American Hole 'n One's Blog

Since Hole In Ones are our business, we are often asked, “what are the odds of making one?” Some believe that the chances of getting a Hole In One are 10,000 to 1. Others claim that the odds are 100,000 to 1. Well, we’re here to settle the debate.

How Rare is a Hole In One?

The odds of making a hole in one are 12,500 to 1. For professional golfers, the odds of making a hole in one drop to 2,500 to 1. Knowing this information allows us to figure out the chances of someone making a Hole In One during your tournament. If your event has 100 amateur participants and the golf course has four par 3 holes, the odds of a player making a Hole In One are 1 in 32. The odds of getting a hole in one no longer seems impossible, does it?

The Odds for a Professional Golfer?

Hole In One

If you are hosting a professional tournament, the probability of a golfer making an ace (hole-in-one) increases. The average Tour event has 144 professional golfers. The odds of a golfer making a Hole In One during a day of golfing are 1 in 4.5. This means the chances of a golfer making a Hole In One during a four-day professional tournament are 1 in 1.

It can certainly pay to be a skilled golfer. You may have heard stories of two players making an ace at the same event on the same hole. Realistically, the odds of this happening are slim. Statistically, there is a 32,000 to 1 chance of this occurring. Maybe you have also heard the tale of the professional golfer that hits three consecutive Hole In Ones during the same tournament. The chances of a golfer getting three consecutive aces on a par 3 course are 156,250,000 to 1. A golfer has a better chance of winning the lottery than accomplishing three consecutive Holes In Ones.

Albatross or Double Eagle

An albatross or double eagle is achieved when a player either aces a par 4, or scores a "2" on a par 5. Depending on where you look, the data states the odds of making an albatross are between six million to 1 and one million to 1. This means that making an albatross are even more rare than a hole in one. 

Condor

The absolute rarest shot in golf is called a condor, which is a "1" on a par 5. Currently, there are only 5 recorded condors in history. A condor is so uncommon in golf that bookmakers don't even offer odds on such a feat.

Either way, the odds and the event are what create true excitement. Imagine being there with a live audience- that is a memory that will last forever!

For more information about Hole In One Coverage, call 800.822.2257 to speak with a Golf Excitement Specialist or fill out our online contact form!