What is three under par in golf called? It is called an albatross, also known as a double eagle. It means a golfer completes a single hole in three strokes fewer than its par.
A golf score of three under par is one of the rarest achievements in the game. It takes a mix of distance, accuracy, course strategy, and sometimes a little luck. For example, a golfer can make an albatross by making a 2 on a par-5 or a hole-in-one on a par-4.
The term may sound unusual, but it fits into golf’s long list of bird-themed scoring names. A birdie is one under par, an eagle is two under par, and an albatross is three under par.
For golfers, an albatross is a score worth remembering. And for travelers visiting Nevada, a stop at Genoa Golf Club – Lakes Course and Ranch Course can make a golf trip even more enjoyable, especially for EV drivers exploring the Carson Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Reno areas.
What Is Three Under Par Called in Golf?
The answer to what is three under par called is simple: an albatross.
An albatross happens when you finish one hole three strokes below its par. The score depends on the par of the hole.
Here are the most common examples:
- Par 3: An albatross is not possible because it would require a score of zero.
- Par 4: An albatross means making a 1, which is a hole-in-one.
- Par 5: An albatross means making a 2.
- Par 6: An albatross would mean making a 3, although par-6 holes are very uncommon.
The most common way to make an albatross is on a par-5. A golfer needs to reach the green with the first shot and then hole the second shot.
That is extremely difficult.
The United States Golf Association notes that albatross became the preferred term for three under par, while double eagle was also used, especially in American golf.
Why Is Three Under Par Called an Albatross?
The history of the three under par name is closely connected to golf’s bird-themed scoring language.
The word “birdie” came first. It became a golf term for one under par in the early 1900s. The eagle followed as a name for two under par.
The USGA explains that “albatross” became a common term for a double eagle, continuing golf’s bird-themed scoring tradition. A double eagle means a score of three under par on a hole. This helps explain why the term is used for one of golf’s rarest scores.
The next step was three under par.
American golfers used the term “double eagle,” while “albatross” eventually became the more widely accepted term. According to the USGA, the albatross emerged as the preferred name in the 1920s.
The albatross is a large seabird known for its impressive ability to fly long distances. The name works well for such a rare and impressive golf score.
So, when someone asks what three under par in golf is called, remember two names:
Albatross = Double Eagle = Three under par
How Do You Score an Albatross in Golf?
There are two main ways to make an albatross golf score of three under par.
Make a Hole-in-One on a Par-4
A hole-in-one on a par-4 is an albatross.
For example, imagine a par-4 hole. The golfer hits one shot from the tee, and the ball goes directly into the hole.
The golfer has made a 1 on a hole where the expected score is 4.
That is three under par.
It is also a hole-in-one, but because of the hole’s par, it counts as an albatross.
Make a 2 on a Par-5
This is the more common path to an albatross.
A golfer hits a long and accurate tee shot on a par-5. The ball ends up in a position where the golfer can reach the green with the second shot.
The golfer then hits the second shot toward the flag.
If that shot goes into the hole, the final score is 2.
Since the hole is a par-5, the golfer is three strokes under par.
That is an albatross.
Albatross vs. Eagle vs. Birdie
Understanding what three under par is called becomes easier when you compare it with other common golf scores.
| Golf Score | Strokes Under Par | Example on a Par-5 |
| Birdie | 1 under | 4 |
| Eagle | 2 under | 3 |
| Albatross | 3 under | 2 |
| Condor | 4 under | 1 |
A birdie is something many golfers can make during a good round. An eagle is less common but still achievable for skilled players.
An albatross is a completely different level of rarity.
A condor, which is four under par, is even more unusual.
Why Is an Albatross So Rare?
An albatross requires a golfer to do something exceptional in very few shots.
On a par-5, the golfer needs to hit a strong tee shot, followed by an extremely accurate second shot. The second shot must travel a long distance and finish directly in the hole.
That combination is difficult even for experienced golfers.
Distance alone is not enough. A golfer also needs:
- A good tee shot
- The right lie
- Enough distance to reach the green
- Accurate direction
- Good course strategy
- Favorable conditions
- A little luck
A small mistake can turn a possible albatross into a birdie, par, or worse.
That is one reason the albatross golf score three under par remains such a special achievement.
Albatross Odds Show How Rare the Score Is
The rarity of an albatross is one of the reasons golfers get so excited when they see one.
The exact odds can vary depending on the golfer, course, hole length, and calculation method. Amateur golfers face much longer odds than professionals because they are less likely to reach a par-5 green in two shots.
The key point is simple: an albatross is far less common than an eagle or a hole-in-one.
That rarity gives the score its special place in golf.
It is not something most golfers should expect to make. Instead, it is one of those exciting moments that can happen when a great shot meets the right conditions.
Famous Albatross Moments in Golf
Golf history has produced some unforgettable albatrosses.
One of the most famous came from Gene Sarazen during the 1935 Masters. Sarazen made an albatross on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta National with a remarkable second shot.
The shot helped him win the tournament and became one of the most famous shots in golf history.
Other professional golfers have also made albatrosses on major championship courses. These moments often become part of golf history because they combine a difficult shot with a major tournament setting.
The USGA’s history of golf terminology also points to the evolution from birdie and eagle to albatross as part of the game’s colorful language.
Can You Make an Albatross at Any Golf Course?
Technically, an albatross can only happen when the hole’s par makes three under par possible.
For most golfers, par-5 holes offer the best opportunity.
That means course design matters.
Long par-5s may be difficult to reach in two shots. Shorter par-5s can give stronger players a better chance to attack the green.
Par-4 holes can also produce an albatross, but the golfer would need a hole-in-one.
At a scenic destination like Genoa Golf Club, golfers can experience two different championship courses in the Carson Valley. The Lakes Course and Ranch Course offer different layouts and mountain views. The club says the two courses are located about two miles apart.
Why Genoa Golf Club Is More Than a Golf Stop
For travelers, a golf course can be more than a place to play 18 holes.
Genoa Golf Club sits in a scenic part of Nevada near the Sierra Nevada and Carson Valley. Its two courses offer different experiences.
The Lakes Course features water, wetlands, wildlife, and views toward the Sierra Nevada. The Ranch Course has a more desert-style setting with wide views of Carson Valley.
For people planning a road trip, this makes the area worth considering even if golf is not the main reason for the journey.
Tesla Supercharger Near Lake Tahoe and Reno
For EV drivers, Genoa Golf Club also offers a useful reason to stop.
The Ranch Course is home to a privately operated Tesla charging site. Genoa Golf Club describes it as Nevada’s first privately owned Tesla “Supercharger for Business” site. Tesla’s current listing shows the Genoa Golf Club Supercharger as publicly accessible 24/7, with fast charging available and support for Tesla and other compatible EVs.
The location makes it an appealing option for drivers traveling through the region.
Genoa is close to Lake Tahoe and Reno, while U.S. Highway 395 connects the broader Carson Valley and Eastern California area. The club’s own travel information places it about 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe and about 40 minutes from Reno.
So, if you’re searching for a Tesla Supercharger near Lake Tahoe or a Tesla Supercharger near Reno, Genoa Golf Club can be a convenient stop to add to a road-trip plan.
A Convenient EV-Friendly Golf Club in Nevada
The charging stop becomes even more useful because you can do more than wait beside your vehicle.
The Ranch Course charging area offers access to amenities such as:
- Tesla Superchargers
- Tesla Level 2 chargers
- Restaurant access
- Restrooms
- Pro Shop
- Golf and outdoor recreation
- Scenic Carson Valley and Sierra Nevada views
The club’s EV information highlights the ability to combine charging with a meal and time outdoors rather than simply sitting in a parking lot.
That makes Genoa Golf Club an EV-friendly golf club in Nevada for travelers who want their charging stop to feel like part of the trip.
Before visiting, check the club’s latest course and facility information, as access can change. Genoa Golf Club currently lists the Ranch Course as open to members and guests under its current operating conditions.
What Else Can You Explore Near Genoa?
A stop in Genoa does not have to end when the car is charged.
The area offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, food, and scenic drives. Travelers can explore historic Genoa, visit nearby shops and wineries, or continue toward Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
For golfers, the club provides another reason to stay longer.
Genoa Golf Club – Lakes Course and Ranch Course has two championship 18-hole courses, giving visitors the option to plan a round around their road trip. The Lakes Course is known for its water and wildlife, while the Ranch Course offers a desert-style setting and broad Carson Valley views.
You can learn more about the courses, current access, and trip planning through Genoa Golf Club’s official website.
Wrapping Up: Why an Albatross Is a Golfer’s Dream
So, what is three under par in golf called?
It is an albatross, also known as a double eagle.
Making one usually means a golfer has done something extraordinary. On a par-5, it means finishing the hole in just two shots. On a par-4, it means making a hole-in-one.
The score is rare because it demands distance, accuracy, confidence, and the right conditions all at once.
That is what makes an albatross so memorable. Golf gives players plenty of chances to make birdies and pars, but an albatross is a moment that can become a story golfers tell for years.
And if you’re traveling through Nevada, you can make the journey part of the experience too. With championship golf, mountain scenery, dining, outdoor recreation, and EV charging in one destination, Genoa Golf Club offers more than a place to chase your next great score. It can be a worthwhile stop on the road through Carson Valley, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region.
To learn more about Golf, explore the expert blog section of Genoa Golf Club.
Also, don’t miss out on checking the exciting upcoming events at Genoa Golf Club by visiting our events page.
FAQs about What is Three Under Par in Golf Called
What is three under par in golf called?
Three under par in golf is called an albatross or double eagle. It means completing a hole in three fewer strokes than its par. For example, scoring 2 on a par-5 is an albatross.
What is three under par called on a par-5?
On a par-5, three under par is an albatross. A golfer must complete the hole in just two strokes. This usually means hitting the green with the first shot and holing the second shot.
Is an albatross the same as a double eagle?
Yes. Albatross and double eagle mean the same thing in golf. Both describe a score that is three under par on a single hole. “Albatross” is more commonly used in many parts of the golf world.
How rare is an albatross in golf?
An albatross is extremely rare, especially for amateur golfers. It usually requires a golfer to reach a par-5 green in two shots and hole the second shot. A hole-in-one on a par-4 also counts as an albatross.
What is the difference between an eagle and an albatross?
An eagle is two under par, while an albatross is three under par. For example, a score of 3 on a par-5 is an eagle, while a score of 2 is an albatross. An albatross is therefore one stroke better than an eagle.
