If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the term “albatross” thrown around on the course or while watching a professional tournament. An albatross is one of the rarest and most impressive achievements in the golf sport. But in golf what is an albatross? and why is this feat so remarkable?
In golf, an albatross refers to scoring three under par on a single hole. On top of it all it is a rare shot to make for even the best golfers in the world. Essentially, an albatross is achieved when a golfer can complete a par-5 hole in only three strokes, compared to the expected 5 strokes to make par.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- An “albatross” in golf is a remarkable and rare achievement, representing a score of three strokes under par on a single hole.
- Scoring an albatross requires exceptional skill, precision, and sometimes a touch of luck.
- Albatrosses are rarer than eagles and birdies, making them a standout accomplishment in the world of golf.
- Notable professional golfers have achieved albatrosses, adding to the mystique of this scoring term.
What is an Albatross in Golf?
An albatross in golf, often referred to as a “double-eagle,” is a term used to describe an exceptionally rare scoring achievement on a single hole.
The Origins of the Term “Albatross” in Golf
Have you ever wondered why this remarkable golf achievement is named after a seabird, the albatross? The term “albatross” in golf is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and was likely inspired by the notion that achieving such a rare feat in golf. The name stuck, and it has been used in golf ever since to describe this extraordinary accomplishment.
The Feat of Scoring an Albatross in 3 Strokes
To score an albatross, a golfer must complete a par-5 hole in only 3 strokes on the golf course. This requires hitting an incredibly accurate and long tee shot, followed by a second shot that lands the golf ball within makeable distance of the hole. The golfer must then sink the putt in a single stroke.
So in total, an albatross is made with a drive, a long iron shot, and a sank putt – using just three strokes instead of the five expected on a par-5 hole.
How Rare Is an Albatross in Golf?
So just how rare is it to score an albatross in golf? The odds have been estimated around 6 million to 1 – about twice as unlikely as making a hole-in-one. Even the best PGA Championship golfers may go their whole careers without ever achieving an albatross.
The stars really need to align with the perfect combination of distance, accuracy, and luck. So when an amateur golfer manages to score an albatross, it’s an extremely rare feat worthy of celebrating.
What is a Condor in Golf Terms?
While the albatross is a rare and impressive achievement, there’s an even rarer scoring term in golf known as a “condor.” A condor is a term used to describe a hole in one on a par-5 hole, resulting in a score of 4. Scoring a condor is considered one of the most extraordinary feats in golf, and it’s an even greater rarity than the albatross.
Comparison to Eagle and Birdie Golf Scores
An albatross differs from an eagle in that an eagle is two strokes under par. On a par-5, an eagle is made by reaching the hole in 4 strokes instead of 5. An albatross bests an eagle by an additional stroke under par.
Scoring an eagle is itself an impressive feat. So scoring an albatross demonstrates an even higher caliber of skill and luck.
Making birdie by scoring one under par is a much more common occurrence than either an eagle or an albatross. But all three scoring terms represent achievements versus simply making par.
Notable Albatrosses in Major Tournaments
Some of the most famous albatrosses have occurred during major PGA tournaments:
- At the 1935 Masters Tournament, Gene Sarazen scored a rare double eagle (another term for albatross) on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta National. This helped him win the tournament.
- During the final round of the 2012 Masters, Louis Oosthuizen made albatross on the par 5 2nd hole, the first ever albatross on that hole.
- At the 2013 Waste Management Phoenix Open, amateur golfer Reagan Erwin scored a double eagle on the par-4 17th hole with his second shot
Notable Golfers Who Have Made Albatross
While the albatross remains an exceedingly rare golf achievement, some notable professional and amateur golfers have managed to reach this milestone over the years:
- Professional Golfers: Gene Sarazen, Louis Oosthuizen, Joaquin Niemann
- Amateur Golfers: Reagan Erwin, Connor Levesque, Patrick Sniffen
Gene Sarazen’s famous double eagle at Augusta has gone down in golf history as one of the sport’s most iconic moments. Oosthuizen and Niemann show that even today’s top PGA stars have only scored albatross a handful of times in competition.
And stories of amateur golfers like Erwin accomplishing this remarkable feat in golf provide inspiration to everyday players. Scoring an albatross requires prodigious skill for pros and amateurs alike.
Has Tiger Woods or Any Major Pro Ever Scored Albatross?
With 15 major championship wins, Tiger Woods is considered among the greatest golfers ever. But even he has never managed to make an albatross in PGA Tour competition.
In fact, there are only a handful of prominent pros who’ve achieved this milestone:
- As mentioned before, Louis Oosthuizen scored albatross at the 2012 Masters
- Fellow South African golfer Ernie Els has made albatross twice during his illustrious PGA career
- Rising young Chilean star Joaquin Niemann carded an albatross at the 2020 Sentry Tournament of Champions
So while today’s top professionals have collectively racked up many eagles and hole-in-ones, even they have rarely accomplished the prestigious albatross. This demonstrates how truly difficult it is, even for the world’s best.
FAQs
What is the difference between an albatross, an eagle, and a birdie in golf?
An albatross is the rarest and most impressive achievement in golf, representing a score of three strokes under par on a single hole. An eagle is two strokes under par, typically achieved on a par-5 hole in four strokes. A birdie is one stroke under par, commonly attained by completing a hole in one stroke less than its designated par.
How rare is it to score an albatross in golf?
Scoring an albatross in golf is exceptionally rare, with estimated odds of approximately 6 million to 1. Even professional golfers may go their entire careers without achieving this remarkable feat, highlighting its rarity.
Why is an albatross called an “albatross” in golf?
The term “albatross” in golf is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and it was likely named after the seabird, the albatross, due to the notion that achieving such a rare feat in golf was as elusive as encountering this bird at sea. The name has stuck and has been used ever since to describe this extraordinary accomplishment.
Conclusion
Now you must have an idea of what is an albatross in golf and what is its significance. As its is the rarest and most impressive achievement a golfer can attain. It represents the perfect blend of skill, precision, and a touch of luck.
While it may be challenging to score an albatross, the pursuit of this elusive accomplishment adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.
