Odds of an Albatross

An albatross—also known as a double eagle—is one of golf’s rarest and most thrilling achievements. If you have achieved this, congrats you in a rare club. Scoring three under par on a single hole requires power, precision, and a bit of luck, making it a feat that few golfers will ever experience. For perspective, scoring an albatross is significantly rarer than a hole-in-one, with an estimated 6 million-to-1 odds for the average golfer. But those fortunate enough to make this exceptional shot become part of an elite group with stories that resonate through golf history.

The Rarity of the Albatross

To score an albatross, a golfer must hole out in two shots on a par 5, or in one on a par 4. The latter is also called a “hole-in-one” and would technically count as an albatross, though most golfers reserve that term for scoring -3 on a par 5. The odds for an albatross are staggering—estimated at 6 million to 1 for the average player and about 1 million to 1 for a professional. The odds of making a hole-in-one are about 12,500 to 1 for amateurs and 2,500 to 1 for pros. These odds make the albatross one of the rarest feats in the game.

Memorable Albatross Moments in Golf History

Some of golf’s most legendary moments have come from albatrosses achieved during high-profile tournaments. Let’s look at a few of the most unforgettable albatrosses in golf history:

• Louis Oosthuizen at the 2012 Masters - During the final round of the 2012 Masters, Louis Oosthuizen hit an incredible albatross on the par-5 2nd hole. His 4-iron approach from 253 yards took one bounce on the green and rolled smoothly into the hole, thrilling the crowd and helping Oosthuizen briefly take the lead in the tournament. Though he didn’t ultimately win the Masters, his shot remains one of the most iconic moments in tournament history.
• Gene Sarazen’s Albatross at the 1935 Masters - Known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” Gene Sarazen’s albatross on the 15th hole in the 1935 Masters helped him tie Craig Wood and force a playoff, which Sarazen would go on to win. His remarkable 235-yard shot with a 4-wood remains one of the most famous shots in the sport, cementing Sarazen’s place in golf lore.
• Shaun Micheel at the 2010 PGA Championship - In the final round of the 2010 PGA Championship, Shaun Micheel recorded an albatross on the par-5 6th hole. This shot helped him finish the round on a high note, and though it didn’t propel him to a victory, it remains one of the few albatrosses ever scored in a major championship.
• Nicholas Thompson at the 2009 Canadian Open - Nicholas Thompson made an albatross on the par-5 11th hole, joining a small club of golfers who have achieved this feat in a major tournament. His memorable shot occurred during the second round of the Canadian Open, making headlines and highlighting the skill needed to pull off such a shot.

How Does an Albatross Compare to a Hole-in-One?

While a hole-in-one is thrilling and challenging, it doesn’t quite compare to the difficulty of an albatross. Hole-in-ones are typically made on par 3s, which means golfers are only required to hit a single shot to the green. In contrast, an albatross on a par 5 requires a perfectly executed drive and a precise, often long, second shot. For instance, the majority of albatrosses are achieved on par 5s, where a golfer holes their second shot from well over 200 yards out—making accuracy and power critical.

Although a hole-in-one on a par 4 would technically be considered an albatross, this is a rare occurrence and far less common than an albatross on a par 5. The likelihood of scoring an albatross on a par 5 dwarfs the odds of a hole-in-one on a par 3, showing just how elusive this accomplishment is.

Stats on Albatrosses: Just How Rare Is It?

Statistically, the albatross is among golf’s rarest scores. Here’s a breakdown of the odds:

• Average Amateur Golfer: 6 million-to-1 odds
• Professional Golfer: 1 million-to-1 odds
• Hole-in-One Comparison: Around 12,500-to-1 for an amateur and 2,500-to-1 for a pro

These stats reveal just how unique an albatross is, making it a story to remember when it does happen. For most golfers, even professionals, an albatross is a career highlight and a rare moment to celebrate.

The Allure of the Albatross

Achieving an albatross is one of the ultimate accomplishments in golf, even more so than a hole-in-one. The precision, skill, and sheer luck required to score three under par on a single hole make it a bucket-list moment for any golfer. Whether through a powerful long iron shot like Oosthuizen’s at the Masters or a historic shot like Sarazen’s, the albatross captures the imagination of players and fans alike.

The odds may seem daunting for those dreaming of their albatross, but that’s part of the magic. Each attempt brings a little thrill, and every time you reach for your long iron or fairway wood, you’re just one swing away from making golf history.