Two of the most critical words to the game of golf are bogey and par. There is some history behind these words.
A score of one over par on a hole is known as bogey. Developed in England in the 19th Century, the word “Bogey” was coined at the Great Yarmouth Club. At the time “Hush! Hush! Hush! Here Comes the Bogey Man” was a popular song. In Scotland, bogey man was used for a goblin or devil. Only in the 20th Century the word bogey started to use for one over par.
Many believe the word “par” comes from the stock exchange where it used for values above or below the normal value. In 1870, perfect 49 was considered the score to complete the 12 holes for “The Open” at the Prestwick. The organizers called it “par.” In terms of the usage “par” predates “bogey.” In 1911, the United States Golf Association started using standard par for distances. Up to 225 yards is Par 3, 225 to 425 yards is Par 4, 426 to 600 yards is Par 5, and over 601 yards is Par 6. Americans also started to use one over par as a bogey.