What Is an Albatross in Golf? The Three-Under-Par Score

An albatross is three under par on a single golf hole. On a par-five, that usually means a two; on a par-four, it means a hole-in-one. Golfers in the United States often call the same score a double eagle. For the related one-under and two-under terms, see the golf scoring glossary, then compare the career Grand Slam, most major winners and lowest PGA Tour round before exploring SportsLook’s golf prize-money coverage and records hub.

How is an albatross scored?

An albatross is any hole completed three strokes below its par value.

Hole par	Albatross score	Typical route
3	0	Not possible under normal scoring because a hole-in-one is one under par
4	1	Hole-in-one
5	2	Hole the second shot
6	3	Hole the third shot, where such a hole exists

The score is relative to par, not to the number of shots alone. A two on a par-four is an eagle, while a two on a par-five is an albatross.

Is an albatross the same as a double eagle?

Yes, the two terms describe the same three-under-par score.

“Albatross” is common in international golf writing, while “double eagle” is especially common in American golf. Neither term changes the score recorded on the card.

Why is an albatross so rare?

An albatross normally requires a long second shot to finish in the hole, leaving almost no room for error.

Par-five holes are designed to take three shots for a scratch player. Reaching the green in two is already difficult; holing that approach is rarer still. A hole-in-one on a par-four is another route, but relatively few par-four holes are short enough for most golfers to reach the green from the tee.

How does an albatross compare with an eagle?

An eagle is two under par, while an albatross is three under par.

• Birdie: one under par.
• Eagle: two under par.
• Albatross or double eagle: three under par.
• Condor: four under par, an exceptionally unusual score.

Does the Rules of Golf define the word albatross?

The governing rules define how strokes, holes and par are scored; “albatross” is the traditional label golfers apply to a three-under-par result.

That distinction matters because par is set for a hole and can vary by course and tee. The same two-shot score can be an eagle on one hole and an albatross on another.

Frequently asked questions

What is an albatross?

Three under par on one hole.

Is it a double eagle?

Yes. Double eagle is the alternate name.

Can a par-three produce one?

No. A par-three ace is one under par.

What is the usual par-five route?

Hole the second shot for a two.

Is it rarer than a hole-in-one?

Yes, because it normally needs a long approach to go in.

Why the bird name?

Golf uses bird terms for scores under par; albatross signals the unusual size of the achievement.

Bottom line

An albatross means three under par on one hole. Remember the par value first, then subtract three: a two on a par-five qualifies, while a two on a par-four does not. The term “double eagle” means exactly the same thing.