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 :Birdie :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
Albatross vs. Eagle in Golf Key Differences & Rarity Explained
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?
How Rare is an Albatross in Golf Odds & Statistics Explained Scoring an albatross
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: Famous Golfers Who Have Scored an Albatross in History
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
Strategies to Achieve an Albatross in Golf Tips & Techniques 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?
How to Track and Record an Albatross in Golf Tips for Golfers Rules for Recording: 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a condor in golf?
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A condor is an extremely rare score where a player completes a hole four strokes under par (e.g., a hole-in-one on a par-5 or a score of two on a par-6). It is the rarest achievement in golf, even rarer than an albatross.
How many albatrosses have occurred in golf history?
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Albatrosses are incredibly rare in professional golf, with only a few dozen recorded in major tournaments. The PGA Tour and European Tour have seen fewer than 100 albatrosses in their histories, making it a rare feat in the sport.
How rare is an albatross in golf?
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An albatross (double eagle) is one of the rarest scores in golf, occurring in approximately one in a million rounds. It is significantly less common than a hole-in-one due to the difficulty of reaching a par-5 green in two shots and sinking the second shot.
What is the difference between a golf albatross and a double eagle?
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A golf albatross and a double eagle are the same thing—they both refer to a score of three strokes under par on a single hole (e.g., scoring 2 on a par-5). “Double eagle” is commonly used in the U.S., while “albatross” is recognized internationally.
Who has made an albatross in golf?
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Some of the most famous albatrosses in golf history include:
Gene Sarazen – 1935 Masters Tournament (first televised albatross)Louis Oosthuizen – 2012 Masters TournamentNicholas Thompson – 2009 Fry’s Open
What is an eagle in golf?
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An eagle in golf refers to a score that is two strokes under par on a single hole. For example:
Scoring 3 on a par-5
Scoring 2 on a par-4
Eagles are much more common than albatrosses and are often achieved by professional players.
Why is it called an albatross in golf?
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The term “albatross” symbolizes the incredible difficulty of achieving a score three under par on a single hole. It follows the tradition of bird-related golf terms like “birdie” and “eagle,” with an albatross being even rarer.
What is an albatross in golf swing ?
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An albatross in golf swing does not refer to a specific swing technique. Instead, the term “albatross” in golf is a scoring term used when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole (e.g., scoring 2 on a par-5).
What is an albatross in golf handicap ?
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An albatross does not have a direct impact on a golfer’s handicap calculation. However, if a high-handicap golfer achieves an albatross, it can significantly improve their score and influence their handicap index for future rounds.
What is an albatross in golf orbit?
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The phrase “albatross in golf orbit” is not a widely recognized term. However, it may refer to the rare and extraordinary nature of an albatross in golf, emphasizing its difficulty and near-mythical status in the sport.
