[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Dream Score Albatross"

An albatross is when a player holes out with a score that is three strokes under par.

'Albatross'.

It refers to scoring three strokes under par on a single hole (three scores under par on a hole). For example, finishing a par 4 hole in 1 stroke or a par 5 hole in 2 strokes. It is truly a 'dream score.' For reference, the odds of an ace on a par 3 hole are 1 in 12,500 for amateur golfers and 1 in 3,000 for professionals. An albatross on a par 5 hole is as rare as 1 in 2 million.

Gene Sarazen made golf history with the most famous albatross on the 15th hole (par 5) during the final day of the 1935 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. His 4-wood shot from 235 yards went straight into the hole. This shot propelled him into a tie for the lead and he went on to win in a playoff the next day, ultimately earning the green jacket. It is interesting that the albatross is named after a bird. The albatross is known as the 'great wandering albatross.'

It is not easily seen and can fly over 100 km in long distances. The name albatross was given to signify how difficult the feat is. Americans call it a 'double eagle.' On the domestic stage, Jeong Eun-6 (24, Daebang Construction) made an albatross on the 5th hole (par 5, 512 yards) during the first round of the KLPGA Tour IS Dongseo Busan Open held at Stonegate Golf Club in Gijang-gun, Busan in July.

Jang Ha-na (28, BC Card) made an albatross on the 8th hole (par 4, 218 yards) during the third round of the LPGA Tour Bahamas Classic held at Paradise Ocean Golf Club in the Bahamas in January 2016. Her tee shot with a 3-wood went straight into the hole. According to the LPGA Tour, it was the first hole-in-one on a par-4 in the tour's history.

A: "An albatross is a score of 3 under-par on one hole, isn't it?"

B: "Yes. It's called a 'double eagle.'"

A: "I hope I can make one once in my golfing life."

B: "Me, too."

Text & Photo by Kim Maeng-nyeong, Golf Columnist