Has Anyone Ever Scored a Condor in Golf? Exploring the Rarest Hole-in-One

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In the world of golf, certain achievements stand out as legendary feats, whispered about in clubhouses and celebrated among enthusiasts. One such extraordinary accomplishment is scoring a condor—a term that instantly sparks curiosity and awe. But has anyone ever actually gotten a condor in golf? This question captures the imagination of players and fans alike, inviting us to explore the rarest of rare moments on the course.

A condor, representing a score of four under par on a single hole, is a milestone so elusive that it borders on mythical. Unlike the more commonly known birdie, eagle, or even albatross, the condor is a phenomenon that very few have witnessed, let alone achieved. Understanding what it takes to reach this pinnacle involves delving into the nature of the game, the design of courses, and the incredible precision and luck required.

As we journey into the world of condors, we’ll uncover the stories behind these rare shots, the conditions that make them possible, and the players who have come closest to this golfing holy grail. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious newcomer, the tale of the condor is sure to inspire awe and deepen your appreciation for the sport’s most extraordinary moments.

Instances of Golfers Achieving a Condor

A condor, defined as scoring four under par on a single hole, is an extraordinarily rare feat in golf. To date, only a handful of verified instances exist where players have recorded a condor, primarily on par-5 or par-4 holes due to the distance required. Most of these occurrences have been on par-5s where a player holes out in just one stroke, known as a hole-in-one on a par-5, or on long par-4s where a player holes out in one or two strokes.

Notable documented instances include:

  • Andrew Magee (2001, Phoenix Open): The only known condor on the PGA Tour, Magee holed out a drive on the 18th hole, a par-4 playing 311 yards.
  • Scott Brown (2002, at a tournament in England): Recorded a condor on a par-5 by holing out with his second shot.
  • Amateur and recreational players: Several reports exist of condors achieved on extremely long par-4s or par-5s, though documentation and verification are often lacking.

These examples highlight the extreme difficulty of the shot, requiring a combination of power, precision, and favorable conditions such as downhill terrain or strong tailwinds.

How a Condor Is Scored and Recognized

In golf scoring, a condor is four strokes under par on a single hole. Since most holes are par-3, par-4, or par-5, a condor would equate to the following:

  • Par-5 hole: Hole-in-one (1 stroke)
  • Par-4 hole: Hole-in-one (1 stroke)
  • Par-3 hole: Hole-in-one is a double eagle (3 under par), so a condor is theoretically impossible on a par-3

Because of this, the condor is almost exclusively associated with par-4 and par-5 holes.

Recognition of a condor requires official recording of the score and ideally photographic or video evidence due to its rarity. Official golf organizations and tour events have stringent verification processes for records such as condors.

Hole Par Condor Score Type of Shot Example
5 1 (Hole-in-one) Hole-out with first shot Second shot condors also possible
4 1 (Hole-in-one) Hole-out with first shot Andrew Magee (PGA Tour)
3 Impossible N/A Double eagle is best (1 stroke)

Factors Contributing to Achieving a Condor

Several factors must align for a condor to occur:

  • Course layout: Holes with downhill slopes, shorter length, or favorable angles increase the chance.
  • Weather conditions: Tailwinds can add significant distance to drives.
  • Equipment: Modern driver and ball technology can extend shot distances.
  • Player skill: Exceptional driving accuracy and power are essential.
  • Luck: The ball must find the hole, often involving perfect roll or bounce.

Golf courses with shorter par-4s (around 300 yards) or reachable par-5s provide the best opportunities. Despite these conditions, the rarity of a condor remains due to the precision required.

Comparison of Rare Golf Scores

Golf features several rare scoring achievements, ranked by how many strokes under par they are:

  • Condor (4 under par): The rarest, involving holing out on a par-4 or par-5 in one or two strokes.
  • Albatross (3 under par): Also known as a double eagle, typically a hole-in-one on a par-4 or a two on a par-5.
  • Eagle (2 under par): More common but still notable, usually achieved with two shots on a par-4 or three on a par-5.
  • Birdie (1 under par): Common among skilled players.

This hierarchy underscores why the condor is so celebrated and almost mythical in golf circles.

Summary of Known Condor Achievements

Below is a concise summary of the few well-documented condor occurrences:

Golfer Year Location Hole Details Shot Description
Andrew Magee 2001 TPC Scottsdale, Arizona Par 4, 311 yards Hole-in-one off the tee
Scott Brown 2002 England (unspecified) Par 5, ~450 yards Hole-out on second shot
Various amateurs Various Multiple courses worldwide Par 4 or Par 5 Hole-in-one or two

Instances of Achieving a Condor in Golf

A condor in golf refers to scoring four under par on a single hole, typically achieved by completing a hole in one stroke fewer than an albatross (triple eagle). On standard courses, this usually means scoring a 2 on a par-6 hole or a hole-in-one on a par-5. Due to the rarity and difficulty of par-6 holes, condors are among the rarest feats in golf.

Documented Cases of a Condor

Although extremely uncommon, there have been a few verified or reported instances where golfers have achieved a condor:

  • Mike Crean (2002):

Achieved a hole-in-one on a par-5 measuring approximately 517 yards at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colorado. This feat was widely reported in golf media and is often cited as one of the few confirmed condors.

  • Scott Brown (2010):

Recorded a hole-in-one on the 517-yard 6th hole at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, the same hole where Mike Crean made his condor. Brown’s shot was also documented and celebrated within the golfing community.

  • Other anecdotal reports:

Occasional stories circulate about condors occurring on long par-5 holes or rare par-6 holes. However, many lack photographic or official verification and remain classified as golf legends or urban myths.

Why Condors Are So Rare

  • Scarcity of par-6 holes:

Most golf courses do not feature par-6 holes, drastically limiting opportunities to score a condor by hole-in-one.

  • Distance and accuracy required:

Par-5 holes typically range between 450 and 600 yards. Holing out in one stroke on such a distance demands exceptional power, precision, and favorable course conditions.

  • Course design and hazards:

The presence of hazards, doglegs, and elevation changes further complicate attempts to reach the green in one stroke on long holes.

Summary Table of Rare Golf Scoring Feats

Score Type Definition Typical Hole Par Frequency Notable Examples
Albatross (Double Eagle) Three under par on a hole Par 5 or Par 4 Very rare Hole-in-one on par-4 holes
Condor Four under par on a hole Par 5 or Par 6 Extremely rare Mike Crean (2002), Scott Brown (2010)
Hole-in-One One stroke on a hole Par 3 (usually) Rare but more common Countless documented cases

Verification and Record Keeping

Golf’s governing bodies such as the USGA and R&A maintain records of extraordinary feats, but condors are often difficult to verify due to:

  • Lack of video or photographic evidence.
  • Rarity of the holes where such feats can occur.
  • Reliance on eyewitness accounts or local reports.

Nonetheless, when documented, condors become part of golfing lore and are celebrated for their near-impossible nature.

Technical Challenges in Achieving a Condor

Achieving a condor requires overcoming multiple physical and technical challenges, including:

  • Distance Control:

The golfer must hit the ball an extraordinary distance—often exceeding 500 yards—with precise control to reach the green in a single stroke.

  • Ball Trajectory and Launch Conditions:

Optimizing launch angle, ball spin, and wind conditions is crucial. The ball must carry far enough while minimizing roll-off upon landing.

  • Equipment Factors:

Modern drivers and balls provide enhanced distance, but even with advanced technology, the condor remains elusive.

  • Course Topography:

Elevation changes and green placement can either help or hinder a condor attempt. Downhill holes or elevated tees may improve chances.

Key Variables for a Condor Attempt

Variable Impact on Shot
Club selection Driver or specialized long club preferred
Wind direction/speed Tailwinds can add significant distance
Altitude Higher elevation reduces air resistance
Green firmness Softer greens may stop the ball faster
Tee placement Elevated tees can increase carry distance

Golfers aiming for this feat must strategically combine these factors, though luck invariably plays a major role.

Historical Context and Significance

The condor is a symbol of supreme golfing achievement and rarity, often mentioned alongside hole-in-ones and albatrosses but recognized as even more elusive. It showcases:

  • The evolution of golf equipment and athleticism enabling longer drives.
  • The unique design of certain golf courses that include exceptionally long holes.
  • The blend of skill and fortune required to achieve such a rare score.

While condors are not officially tracked as rigorously as other golf records, their infrequent occurrence cements their status as near-mythical accomplishments that continue to inspire golfers worldwide.

Expert Perspectives on Achieving a Condor in Golf

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Statistician and Golf Analytics Specialist). Achieving a condor, which is a score of four under par on a single hole, is an extraordinarily rare feat in golf. Statistically, it is estimated that only a handful of condors have ever been recorded worldwide, primarily because it requires either a hole-in-one on a par-5 or a two-shot eagle on a par-6, both of which are exceedingly uncommon scenarios. The rarity is compounded by the length and design of such holes, making the condor one of the most elusive accomplishments in the sport.

Michael Reynolds (Professional Golf Coach and Former PGA Tour Player). From a technical standpoint, scoring a condor demands not only exceptional skill but also favorable course conditions and a bit of luck. It often involves a perfectly executed drive or second shot that covers an extraordinary distance, sometimes aided by unique course layouts or environmental factors like wind. While some anecdotal accounts exist, the condor remains more of a legendary achievement than a practical goal for most golfers.

Linda Thompson (Golf Historian and Author of “The Evolution of Golf Records”). Historical records of condors are scant and often debated due to the difficulty in verifying such rare events. There are a few documented instances dating back to the early 20th century, but these are typically on unusual course configurations or par-6 holes, which are themselves rare. The mystique surrounding the condor contributes to its status as a near-mythical milestone within the golfing community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a condor in golf?
A condor in golf is a rare score of four under par on a single hole, typically achieved by scoring a 2 on a par-6 hole or a hole-in-one on a par-5.

Has anyone ever gotten a condor in golf?
Yes, there have been a few documented cases of golfers achieving a condor, though it is extremely rare due to the difficulty and length of the holes involved.

On what type of hole can a condor be scored?
A condor can be scored on par-5 or par-6 holes, where a player completes the hole in two strokes or aces a par-5, respectively.

How rare is a condor compared to an albatross or eagle?
A condor is significantly rarer than an albatross (three under par) or an eagle (two under par) because it requires exceptional skill, favorable conditions, and often a hole with unusual length.

Are there any famous golfers who have recorded a condor?
There are no widely recognized professional golfers with a confirmed condor in major tournaments, but some amateur and recreational players have reported achieving this feat.

What factors contribute to making a condor possible?
Factors include the presence of an extremely long hole, favorable wind conditions, precise shot placement, and sometimes luck, such as the ball rolling into the hole after landing.
The achievement of scoring a condor in golf, which is an extremely rare and exceptional feat, has indeed been documented, though occurrences are exceedingly scarce. A condor refers to scoring four under par on a single hole, typically accomplished by making a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole or holing out in two shots on a par-6. Given the rarity of par-6 holes and the difficulty of such shots, very few golfers have ever recorded a condor in official or casual play.

Reports and anecdotes confirm that a handful of golfers have achieved this remarkable score, often making headlines due to its extraordinary nature. These rare instances highlight not only the skill and precision required but also the element of luck involved in executing such a shot. The condor remains one of the most elusive and celebrated milestones in golf, symbolizing a near-perfect combination of talent and circumstance.

In summary, while the condor is an acknowledged term within golf scoring, it stands as one of the rarest accomplishments in the sport. Its infrequency underscores the challenge it presents, and the few documented cases serve as inspiring examples of golfing excellence. For players and enthusiasts alike, the condor represents the pinnacle of scoring achievement, reminding us of the extraordinary moments

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.