What is an Albatross in Golf?

An Albatross in golf is the term for when a golfer finishes a particular hole with a shot count that is 3 fewer shots than the Par of the hole. It is also popularly referred to as a “Double Eagle”.

For example, if the hole is a par 5, a player can score an Albatross by getting the ball in the hole in 3 shots.

History of the Term

In order to understand the origin of the term Albatross, we must first understand the origin of the term Birdie. Which is when a player finishes a particular hole with a shot count fewer than  2 shots than the par of the hole.

“Birdie” comes from the early days of golf when players would refer to good shots as a “bird”. The term was a popular way to say that something was excellent at that time.

The term Birdie had an influence on every other good scoring term in golf. Two under par turned into an Eagle and eventually a 3 under par became Albatross. Which is a very large bird.

Famous Albatrosses

The first Albatross that comes to mind is one from a Youtube Golfer, Matt Sharff, who made a hole in one on a par 4. One of the rarest feats in golf.

Watch the unbelievable Albatross here.

More Golf Terms

To see the history and meaning of other terms in golf check out our Golf Terms article.