
In golf, an eagle is a score of two under par on a hole. This means that the golfer has taken two fewer strokes than expected to complete the hole. While an eagle is an impressive feat, there are even rarer and more impressive scores that a golfer can achieve. These include the albatross (also known as a double eagle), which is a score of three under par, and the condor, which is a score of four under par.
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Albatross: 3 under par, a very rare score
In golf, an albatross is a score of three under par, a very rare feat. The term albatross was first referenced in 1929, but it is believed that the introduction of steel-shafted clubs in the 1920s made this score more common and thus, a name was coined. The first recorded albatross was a hole-in-one on a 271-yard par-4 hole at the Durban Country Club in 1931.
Albatross, also known as a double eagle in the US, is achieved when a golfer completes a hole in three strokes fewer than par. This most commonly occurs on par-fives with a strong drive and a holed approach shot. Holes-in-one on par-four holes, usually the shorter ones, are also considered albatrosses.
The term "under par" describes a golfer's score when they have taken fewer strokes than expected to complete a hole. Par always includes two putts for each hole. On a par-4 hole, a proficient golfer is expected to reach the green in two strokes and then complete the hole with two putts. Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five, which includes a regulation number of strokes based on the average distance a proficient golfer can hit the ball.
An eagle, a score of two under par, is the next best score after an albatross. It usually occurs when a golfer hits the ball far enough to reach the green with fewer strokes than expected. It most commonly happens on par-fives but can also occur on short par-fours. A hole-in-one on a par-three hole also results in an eagle.
The term "birdie" refers to a score of one under par on a hole. The term originated at the Atlantic City Country Club, where it caught on with American golfers.
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Condor: 4 under par, a hole-in-one on a par 5
A "Condor" is an unofficial term for a hole score of four strokes fewer than par, or four under par. It is also known as a double albatross or a triple eagle. As of May 2023, a condor has only been recorded five times on a par-5, with one of those aided by the thin air at a high altitude in Denver.
A condor is the lowest individual hole score ever made, relative to par. It is typically achieved by cutting over a dogleg corner on a par-5 hole, resulting in a hole-in-one. A condor can also be achieved with a two on a par-6 or a three on a par-7, although this has not been recorded. Par-6 and par-7 holes are exceptionally rare.
A condor is an extremely rare score and is considered a significant achievement in golf. It requires a golfer to demonstrate exceptional skill and precision in their shots. To achieve a condor on a par-5 hole, a golfer must cut off a significant portion of the hole, often by taking a risky shot that cuts over a dogleg corner. This allows them to reach the green in one stroke and sink the putt for a hole-in-one.
While a condor is a remarkable feat, it is important to note that it is not recognized by all golf authorities as an official term. The term "condor" is used primarily to describe a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole, as it is the only way to achieve four strokes under par on a single hole. This is in contrast to other golf terms, such as eagle (two under par) and "albatross" or "double eagle" (three under par), which can be achieved on various hole types.
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Hole-in-One: a hole completed in just one stroke
A hole-in-one, also known as an "ace", is when a golfer completes a hole in just one stroke. This means that the golfer has knocked the ball into the hole with their very first shot. The odds of making a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1 for an average golfer and 2,500 to 1 for a professional golfer. Holes-in-one most commonly occur on par-3 holes, but they have also been accomplished on par-4 and par-5 holes.
A hole-in-one on a par-3 hole is also known as a "condor", which is a score of four strokes fewer than par. This is the lowest individual hole score ever made, relative to par. A condor on a par-4 hole has not been recorded, as a score of three under par on a par-3 hole would be zero. On a par-6 hole, a condor would be a score of three, and on a par-7 hole, it would be a score of two. Par-6 and par-7 holes are exceptionally rare.
A hole-in-one on a par-4 hole is known as a "double eagle" or an albatross, which is a score of three strokes fewer than par. This is a very rare score, and the first famous albatross was made by Gene Sarazen in 1935 during the final round of the Masters Tournament. A hole-in-one on a par-5 hole is also an albatross, but it is even rarer than on a par-4 hole.
An eagle, a score of two strokes fewer than par, is the next best score after a hole-in-one. An eagle most commonly occurs on par-5 holes but can also occur on short par-4 holes. A hole-in-one on a par-3 hole is also an eagle, but it is more commonly referred to as a hole-in-one or an ace.
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Ace: alternative name for a hole-in-one
In the game of golf, an "ace" is an alternative name for a hole-in-one. A hole-in-one occurs when a golfer hits the ball into the hole in one stroke, typically from the tee box. This is often considered a significant achievement due to its rarity, with the average golfer's chances of achieving it being 12,500 to 1, according to American Hole 'N One.
The term "ace" is used to describe a hole-in-one due to its association with excellence and success. It is analogous to achieving a perfect score or accomplishing a challenging task flawlessly. The use of the word "ace" in this context adds a layer of excitement and prestige to the achievement of a hole-in-one.
While a hole-in-one typically refers to completing a hole in one stroke, there are variations in terminology depending on the context and governing bodies. For instance, some consider a hole-in-one to be valid only during a submittable round of golf on a registered course under the rules of a governing body, such as the USGA. In this context, simply holing the ball in one stroke may not be sufficient to qualify as a hole-in-one or an ace.
Aces or hole-in-ones are most commonly achieved on par-3 holes, which are generally shorter in distance and require fewer strokes to reach the green. However, it is important to note that hole-in-ones have also been accomplished on par-4 and even par-5 holes, albeit less frequently.
In addition to the term "ace," there are other scoring terms in golf that relate to a golfer's performance in relation to the par score of a hole. These terms include "birdie," which refers to a score of one stroke under par, and "eagle," which refers to a score of two strokes under par. Achieving a score of three strokes under par is known as an "albatross" or a double eagle, while a score of four strokes under par is unofficially called a "condor." These terms create a hierarchy of scoring achievements in golf, with each term representing a specific number of strokes under par.
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Double Eagle: 3 under par on a par 4, also known as an albatross
A double eagle, or albatross, is a score of three under par on a single hole. This is a very rare score and is considered a significant achievement in golf. The term albatross is derived from the albatross bird, one of the largest birds in the world.
On a par-4 hole, a double eagle means a golfer has completed the hole in just one stroke, also known as a hole-in-one. This is an extremely challenging feat, as a par-4 hole typically ranges from 240 to 490 yards in length. To achieve a hole-in-one on a par-4, a golfer must possess a high level of skill and precision, making this a highly coveted accomplishment among golfers.
The term "double eagle" is primarily used in the United States, while the term "albatross" is more commonly used internationally. The exact origin of the term "albatross" is unclear, but it is believed to have been in use before its first known reference in 1929. One theory suggests that the introduction of steel-shafted clubs in the 1920s made this low score more achievable, prompting the need for a specific term to describe it.
Double eagles or albatrosses are more commonly achieved on par-5 holes, which typically range from 450 to 710 yards in length. On a par-5, a double eagle requires three strokes, which is still a remarkable achievement. It typically involves a strong drive and a holed approach shot.
While achieving a double eagle or albatross is an impressive feat, there is an even rarer score in golf known as a condor. A condor, also called a double albatross or triple eagle, is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. This is the lowest individual hole score relative to par ever made in the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
An eagle is a score of two under par on a hole. It usually occurs when a golfer hits the ball far enough to reach the green with fewer strokes than expected.
A double eagle, also known as an albatross, is better than an eagle. It is a score of three under par on a hole.
An albatross is a rare achievement in golf, even more uncommon than scoring an eagle. It occurs when a golfer scores three strokes fewer than par (three under par, -3).
A condor is a hole score of four strokes fewer than par (four under par, -4). It is the lowest individual hole score ever made, relative to par.
An ace, or a hole-in-one, is achieved when a golfer hits the ball into the hole in just one stroke. An eagle, on the other hand, is achieved with a series of great shots, requiring accuracy and great contact. While an ace may be a result of luck, an eagle is considered a better symbol of skill.











































