Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An albatross is a score of three strokes under par on one hole. For example, a player makes a 2 on a par-5. It is also called a double eagle and is much rarer than an Eagle.
How it matters in match play
An albatross is not a separate match-play result or scoring format. It is a player's Hole Score on one hole; under Rule 3.2a(1), the player with fewer strokes wins that hole, so an albatross will normally win the hole unless the opponent also records fewer strokes. Match Play is then updated hole by hole.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Albatross |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rule 3.2a(1) (match-play hole won by fewer strokes); the Rules of Golf do not define a separate Albatross term |
| Related concepts | Eagle, Hole Score, Par, Match Play, Score Relative to Par |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex makes a 2 on a par-5, three under par, so Alex has an Albatross; if Ben makes 5, Alex wins that hole and moves the Match Play score one hole up.
Rule reference: Rule 3.2a(1) (match-play hole won by fewer strokes); the Rules of Golf do not define a separate Albatross term
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is an Albatross the same as a Double Eagle?
Yes. Double Eagle is a commonly used alternative name for an Albatross, meaning three strokes under par on a single hole.
What score is an Albatross on a par-5?
A 2 is an Albatross on a par-5 because it is three strokes below the hole's par of 5.
Does an Albatross automatically win a match-play hole?
No. Match play compares the players' strokes on that hole. An Albatross wins only if it is the lower score, or if the opponent concedes the hole or receives a loss-of-hole penalty under the Rules.
Is Albatross an official Rules of Golf scoring category?
The Rules of Golf set out how a hole is won and how strokes are counted, but do not create a separate rule for the term Albatross. The term describes a score relative to par.