What Is An Albatross in Golf?

Date Published: 21/11/2024

An albatross is one of the rarest achievements in golf, involving completing a hole in three strokes below par. It is one of the most prized accomplishments in the sport and has only been achieved by 18 players in major tournaments.

Why is it called an albatross in golf? 

The term “albatross” dates back to the 1800s and originates from American golfing circles. The word “bird” was first used as slang for something excellent and soon became associated with a shot one under par, known as a “birdie.” 

As golf evolved, additional terms were coined: “eagle” for two shots under par and “albatross” for three shots under par. These terms became widely adopted as golf’s popularity grew worldwide.

How do you get an albatross in golf​?

Achieving an albatross is extremely challenging, but the most realistic ways include:

• Scoring a hole-in-one on a par-four hole.
• Completing a par-five hole in two shots (the most common scenario).

To maximise your chances of achieving an albatross:

1. Lengthen Your Drive:
   Most modern par-five holes measure at least 450 yards, so driving 250–300 yards off the tee is essential to leave yourself in a strong position for your second shot.
2. Understand the Course:
   Familiarise yourself with the course layout, particularly fairways that slope downhill. By combining good clubhead speed with a favourable bounce, you may gain 50+ extra yards, bringing you closer to the hole.
3. Check the Weather:
   A windy day might work to your advantage. Tailwinds can help your ball travel farther than usual, so practice on windy days to prepare for such opportunities.
4. Hope for the Best:
   Scoring an albatross requires a fair amount of luck, so our final tip is to hope for the best and enjoy the challenge!

How does albatross in golf scoring work?

On a scorecard, an albatross is recorded as -3. Alternatively, the number of strokes required is displayed inside three circles.

Who scored the best albatross in golf​?

One of the most famous albatrosses was achieved by Nicholas Thompson in 2002 at the PGA Tour’s Safeway Open. He scored it on the par-five 11th hole at the Silverado Golf Club in California. This performance gained widespread attention, especially since he achieved a hole-in-one just two holes later.

Who Has Made an Albatross in Golf?

Here are some of the most notable albatrosses in golf history:

• Kevin Murray: Recorded the longest albatross in golf history, a 647-yard second hole.
• Nicholas Thompson: Achieved an albatross on the 11th hole during the 2002 PGA Safeway Open.
• Xander Schauffele: Scored an albatross on the 5th hole during the final round of The American Express in 2023.
• Brendan Steele: Made the first albatross in LIV Golf history on the par-five 17th hole at Greenbrier.

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FAQs

How many albatrosses have happened in golf history​?

Since 1983, 139 albatrosses have been scored in PGA tournaments. The most recent was achieved by Robby Shelton in March 2024. Across all levels of golf history, approximately 3,011 golfers have recorded an albatross or double eagle.

How rare is an albatross in golf​?

The odds of achieving an albatross are around 6 million to 1, making it significantly rarer than a hole-in-one, which has odds of 13,000 to 1.

In golf how many shots under par is an albatross?

An albatross is three shots under par.

What is a double albatross in golf?

A double albatross, also known as a triple eagle or condor, refers to a score of four shots under par on a single hole. To achieve this, you would need to:

• Score a hole-in-one on a par-five.
• Score two on a par-six.