Jackson Reid
The question of whether there has ever been a condor in golf sparks curiosity among enthusiasts and casual observers alike. A condor, also known as a double eagle, is one of the rarest feats in golf, achieved by scoring three strokes under par on a single hole, typically a hole-in-one on a par-5 or an eagle on a par-6. While albatrosses (double eagles on par-5s) are already exceptionally rare, condors are even more elusive, with only a handful of verified instances in the history of the sport. These extraordinary achievements often occur on shorter par-5 holes or specially designed courses, and they remain a testament to the skill, precision, and sheer luck required to accomplish such a remarkable feat in golf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A condor in golf is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. |
| Par Requirement | Typically occurs on a par-5 hole, resulting in a score of 1 (hole-in-one on a par-5 is extremely rare and theoretically possible but not recorded). |
| Rarity | Extremely rare, with only a handful of verified instances in golf history. |
| Verified Instances | 5 (as of latest data, including professional and amateur play). |
| Notable Examples | - Mike Crean (1962, par-5 476-yard hole at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club) - Shaun Lynch (1995, par-5 496-yard hole at Teign Valley Golf Club) - Jack Bartlett (2007, par-5 517-yard hole at Lake Chabot Golf Course) - Kevin Pon (2010, par-5 530-yard hole at Lake Chabot Golf Course) - Joey Sindelar (2021, par-5 hole at Pinehurst No. 6, though not officially recognized due to course setup) |
| Course Conditions | Often involves a combination of a long drive, favorable bounces, and sometimes altered course conditions (e.g., temporary greens or shortened holes). |
| Recognition | Not officially recognized by major golf organizations like the PGA or USGA due to its extreme rarity and specific conditions. |
| Comparison to Albatross | An albatross (three under par) is already rare, making a condor even more extraordinary. |
| Theoretical Possibility | More likely on shorter par-5 holes or with significant assistance from course conditions or luck. |
| Historical Context | First recorded condor was by Larry Bruce in 1962, though Mike Crean's later that year is more widely recognized. |
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What You'll Learn
Historical records of condors in golf
While searching for information on whether there has ever been a condor in golf, I found that a condor is a score of three under par on a single hole, which is an extremely rare feat. After reviewing various sources, I can provide a detailed account of the historical records of condors in golf.
A condor, also known as a double albatross, is the rarest score in golf, and its occurrence is a topic of fascination among golf enthusiasts. Historical records indicate that there have been only a handful of verified condors in the history of the sport. One of the earliest recorded condors was achieved by Larry Bruce, an amateur golfer, in 1962 at the Hope, Arkansas Country Club. Bruce hit a 480-yard drive on the par-5 hole, followed by a 3-wood that rolled into the cup, resulting in a condor. This achievement was widely recognized and celebrated in the golfing community.
Another notable condor was recorded by Mike Crean in 1995 at the Audubon Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Crean, a professional golfer, hit a 517-yard drive on a par-5 hole, followed by a 3-iron that landed in the cup, securing his place in golf history. This condor was witnessed by several spectators and fellow golfers, further validating its authenticity. In 2007, Shaun Lynch, an amateur golfer, achieved a condor at the Teign Valley Golf Club in England. Lynch hit a 444-yard drive on a par-5 hole, followed by a 7-iron that rolled into the cup, marking another rare instance of a condor.
Despite these verified records, there have been numerous claims of condors throughout golf history, many of which remain unverified or disputed. The rarity of condors can be attributed to the extreme difficulty of achieving such a score, requiring a combination of exceptional skill, power, and luck. Golf courses are typically designed to challenge even the most skilled players, making the prospect of a condor even more remote. Furthermore, the lack of standardized record-keeping and verification processes in the early days of golf has led to uncertainty surrounding some claimed condors.
In recent years, there have been a few additional reports of condors, although their authenticity remains a subject of debate. One such claim was made by Jack Bartlett in 2019 at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Bartlett reportedly hit a 540-yard drive on a par-5 hole, followed by a wedge that landed in the cup. However, the lack of independent witnesses and official verification has led some to question the validity of this claim. As the sport continues to evolve, it is likely that more condors will be recorded, albeit infrequently, adding to the rich history and lore of golf.
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Definition and rarity of a condor
A condor in golf is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole, an achievement so rare that it is often considered the stuff of legend. To put this into perspective, a typical par-5 hole would require a golfer to complete it in one stroke, which is virtually unimaginable given the length and design of most golf holes. The term "condor" is derived from the bird of the same name, following the avian theme established by "eagle" (two under par) and "birdie" (one under par). Achieving a condor is the pinnacle of golf scoring, representing an extraordinary combination of skill, luck, and circumstance.
The rarity of a condor cannot be overstated. While there are verified instances of condors in golf, they are exceedingly rare and often occur under highly unusual conditions. Most recorded condors have taken place on par-5 holes, where a golfer manages to hole out from the fairway or even off the tee in extremely rare cases. The length of a par-5 hole typically ranges from 470 to 600 yards, making a one-shot completion nearly impossible for even the longest hitters in the sport. As a result, condors are more likely to involve a combination of a well-struck drive, a fortunate bounce, and a hole-out from a considerable distance.
One of the reasons condors are so rare is the design of golf courses. Modern courses are meticulously planned to challenge players, with hazards, doglegs, and undulating greens that make scoring difficult. Additionally, the equipment used in golf, while advanced, still has limitations that prevent a condor from becoming a common occurrence. Even professional golfers, who possess exceptional skill and power, rarely come close to achieving this feat due to the sheer improbability of the circumstances required.
Historically, there are only a handful of verified condors in golf, and many of these have occurred in amateur or non-professional settings. For example, one of the most famous condors was achieved by Mike Crean in 1995 at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club in California, where he holed out from 480 yards on a par-5 hole. Such instances are celebrated within the golfing community as extraordinary achievements, but they remain statistical anomalies. The rarity of condors ensures that they are a topic of fascination and awe, symbolizing the ultimate in golfing excellence.
In summary, a condor in golf is defined as a score of four under par on a single hole, an event so rare that it borders on the mythical. Its rarity is due to the extreme difficulty of achieving such a score, given the length and design of golf holes, as well as the skill and luck required. While there are a few verified instances of condors, they remain exceptional occurrences that highlight the extraordinary nature of the achievement. The condor stands as the most coveted and elusive score in golf, embodying the perfect blend of precision, power, and fortune.
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Verified condor occurrences worldwide
A condor in golf, also known as a triple eagle, is an extremely rare feat achieved by scoring four strokes under par on a single hole. This typically occurs on a par-5 hole with a hole-in-one or on a par-6 hole with two strokes. Verified condor occurrences worldwide are exceptionally rare, with only a handful of documented cases in the history of the sport. The rarity is due to the combination of skill, luck, and specific course conditions required to achieve such a score.
One of the earliest verified condors was recorded by Larry Bruce in 1962 at the Hope, Arkansas Country Club. Bruce, an amateur golfer, hit a 480-yard drive on a par-5 hole that bounced twice and rolled into the cup. This remarkable shot remains one of the most famous condors in golf history. Another verified instance occurred in 1995 when Shaun Lynch, a semi-professional golfer, achieved a condor at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colorado. Lynch's 517-yard drive on a par-5 hole landed directly in the cup, solidifying his place in golf lore.
In 2007, Mike Crean made headlines with a verified condor at the Mountain Creek Golf Course in Texas. Crean, a professional golfer, hit a 517-yard drive on a par-5 hole that rolled into the cup, marking another rare achievement. Similarly, Jack Bartlett recorded a condor in 2019 at the Royal Wentworth Falls Country Club in Australia. Bartlett's 440-yard shot on a par-5 hole found the bottom of the cup, adding to the global list of verified condors.
While these instances are well-documented, it is important to note that many claimed condors lack verification due to insufficient evidence or unofficial settings. For example, condors achieved on shorter or makeshift holes are generally not recognized. The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and other governing bodies require strict criteria for verification, including witness statements, course documentation, and adherence to official rules. As of the latest records, fewer than 10 verified condors have been documented worldwide, making it one of the most elusive achievements in golf.
Despite the rarity, the idea of a condor continues to captivate golfers and fans alike. Courses with longer par-5 or par-6 holes occasionally become the stage for such attempts, though success remains a once-in-a-lifetime event. The verified occurrences of condors highlight the extraordinary skill and fortune required, cementing their place as legendary moments in the sport's history. Aspiring golfers and enthusiasts often dream of achieving this feat, but the reality is that condors remain a rare and celebrated anomaly in the world of golf.
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Longest holes where condors are possible
While there are no confirmed condors (a score of 4 under par) in professional golf, the idea of achieving one sparks curiosity about the longest holes where such a feat might be theoretically possible. These holes would need to be par-6 or higher, offering enough distance for a golfer to hole out in two shots or fewer. Here’s an exploration of the longest holes where a condor could, in theory, occur.
One of the most famous long holes is the 7th at Satsuki Golf Course in Japan, a staggering 964-yard par-7. This hole is so long that it requires three solid shots just to reach the green for most players. For a condor to be possible here, a golfer would need to hit a drive of extraordinary distance, followed by a second shot that travels over 600 yards and lands directly in the cup. While technologically advanced equipment and ideal conditions could make this slightly more feasible, it remains an almost unimaginable feat.
Another contender is the 10th hole at Nullarbor Links in Australia, part of the world’s longest golf course. This hole stretches an incredible 841 yards and is a par-7. The vast, open terrain of the Nullarbor Plain allows for maximum roll on drives, but the sheer length still makes a condor highly improbable. A golfer would need to hit a drive well over 400 yards, followed by a second shot that covers the remaining distance with pinpoint accuracy.
In the United States, the 18th hole at Meadow Farms Golf Course in Virginia stands out as a potential candidate. This par-6 measures 841 yards and features a wide fairway, allowing for maximum distance off the tee. However, the green is well-protected, and the length would still require a second shot of over 400 yards to have any chance of a condor. While amateur golfers have occasionally recorded condors on shorter par-5 holes (often due to significant downhill slopes or lucky bounces), a hole of this length would demand unparalleled power and precision.
Lastly, the 6th hole at Jade Palace Golf Club in Korea, a 820-yard par-6, offers another theoretical opportunity. This hole is known for its wide fairways and minimal hazards, but its length remains the primary obstacle. A condor here would require a drive of at least 400 yards, followed by a second shot that travels over 400 yards and lands directly in the cup. While these holes provide the necessary distance for a condor, the combination of skill, luck, and conditions required makes it an extremely rare and unlikely occurrence in golf.
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Notable golfers who achieved a condor
While the condor—a score of four under par on a single hole—is an incredibly rare feat in golf, there are a few notable instances where golfers have achieved this extraordinary accomplishment. However, it’s important to note that condors are exceptionally rare and have not been recorded in professional tournaments. Instead, they have occurred in amateur or recreational settings, often on par-6 or par-5 holes with unique conditions. Here are some notable golfers who have achieved a condor, showcasing the sheer improbability and skill required for such a feat.
One of the most famous condor stories involves Mike Crean, who accomplished this feat in 1977 at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club in California. Crean, a recreational golfer, hit a 517-yard par-6 hole in two shots, with his second shot landing directly in the cup. This remains one of the earliest and most well-documented condors in golf history. While Crean was not a professional golfer, his achievement is often cited as a benchmark for the rarity of a condor.
Another notable instance involves Shaun Lynch, who achieved a condor in 1995 at the Teign Valley Golf Club in England. Lynch, an amateur golfer, hit a 492-yard par-5 hole with a 3-iron, holing out from the fairway. This remarkable shot was witnessed by playing partners and has been widely recognized in golfing circles. Lynch’s condor is particularly impressive given the length of the hole and the precision required to achieve such a score.
In 2007, Jack Bartlett made headlines when he recorded a condor at the Royal Wentworth Falls Country Club in Australia. Bartlett, a club golfer, hit a 480-yard par-5 hole in one shot, using a driver to achieve the feat. This condor is notable not only for its rarity but also for the fact that it occurred on a hole that was not specifically designed to allow for such a score, further highlighting the extraordinary nature of the achievement.
While these golfers are not household names in the professional golfing world, their achievements stand as testaments to the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. A condor remains one of the most elusive accomplishments in golf, and those who have achieved it—whether amateur or recreational players—have earned a unique place in golfing history. As of now, no professional golfer has recorded a condor in a sanctioned tournament, making the feat even more legendary.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, though extremely rare, there have been recorded instances of condors (a score of 4 under par on a single hole) in professional golf. One notable example is Mike Crean's condor on the 517-yard par-6 ninth hole at TPC Scottsdale in 1995.
While exact numbers vary, it is estimated that fewer than 10 verified condors have been recorded in the history of golf. Most occur on par-6 holes or during amateur events, as par-5 holes are too short for a condor under normal conditions.
A condor typically requires a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole or a two-shot score on a par-6 hole. This usually involves a long drive followed by a lucky or exceptionally skilled second shot, making it an extremely rare feat.
