What is an Albatross in Golf: How to Achieve It, Famous Moments & Tips

What is an Albatross in Golf?

An albatross in golf, also known as a double eagle, is one of the rarest scoring achievements, occurring when a golfer completes a hole three strokes under par.

Golf comes with its unique phrases, especially when talking about scoring. Some words often encountered are:

• Par: The estimated number of strokes it will take a golfer to finish a hole.
• Birdie: Completing a hole with one stroke less than par.
• Eagle: Completing a hole with two strokes less than par.
• Albatross: Sometimes referred to as double eagle or scoring three strokes under par on a single hole.

For many golf enthusiasts, the ‘albatross’ is the rarest achievement in golf. Completing a hole with an albatross, which is sometimes also referred to as a double eagle, requires precise skill, a stroke of luck, and good planning.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about the rarest golf achievement: the albatross, from how it’s scored to historic moments of golf.

How is an Albatross Scored?

An albatross can only be scored on a par 5 or, in very rare cases, a par 4.

• On a Par 5 Hole: A golfer scores an albatross by scoring a hole in one on their third shot, following an exceptional drive that sets them up perfectly. This requires an accurate and long tee shot followed by an approach shot that is perfectly executed and goes in the hole.

• On a Par 4 Hole: A golfer can achieve an albatross if they get a hole in one, which is practically unheard of but possible during unique conditions, such as a help tailwind or downhill slopes that promote extra ball roll.

Example Scenarios:

• Undoubtedly, you can imagine a powerful tee shot that a golfer would hit on a par-5 followed by an equally perfect second shot, landing directly in the hole, thereby skipping the need for a putt.

• Using a drive that’s set straight in the direction of parallel while aimed into a hole leads to ease of Achieving an Albatross and Hole in One in the same stroke which fewer than five players in history are known to have accomplished.

Albatross vs. Eagle in Golf

Feature	Eagle	Albatross
Strokes Under Par	-2	-3
Frequency	More Common	Extremely Rare
Holes Achieved On	Par 4, Par 5	Mostly Par 5

When comparing the achievements of Albatross and Eagle, an eagle occurs when a golfer scores two under par on one hole, while an Albatross is three under par. When setting a new record for round per hole an Eagle is 100 times more common than albatross.

Key Differences:

• With a little grace everyone can reach the easily attainable bereavement as in “eagle”. An eagle score is made especially easy on par 5 holes as a golfer can achieve it by getting to the green in two shots, and subsequently, only putt for eagle.

• An albatross is far rarer since it may be earned by either holing out from long distance or getting a hole-in-one on a very long hole.

Difficulty Comparison:

• Eagles are achieved on short par-4 holes, or by strong second shots on par-5 holes. Therefore, they are much more common than albatrosses.

• Even professional golfers may reach an albatross once in their careers, and that is only possible if they manage to hole out from long terrain.

How Rare is an Albatross in Golf?

Scoring an albatross is extremely difficult to accomplish, making it rarer than scoring a hole-in-one.

Statistical Likelihood:

• The approximate chance of an amateur golfer making an albatross is 1 in 6 million.

• For professional golfers, the odds improve to 1 in 1 million due to their better distance control, thus making the statistic slightly better.

Comparison to Other Rare Feats:

• Condor is scoring 4 strokes under par (e.g. a hole-in-one on a par-5); and is even rarer than an albatross.

• While a hole-in-one occurs more often, it is much easier to achieve since par-3 holes allow direct tee shots into the green.

For official golf scoring rules, visit the USGA Rules of Golf.

Famous Golfers Who Have Made an Albatross:

• Louis Oosthuizen (2012 Masters): His albatross in the second hole of Augusta National is one of the most well-known in Masters’ history.

• Gene Sarazen (1935 Masters): One of the earliest documented albatrosses in a major tournament, “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”.

• Nicholas Thompson (2009 PGA Tour event): A contemporary example of this classic rarity.

• Andrew Magee (2001 Phoenix Open): Albatross and a record setting hole-in-one on a par 4 during the tournament.

For more records on famous albatross shots, check out the Wikipedia.

Strategies to Achieve an Albatross in Golf

Achieving an albatross involves a golfer finishing a hole in three strokes lower than par. With the average layout of a golf course, an albatross can only be scored at a par 5 or a par 4 hole.

Choice of Golf Club:

• Driver: Used to achieve optimum distance off the tee, which helps in creating long approach opportunities.

• Fairway Wood / Long Iron: Required for the second shot on a par 5 to be able to hit the green in 2 strokes.

Skills Needed for Success:

• Drives that are strong but need to be tempered for perfect positioning with the second shot.

• Achieving soft landings through perfect approach shots gives the probability of holing the ball from a distance greater accuracy.

Course Conditions:

• Having an albatross is made possible by enabling shots to roll further and decreasing the margin for error with favorable wind conditions and firm greens.

For expert insights on golf shot execution, visit Golf Digest’s Shot Execution Tips.

Difference Between an Albatross & a Double Eagle

No, albatross and double eagle refer to the same score of three under par.

• “Albatross” is the globally recognized term.
• “Double Eagle” is primarily used in the United States.

Is There a Real Difference?

No, the terms offer reference to the same rare achievement but ‘albatross’ is the more common term in professional golfing.

How to Track and Record an Albatross?

Rules for Recording:

• Professional Golfers: An albatross is marked on the scorecards of professional golfers and regarded as a big accomplishment which is celebrated.

• Amateur Golfers: Amateur golfers are able to record their personal scorecards or use golf apps to save their best shots during rare occasions.

Conclusion

Golfers appreciate the difficulty of making an albatross as it’s one of the most exciting feats in golf. Although creating one is a challenge, the chances can be improved by focusing on accuracy and distance.

Did you or someone you know ever witness or accomplish an albatross? Tell us your story at Elite Golf Hub!