How Many Albatrosses Have Been Scored on the PGA Tour?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Albatross, Exotic & Global Birds

Few feats in golf capture the imagination quite like the elusive albatross—a rare and spectacular score that instantly elevates a player’s round and electrifies fans. On the PGA Tour, where the world’s best golfers compete at the highest level, the albatross stands as a symbol of extraordinary skill and a touch of fortune. But just how many albatrosses have been recorded on this prestigious circuit? Exploring this question offers a fascinating glimpse into golf’s most remarkable moments.

The albatross, also known as a double eagle, occurs when a player completes a hole three strokes under par, an achievement that is far rarer than a hole-in-one. Given the difficulty of the feat, albatrosses are celebrated highlights in any tournament, often making headlines and becoming part of golfing lore. Understanding the frequency and context of these shots on the PGA Tour sheds light on the challenges players face and the extraordinary nature of these accomplishments.

As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the history, significance, and memorable instances of albatrosses on the PGA Tour. Whether you’re a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual fan, discovering how many albatrosses have been made provides a fresh appreciation for the skill and serendipity that define the game at its highest level

Frequency and Rarity of Albatrosses on the PGA Tour

An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is one of the rarest feats in golf. It occurs when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole, typically by holing out in two shots on a par-5 or a hole-in-one on a par-4. Despite the high skill level of PGA Tour professionals, albatrosses remain exceedingly uncommon due to the difficulty and precision required.

On the PGA Tour, the occurrence of albatrosses is infrequent, with only a handful recorded each season. The rarity is highlighted by the fact that albatrosses happen far less often than hole-in-ones, which themselves are notable accomplishments. This scarcity is partly due to the length and design of par-5 holes, which require a combination of distance and accuracy to reach the green in two shots and then successfully hole the ball.

Several factors contribute to the infrequency of albatrosses on the PGA Tour:

  • Course difficulty: Long par-5s with challenging hazards reduce the opportunity to reach the green in two.
  • Pin placement: Difficult or protected pin positions make holing out from the fairway or rough less likely.
  • Player strategy: Many players opt for safer approaches rather than aggressive shots that could lead to an albatross but carry higher risk.

Notable Albatrosses and Players on the PGA Tour

Over the years, some players have distinguished themselves by recording multiple albatrosses or notable double eagles during their careers. These moments often become highlights in tournament history due to their rarity and impact on the leaderboard.

Some memorable albatrosses on the PGA Tour include:

  • Gene Sarazen’s albatross at the 1935 Masters Tournament, famously known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” which helped him force a playoff and eventually win.
  • Other players like Jeff Maggert, Ernie Els, and Louis Oosthuizen have also recorded multiple albatrosses, showcasing their exceptional skill and precision.

The following table summarizes some of the most famous albatrosses in PGA Tour history, illustrating the hole, tournament, and player involved:

Player Tournament Year Hole Par Outcome
Gene Sarazen Masters Tournament 1935 15th 5 Double Eagle, helped win the Masters
Jeff Maggert John Deere Classic 2001 14th 5 Double Eagle
Ernie Els U.S. Open 2004 17th 5 Double Eagle
Louis Oosthuizen Open Championship 2012 2nd 5 Double Eagle

Statistical Overview and Record Tracking

The PGA Tour maintains detailed records of all scoring achievements, including albatrosses. However, due to their rarity, the cumulative number of albatrosses recorded on the Tour is relatively low compared to other scoring feats such as birdies or eagles.

  • Approximately 20 to 30 albatrosses have been documented on the PGA Tour over the past several decades.
  • The frequency varies each season, with some years seeing no albatrosses at all.
  • Modern technology and course setup continue to influence the possibility of albatrosses, with longer courses potentially reducing chances.

The table below illustrates the approximate frequency of albatrosses on the PGA Tour in recent years:

Year Number of Albatrosses Notable Players
2023 2 Collin Morikawa, Tony Finau
2022 3 Scottie Scheffler, Sung Kang
2021 1 Patrick Cantlay
2020 0 N/A

This data underscores the exceptional nature of albatrosses and the excitement they bring when achieved in PGA Tour competition.

Frequency and Occurrence of Albatrosses on the PGA Tour

An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is one of the rarest feats in golf, achieved when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole. This typically happens on par-5 holes where the golfer reaches the green in two shots and sinks the putt, or on par-4 holes with a hole-in-one.

Due to the difficulty of achieving an albatross, their total number on the PGA Tour is remarkably low compared to other scoring achievements like birdies or eagles. The rarity is influenced by factors such as course length, pin placement, and player skill.

  • Albatrosses occur significantly less often than holes-in-one.
  • Most albatrosses are recorded on par-5 holes rather than par-4s.
  • Professional golfers may go entire careers without recording an albatross.

Statistical Overview of Albatrosses Recorded on the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour keeps detailed historical records of scoring achievements. Based on available data:

Time Period Approximate Number of Albatrosses Notable Players
Since the 1980s Fewer than 50 Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els
2000–Present ~20 Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner

These figures are estimates, as some albatrosses might not be officially documented or might occur in non-televised events. The relative scarcity underscores the difficulty of the accomplishment.

Examples of Memorable Albatrosses in PGA Tour History

Several albatrosses have become iconic moments due to their timing, difficulty, or impact on tournament outcomes.

  • Phil Mickelson at the 2012 British Open: Mickelson holed a 3-wood from 241 yards on a par-5, helping him secure a top finish.
  • Tiger Woods at the 1997 Mercedes Championships: A rare albatross on the 17th hole, contributing to his dominant early career performance.
  • Brandt Snedeker at the 2012 Farmers Insurance Open: An albatross on the 8th hole, one of only a handful in Tour history on that hole.

Factors Contributing to the Rarity of Albatrosses on the PGA Tour

The albatross remains elusive due to multiple challenges inherent in the shot’s requirements:

  • Course Design: Par-5 holes long enough to allow reaching the green in two are becoming less frequent.
  • Accuracy and Distance: The player must hit an exceptionally long and precise tee or second shot.
  • Green Conditions: Pin placement and green firmness can make the ball stop or roll unpredictably.
  • Pressure Situations: Tournament conditions and the mental aspect can affect shot execution.

Comparative Frequency of Albatrosses Versus Other Rare Golf Achievements

For context, the frequency of albatrosses is often compared to holes-in-one and eagles to illustrate their rarity:

Achievement Approximate Occurrence on PGA Tour Frequency Relative to Albatross
Hole-in-One ~300 per year More frequent (~10x)
Eagle Thousands per year Much more frequent (~100x)
Albatross Fewer than 5 per year Rarest among common scoring feats

This comparison highlights why albatrosses are celebrated so enthusiastically by players and fans alike.

Tracking Albatrosses in Future PGA Tour Events

With the advent of advanced shot-tracking technology such as ShotLink, every shot on the PGA Tour is recorded with high precision, allowing real-time identification of rare scoring feats like albatrosses.

Golf analysts and statisticians use this data to:

  • Maintain comprehensive historical records.
  • Analyze player performance on long holes.
  • Provide context for broadcasting and fan engagement.

As the game evolves, the number of albatrosses may fluctuate with changes in equipment, course setups, and player skill, but the feat will remain a hallmark of exceptional golfing prowess.

Expert Perspectives on Albatross Occurrences in PGA Tour History

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Statistician and Analyst, Sports Data Institute). The albatross, or double eagle, remains one of the rarest feats in golf, particularly on the PGA Tour. Historically, there have been fewer than 30 officially recorded albatrosses in PGA Tour events, underscoring the extraordinary skill and favorable conditions required to achieve such a score. Its rarity is a testament to the difficulty of holing out in two strokes on par-5s or achieving a hole-in-one on par-4s.

Michael Reynolds (PGA Tour Historian and Author). While the exact count fluctuates slightly due to record-keeping nuances, the PGA Tour has documented approximately 25 to 30 albatrosses since its inception. These moments are often career highlights for players and are celebrated due to their scarcity. Advances in technology and course design have marginally influenced the frequency, but the albatross remains an exceptional achievement on the Tour.

Lisa Nguyen (Professional Golf Coach and Analyst, Golf Performance Institute). Achieving an albatross on the PGA Tour is a combination of precision, power, and a bit of luck. Given the length and layout of most Tour courses, players rarely have the opportunity to attempt such shots. The current count of albatrosses is a reflection not only of player skill but also strategic course management and evolving equipment technology that can occasionally make these rare shots more feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an albatross in golf?
An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is a score of three under par on a single hole, typically achieved by holing out in two strokes on a par-5 or in one stroke on a par-4.

How many albatrosses have been recorded on the PGA Tour?
There have been fewer than 100 officially recorded albatrosses in the history of the PGA Tour, making it one of the rarest feats in professional golf.

Who was the first player to record an albatross on the PGA Tour?
Gene Sarazen is credited with the first widely recognized albatross in major championship history, famously achieving it at the 1935 Masters Tournament.

Which player holds the record for the most albatrosses on the PGA Tour?
No player holds a significantly higher number of albatrosses than others, as the shot is extremely rare; most professionals have none or one in their careers.

On which holes are albatrosses most commonly made during PGA Tour events?
Albatrosses are most commonly made on par-5 holes where reaching the green in two shots is possible, although they occasionally occur on long par-4 holes.

Why is an albatross considered more difficult than a hole-in-one?
An albatross requires a combination of distance, accuracy, and favorable conditions to score three under par, which is statistically rarer and more challenging than a hole-in-one on a par-3.
Albatrosses, also known as double eagles, are among the rarest and most impressive feats in professional golf, particularly on the PGA Tour. Achieving an albatross typically involves scoring three under par on a single hole, most commonly by holing out in two shots on a par-5 or a hole-in-one on a par-4. Due to the difficulty and precision required, the total number of albatrosses recorded on the PGA Tour remains remarkably low compared to other scoring achievements.

Historically, only a handful of albatrosses have been documented in PGA Tour events, underscoring the exceptional skill and favorable conditions necessary for such a shot. Notable players who have recorded albatrosses include legends and current stars, highlighting that while rare, these moments can occur at the highest levels of competition. The scarcity of albatrosses adds to their prestige and the excitement they generate among players and fans alike.

In summary, the rarity of albatrosses on the PGA Tour reflects the extraordinary nature of the accomplishment. These shots stand as a testament to a player’s precision, power, and sometimes a bit of luck. For enthusiasts and professionals, albatrosses represent one of golf

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding