What is a Condor in Golf? A Comprehensive Guide

Last updated on August 4, 2023

Toni Benedito
Golf Tips, Blog

In the golfing realm, a condor refers to the ultra-rare feat of scoring four strokes under par on a single hole, which can be achieved by taking one stroke on a par-5 hole or two strokes on a par-6 hole. Noteworthy for its extreme rarity, with only seven recorded instances in history, this impressive accomplishment is often perceived as the pinnacle of golfing achievements.

Key Takeaways

A condor in golf is an extremely rare feat, referring to scoring four strokes under par on a single hole, typically achieved on par-5 holes or through a hole-in-one on a par-6 hole.
Scoring a condor requires exceptional skill, luck, and perfect timing, making it one of the most sought-after accomplishments in sports.

Only seven recorded instances of condors in history, making it a highly elusive and special achievement.
The odds of scoring a condor are approximately 1 in 12 million, making it one of the rarest scoring feats in golf.
Scoring a condor can have a significant impact on a golfer’s career, garnering attention, respect, and potential financial benefits through sponsorships and endorsements.

Introduction

Golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game and achieve the rarest golf achievements. While getting an eagle or even a birdie can be impressive, there is one extremely rare golf feat that stands out above the rest: scoring a condor.

A condor in golf is the rarest golf shot that can be achieved by a player. It’s so rare that many people have never even heard of it before!

This achievement refers to scoring four strokes under par on a single hole. In other words, it means taking only one stroke on a par-5 hole or two strokes on a par-6 hole.

The odds of achieving this feat are incredibly low, making it one of the most sought-after accomplishments in all of sports. Even though condors have occurred multiple times over the years, they are still considered some of the most rare feats in all of sports.

There have been just seven recorded instances of condors in history! The first happened at Green Valley Golf Club in California back in 1962, when Larry Bruce hit his tee shot into the hole on the 480-yard fifth hole with just one stroke.

"Scoring a condor in golf is the rarest feat a player can achieve—four strokes under par on a single hole, an incredibly low chance occurrence. Only seven recorded instances in history, it remains one of the most sought-after accomplishments in all of sports."

To put this into perspective, getting an albatross (three strokes under par) is already considered quite an achievement for any golfer. However, achieving four strokes under par on a single hole seems almost impossible!

The chances of getting a regular hole-in-one are already slim, with odds ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 12,000 depending on skill level and course difficulty. Therefore, you can imagine how much more difficult it would be to accomplish this incredible feat.

Scoring a condor requires not only skill but also luck and perfect timing. It involves hitting a long, accurate shot that avoids any hazards and lands on the green in one stroke.

It’s an achievement that can only be accomplished by the best of the best players, and even then, it’s still an incredibly rare golf score. While golfers strive to achieve many rare feats in their careers, scoring a condor stands out as one of the most rare and impressive accomplishments that any player can achieve.

With only seven recorded instances ever happening in history, it’s clear why achieving this feat is considered to be so special. So next time you’re out on the golf course, keep this incredible achievement in mind!

Understanding Golf Scoring Terms

Before delving into the topic of what a condor in golf is, it’s important to have a solid understanding of golf scoring terms. While some may think that golf terminology only consists of bird names such as eagle, birdie, and par, there are actually quite a few more terms used in keeping score.

Many enthusiasts are familiar with the term “hole-in-one,” which is when a player hits the ball directly into the cup from the tee box on their first stroke. This achievement is considered one of the rarest golf events and has odds that vary depending on hole length and the golfer’s skill level.

Another impressive scoring feat is an eagle, which happens when a player completes the hole two strokes under par. This accomplishment is still pretty rare but occurs more often than hole-in-ones.

A birdie occurs when the player finishes one stroke under par for that hole, while par refers to completing it within the set amount of strokes for that specific course or hole. But what about albatrosses?

An albatross occurs when a player completes a hole three strokes under par, also known as a double-eagle. It’s not as rare as a hole-in-one but it’s still considered one of the most remarkable golf shots.

Now let’s get back to condors. While they are not technically part of traditional golf terminology, they refer to an extremely rare golf feat – completing an individual hole four strokes under par.

In fact, this feat is so uncommon that many amateur golfers may not even know what it means or believe it’s possible at all! While multiple condor occurrences have been recorded over time, they remain one of the rarest scoring feats in all of golf and don’t appear on official scorecards or records like eagles and birdies do.

Enjoying this article? Read more:

The Shocking Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Golf Clubs?

What is a Condor in Golf?

If you’re someone who’s relatively new to golf, you may be unfamiliar with the term ‘Condor‘. It’s not a word that you’ll hear very often, and that’s because it refers to one of the rarest golf scores ever achieved. To understand what this score entails, we need to look at some basic golf scoring terms.

In golf, the lowest possible score on a hole is called a birdie. A hole-in-one on a par-3 hole is an even lower score and is called an eagle. A double eagle or an albatross occurs when one takes three strokes fewer than par for a given hole. So where does the condor fit into all of this?

A condor in golf is the rarest of all rare golf scores and refers to taking four strokes fewer than par on any given hole. This means that it can only occur on par-5 holes where, theoretically speaking, it would be possible to achieve a hole-in-one (also known as an ace) with your first shot off the tee.

Naturally, then, this feat is so difficult that only four people are known to have ever achieved it. While the odds of scoring a bogey are quite high for many players out there, let alone achieving a birdie, eagle, or double eagle, when we consider the probability of achieving a condor in golf – well, let’s just say it’s definitely not something most players will ever experience!

In fact, according to some calculations put together by avid statisticians out there, your chances of getting multiple condor occurrences in your lifetime are roughly 1 in 500 million! Despite its rarity, though, there have been historical instances where players have pulled off this remarkable feat – perhaps none more so than Shaun Lynch back in 1995 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in California, who scored two Condors within just four months!

Historical Instances of Condors

While the term “condor” in golf may be relatively unknown to some, there have been a few historical instances of such an extraordinary golf achievement. A condor in golf is a rare golf score where a player scores four strokes below par on a single hole. This rare golf scoring feat can only occur on par-five holes, as it involves hitting a hole-in-one or getting the ball directly into the cup with three shots using skilled tee shots and approach shots.

One of the most remarkable condors ever accomplished was by professional golfer Shaun Lynch back in 1995 at Teign Valley Golf Club in Devon, England. On that day, Shaun Lynch hit his tee shot onto the green of the par-five eighth hole, and rolled through some tough terrain before miraculously landing straight into the cup with his second stroke.

This rare golf shot helped Lynch break several albatross records and drew global attention to this amazing accomplishment. Another noteworthy example of a condor in golf was achieved by American amateur golfer, Laurent Hurtubise, at Arizona’s Whirlwind Golf Club (Devil’s Claw) back in January 2020.

In what some would describe as one of the rarest golf events ever witnessed, Hurtubise made an incredible ace (hole-in-one) using just one arm—he was born with only one arm – during play at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course during “The American Express” tournament on January 16th that year. The remarkable moment went viral and garnered significant attention from all over the globe.

"While the term 'condor' in golf may be relatively unknown to some, there have been historical instances of this extraordinary achievement. A condor is a rare golf score where a player scores four strokes below par on a single hole. With only five confirmed cases in the history of golf, it stands as one of the most impressive and elusive accomplishments in the sport."

Indeed, it takes both skill and luck to score a condor in golf – over 7 million people play this sport professionally or recreationally worldwide, and thus far only five confirmed condors have ever been scored. The chances of scoring such an extraordinary score are incredibly low; however, as these historical instances prove, it is not impossible for even amateur players to accomplish this rare achievement.

The condor in golf is a rare golf event that has only been accomplished a few times in the history of this beloved sport. Despite its rarity, it stands as one of the most impressive and noteworthy accomplishments in golfing history.

With only a handful of confirmed cases of golfers achieving this rare score, it remains an elusive goal for many golfers worldwide. Nonetheless, as we have seen from these historical instances, with skill and determination, even amateur players can achieve success at this rare golf feat.

The Odds of Scoring a Condor

Scoring a condor in golf is an extremely rare feat that only a handful of players have ever accomplished. In fact, it’s so rare that many golf enthusiasts have never even seen it happen in person.

To put it into perspective, the odds of scoring a condor are said to be 1 in 12 million. For those unfamiliar with golf scoring terms, a condor is a score of four under par on a single hole.

This means that on a par-5 hole, for example, the golfer would need to complete the hole in just one stroke. While this may seem impossible to most amateur golfers, there have been recorded instances of players successfully completing this extraordinary feat.

It’s worth noting that while an eagle and an albatross are also considered rare golf achievements, they are still more common than scoring a condor. An eagle is achieved by completing the hole two strokes under par, while an albatross is three strokes under par.

"Scoring a condor in golf is an extremely rare feat, with odds of 1 in 12 million. Only a handful of players have accomplished this extraordinary achievement. While eagles and albatrosses are impressive, they still pale in comparison to the rarity of a condor."

These scores are impressive accomplishments in their own right, but they pale in comparison to the rarity of a condor. Despite its rarity and seemingly impossible odds, there have been multiple instances where players have scored a condor on various golf courses around the world.

While most occurrences have happened during practice rounds or casual games among friends, there have been some instances where professional golfers have accomplished this extraordinary feat during actual tournaments. Scoring a condor in golf is an extremely rare and impressive accomplishment that very few players will ever achieve.

It requires an extraordinary combination of skill and luck to achieve such a rare score on any given hole. While it may seem like just another number on the scorecard for some amateurs or casual players, true enthusiasts know just how significant this achievement can be when considering all the other rare golf shots and feats throughout history.

How to Score a Condor

Scoring a condor in golf is an extremely rare feat, and if you’re curious about how to do it, read on. Before you start, remember that you need to be an excellent golfer with high accuracy and enough strength to hit the ball at great distances.

Here are some tips on how to score a condor in golf: One way to score a condor is by hitting a hole-in-one on a par-6 hole.

This is one of the rarest golf shots, as most courses only have par-5 holes as their longest holes. However, there have been recorded instances of par-6 holes at Oakland Hills Country Club and the International Golf Club in Bolton, Massachusetts.

Another way of scoring a condor is by hitting an albatross (three under par) on a par-5 hole. This shot requires remarkable accuracy and power since the golfer must reach the green in two strokes before sinking the ball.

Amateur golfers can also score a condor by getting an eagle followed by another eagle or better yet, an ace (hole-in-one) on the following hole. While this may seem like an impossible task for most players, history has shown that extraordinary golf achievements can come from amateurs who put enough effort into their game.

Players can also score a condor when they make use of strong tailwinds or downhill slopes that increase their driving distance significantly. Allowing for these unusual circumstances can increase your chances of scoring this rare golf event.

While scoring a condor might seem like an extremely difficult task, even for professional players who spend hours playing every day; it is possible with extreme dedication and practice. Whether you achieve it through exceptional accuracy and power or take advantage of nature’s gift; know that this rare feat will go down in history as one of the rarest golf scores ever recorded!

The Impact of a Condor on a Golfer's Career

If you’re lucky enough to score a Condor in golf, it can have a major impact on your career. This rare golf feat is an incredible achievement that sets you apart from other golfers and puts you in the record books. For amateur golfers, scoring a condor can be the highlight of their golfing career.

It’s a remarkable moment that they will never forget and will proudly share with other enthusiasts for years to come. Even professional golfers feel the impact of this rare event on their careers.

Aspiring young players dream about making remarkable golf shots and breaking records, but even seasoned veterans consider scoring a condor one of their greatest successes. This rare golf feat is achieved by only a select few every year, so it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the most notable accomplishments in the world of golf.

Scoring a Condor can also have financial benefits for professional players. With this rare golf feat under your belt, many sponsors and advertisers will take notice and offer lucrative contracts.

The fame and success that come with scoring a Condor can open doors for successful careers both on and off the course. Overall, the impact of scoring a condor in golf is enormous.

It’s not just about adding another number to your scorecard; it’s about setting yourself apart from others and accomplishing something truly special. Whether you’re an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, scoring this rare feat is sure to be one of the most remarkable moments in your career that you’ll never forget!

Conclusion

The condor is a term that has been used in the golfing world for a long time, but it is still one of the rarest occurrences that any golfer can achieve. Although most amateur golfers may never even come close to achieving such an extraordinary golf feat, it is still highly regarded and respected by players and fans of the game alike.

The chances of scoring a condor while playing are incredibly slim, and even professional golfers can go their entire careers without ever getting one. However, some remarkable golf moments have involved multiple condor occurrences in a single tournament.

These events undoubtedly belong to some of the rarest golf events in history and will forever remain extraordinary golf achievements that amaze us all. Although it may seem like just another piece of golf terminology to outsiders, for those who understand its true meaning, a condor represents much more than just an accomplishment on paper.

It represents the success and hard work put into every shot by players who have trained for years to reach this level. Golf scoring records show us that scoring a condor is an extremely rare golf feat that very few players will ever achieve or witness during their careers.

Many consider it one of the rarest sporting achievements around; however, with enough determination and practice, anything is possible. With California’s beautiful courses offering ample opportunities for players of all levels to chase their dreams of a condor or any other remarkable golf moments out there waiting to be made; we are sure that we haven’t seen the last of this incredible accomplishment yet!

FAQs

What is condor in golf?

A condor in golf is scoring a hole-in-one on a par 5 hole, an extremely rare feat only achieved a few times in history.

Is a condor in golf possible?

Yes, a condor is possible in golf but is extremely rare. It requires an ace on a long par 5 hole of over 500 yards, which few golfers have the power and precision to achieve.

How rare is a condor in golf?

A condor is exceptionally rare in golf, with only a handful documented cases out of the many millions of golf rounds played. It is one of the rarest accomplishments in the sport.

Who scored a condor in golf?

Some notable golfers who have scored a condor include C.B. Macdonald in 1913 and Shaun Lynch in 1987. Condors are so uncommon that each new one makes headlines.

How many golfers have hit a condor?

Only a few golfers have ever hit a condor in competition, estimated to be around 5 total cases. With over 15 million golfers worldwide, condors remain an elite golf achievement.

What is better than a condor in golf?

There is nothing better than a condor in golf – it is the best score possible on a single hole. Scoring lower than a hole-in-one on a par 5 is not feasible.

How do you get a condor in golf?

To score a condor, a golfer would need to ace a long par 5 hole of over 500 yards. It requires an extremely long and accurate drive, followed by a well-struck long iron or fairway wood to the green and then holing out the eagle putt.

Share this Post

Toni Benedito

Hi there, I'm Toni Benedito, the person behind Better Golf Nation. You know, I was only 12 when I first became fascinated with golf. It's the sheer skill and accuracy of the game that really draws me in, especially when it comes to golf equipment. I love nothing more than sharing what I've learned and helping others take their game to the next level. So why not join us? We're all about nurturing a vibrant golf community where everyone learns and improves together. Step by step, insight by insight, we're building a Better Golf Nation.