How to Bounce Back After a Triple Bogey

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. And nothing tests that mental side more than the dreaded triple bogey. One bad hole can derail an entire round if you let it — but it doesn’t have to.

The best golfers know how to reset quickly, regain confidence, and avoid letting one mistake turn into a meltdown.

If you’ve ever walked off the green with a triple bogey and felt your score slipping away, this guide is for you.

Let’s walk through the mindset, strategy, and bounce-back techniques that can help you recover fast and finish strong.

Pause and Reset Before the Next Tee

Before you even reach for your driver on the next hole, take a breath — literally. One of the worst things you can do after a blow-up hole is rush into the next one still frustrated.

Give yourself a short mental timeout.

• Step aside for 15–30 seconds and take a few deep breaths
• Re-grip your focus to the present moment — not the past mistake
• Use a reset routine (e.g. glove on, align clubface, smooth practice swing)
• Remind yourself: “I’ve bounced back before. Let’s start fresh right now.”

The next shot is a new opportunity. Treat it that way.

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Adjust Expectations, Not Your Game Plan

It’s tempting to try to “make up” for that triple bogey by forcing birdies — but that mindset often leads to another mistake. Instead, stick to your strategy and focus on playing solid golf one shot at a time.

Don’t swing harder. Don’t take reckless risks. You don’t need to chase anything. A few steady pars or a bounce-back par-birdie combo can get you right back on track.

Remember: You don’t need to erase the triple — you need to stop the bleeding. And you do that by staying patient and composed.

Lean Into Your Strengths

After a big mistake, confidence takes a hit. The fastest way to rebuild it is by hitting a shot you know you can pull off.

• Favor a club or shape that you trust
• Pick a conservative target if your nerves are elevated
• Commit fully to each shot, even if you’re playing it safer

Find comfort in routine and rhythm. Even hitting a fairway or solid iron shot can calm your nerves and bring you back into the zone.

Learn Without Dwelling

You can use the triple bogey as a learning opportunity — but only after the round. In the moment, don’t overanalyze or relive the mistake. Doing so keeps your brain locked in frustration mode.

After the round, ask:

• What specifically went wrong — decision-making, execution, or emotional control?
• Was it preventable? If so, how?
• What can I do differently next time in a similar situation?

Use that reflection to make future improvements — but during the round, move on. Learn later, perform now.

Watch Your Body Language

The mental game and physical presence are closely tied. If you look defeated, you’ll feel defeated.

But if you walk tall, breathe deep, and keep your routine, you can trick your brain back into performance mode.

• Keep your head up
• Maintain a steady pace
• Focus on the shot in front of you
• Don’t let your group see you spiral — project resilience

You might not feel confident yet, but acting with composure helps you reclaim it faster.

Use the Triple as Fuel — Not Fire

Some players get mad and let it burn their round to the ground. Others get mad and use it as fuel to play sharper golf moving forward. Channel the emotion productively.

Tell yourself:

“That hole’s gone. I’ve got more chances ahead. I can still post a solid score.”

Anger is only destructive if it controls your decisions. If you direct it into focus and intensity, it becomes a weapon — not a weakness.

Conclusion

Everyone makes mistakes in golf. What separates the best players is how quickly they bounce back. A triple bogey doesn’t define your round — your response to it does.

By resetting your mindset, sticking to your plan, and playing one shot at a time, you can turn a frustrating moment into a powerful turning point. You’ll not only save your round — you’ll become a more resilient, mentally tough golfer in the process.

Next time you card a triple, remember: the best golf is still ahead.

Golf Practice Plans to Follow

• How to Score in the 60’s Golf Training Plan
• How to Score in the 70’s Golf Training Plan
• How to Score in the 80’s Golf Training Plan
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Thanks for reading today’s article!

Nick Foy – Golf Instructor