Double and triple bogeys can quickly ruin a good round of golf. One bad decision or rushed shot can lead to a series of mistakes that add extra strokes to your score. These big numbers are both frustrating and costly.
Most golfers don’t lose rounds because they miss birdies. They lose them because they cannot avoid trouble on tough holes. Learning to limit the damage is key to playing better and scoring lower.
In this blog, you will find simple and practical tips to help you avoid double and triple bogeys, stay in control, and keep your score on track.
Smart Club Selection
Choosing the right club off the tee can be the difference between a safe shot and a bad one. While it’s tempting to use your driver for more distance, it’s not always the best choice, especially if there are hazards like water, trees, or out-of-bounds nearby.
Take a moment to look at the hole and think about the risks. A shorter club like a 3-wood or hybrid might keep your shot in play and still leave you with an easy second shot. Giving up a little distance is worth it if it helps you avoid penalty strokes.
If you do choose to use your driver, be smart about where you tee up. For example, if there’s water on the right, tee up on the right side and aim left. This reduces the chance of your shot going into the hazard and helps keep your score on track.
Course Management
Course Management is about making smart decisions on the course. Flagsticks are often placed in spots that can punish an aggressive shot. The better you can spot potential trouble, the easier it will be to plan your shot.
A good rule is that there’s rarely trouble in the middle of the green. Many golfers would actually score better if they aimed for the middle instead of the flag, especially when the pin is near hazards. While you don’t always need to aim for the center, it’s safer to aim for it if the flag is near danger.
Choose shots you’re confident with. If you find yourself thinking, “If I hit this perfectly, my 9-iron will reach the green,” it might not be the best decision. If you’re unsure, play it safe with a club that gets you closer, even if it means coming up short.
Short Game Control
For many golfers, shots within 100 yards are a major cause of double bogeys. This part of your game can be improved quickly with practice.
Learning to hit different wedge shots and avoiding three-putts is something every golfer can achieve. With the right technique and more practice, these shots will become easier.
While tee shots and approach shots are important, the short game is often easier to improve. Fixing your swing takes time, but improving your short game can lead to quicker results.
Most golfers don’t spend enough time on their short game and lack the right technique. Focusing on this area can help you improve faster and reduce double bogeys.
Putting Practice
Practicing your putting is essential for lowering your score and avoiding three-putts, which can quickly add strokes to your round.
Many double or triple bogeys occur when golfers take three or more putts on a hole. To reduce this, PGA Tour players recommend practicing putts from distances like 30, 45, and 60 feet. Set up tees at each distance and practice putting from each spot to develop a better feel for the right stroke.
To avoid double and triple bogeys, focus on improving your putting. Practice often and be mindful of the risks you take on the course. If you’re unsure about a shot, it’s better to play it safe and enjoy the game.
Avoiding Wasted Shots
Avoiding wasted shots is crucial to controlling your score. A wasted shot could be a top, duff, or any shot that doesn’t move the ball forward effectively. Missing a green or fairway is fine as long as you made decent contact, but if you’re having trouble with consistency, it’s important to simplify your swing.
Having too many swing thoughts or a complicated plan can lead to poor shots. Focus on one or two key elements that work best for your swing. A simple preshot routine will help you focus and reduce miss-hits.
To lower your scores, focus on avoiding mistakes. Plan your shots, control your pace on the greens, and keep your swing simple and consistent. This will help you avoid big numbers and keep your game in control.
Stay Mentally Strong
Staying mentally strong is key to avoiding double bogeys and improving your game. Grit and resiliency are essential for keeping a positive mindset on the course.
Grit is the drive to stay focused on your goals, while resiliency is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Both are important for lowering your scores.
When things go wrong on the course, it’s important to stay calm. Grit and resiliency help you recover and stop mistakes from piling up. Take a moment to slow down, stay focused, and avoid letting one bad shot affect the next.
Controlling your emotions is just as important as your swing. Stay mentally tough, and you’ll improve your chances of getting rid of double bogeys.
Conclusion
Avoiding double and triple bogeys is key to lowering your score and enjoying your round. While it’s tempting to focus on perfecting your swing or hitting long drives, making simple, smart decisions is what really makes a difference.
By choosing the right clubs, managing the course wisely, improving your short game, and practicing your putting, you can reduce big numbers on your scorecard. Avoiding wasted shots and staying mentally strong will help you stay in control and bounce back from setbacks.
Remember, it’s not about perfect shots every time; it’s about minimizing mistakes and making smart choices. With some practice and a strong mindset, you can reduce double and triple bogeys and improve your golf game.
