An albatross in golf is a score of three under par on a single hole. A double eagle means exactly the same thing. The two terms are different names for the same extremely rare scoring achievement.
For example, making a 2 on a par-5 is an albatross, because the score is three strokes under the holes par. Making a 1 on a par-4 is also an albatross.
Although the terms are interchangeable, albatross is generally the more commonly used term in golf outside the United States, while double eagle is particularly common in American golf.
What Is an Albatross in Golf?
An albatross is a score of three under par on one hole.
Because golf holes normally have a par of 3, 4, or 5, an albatross can occur in several different ways:
- Par 3: An albatross would require a score below zero, so it is not possible under normal golf scoring.
- Par 4: A hole-in-one is an albatross.
- Par 5: A score of 2 is an albatross.
- Par 6: A score of 3 would theoretically be an albatross, although par-6 holes are uncommon.
On a standard golf course, the most recognizable albatross is a 2 on a par-5.
What Is a Double Eagle?
A double eagle is another name for an albatross. Both terms describe a score of three under par on a single hole.
The terminology can sound confusing because an eagle is already two under par. A double eagle therefore means going one step beyond an eagle and finishing three under par.
| Score | Relative to Par | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 under par | -1 | Birdie |
| 2 under par | -2 | Eagle |
| 3 under par | -3 | Albatross / Double eagle |
| 4 under par | -4 | Condor |
Is an Albatross the Same as a Double Eagle?
Yes. An albatross and a double eagle are two names for the same score: three under par on a single hole.
There is no difference in the actual score or achievement. The difference is simply terminology.
If a golfer makes a 2 on a par-5, they have made an albatross and a double eagle at the same time.
Why Are There Two Names for the Same Score?
The names developed from different traditions in golf terminology.
Golf uses bird names for several scores under par. A birdie is one under par, an eagle is two under par, and an albatross is three under par.
The term double eagle follows a more literal naming system: if an eagle is two under par, a double eagle represents an even more exceptional score.
Both terms have become established in golf, although their popularity varies by region.
How Do You Make an Albatross on a Par-5?
The most common theoretical route is to hole the second shot of a par-5.
For example:
- You hit your tee shot on a par-5.
- Your second shot travels into the hole.
- You complete the hole in two strokes.
- Your score is three under the holes par.
That is an albatross, or double eagle.
It requires an exceptionally long and accurate second shot, which is one reason the achievement is so rare.
Can a Hole-in-One Be an Albatross?
Yes, but only on a hole where the par makes the mathematics work.
On a par-4, a hole-in-one is three under par, so it qualifies as an albatross.
On a par-3, a hole-in-one is an ace and is one under par, so it is not an albatross.
In other words, the name of the scoring achievement depends on the relationship between your score and the holes par.
Can You Make an Albatross on a Par-4?
Yes. A hole-in-one on a par-4 is an albatross because one stroke is three below the holes par of four.
Par 4 hole-in-ones are extremely rare, so they represent one of the most unusual ways to make an albatross.
Can You Make an Albatross on a Par-3?
No, not under normal golf scoring.
The lowest possible score on a conventional par-3 is one, which is two under par. That is a hole-in-one or ace, but it is not three under par.
How Rare Is an Albatross?
An albatross is one of the rarest commonly recognized scoring achievements in golf.
Even skilled golfers can play thousands of holes without making one. The opportunity itself is limited because the most common way to make an albatross is to reach the green or hole the ball in two shots on a par-5.
A golfer needs both exceptional distance and accuracy, as well as a significant amount of luck.
Is an Albatross Rarer Than a Hole-in-One?
Yes. For most golfers, an albatross is considerably rarer than a hole-in-one.
Golfers encounter par-3 holes frequently and have many opportunities to make an ace. A typical albatross opportunity on a par-5 usually requires the golfer to hit an exceptionally long and accurate second shot.
The rarity can vary between golfers because course length, skill level, and playing habits all affect the number of opportunities available.
Is an Albatross Rarer Than an Eagle?
Yes. An albatross is significantly rarer than an eagle.
An eagle can be made in several ways, including a hole-in-one on a par-3 or a score of 2 on a par-4. An albatross requires an even more exceptional result: three under par on a single hole.
What Is the Difference Between an Eagle and an Albatross?
An eagle is two under par, while an albatross is three under par.
For example, on a par-5:
- 3 strokes = eagle.
- 2 strokes = albatross.
The difference is only one stroke, but the albatross is dramatically harder to achieve.
What Is a Condor in Golf?
A condor is a score of four under par on a single hole.
It is even rarer than an albatross. On a par-5, a hole-in-one would theoretically be a condor.
Condors are extraordinarily unusual and generally require an unusual course layout, such as a very short par-5 or a hole where the golfer can take an exceptionally direct route to the hole.
Golf Scoring Names Under Par
| Score Relative to Par | Term | Example on a Par-5 |
|---|---|---|
| -1 | Birdie | 4 strokes |
| -2 | Eagle | 3 strokes |
| -3 | Albatross / Double eagle | 2 strokes |
| -4 | Condor | 1 stroke |
What Does an Albatross Look Like on a Scorecard?
If you make a 2 on a par-5, your score is recorded as 2 for that hole.
The scorecard itself does not require a special symbol to make the score official. The important thing is that your actual score is recorded correctly.
Some golfers and scorekeeping systems use special symbols to highlight eagles and albatrosses, but the exact presentation can vary.
Does an Albatross Count Toward Your Handicap?
If the round is eligible for handicap purposes and the score is acceptable under the applicable handicap rules, an albatross is simply part of your hole score.
Your handicap calculation does not award a separate bonus merely because the score was an albatross. The unusually low hole score can, however, have a significant effect on the overall score differential depending on the rest of the round.
What Happens if You Make an Albatross in a Competition?
The score is recorded in the normal way, subject to the Rules of Golf and the competition requirements.
If you make a 2 on a par-5, for example, the score entered for the hole is 2.
Because albatrosses are so rare, competitions may sometimes recognize or celebrate them separately, but the rules do not require a special scoring procedure simply because the score is an albatross.
Does an Albatross Guarantee You Win the Hole in Match Play?
Not necessarily.
In match play, the winner of a hole is determined by comparing the players scores on that hole.
An albatross is an extraordinarily low score, so it would almost always win the hole, but an opponent could theoretically make an even lower score if the hole and circumstances allowed it.
Can Two Players Make an Albatross on the Same Hole?
In theory, yes, although it would be extraordinarily unlikely.
If two players each complete a par-5 in two strokes, both have made an albatross.
The probability of two golfers doing this on the same hole would be extremely small.
What Is the Most Common Way to Make an Albatross?
The classic example is a 2 on a par-5.
Typically, the golfer hits a long tee shot followed by an exceptionally accurate approach that finishes in the hole.
The second shot does not have to be an intentionally aggressive attempt. An albatross can also happen when a well-struck approach takes a fortunate bounce and rolls into the hole.
Do You Need to Be a Professional to Make an Albatross?
No. Any golfer can theoretically make an albatross if they complete a hole three under par.
However, golfers with greater distance and accuracy generally have more opportunities to reach par-5 greens in two shots, which makes the achievement more attainable for highly skilled players.
Luck still plays a major role.
Is a Double Eagle the Same as an Ace?
Not always.
A hole-in-one is an ace, but whether it is also a double eagle depends on the par of the hole.
- Hole-in-one on a par-3: ace, but not a double eagle.
- Hole-in-one on a par-4: ace and double eagle.
- Hole-in-one on a par-5: ace and condor.
Why Is It Called an Albatross?
The term follows the tradition of using bird names for scores under par.
Birdie became associated with one under par, eagle with two under par, and albatross with three under par.
The albatross is one of the largest flying birds, which makes it an appropriate metaphor for an exceptionally rare and impressive golf score.
Why Is It Called a Double Eagle?
The phrase double eagle is more straightforward: an eagle is two under par, so a double eagle describes the next level of exceptional scoring.
Although the logic is simple, the term is not intended to mean four under par. In standard golf terminology, a double eagle is three under par, exactly the same as an albatross.
Albatross vs. Double Eagle at a Glance
| Question | Albatross | Double Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | 3 under par | 3 under par |
| Same score? | Yes | Yes |
| Common example | 2 on a par-5 | 2 on a par-5 |
| Alternative name | Double eagle | Albatross |
| Rarity | Extremely rare | Extremely rare |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an albatross the same as a double eagle?
Yes. Both terms mean a score of three under par on a single hole.
What is an albatross in golf?
An albatross is three strokes under par on one hole. The most common example is making a 2 on a par-5.
What is a double eagle in golf?
A double eagle is another name for an albatross. It means three under par on a single hole.
Is a hole-in-one an albatross?
It can be. A hole-in-one on a par-4 is three under par and therefore an albatross. A hole-in-one on a par-3 is only one under par.
Is an albatross rarer than a hole-in-one?
Generally, yes. Most golfers have far fewer opportunities to make an albatross than they have to make a hole-in-one.
Is an albatross better than an eagle?
Yes. An albatross is three under par, while an eagle is two under par.
What is four under par called?
Four under par on a single hole is commonly called a condor.
Final Thoughts
An albatross and a double eagle are not two different golf scores. They are two names for exactly the same achievement: three under par on a single hole.
The classic example is a golfer making a 2 on a par-5. A hole-in-one on a par-4 also qualifies as an albatross, although that is an exceptionally rare achievement.
Whether you call it an albatross or a double eagle, it is one of the most impressive scores a golfer can make. Eagles are already uncommon for most players, but going one stroke better and finishing three under par requires an extraordinary combination of skill, distance, accuracy, and often a little luck.