The short answer to how many Condor in golf events have officially occurred is very few—perhaps only four widely accepted instances in history. A Condor in golf is the rarest of golf scores, achieved by scoring four strokes under par on a single hole.
Fathoming the Rarity: What Exactly is a Condor in Golf?
In the world of scoring in golf, we are used to birdies (one under par) and eagles (two under par). Even an albatross, or double albatross (three under par), is incredibly rare. The Condor in golf sits at the absolute peak of golfing achievement.
To score a Condor in golf, a player must complete a hole in four fewer strokes than the expected par. This means:
- Scoring a 1 on a Par 5 hole.
- Scoring a 0 on a Par 4 hole (This is physically impossible as the lowest score is 1).
Since scoring a zero is impossible, the only way to achieve a Condor in golf is to hit a hole-in-one on a Par 5 hole.
Scoring Terminology in Golf: A Quick Look
To better grasp the magnitude of the Condor, let’s review the common golf scores hierarchy:
| Score Relative to Par | Name | Strokes Needed on a Par 4 | Strokes Needed on a Par 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| -1 | Birdie | 3 | 4 |
| -2 | Eagle | 2 | 3 |
| -3 | Albatross (Double Albatross) | 1 (Hole-in-One) | 2 |
| -4 | Condor | Impossible | 1 (Hole-in-One) |
This puts the Condor far beyond a standard golf hole in one. A hole-in-one on a Par 3 is common compared to this feat. A hole-in-one on a Par 4 is a “Condor on a Par 4” in some unofficial circles, but usually called a triple albatross or just a very unusual golf score. The true Condor requires the Par 5 miracle.
The Mechanics of a Condor: How to Score a Condor
How to score a condor relies entirely on the course layout. A Par 5 hole is typically designed to be 470 to 690 yards long. For a player to ace it, they must hit their drive—the first shot—directly into the cup from the tee box.
The Necessary Conditions for a Condor
Achieving this feat requires a perfect storm of conditions.
1. The Right Length
The hole cannot be too long. If a Par 5 stretches past 550 yards, even the longest hitters struggle to reach the green, let alone put the ball in the hole. Most confirmed Condors have occurred on shorter, older Par 5s.
2. Elevation and Wind Assistance
Most known Condors benefited from significant downhill elevation. Hitting the ball down a steep slope adds crucial distance. Furthermore, a strong tailwind can add another 20 to 50 yards to a perfectly struck drive.
3. Course Design
Sometimes, sharp doglegs (turns in the fairway) play a role. If the dogleg is severe, a player might cut the corner over trees or hazards. If they successfully cut the corner and land perfectly, the total distance needed for the drive is significantly reduced.
4. Pure Luck
Even with perfect mechanics, hitting a 500-yard shot directly into a 4.25-inch cup requires immense luck. The ball must land softly and roll just right.
Documented Cases: How Many Condors Are Confirmed?
Because of its near impossibility, every confirmed Condor in golf makes international headlines. Keeping track of all claims is hard because many amateur scores go undocumented or are simply too hard to verify. However, only a handful have verifiable proof.
Here are the most cited examples of rare golf scores like the Condor:
1. Larry Bruce (1962)
Larry Bruce is credited with one of the earliest recorded Condors. He achieved this feat at the Hope Country Club in Arkansas on the 5th hole, a Par 5 measuring 480 yards. This score is often cited as the first verified Condor.
2. Shaun Lynch (1995)
Shaun Lynch’s Condor is perhaps the most famous due to its location and assistance. He aced the 17th hole at Teign Valley Golf Club in England. This Par 5 was a severe dogleg of about 496 yards. Lynch cut the corner over a hedge and trees, shortening the distance considerably. His ball ended up right next to the pin, eventually rolling in.
3. Mike Crean (2002)
Mike Crean reportedly scored a Condor at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colorado. The hole was a 517-yard Par 5. This occurred at high altitude, which helps the ball fly farther.
4. Jack Bartlett (2007)
Jack Bartlett is another name on the list. This occurred in Australia. Like many others, the hole was short for a Par 5, measuring only 498 yards, and likely aided by favorable conditions.
The Count: How Many?
Officially recognized and widely accepted Condors total around four. Some sources cite slightly more, but these often lack solid proof like video or multiple witnesses who can verify the exact conditions and yardage. This makes the Condor the lowest golf score achievable on a regulation course.
Condors vs. Double Albatrosses
It is important to differentiate the Condor from the double albatross. The double albatross (or albatross) is three under par. This is achieved in two ways:
- A hole-in-one on a Par 4.
- Scoring a 2 on a Par 5.
Scoring a 2 on a Par 5 is achieved by sinking the tee shot (the first shot) or holing the second shot after a long drive. While incredibly rare, holing out the second shot on a Par 5 happens much more frequently than acing the first shot. A hole-in-one on a Par 4 is also exceptionally rare, but generally considered slightly easier than a Par 5 ace because Par 4s are shorter (usually 300–470 yards).
Why Aren’t There More Condors? Examining Course Design
Modern golf course architecture actively works against unusual golf scores like the Condor. Course designers aim for fairness and challenge.
Longer Par 5s
Today’s Par 5s are built to demand three excellent shots for a par. They are often stretched to 550 yards or more. The average PGA Tour player can hit a drive around 300 yards. Even with a perfect strike, they are still 200 to 250 yards away from the green, making the second shot a long iron or hybrid—not a simple pitch.
Strategic Bunkering and Greens
Modern greens are often heavily protected by deep bunkers, water hazards, and severe slopes designed to repel approach shots. If a 500-yard drive does reach the vicinity of the green, the chances of it rolling directly into the hole are slim due to modern green complexes.
Amateur Play vs. Professional Play
You will never see a Condor recorded in a major professional tournament. The longest Par 5s on championship courses are simply too long for even the world’s best to reach in one shot consistently, even under ideal wind conditions. The recorded Condors occurred on shorter, less demanding tracks, often played by amateur or senior golfers.
The Pursuit of the Unthinkable: Practicing for a Condor
Can a golfer practice to achieve a Condor? Not realistically. Since the feat depends on a specific course setup and extreme luck, dedicated practice only sharpens the skills needed for the first part of the equation: the perfect drive.
Key Skills Needed
- Maximum Distance: Consistent ability to hit the ball as far as possible off the tee.
- Accuracy: The drive must be straight enough to stay on the course, even when cutting corners.
- Trajectory Control: Knowing how to work the ball (draw or fade) to maximize roll and distance based on ground conditions.
For the amateur golfer, aiming for a Par 3 golf hole in one is a far more attainable, albeit still difficult, aspiration than dreaming of a Condor in golf.
The Value of Rare Golf Scores
The Condor holds a unique place in golf scores lore. It represents the ultimate statistical outlier. While an amateur achieving a 59 (the lowest score relative to par in many rounds) is celebrated, the Condor is almost mythological.
Comparison with the Lowest Recorded Score
The lowest score ever recorded in a recognized 18-hole round is 55 (achieved by Rhein Gibson in 2012). This is 15 under par. While incredible, this score involved 18 strokes, not just one miracle stroke. The Condor, being a single-hole achievement, remains unique in its difficulty. If someone scored a Condor (4 under par) and then managed to shoot a 55 overall, that 18-hole score would likely never be repeated.
Interpreting the Evidence: Verifying an Unofficial Condor
When a golfer claims a Condor, the community demands proof. What constitutes valid proof for such an unusual golf score?
- Witness Testimony: At least one credible, non-family witness is required.
- Yardage Confirmation: Documentation from the course scorecard confirming the hole was indeed a Par 5 and its exact length.
- Video Evidence: Increasingly, video footage showing the ball leaving the tee and entering the cup is the gold standard.
Without solid verification, these claims often remain in the realm of anecdote, adding to the mystique of how many Condors truly exist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an Albatross and a Condor?
An Albatross (or double albatross) is three strokes under par. A Condor is four strokes under par. On a Par 5, an Albatross is a 2, and a Condor is a 1.
Can you score a Condor on a Par 4?
Technically, scoring four under par on a Par 4 would mean scoring a 0, which is impossible in golf. Some people mistakenly call a hole-in-one on a Par 4 a Condor, but this is correctly termed a triple albatross or simply a Par 4 ace.
What is the rarest golf score?
The Condor in golf is generally considered the rarest score because it requires a hole-in-one on a Par 5, which is physically demanding and statistically improbable.
How long must a Par 5 be to allow for a Condor?
While there is no set rule, historically confirmed Condors have occurred on Par 5s ranging from 470 yards up to about 520 yards. Anything much longer makes the feat nearly impossible, even with huge wind assistance.
Is a Condor score officially tracked by major golf organizations?
No. Major organizations like the USGA do not formally track or certify these unusual golf scores. They are recorded by local golf associations or recognized through golf records institutions based on reliable documentation provided by the golfer and witnesses.