Trevor Ng
The double eagle, also known as an albatross, is one of the rarest and most celebrated feats in golf, achieved when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole. Typically occurring on par-5 holes with a well-executed combination of a long drive and a precise second shot, this accomplishment has been recorded only a handful of times in professional golf history. Notable instances include Gene Sarazen’s iconic shot at the 1935 Masters and more recent achievements by players like Joey Sindelar and Shaun Micheel. While the exact number of double eagles in golf history is difficult to pinpoint due to varying levels of documentation, especially in earlier eras, it is estimated that fewer than 100 have been recorded in major professional tournaments, making it a truly legendary milestone in the sport.
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What You'll Learn
Major Championship Double Eagles
In the annals of golf history, the double eagle, or albatross, remains one of the rarest and most celebrated feats. Achieving a score of three under par on a single hole is a testament to skill, precision, and often, a touch of luck. When it comes to Major Championship Double Eagles, the occurrences are even more scarce, given the heightened pressure and difficulty of major tournament courses. As of recent records, there have been fewer than 10 double eagles recorded in the history of golf's major championships, making each one a historic moment.
One of the most iconic Major Championship Double Eagles occurred during the 1985 PGA Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club. Hal Sutton achieved this remarkable feat on the par-5 14th hole during the final round. His 4-wood from 232 yards found the bottom of the cup, propelling him to victory. This albatross not only secured Sutton's place in history but also highlighted the dramatic impact such a shot can have on the outcome of a major tournament. It remains one of the most replayed and revered moments in PGA Championship history.
Another memorable instance took place during the 2012 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Louis Oosthuizen recorded a double eagle on the par-5 2nd hole during the final round. His 4-iron from 253 yards landed softly and rolled into the hole, marking only the fourth albatross in Masters history. This shot energized the crowd and momentarily put Oosthuizen in contention, though he ultimately finished runner-up. The rarity of a double eagle at Augusta National, where precision and course knowledge are paramount, made this moment even more extraordinary.
The U.S. Open has also witnessed its share of double eagles, though they are exceedingly rare. One notable example occurred in 2015 at Chambers Bay, where Jack Nicklaus famously achieved an albatross during a practice round, though not in official competition. In major championship play, however, the feat remains elusive, with no recorded double eagles in recent U.S. Open history. The Open Championship (British Open) has seen a handful of albatrosses, including one by Jeff Maggert in 2001 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, though these moments are few and far between.
Achieving a double eagle in a major championship requires not only exceptional skill but also the right combination of hole design, weather conditions, and strategic play. Par-5 holes, typically ranging from 500 to 600 yards, are the most common setting for such feats, as they allow players to reach the green in two shots with a combination of a long drive and a precise second shot. However, the narrow windows of opportunity and the unforgiving nature of major championship courses make these moments truly special.
In summary, Major Championship Double Eagles are among the most coveted achievements in golf, with fewer than 10 recorded in history. Each instance is a testament to the player's ability to rise to the occasion under immense pressure. From Hal Sutton's clutch 4-wood at the 1985 PGA Championship to Louis Oosthuizen's historic albatross at the 2012 Masters, these moments are etched into the sport's lore, inspiring golfers and fans alike. As major championships continue to test the world's best players, the rarity and brilliance of the double eagle ensure its place as one of golf's most celebrated accomplishments.
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PGA Tour Double Eagles
The PGA Tour has witnessed some of the most remarkable moments in golf history, including the rare and exhilarating double eagle, also known as an albatross. A double eagle occurs when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole, typically achieved with a hole-in-one on a par-4 or a two-shot eagle on a par-5. As of recent records, there have been around 500 double eagles in the history of professional golf, with the PGA Tour accounting for a significant portion of these extraordinary feats. This rarity underscores the skill and precision required to achieve such a score, making each instance a memorable event for players and fans alike.
One of the most famous double eagles in PGA Tour history occurred during the 2012 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Louis Oosthuizen holed out from 253 yards on the par-5 second hole, stunning the crowd and etching his name into golf lore. This moment remains one of the most iconic double eagles in recent memory, highlighting the dramatic impact such a shot can have on a tournament. Other notable PGA Tour double eagles include Gene Sarazen's 1935 Masters albatross on the 15th hole, which is often credited with popularizing the term "double eagle" in golf.
Statistically, par-5 holes are the most common setting for double eagles on the PGA Tour, as they provide the opportunity for a player to reach the green in two shots and hole out for an albatross. However, double eagles on par-4 holes, though extremely rare, have also occurred. For instance, Andrew Magee made history in 2001 at the Phoenix Open by hitting a driver from the tee that bounced off Tom Byrum's putter and into the cup, marking the only known double eagle on a par-4 in PGA Tour history.
The frequency of double eagles on the PGA Tour has increased slightly in recent decades due to advancements in equipment technology, allowing players to hit the ball farther and with greater accuracy. However, the feat remains one of the rarest in golf, with an average of only a few occurring each season. Players like Joey Sindelar and Shaun Micheel hold the distinction of recording multiple double eagles in their careers, further cementing their place in PGA Tour history.
For golfers and fans, witnessing a double eagle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The PGA Tour often celebrates these moments by archiving them in highlight reels and historical records, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the skill and luck involved. As the Tour continues to evolve, the pursuit of the elusive double eagle remains a captivating aspect of professional golf, blending precision, power, and a touch of magic on the course.
In conclusion, while the exact number of double eagles in PGA Tour history fluctuates with each season, their impact on the sport is undeniable. These rare achievements not only showcase the extraordinary talent of professional golfers but also add to the rich tapestry of golf's history. Whether on a par-5 or the unprecedented par-4, each double eagle on the PGA Tour is a testament to the game's unpredictability and the players' relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Female Golfers’ Double Eagles
As of the most recent data, there have been approximately 50 recorded double eagles (also known as albatrosses) in the history of professional golf. However, when narrowing the focus to female golfers double eagles, the numbers are significantly fewer due to the rarity of the feat and the smaller sample size of professional women's golf tournaments compared to men's. Despite this, several notable female golfers have achieved this remarkable accomplishment, showcasing exceptional skill and precision on the course.
One of the most famous instances of female golfers double eagles occurred during the 2001 LPGA Tour. Meg Mallon, a seasoned professional, recorded a double eagle at the 2001 Old Waverly Classic. Her achievement was particularly impressive as it contributed to her victory in the tournament. Mallon's albatross was a rare highlight in women's golf, demonstrating the difficulty of the shot even at the highest levels of the sport. This moment remains a benchmark for aspiring female golfers aiming to replicate such a feat.
Another memorable female golfers double eagles moment took place during the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship, now known as the Chevron Championship. Suzann Pettersen, a major champion and one of the most accomplished players on the LPGA Tour, recorded a double eagle on the par-5 11th hole at the Mission Hills Country Club. Pettersen's albatross was a pivotal moment in the tournament, showcasing her ability to execute under pressure. This achievement further solidified her reputation as one of the most skilled players in women's golf history.
While the total number of female golfers double eagles remains relatively low, the impact of these moments is significant. Each albatross recorded by a female golfer serves as a testament to the growing talent and competitiveness within the women's game. Players like Mallon and Pettersen have not only etched their names in golf history but also inspired future generations of female golfers to strive for excellence. The rarity of double eagles in women's golf makes each occurrence a celebrated event, often remembered for years to come.
To achieve a double eagle, a golfer must score three under par on a single hole, typically by holing out from the fairway on a par-5 or achieving an extremely rare feat on a par-4. For female golfers double eagles, this requires a combination of power, precision, and luck. As women's golf continues to gain visibility and support, more opportunities for such historic moments are likely to arise. Tracking these achievements not only highlights individual excellence but also contributes to the broader narrative of women's golf as a sport of skill, strategy, and remarkable athleticism.
In conclusion, while the number of female golfers double eagles is limited compared to their male counterparts, each instance is a significant milestone in the sport. From Meg Mallon to Suzann Pettersen, these golfers have demonstrated that the albatross is within reach for those with the talent and determination to pursue it. As the LPGA Tour and other women's golf circuits continue to grow, fans can anticipate more of these rare and exhilarating moments in the years to come.
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Double Eagles in Team Events
Double eagles, also known as albatrosses, are among the rarest and most celebrated feats in golf. While they are already uncommon in individual play, their occurrence in team events adds an extra layer of excitement and historical significance. Team events in golf, such as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and various professional and amateur team competitions, provide a unique stage for double eagles due to the collaborative nature of the format. In these events, players often feed off each other's energy, leading to moments of extraordinary play that can include double eagles.
One of the most memorable double eagles in team event history occurred during the 2013 Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club. In the foursomes match, American duo Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson achieved a double eagle on the par-5 15th hole. Dufner’s precise 3-wood from 260 yards set up an easy putt for Johnson, securing the hole in three strokes. This moment not only electrified the crowd but also significantly boosted the U.S. team’s momentum in their eventual victory. Such instances highlight how a double eagle can shift the tide in a team competition.
Another notable example took place during the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in France. While no double eagles were recorded during that event, the potential for such a feat is always present in the high-pressure environment of team golf. Players like Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas have demonstrated the capability to produce double eagles in their careers, and their pairing in team events often raises anticipation for such historic moments. The Ryder Cup, in particular, has seen numerous near-misses for double eagles, with players coming agonizingly close on par-5 holes.
In amateur team events, double eagles are equally celebrated, though less documented. Collegiate and national team competitions occasionally feature these rare achievements, often becoming defining moments for the players and their teams. For instance, during the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship, a player from the University of Oklahoma recorded a double eagle on a par-5 hole, helping his team secure a crucial victory in the match play format. These moments underscore the impact of double eagles in team dynamics and their ability to inspire teammates.
While the exact number of double eagles in team events is difficult to pinpoint due to the vast array of competitions and limited record-keeping, their occurrence is undeniably special. Team events amplify the emotional and strategic significance of such achievements, as they contribute directly to the collective success of a group. As golf continues to evolve, the pursuit of double eagles in team competitions remains a thrilling aspect of the sport, blending individual skill with the collaborative spirit of teamwork.
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Notable Double Eagles in History
A double eagle, also known as an albatross, is one of the rarest and most celebrated feats in golf, achieved by scoring three under par on a single hole. While the exact number of double eagles in golf history is difficult to pinpoint due to the sport's long and often unrecorded past, notable instances have left an indelible mark on the game. These moments are remembered not only for their rarity but also for the skill and precision they demonstrate. Below are some of the most notable double eagles in golf history.
One of the most iconic double eagles occurred during the 1935 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Gene Sarazen, trailing leader Craig Wood by three strokes, hit a 232-yard 4-wood on the par-5 15th hole, holing out for a double eagle. This shot, known as "the shot heard 'round the world," tied Sarazen with Wood, and he went on to win the tournament in a playoff. Sarazen's double eagle is often credited with putting the Masters on the map as a major championship and remains one of the most famous moments in golf history.
Another memorable double eagle took place during the 2000 Open Championship at St. Andrews. Constantin Rocca, an unheralded player from Romania, faced a 218-yard approach shot on the par-5 14th hole during the final round. His 4-iron landed softly and rolled into the cup, sparking a raucous celebration. Although Rocca did not win the tournament, his double eagle is remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in Open Championship history, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the game.
In the 2012 Masters, Louis Oosthuizen made history with a double eagle on the par-5 2nd hole during the final round. Using a 4-iron from 253 yards, Oosthuizen's shot landed just short of the green and rolled into the cup, marking the first-ever double eagle on that hole in Masters history. This remarkable shot helped Oosthuizen finish as the runner-up, just two strokes behind Bubba Watson. Oosthuizen's achievement is a testament to the precision and skill required to execute such a rare feat on one of golf's grandest stages.
The 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont witnessed another historic double eagle by Jamie Lovemark on the par-5 12th hole during the first round. Lovemark's 3-wood from 288 yards landed perfectly and rolled into the cup, making him the first player to achieve a double eagle in U.S. Open history since 1985. While Lovemark did not contend for the title, his shot remains a highlight of the tournament and a reminder of the potential for greatness in every round of golf.
These notable double eagles highlight the rarity and significance of the feat in golf history. Each instance is remembered not only for the skill it required but also for the impact it had on the tournament and the players involved. While the total number of double eagles in golf history remains unknown, these moments stand out as some of the most memorable and celebrated achievements in the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
As of recent records, there have been approximately 20 double eagles recorded in major golf championships, with the first occurring in 1925 by Gene Sarazen at The Masters.
There is no single player who holds the record for the most double eagles in PGA Tour history, as it is a rare feat. However, players like Gene Sarazen, Jeff Maggert, and Paul Lawrie have notably recorded multiple double eagles in their careers.
One of the rarest double eagles occurred during a major championship, such as Jeff Maggert's albatross at the 2001 Open Championship or Shaun Micheel's at the 2006 PGA Championship, as these are achieved under high-pressure conditions.
There have been only four double eagles recorded in The Masters history, achieved by Gene Sarazen (1935), Bruce Devlin (1967), Jeff Maggert (2001), and Joey Sindelar (2006).
