OAKMONT, Pa. — In an impressive display of skill, Patrick Reed achieved a remarkable feat during the U.S. Open. On Thursday, he made just the fourth double-eagle, also known as an albatross, since records began over 40 years ago. This came after he launched his second shot from 286 yards on the par-5 fourth hole at Oakmont.
The double-eagle is an extraordinary and rare accomplishment in golf, occurring only a few hundred times each year worldwide. In contrast, golfers achieve over 30,000 holes-in-one annually.
Reed appeared surprised as he struck a fairway wood that traveled onto the green, bounced multiple times, and rolled towards the hole. After unsurely looking for the ball’s final position, he raised his hand in anticipation and pointed down, hoping to confirm it had gone in.
The cheers from spectators at the green quickly provided him with the answer he sought.
With this achievement, Reed joins the ranks of T.C. Chen, Shaun Micheel, and Nick Watney — the only other players to have made an albatross at the U.S. Open since record-keeping began in 1983.
