What is an albatross in golf?
Each hole has a by: the number of reference strokes needed to complete it. The'albatross is the score of three strokes under par. There are only two ways to succeed:
- On a par-5 hole, in two strokes: The second shot, played from a distance, goes straight into the hole. This is the most common scenario.
- On a par-4 hole, in one shot: A hole-in-one right off the tee, possible only on very short par-4s or downhill holes.
The word is mainly British. In the United States, people say double eagle, since that score is one stroke better than an eagle.
Where does the albatross rank on the scoring scale?
| Score on the hole | Last Name | Example on a par-4 hole |
|---|---|---|
| 3 strokes under par | Albatross | 1 shot |
| 2 strokes under par | Eagle | 2 shots |
| 1 stroke under par | Birdie | 3 shots |
| The par | By | 4 strokes |
| 1 stroke over par | Bogey | 5 shots |
| 2 strokes over par | Double bogey | 6 shots |
The name continues the series of bird names that began with the birdie and the eagle: the albatross, a large and rare seabird, refers to an even rarer score. One step higher—four strokes under par (a hole-in-one on a par-5)—we refer to condor; only a few cases have been reported.
Is an albatross rarer than a hole-in-one?
Yes, definitely. A hole-in-one is most often attempted on par-3 holes, where each player takes a shot from the tee with an iron or a hybrid. An albatross, on the other hand, requires first a long drive that lands in play, followed by a second shot of more than 220 yards that goes in, or a hole-in-one on a par-4.
The Most Famous Albatross
The best known is still the one by Gene Sarazen at the 1935 Masters. On the 15th hole, a par 5, he sank his second shot, hit with a 4-wood from about 235 yards (235 yards). That shot erased the three-stroke deficit he had been trailing Craig Wood by; the two players finished tied, and Sarazen won the 36-hole playoff played the following day. The press dubbed it “the shot heard around the world.”.
How many points is an albatross worth in Stableford, and how does it affect the handicap?
In Stableford, a albatros net (after accounting for hits returned) yields 5 points, compared to 4 for a net eagle and 3 for a net birdie.
As far as your handicap is concerned, it counts just like any other score: the World Handicap System caps the worst holes (at a net double bogey), but does not limit the best ones. An albatross scored in a tournament therefore counts in full toward your score and can lower your handicap.
Is there a way to improve your chances?
An albatross is largely a matter of luck, but it can only happen to a player who puts himself in the right position:
- a long drive and in play on the par-5 holes;
- a a long, controlled second shot with a fairway wood or hybrid, from the fairway;
- a second shot that rolls: On a firm green, a ball that lands in front of the flag and rolls toward it is more likely to end up in the hole.
Video Lessons for Long Second Shots
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Frequently Asked Questions: The Albatross in Golf
What is an albatross in golf?
This is a score of three strokes under par on a single hole: two strokes on a par-5 or a hole-in-one on a par-4.
What's the difference between an albatross and a double eagle?
None: It's the same score. “Albatros” is the British and French term, while “double eagle” is the American term.
How many points is an albatross worth in Stableford?
A net albatross is worth 5 points in Stableford, one more than a net eagle.
Is an albatross rarer than a hole-in-one?
Yes. You can attempt a hole-in-one on every par-3 hole, whereas an albatross requires making a very long second shot on a par-5 or a hole-in-one on a par-4.