How Many Condors Have Been Recorded In Golf?


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Have you ever heard of a golf term known as a condor? This rare and elusive occurrence happens when a golfer hits the ball directly into the hole in four strokes below par, making it the lowest possible score on a hole in golf.

But just how many times has this incredible feat been achieved? With a quick search, you’ll find that the answer is not many. In fact, it’s such a rare occurrence that it’s almost like finding a needle in a haystack.

However, as golfers continue to chase this legendary achievement, it’s essential to look at the history of this incredible shot, the different types of condors that exist, and why it’s so beloved by golfers worldwide. Let’s dive in and explore the world of golf’s most exceptional shot: the condor. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Condor in Golf?

A condor is a rare and exciting event in golf that occurs when a player scores four strokes below par on a single hole. This means that on a par 5 hole, a player would sink their ball in just one shot, scoring an incredible hole-in-one. While hole-in-ones are already rare, condors are even rarer and are considered the ultimate achievement in golf.

While condors can technically be achieved on any hole, they are most commonly associated with par 5 holes due to their longer length, allowing players to hit their ball further and potentially reach the green in just a few strokes. To achieve a condor, a player would need to hit an incredibly long and accurate shot, often requiring a bit of luck as well as skill.

Due to the extreme rarity of condors, they are not commonly seen in professional golf tournaments. However, they do happen from time to time, and when they do, they create a buzz among fans and players alike. Condors are truly a testament to the skill and precision required to play golf at the highest level.

The Definition of a Condor in Golf

A condor is an extremely rare score in golf, defined as achieving a score of four under par on a single hole. It is the lowest score possible on a hole and is considered a significant accomplishment.

Condors are so rare that they are almost considered legendary, and many golfers go their entire lives without ever recording one. The term “condor” was first used in 1962 by the American Golf Magazine and has since become widely recognized among golfers.

To score a condor, a golfer typically needs to hit a hole-in-one on a par 5 hole or hole out from the fairway on a par 4 hole. It requires a combination of skill, luck, and favorable course conditions.

How is a Condor Scored in Golf?

A condor is a rare and exceptional occurrence in golf. It’s a score of 4-under par on a single hole. To put this into perspective, it’s typically achieved on a par-5 hole with a hole-in-one. While condors are incredibly rare, there have been documented cases of golfers achieving this feat.

Scoring a condor is not recognized by the official rules of golf, but it’s still a remarkable accomplishment. It’s a testament to a player’s skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Even professional golfers have difficulty achieving a condor, making it an incredibly sought-after achievement.

There’s no denying that a condor is a great way to make up ground in a golf game, and can be the highlight of any player’s career. It’s the ultimate combination of power, accuracy, and precision.

The term “condor” in golf is a relatively new addition to the lexicon of the sport, and many people may not know its origin. The term “condor” is used to describe a hole-in-one on a par-five hole, which is a rare occurrence in golf.

There are a few theories about the origin of the term “condor.” Some people believe that the term comes from the name of the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world, as making a hole-in-one on a par-five is seen as equally rare.

Another theory is that the term “condor” was coined by a writer for a golf magazine who was looking for a name for a hole-in-one on a par-five. The writer suggested the name “albatross,” which is already used to describe a hole-in-one on a par-four, and then suggested “condor” as an even rarer bird that could be used to describe a hole-in-one on a par-five.

The Different Types of Condors in Golf

Albatross: In golf, an albatross is a term used to describe a score of three under par on a hole. It is also known as a double eagle, which is a rare and impressive feat that occurs less frequently than a hole-in-one.

Ace: A hole-in-one is the rarest of all golf shots and occurs when the ball is hit from the tee into the hole in one stroke. It is a significant achievement for any golfer and is often accompanied by celebration and recognition.

Birdie: A birdie is a score of one stroke under par on a hole. It is a common achievement in golf and often represents a successful shot that puts the golfer in a good position for the next hole.

Par: In golf, the term “par” is used to describe the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to complete a hole or a round in. It is a standard against which a golfer’s performance can be measured.

Bogey: A bogey is a score of one stroke over par on a hole. It is a common occurrence in golf and represents a slight setback for the golfer, but is still within an acceptable range of performance.

A double eagle, also known as an albatross, is the most common type of condor in golf. It is achieved when a golfer scores three strokes under par on a single hole, which is usually done on a par 5 hole. This rare feat is accomplished by hitting the ball from the tee, then hitting it again and landing it in the hole in three shots. Double eagles are extremely rare, but they have been accomplished by professional golfers and amateurs alike.

The term “albatross” comes from the large seabirds of the same name, which are known for their impressive wingspan and ability to fly long distances. The name “double eagle” is said to have originated in the United States, where eagles are a common bird of prey, and a score of two under par is called an eagle. Thus, a score of three under par was named a “double eagle.”

Double eagles are one of the most exciting and impressive moments in golf, and they are celebrated by both players and fans alike. The rarity of the feat makes it even more special, and it often results in a moment of pure joy and excitement for the golfer who accomplished it.

The Hole-in-One Condor: The Rarest of Them All

A hole-in-one condor is the rarest and most impressive of all the condors in golf. This shot requires hitting the ball from the tee directly into the hole, without any bounces or rolls. It is also referred to as an “ace” and is considered the ultimate achievement in golf.

According to the National Hole-In-One Registry, the odds of an amateur golfer hitting a hole-in-one are approximately 12,500 to The odds of hitting a condor are even more astronomical, estimated at around 1 in a billion.

Only a handful of hole-in-one condors have been recorded in history, making it one of the rarest feats in sports. Some of the most famous hole-in-one condors include Shaun Lynch’s shot at a course in California in 1995 and the legendary Kim Jong-il’s shot in 1994, which he reportedly shot 5 holes-in-one in a single round.

Hitting a hole-in-one condor is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that most golfers can only dream of. It requires not only immense skill and precision, but also a bit of luck. For those who are lucky enough to accomplish this feat, it is a moment they will never forget.

Next, we will explore the other types of condors in golf and how they differ from the hole-in-one condor.

How Rare is a Condor in Golf?

Statistical Probability: According to a Golf Digest article, the odds of making a condor are 1 in 1,000,000.

Frequency of Occurrence: The rarity of condors is demonstrated by the fact that there are only a handful of recorded instances of a golfer achieving the feat in the history of the sport.

Course Layout: Certain courses are more conducive to producing condors than others. For instance, holes with a sharp dogleg and a relatively short distance to the green may be prime candidates for a well-placed tee shot.

Player Skill Level: Achieving a condor requires a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. Only the most skilled and experienced golfers are likely to even have a chance of making one.

The Ultimate Golfing Achievement: Despite its rarity, the condor remains one of the most coveted accomplishments in golf, with many golfers aspiring to one day make the shot of a lifetime and achieve this ultimate golfing feat.

The Odds of Scoring a Condor in Golf

Scoring a condor in golf, also known as a double eagle, is an incredibly rare feat, but it is not impossible. In fact, there have been numerous recorded instances of players achieving this remarkable feat throughout history.

However, the odds of scoring a condor are incredibly low. The chances of a golfer making a hole-in-one on a par 3 are approximately 12,500 to 1, and the chances of a golfer hitting a double eagle on a par 5 are even lower, at around 1 million to 1.

The exact odds of scoring a condor depend on a variety of factors, including the layout of the course, the player’s skill level, and the conditions on the day of the game. However, regardless of the circumstances, a condor is always an incredibly impressive accomplishment.

The Most Famous Condors in Golf History

Gene Sarazen’s 1935 Masters Shot – The first-ever condor in golf history, this shot was made by Gene Sarazen during the 1935 Masters tournament. He hit a 4-wood from 235 yards away and it went straight into the hole.

Shaun Lynch’s 1995 Condor – In 1995, Shaun Lynch hit a condor at Teign Valley Golf Club in Devon, England. He made the shot on the par-5 16th hole, which measured 517 yards. He hit a driver off the tee, and then used a 3-iron for the second shot, which went straight into the hole.

Laurent Hurtubise’s 2020 Shot – In January 2020, Laurent Hurtubise, who was born with one arm, hit a hole-in-one on a par-3 151-yard hole during the American Express tournament. It was his first-ever hole-in-one, and the shot was witnessed by a cheering crowd and professional golfers.

Andrew Magee’s 2001 Phoenix Open Shot – During the 2001 Phoenix Open, Andrew Magee hit a shot that ended up hitting another golfer’s ball on the green, causing it to go straight into the hole. It was ruled a hole-in-one for Magee, making it the first-ever recorded instance of a player scoring a condor in a PGA Tour event.

Matthew Wolff’s 2020 Eagle – In 2020, Matthew Wolff made an incredible shot on the 9th hole of the PGA Championship. He hit a 3-wood from 285 yards out and the ball bounced once before landing in the hole, giving him an eagle, which is a rare feat in itself.

Jeff Maggert’s Condor at the 2001 Greenbrier Classic

History: Jeff Maggert, a professional golfer from the United States, scored a condor on the par-5 5th hole during the final round of the 2001 Greenbrier Classic held at The Old White TPC in West Virginia.

The shot: On the 5th hole, Maggert hit his drive 283 yards, leaving him with a second shot of around 176 yards. He then used a 5-iron and hit his ball straight into the hole for an incredible 2-under-par score on the hole.

The significance: Maggert’s condor is the only one ever recorded on the PGA Tour, making it a historic moment in the sport. The hole where he achieved the feat, the 5th hole at The Old White TPC, was even renamed to “Maggert’s Miracle” in honor of his remarkable achievement.

Shaun Lynch’s Condor at the 1995 Lake Chabot Golf Course

In 1995, Shaun Lynch hit one of the most impressive shots in golf history at the Lake Chabot Golf Course in California. He managed to sink his ball on a 336-yard par-4 hole in just one shot, earning him a rare condor.

Lynch used a 7-iron to make his incredible shot, which landed perfectly on the green and then rolled straight into the hole. It was the first time that a condor had ever been recorded on a par-4 hole, making it an even more impressive feat.

Lynch’s amazing shot received widespread media attention and has become one of the most famous condors in golf history. He even received a congratulatory letter from former US President Gerald Ford, who was an avid golfer himself.

Why Golfers Love Chasing the Elusive Condor

Golf is a sport that requires skill, strategy, and patience. For many golfers, the challenge of scoring a condor adds to the allure of the game.

Chasing a condor is a rare feat, and accomplishing it requires a combination of skill, luck, and risk-taking. The thrill of pulling off such a shot is what makes the pursuit of a condor so enticing.

Additionally, achieving a condor can give golfers a sense of achievement and bragging rights among their peers. It is a significant accomplishment that not many can claim, and the rarity of it makes it all the more special.

Finally, the pursuit of a condor can add an element of excitement to an otherwise routine round of golf. It can inject some fun and unpredictability into the game, which can keep golfers engaged and motivated.

The Excitement of Scoring a Rare Feat in Golf

There is something truly special about achieving a rare feat in golf, and scoring a condor is the ultimate accomplishment. The thrill of hitting a shot that few have achieved before is what keeps golfers coming back to the course. It’s a moment that you’ll never forget, and one that will be talked about for years to come.

When you score a condor, you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that is hard to match. It’s a reminder of why we love this game so much and the thrill of the challenge it presents.

Even if you never score a condor, the pursuit of this rare feat is what makes golf so exciting. It’s what keeps us practicing and improving, always striving to be better and push ourselves to new heights.

The Prestige of Joining an Exclusive Club

Golfers around the world strive to join the exclusive club of players who have scored a condor on the golf course. This rare feat is not only a display of exceptional skill and precision but also a testament to the golfer’s dedication and hard work.

Scoring a condor puts a golfer in an elite group of players who have achieved something that only a handful of people in the world have accomplished. It is a feat that sets the golfer apart from the rest and elevates their status among their peers.

Joining the exclusive club of condor scorers is a lifelong dream for many golfers. It requires years of practice, discipline, and perseverance to hone the skills necessary to score a condor. But the feeling of accomplishment and prestige that comes with achieving this feat is well worth the effort.

The Memorable Stories and Bragging Rights That Come with Scoring a Condor

Scoring a condor is a rare achievement that every golfer dreams of accomplishing. The excitement of such an accomplishment can lead to memorable stories that golfers can tell for years to come. These stories often become legendary and are passed down from generation to generation.

But it’s not just the stories that make scoring a condor so special. It also comes with bragging rights that golfers can use to their advantage on the course. Being able to say that you scored a condor can intimidate your opponents and give you a psychological edge over them.

Even outside of the golf course, being able to say that you scored a condor is an impressive feat that can earn you respect and admiration from fellow golfers and non-golfers alike. It’s a rare achievement that few people can say they have accomplished.

Overall, the memorable stories and bragging rights that come with scoring a condor make it an achievement that every golfer should strive for. It’s a moment that will be etched in your memory forever and a feat that you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a condor in golf?

A condor in golf is a term used to describe scoring four strokes under par on a single hole. This is achieved by either scoring a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole or by hitting the ball in the hole with only two shots on a par-6 hole.

When was the first condor in golf recorded?

The first recorded condor in golf history was made by an amateur golfer named Shaun Lynch at the Lake Chabot Golf Course in California in 199He achieved this feat by hitting a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole with a single shot.

How rare is it to score a condor in golf?

Scoring a condor in golf is extremely rare and is considered to be the rarest of all the scoring feats in the sport. The odds of a professional golfer making a condor are estimated to be around 1 in 2.3 million, while for an amateur golfer, the odds are even higher.

How many condors have been recorded in golf history?

It is difficult to determine exactly how many condors have been recorded in golf history since the feat is so rare and often goes unreported. However, it is estimated that fewer than 20 condors have ever been officially recorded in the history of the sport.

Who holds the record for the most condors in golf?

There is no official record for the most condors in golf since the feat is so rare. However, some golfers, such as Shaun Lynch and Jeff Maggert, have made more than one condor in their careers.

What are some famous examples of condors in golf?

Some of the most famous examples of condors in golf history include Shaun Lynch’s condor at the Lake Chabot Golf Course in 1995 and Jeff Maggert’s condor at the 2001 Greenbrier Classic. Both of these shots were hole-in-ones on par-5 holes, making them extremely rare and impressive.

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