Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A condor is an informal name for scoring four strokes under par on one hole. On a par-five that means a Hole-in-One; on a par-six it means a score of 2. It is exceptionally rare and is not a scoring term defined in the Rules of Golf.
How it matters in match play
A condor label does not create a special match-play result. The hole is still decided by comparing the players' applicable gross or net scores under Rule 3.2a. For example, a condor on a par-five normally wins that hole unless the opponent also records the lower applicable score; the match result still depends on the holes already won, lost or halved.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Condor |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | No dedicated official rule established |
| Related concepts | Par, Hole-in-One, Albatross, Eagle, Hole Score |
Worked example
Illustrative only: Alex takes 1 on a par-five, which is 4 under par and therefore a condor; if Ben takes 5, Alex wins that hole, but the match score changes only according to the agreed gross or handicap scoring method.
Sources: www.golfcompendium.com , www.scottishgolfhistory.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is a condor the same as a hole-in-one?
Not always. A hole-in-one on a par-five is a condor, but the term describes the score relative to par: a 2 on a par-six or a 3 on a par-seven would also be four under par.
Can you score a condor on a par-four?
No. Four under par on a par-four would require a score of 0, so a condor is only possible on a par-five or longer hole.
Does a condor automatically win a match-play hole?
No. It is an informal scoring label, not a separate match-play rule. The hole goes to the player with the lower applicable score under the match's gross or handicap arrangements, and the overall match result depends on the rest of the holes.