or subtract from that total.
Does every Par/Bogey competition use par as its target?
No. Rule 21.3 allows the Committee to set a fixed target for each hole; par or bogey are typical examples. Check the Terms of the Competition rather than assuming the target from the format name.