Exploring the Rarest Golf Scores: From Birdies to Phoenixes
Golf is a game of precision, skill, and a bit of luck. While many golfers dream of scoring a birdie or even an eagle, there are some truly rare feats that go beyond the ordinary. These exceptional achievements have earned unique names, each representing an incredible accomplishment in the sport. Let’s explore the rarest golf scores you’ve probably never heard of, from the humble birdie to the mythical Phoenix.
Par – The Standard
Like watching Season 1 of Full Swing, before diving into the rarer feats, let’s start with the basics. Par represents the standard number of strokes a solid golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or course. For example, a par-3 means you’re expected to complete the hole in three strokes, a par-4 in four strokes, and so on. Achieving par means you’ve played the hole exactly as expected, neither over nor under the standard.
Birdie – One Stroke Under Par
The birdie is the first step toward scoring under par. When a golfer completes a hole in one stroke less than par, they’ve earned a birdie. For example, completing a par-4 hole in three strokes results in a birdie. While it’s certainly a solid achievement, birdies are common enough that bad golfers collect them every now and then. But what if you manage to go even lower?
Eagle – Two Strokes Under Par
The next level of excellence is the eagle. Ballers and snakers score eagles. An eagle is when you finish two strokes under par. This is a rare and exciting moment for any golfer. For example, a golfer who gets a 3 on a par-5 hole or a 2 on a par-4 has scored an eagle. Earning an eagle is a huge accomplishment—seriously. High-fives by all are in order when anyone in the group is lucky or skilled enough to score one. But there’s more to come.
Albatross (Double Eagle) – Three Strokes Under Par
An albatross is a truly extraordinary feat in golf and considerably more rare than a traditional hole-in-one on a par-3. Also known as a double eagle, it occurs when a golfer finishes a hole three strokes under par. This is most commonly seen when a golfer scores a 2 on a par-5 hole, though it can also occur on a par-4 if a hole-in-one is achieved.
Albatrosses are rare, but they do happen from time to time, especially on longer par-5 holes where the possibility of reaching the green in two strokes exists. Still, it’s a score that most golfers will only dream of. But what if you were to score even lower than this?
Condor (Triple Eagle) – Four Strokes Under Par
Now we’re venturing into the land of legendary scores. A Condor (also known as a triple eagle or double albatross) is a four strokes under par score. Achieving a condor can happen in one of two ways:
- A hole-in-one on a par-5, which is incredibly rare.
- A 2 on a par-6, but this requires a par-6 hole, which is virtually nonexistent.
There have been only five recorded instances of a condor (hole-in-one on a par-5), making it one of the rarest achievements in the sport. In fact, a condor is so rare that 99.99% of golfers may go their entire careers without ever witnessing one, let alone making one. But golf is a game of surprises, and sometimes the impossible happens.
Ostrich – Five Strokes Under Par
Next up, we have the Ostrich. No, not the bird that looks like it skipped leg day at the gym—this one’s a golf score. An Ostrich means you shot five strokes under par on a single hole. That usually translates to making a hole-in-one on a par-6. Sounds cool, right? Here’s the twist: par-6 holes are about as common as polite internet comment sections. And making a hole-in-one on one? Basically golf’s version of finding Bigfoot riding a unicorn.
In fact, there are zero verified Ostriches on record. It’s more of a mythical “what if” scenario that gets thrown around when golfers are feeling especially optimistic—or delusional. Still, it’s fun to imagine.
Phoenix – Six Strokes Under Par
If an Ostrich sounds like a tall tale, then a Phoenix is golf’s equivalent of spotting a leprechaun doing taxes. A Phoenix is six strokes under par on a single hole, which would mean—wait for it—a hole-in-one on a par-7. Yes, those exist… sort of.
Enter the Gunsan Country Club in South Korea, home of the longest hole in the world: the 3rd hole, a soul-crushing, leg-burning, ball-losing 1,097-yard par-7. But despite its existence, no one has ever scored a Phoenix. And honestly, the chances of doing so are about as good as winning the lottery while being struck by lightning on your birthday.
There are a few other monster holes worth mentioning:
- Satsuki Golf Course (Japan) – 7th hole, 964 yards, par 7.
- Meadows Farms Golf Course (Virginia, USA) – 12th hole, 841 yards, par 6.
- The Links Golf Course (Idaho, USA) – 9th hole, 842 yards, par 6.
These holes are the stuff of legends—and leg cramps—but a Phoenix? That remains golf’s ultimate fantasy, just waiting for some brave soul (with a rocket launcher for a driver) to make history.