
In golf, a condor is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. This is an extremely rare feat, with only a handful of documented instances in the history of the sport. To achieve a condor, a golfer must hole out in one stroke on a par-5 hole, in two strokes on a par-6 hole, or in three strokes on a par-7 hole. The term 'condor' is derived from the Andean condor, a large bird known for its impressive wingspan and soaring abilities. Achieving a condor in golf requires a combination of exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck. It is considered the pinnacle of scoring accomplishments in the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Scoring four strokes under par on a single hole |
| Par rating | 5, 6, or 7 |
| Par-5 hole score | Hole-in-one |
| Par-6 hole score | 2 |
| Par-7 hole score | 3 |
| Occurrences | Six times in history |
| Probability | 1 in 1,000,000 |
| Required skills | Exceptional skill, strategic thinking, precision, accuracy, power, and luck |
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What You'll Learn

Scoring a condor
A condor is an extremely rare scoring feat in golf, achieved by scoring four strokes under par on a single hole. This typically occurs on a par-5 hole, where a player manages to sink their ball in only one stroke. However, condors have also been achieved on par-6 and par-7 holes, with scores of 2 and 3, respectively.
To score a condor, players need a combination of exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck. It requires a powerful drive off the tee, followed by a perfectly executed second shot that lands directly in the hole. The ability to navigate the hazards and obstacles on the course is crucial, as any miscalculation can easily result in a higher score.
The term 'condor' is derived from the biological classification of the Andean condor, a large bird known for its impressive wingspan and soaring abilities. The association with this majestic bird highlights the extraordinary nature of scoring a condor in golf.
While the exact number may vary depending on the source, it is estimated that there have only been a handful of condors in the history of golf, with some sources stating there have been six recorded condors, and others stating there have been five. Regardless, it is an incredibly rare and remarkable accomplishment that showcases a player's mastery of the game and their ability to navigate the challenges presented by the course.
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How rare is a condor?
A condor in golf is an extremely rare feat, achieved only a handful of times in the history of the sport. A condor is achieved by scoring a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole, resulting in a score of 4-under par. This requires a combination of exceptional skill, strategic thinking, accuracy, and a bit of luck. The odds of achieving a condor are estimated to be 1 in 1,000,000, and it is considered the pinnacle of golf achievement.
The term 'condor' originates from the Andean condor, a large bird species known for its impressive wingspan and soaring abilities. In golf, achieving a condor is akin to soaring above the competition, showcasing a player's mastery of the game and their ability to navigate course challenges with precision. It typically involves a combination of long drives, accurate iron shots, and a skillful putt. However, it is important to note that course design and layout can also play a significant role in the possibility of scoring a condor.
Out of the six recorded condors in golf history, five were par-5 aces. The first recorded condor was achieved by Larry Bruce in 1962 at the Hope Country Club in Arkansas. He managed to smash his ball over a copse of trees on a 480-yard par-5, finding the cup on a hole that doglegged sharply to the right. Other notable condors include Dick Hogan's ace in 1973 at Piedmont Crescent in North Carolina and Shaun Lynch's achievement in 1995 at Teign Valley in Devon, where he used a 3-iron to hole out on the 496-yard 17th hole.
The only recorded condor on a par-6 hole occurred at the Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland, California, by amateur golfer Kevin Pon in 2020. The 18th hole at Lake Chabot is a rare par-6, measuring 649 yards from the white tees. Pon's drive travelled over 500 yards, and he ultimately scored a condor with a pitching wedge on his second shot. This achievement is considered one of the sport's most remarkable and unlikely feats.
While the condor is an incredibly rare occurrence in golf, it showcases the extraordinary possibilities within the game. It represents the perfect combination of power, precision, and luck, and achieving it is a testament to a golfer's exceptional talent and mastery of their craft.
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The history of condors
The condor is one of the rarest feats in golf. It refers to a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. This typically occurs on a par-5 hole, where a player manages to sink their ball in only one stroke.
The term 'condor' is derived from the large bird known for its impressive wingspan and soaring abilities. The association with this majestic animal highlights the extraordinary nature of scoring a condor in golf. It is believed that the term was invented to continue the '"bird" theme for under-par scores', with the size of the bird getting bigger as the score gets lower, hence 'birdie' and 'eagle'.
The first recorded condor occurred in 1962 when Larry Bruce drove into the hole over a stand of trees on a 480-yard dog-leg right par-5 at Hope Country Club in Arkansas, USA. Since then, there have been a very small number of holes-in-one recorded on par-5 holes, with only six condors recorded in total as of 2024. The odds of scoring a condor are estimated to be 1 in 1,000,000.
The latest recorded condor was achieved in December 2020 by Kevin Pon at Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland, California. This was the only recorded condor on a par-6 hole, making it the longest hole-in-one on record at 667 yards.
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How to achieve a condor
Achieving a condor in golf is an extraordinary feat. It is a hole scored four strokes under par, an extremely rare occurrence that has only been achieved six times in history. To score a condor, you need a combination of exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips on how to achieve this remarkable score:
First, understand the requirements of a condor. A condor is typically achieved on a par-5 hole, where a player sinks their ball in only one stroke. However, it can also be achieved on a par-6 with two strokes or a par-7 with three strokes.
To increase your chances of scoring a condor, look for a course with favourable conditions. Some courses may have hazards or obstacles that make scoring a condor nearly impossible, while others offer more opportunities. For example, a downhill par-5 with extremely dry conditions can provide the right bounce to achieve the necessary distance.
When playing the hole, focus on powerful and accurate shots. A condor typically involves long drives, accurate iron shots, and a skillful putt. You will need a powerful drive off the tee, followed by a perfectly executed second shot that lands directly in the hole. Navigating hazards and obstacles on the course is crucial, as any miscalculation can result in a higher score.
In addition to your technical skills, strategic thinking is essential. Consider the layout and design of the course, and use it to your advantage. For example, you can use a major dogleg to your advantage by pretending to look for the ball and then dropping it from your sleeve into the hole.
Finally, remember that scoring a condor is an incredibly rare and challenging achievement. It may take many attempts and a bit of luck to achieve. Enjoy the game, challenge yourself, and appreciate the beauty of golf as you strive for this extraordinary score.
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The impact of a condor
A condor in golf is an extremely rare feat, achieved by scoring four strokes under par on a single hole. This typically occurs on a par-5 hole, where a player sinks their ball in only one stroke. It can also be achieved on a par-6 hole with a score of 2, or on a par-7 hole with a score of 3.
The impact of scoring a condor is significant. It represents the pinnacle of skill, precision, and luck in the game. It showcases a player's exceptional talent and mastery of the game, demonstrating their ability to navigate the course with accuracy and strategic thinking. Achieving a condor can have a profound effect on a player's confidence and momentum, fuelling their success throughout the game. It is a moment of awe and inspiration for both players and spectators alike.
The odds of scoring a condor are estimated to be 1 in 1,000,000, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the achievement. It requires a combination of long drives, accurate iron shots, and a skillful putt. The design of the course also plays a crucial role, as some layouts may offer more favourable conditions than others.
Scoring a condor is so rare that it has only been achieved six times in the history of golf. Five of these were on par-5 holes, with the most recent recorded condor occurring on a par-6 hole in 2020 by Kevin Pon at Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland, California. This was the only recorded condor on a par-6 hole in US golf history.
The term 'condor' is derived from the biological classification of the Andean condor, a large bird known for its impressive wingspan and soaring abilities. In golf, the term represents the idea of soaring above the challenges of the course and achieving an extraordinary score.
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Frequently asked questions
A condor in golf is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole.
Very rare. It has only been achieved six times in history.
The odds of a condor are estimated to be 1 in 1,000,000.
One example of a condor is a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole.



















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