Albatross Definition: Three Strokes Under Par
An albatross in golf means completing a hole in three strokes fewer than its par value. It is the second-rarest score possible on a single hole (after the condor) and represents an extraordinary feat of golfing skill and, frankly, some good fortune. On a par 5, an albatross is a score of 2. On a par 4, an albatross would be a hole-in-one.
In the United States, this score is more commonly called a double eagle. The rest of the English-speaking golf world, particularly Britain, Australia, and South Africa, uses the term "albatross." Both names refer to exactly the same achievement: three under par on a single hole.
The albatross name fits perfectly into golf's avian scoring system. Just as the albatross is a larger and more impressive bird than the eagle, an albatross score is more impressive (and rarer) than an eagle. The albatross seabird is known for its enormous wingspan and its ability to glide for thousands of miles without flapping, making it a fitting symbol for a score that seems to defy the normal limits of golf.
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Download Free on iOSHow Is an Albatross Scored?
An albatross can theoretically occur on any hole with a par of 4 or higher, though the realistic opportunities are quite limited:
| Hole Type | Par | Albatross Score | How It Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Par 4 | 4 | 1 (Hole-in-One) | Tee shot goes directly in the hole on a par 4 |
| Par 5 | 5 | 2 | Drive + holed second shot (typically 200-280 yards) |
The vast majority of albatrosses occur on par 5 holes, where a long drive is followed by a holed second shot from 200 or more yards. Achieving an albatross on a par 4 requires a hole-in-one on a par-4 hole, which means driving a ball 300-450+ yards directly into the cup, an almost inconceivably unlikely event.
How Rare Is an Albatross?
The albatross is one of the rarest achievements in all of sport. To put its rarity in perspective, consider these estimated odds:
For Amateur Golfers
The odds of an amateur golfer making an albatross are estimated at approximately 1 in 6 million shots. To put this in context, if you played 18 holes every week for your entire adult life, you would likely never make an albatross. Most amateur golfers will never witness one in person, let alone make one themselves.
For Professional Golfers
Even for tour professionals, the odds are estimated at roughly 1 in 1 million shots. Albatrosses occur only a handful of times each year across all professional golf tours worldwide. Many Hall of Fame golfers have completed their entire careers without recording a single albatross.
Comparison to Other Rare Scores
An albatross is roughly 6 times rarer than a hole-in-one for professionals and considerably rarer for amateurs. A hole-in-one happens approximately once per 2,500 rounds for a pro, while an albatross may happen once in a career spanning thousands of rounds.
Famous Albatrosses in Golf History
Gene Sarazen at the 1935 Masters (Hole 15)
This is arguably the most famous albatross in golf history and is often called "the shot heard round the world." Trailing Craig Wood by three strokes during the final round, Sarazen holed his 4-wood second shot from 235 yards on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta National. The double eagle allowed him to tie Wood and win the playoff the next day. This single shot is credited with putting The Masters on the map as a major championship.
Louis Oosthuizen at the 2012 Masters (Hole 2)
During the final round, Oosthuizen struck a 4-iron from 253 yards on the par-5 second hole. The ball landed on the green, bounced twice, and rolled directly into the cup. It was the first albatross recorded on the second hole at Augusta National, and one of only four albatrosses in Masters Tournament history. The crowd and television audience erupted in disbelief.
Jeff Maggert at the 2001 Masters (Hole 13)
Maggert holed his second shot on the par-5 13th hole during the second round of the 2001 Masters, making it one of the few albatrosses recorded at the famous Azalea hole. His 8-iron second shot traveled 222 yards before finding the bottom of the cup, momentarily vaulting him up the leaderboard.
Albatross vs Eagle: What Is the Difference?
Both are exceptional scores, but the difference is significant in terms of rarity and difficulty:
| Feature | Eagle (-2) | Albatross (-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Score on Par 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Pro Frequency | Every 3-4 rounds | A few times per career |
| Amateur Frequency | Once every 10-15 rounds (low hcp) | Once in a lifetime (if ever) |
| Typical Path on Par 5 | Green in 2 + 1 putt | Hole second shot from 200+ yards |
| US Name | Eagle | Double Eagle |
The Condor: Even Rarer Than an Albatross
If you thought an albatross was rare, the condor takes rarity to an almost mythical level. A condor is four strokes under par on a single hole, meaning a score of 1 on a par 5 (a hole-in-one on a par 5) or a score of 2 on a par 6.
Only a handful of condors have ever been reliably recorded in golf history. Most occurred on short par 5 holes with significant elevation drops or dogleg shortcuts that allowed the ball to roll an extraordinary distance. The conditions required are so specific that most golf course designs simply do not allow for the possibility.
Given that the average par 5 is 500+ yards and the longest verified drive in competitive golf history is around 500 yards, a condor requires either a uniquely designed hole or atmospheric conditions that are nearly impossible to predict. For all practical purposes, the albatross remains the rarest score most golfers will ever encounter.
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