October 5, 2023

What Is a Hole in One on a Par 5 Called

Understanding Golf Terminology

Before we dive into the exciting world of a hole in one on a par 5, let’s get familiar with some golf lingo. Golf courses have 18 holes, each with a designated par value. Here’s a quick table to help you out:

TermDescription
ParThe ideal number of strokes for an expert golfer to complete a hole. It varies from 3 to 5 strokes.
BirdieCompleting a hole in one stroke less than par.
EagleCompleting a hole in two strokes less than par.
AlbatrossCompleting a hole in three strokes less than par.
Hole in OneSinking the ball into the cup with a single swing.

Now, let’s get back to the main question – what’s the term for a hole in one on a par 5?

The Rare Feat: Hole in One on a Par 5

A hole in one on a par 5 is often called a “condor.” This isn’t something you see every day; it’s as rare as a shooting star. To put it into perspective, it means completing the hole in four strokes less than par.

Historical Hole in One on Par 5

One notable instance of a condor was achieved by golfer Shaun Lynch in 1995 at the Teign Valley Golf Club in Christow, England.

Lynch’s remarkable tee shot on the 496-yard 17th hole managed to find the cup, making golf history.

This rare feat was accomplished by “cutting the corner” of a dogleg par-5, with the ball traveling over a 20-foot high hedge and finding a severe downslope, which helped it bound on and on before finding the cup​.

While there are a few more, Other notable condors in golf history include:

  • Mike Crean’s achievement in 2002 at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colorado, on a 517-yard par-5 hole​.
  • A 16-year-old named Jack Bartlett made a condor in 2007 at the Royal Wentworth Falls Country Club in New South Wales, Australia, on a 513-yard par-5 hole​.

These extraordinary occurrences further illustrate the rarity and the remarkable skill required to score a condor in golf.

The Odds of Achieving a Hole in One on Par 5

Pulling off a condor is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It demands a combination of power, precision, and a touch of luck. Golfers dream of this moment, and it’s a testament to their skill and dedication.

Technique and Skill Requirements [to score a condor]

Achieving a condor is a feat that marries extreme power with precision. It all starts with a powerful and accurate drive off the tee that can cover a great distance while staying on course.

The key is to strike the ball in such a way that it follows a trajectory that leads it directly to the hole. The rare instances of condors being scored have occurred on par 5 holes, where the golfers managed to hole out in one shot over a significant distance.

The elements of luck and course conditions also play crucial roles in this extraordinary achievement. A favorable wind, a downhill slope, and a hard fairway can all contribute to carrying the ball further toward the hole. However, it’s the golfer’s skill in executing a perfect drive that lays the foundation for the possibility of a condor.

Is It Officially Recognized?

The term “condor,” while well-known among golf enthusiasts, is not officially recognized by the official rules of golf.

Nonetheless, it’s hailed as a remarkable accomplishment within the golf community. The rarity of a condor, paired with the extraordinary skill and a bit of luck required to achieve it, makes it an incredibly sought-after achievement.

Even professional golfers find it challenging to score a condor, highlighting the exceptional nature of this feat​.

In Closing…

In the end, whether it’s a hole-in-one on a par 3 or the awe-inspiring condor on a par 5, the joy of golf lies in the thrill of the game. It’s about chasing that perfect shot, sharing laughs with friends, and basking in the beauty of golf.

So, remember, if you ever hear someone talking about a condor on the golf course, you’re in the presence of something extraordinary – a hole-in-one on a par 5! It’s the stuff of legends, and it makes golf even more magical.

About the author 

Linda Parker

My name is Linda Parker, I’ve been around golf since I was born, and I’ve been golfing since I was four years old!

I’m here to share my love of the game with you, so please do let me know if you have any questions!

  • Thanks for your insights to our wonderful game of golf, carry on please, I enjoy reading your thoughts on the matter. Thank you

  • It’s called “impossible”. Or at least it should be. If you hit a hole in one on a par 5 you are either playing the wrong tees or the hole is mismarked as a par 5.

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