A Memorable Day at Oakmont: Patrick Reed’s Rare Albatross at the US Open
On a day that brought fewer smiles to many of golf’s elite, Patrick Reed managed to create a moment that electrified the crowds at Oakmont Country Club. During the opening round of the US Open, Reed accomplished something exceptional: he sank a rare albatross on the par-5 fourth hole.
The Drive and the Shot
Reed began his 4th hole journey with a powerful 332-yard drive that veered left of the fairway. With a clear shot ahead, he pulled out his 3-wood for the second shot, launching the ball a staggering 286 yards. “Un-believable!” exclaimed NBC commentator Dan Hicks as the anticipation in the air escalated. The ball took a couple of bounces over the green’s front edge before making its way toward the hole. The crowd collectively held its breath as it rolled around the edge of the cup before finally sinking in—a drama that unfolded in mere seconds.
The Joy and the Confusion
From Reed’s vantage point, the hole was out of sight. He stood there momentarily bewildered, shrugging and gesturing to the gallery, seeking affirmation of his incredible feat. Even surrounded by the thunderous cheers of the crowd, Reed seemed slightly skeptical, not fully convinced that he had just made history. As he approached the green, the applause grew louder, and once he retrieved his ball from the cup, a smile broke across his face. A fist bump with his caddy showcased the joy of the moment, but it was clear that Reed was still processing the excitement.
The Significance of an Albatross
An albatross—often referred to as a double eagle—represents a score of three-under par on a single hole. Reed’s achievement was notable in that it marked only the fourth albatross in the history of the US Open. He joined an exclusive club that includes TC Chen (1985), Shaun Micheel (2010), and Nick Watney (2012), making the moment even more remarkable.
The Reality of Competition
Despite the breathtaking achievement, the glow of the albatross quickly faded as Reed faced the media after his round. For him, the memory of the great shot was soon overshadowed by the brutal reality of the tournament. “I have 71 other holes to play in the golf tournament. One hole doesn’t mean jack, to be honest with you,” he stated. With candid honesty, he reflected on the experience, downplaying the significance of what had just transpired.
Reed recounted the moment in succinct terms, stating that he hit a “three-wood from 287, and it went in.” He even asserted that it wasn’t his best albatross, claiming to have made two better ones in the past. When queried about the rest of his round, Reed wasted no time in expressing his frustration, stating simply that his performance “sucked.”
The Competitive Landscape
As Reed navigated his emotions, he finished the round with a three-over 73, placing him tied for 49th position. The challenging conditions at Oakmont were not only taxing for Reed, as many other players also found the long rough and fast greens frustrating. Remarkably, only 10 players finished the day under par, with none of the world’s top three golfers—Scottie Scheffler (73), Rory McIlroy (74), or Xander Schauffele (72)—managing to break that barrier.
Meanwhile, JJ Spaun led the pack, sitting atop the leaderboard with an impressive 4-under par score after posting a bogey-free round of 66. For many spectators, this day at Oakmont will not just be remembered for Reed’s albatross but also for the stark realities of competitive golf, where highs and lows coexist with every stroke.
