Minimise your bogeys and elevate your game

IOL News

11-06-2025

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after finishing the 18th hole during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort RORY McIlroy. | AFP
As golfers, we've all been there - standing on the green, staring down a putt that could make or break our round. Bogeys, those pesky one-stroke-over-par scores, can quickly add up and derail an otherwise solid game.
But fear not, dear golfer! With the right strategies and techniques, you can minimize your bogeys and take your game to the next level.
This past week we saw Masters Champion Rory McIlroy make an eight on a par four from starting with a bad tee shot. In this segment we will look at areas I feel as golfers we can work on to avoid big scores.
Firstly, smart course management is all about making informed decisions on the course.
It's about knowing your limitations, choosing the right club, and aiming for the centre of the green. By playing smart, you can avoid taking unnecessary risks and minimize your chances of scoring a bogey.
Accurate driving is essential for avoiding bogeys. By hitting the fairway, you'll set yourself up for a much easier approach shot and reduce your chances of scoring a bogey.
To improve your driving accuracy, focus on making a smooth, balanced swing, and avoid trying to hit the ball too hard.
Strategic approach play is all about assessing the risk-reward of your shot and choosing a strategy that minimises the risk of a bogey.
This may involve aiming for the centre of the green, choosing a more conservative club, or taking a more strategic line into the pin.
Effective bunker play is essential for avoiding bogeys. By knowing how to escape from sand traps, you'll be able to save pars and minimize your chances of scoring a bogey.
To improve your bunker play, focus on making a smooth, controlled swing, and avoid trying to hit the ball too hard.
Clutch putting is all about making putts when it counts. By developing a consistent pre-shot routine, choosing the right speed, and aiming for the centre of the hole, you'll be able to make more putts and avoid scoring bogeys.
To improve your clutch putting, focus on making a smooth, controlled stroke, and avoid trying to make the putt too hard. It's also important to stay focused and avoid distractions, such as worrying about the outcome of the putt.
By incorporating these strategies into your game, you'll be well on your way to minimizing your bogeys and taking your golf game to the next level. Catch you on the fairways!
-Sewgolum is PGA AA golf professional and a golf pro for Saudi Aramco. He was voted in the Top 5 of the International Golf PGA Pro 2022.