The first thing that any non-golfing readers is wondering is what, in golf, is a bogey. Simply put, it is a score of one stroke over par on any individual hole on a course - in other words if the hole is a par 4, that means you ought to get the ball in the hole within four strokes, but if you take five you have played a bogey.
As to how you play with these cards, I have absolutely no idea. But I am sure that one of you will not only know, but be able to tell us, in simple terms.
There is a question about this date of issue. We know that the set was originally issued in March 1933., without the overprint in red. This version arrived some time later, and was the exact same set, just with overprint across the top of the text, telling the smoker that they did not have long to complete their set. The debate is whether the overprint arrived in late January or early February, but I tend to feel February more likely.
The two sets are catalogued in our original Churchman reference book (RB.10) issued in 1948, as :
- 26. Mar.1933. 55. CAN YOU BEAT BOGEY AT ST ANDREWS ? (titled series). Size 2 11/16" x 1 7/16", or 67 x 36 m/m. Numbered 1-55. Fronts lithographed in colour. Backs in black, with descriptions. Printed by Mardon, Son & Hall. Note : FOUR joker cards can be collected, "Golfer with Halo" and "Bottle of Whiskey", each with (a) "Available at Bogey 3 Holes", and (b) "Only available...."
- 27. 1933. 55. CAN YOU BEAT BOGEY AT ST ANDREWS ? (titled series). Identical to item (26) but bearing inscription on back reading "Exchangeable until 28th February 1934"
This is slightly different in our original World Tobacco Issues Index, where the entry reads :
- CAN YOU BEAT BOGEY AT ST ANDREWS ? Sm. Nd. (55) ... C82-36
A. Set of 55 - alternatives at No.55, see RB.10/26
B. Overprinted in red "Exchangeable until 28th February 1934"
And in our updated World Tobacco Issues Index it has reduced still more, to just :
- CAN YOU BEAT BOGEY AT ST ANDREWS ? Sm. Nd. (55) .Alternative subjects at No.55 ... C504-430
A. Sm. (55) B. Overprinted in red "Exchangeable until 28th February 1934"